READ BEFORE YOU GO: SOCIAL RULES IN New York City

 

Hi there! You might be on the vacation of a lifetime… but remember, we live here — and we still have to go to work. So, here are a few social norms and rules you really need to follow.
Don't forget to check out our complete NYC travel guide, featuring detailed itineraries, top things to do, and much more:

Sidewalk Etiquette

It’s perfectly fine to stop on the sidewalk — maybe you need to check your phone or consult a map. But if you do, please move to the side. Find a nearby object like a trash can, lamp post, or bus shelter to stand next to so you’re not blocking the flow of people.

Walking and Driving

The way you drive should be the way we walk. Keep that as your guiding principle.

Names and Pronunciations

The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway is called the “BQE,” and Houston Street is pronounced “HOW-ston,” not like the city in Texas.

Giving to People in Need

It’s generally not recommended to give money to people asking on the subway. If you truly want to help, offering food or water is fine, but volunteering at a shelter or donating to an organization is even better.

Street Encounters

If a stranger tries to hand you something or start a conversation, keep moving unless you want to a) get drawn into a long sales pitch, or b) end up paying for a subpar mixtape.

Escalators

Stand on the right, walk on the left. Simple as that.

Public Transportation Manners

Use headphones, keep your phone conversations at a reasonable volume, and the only acceptable reason to FaceTime in public is if your wife is giving birth and you’re thousands of miles away.

Subway Lingo

Don’t refer to subway lines by color (“the blue line”). Use their letters (A, C, E) or the avenue they run along (“the Eighth Avenue line”).

Respect

Don’t be racist. New York is a beautifully diverse city, and we’d like to keep it that way.

Subway Stairs

Please don’t sit on subway steps. First, they’re filthy. Second, you’re blocking everyone else.

Directions

North is uptown, south is downtown. When describing locations, use corner directions: southeast, southwest, northeast, northwest.

Turnstiles

Do not stop at the turnstile to search when paying for subway. Have it ready beforehand.

Taxis

No need to shout or whistle for a cab. Step off the curb and raise your hand. Light on = available. Light off = occupied.

Eye Contact

Don’t stare at people behaving erratically. Just… don’t. It never ends well.

Coffee Orders

A “regular coffee” means two sugars and milk. “Light” means more milk; “dark” means less.

Tipping

Always tip your bartenders. Always.

MYTH DEBUNKING

“New Yorkers are rude!”
Not all of us! In fact, we’re often quite helpful — see, we even made this handy guide for you. We’re just busy. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, but please get to the point.
“New Yorkers won’t talk to me!”
Efficiency isn’t rudeness. You don’t need to make small talk with the bagel guy if there’s a line behind you.
“NYC is dangerous!”
This isn’t the 1980s anymore. Relax. Crime rates are much lower than you might think.
“I need cash everywhere!”
Not true. Most places accept cards — Visa and Mastercard are almost universal. Major banks include Chase, Citi, TD Bank, Bank of America, and Capital One.
“The subway is scary!”
It’s not! It’s our main mode of transportation, often faster and always cheaper than taxis. The system is easy to use, maps are everywhere, and apps like Google Maps and Citymapper make it simple.
“It’s called The Big Apple!”
Please don’t. It’s “New York City,” “NYC,” or simply “New York.” The only time you should say “Big Apple” is when you’re at the grocery store buying apples.
“The subway is crowded!”
Yes, sometimes — but do your part. Move to the center of the car, don’t block the doors, watch your kids, and please take off your backpack. Be mindful of others.
“Do New Yorkers fold their pizza?”
That one’s true. Of course we do. How else would you eat it?

NEED A LITTLE MORE HELP?

So, after reading all this, you might be thinking, “Wow, New York sounds like a lot.” You’re right — it is. But don’t panic. We’ve got something to help you hit the ground walking
We have created a 7 day NYC itinerary guide with expert recommendations.

You can also check out our Ultimate NYC Bucket List Map — a pre-pinned Google Map featuring over 250 must-see attractions across the city that you can get live directions to from your Google Maps app on your phone:


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