Being the Holidays, the City endures the greatest influx of visitors from around the world taking in the sights and wonders of the Big Apple.
If you would like to visit (which I would encourage all people to do at some point), please keep in mind these DO and DO NOT'S once you decide to make the journey
DO
Take in the tourist attractions
-A lot of natives would tell you to avoid these places at all costs because they really do not exemplify the best parts of the city, but I would tell you to go right ahead! Enjoy Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and the Empire State Building to your heart's delight! They're famous for a reason, and I see no harm in enjoying them.
DO NOT
Pay for anything at these locations
-Being cheap, I can tell you, just because you visit these places doesn't mean you have to always pay their prices. A bottle of water at a vendor at Times Square can be (and usually is) at least a whole dollar more than one just a few blocks away. Same goes with souvenirs. Don't do it. Wait a few blocks, and you'll see the difference.
DO
Visit other places than the regular.
-You'll have more of an experience of New York than if you just go to the mainstream and regular spots. Go the Village and check out the bar scene. Take a walk along the Hudson on the West Side. Get to know the different areas of the city and see for yourself the distinctness of each part. Plus, you'll be able to impress your friends with your knowledge.
DO NOT
Assume New Yorkers are mean
-I know movies and TV shows like to portray us as mean-spirited jerk offs that would rather run you over with a car than even look at you, but this is most definitely not the case. If you are lost, ask for help. No one will be mean to you more often than not. We are used to tourists, and we understand.
DO
Plan Ahead!
While it is nice to be spontaneous, many times its nice to have a set plan of ideas to set you off on the right track. Do your homework (especially with prices) and I guarantee, you'll have a better time than just winging it.
DO NOT
Stand in the middle of the sidewalk or street.
While this may seem like the ultimate "DUH!" to anyone, you would be surprised by the number of people that do this on a regular basis, and natives could definitely attest to this being one of the top reasons why we complain about tourists. If you do not know where you are, don't just stop where you are. Most likely many people will bump into you and be angry with you, which is not something you want your first time coming to New York. Instead, if you feel the need to stop, please make your way to the side of the sidewalk by the buildings. You will be able to better understand your surroundings and allow for rest of the people on the street to kindly pass you by and go on their merry way.
DO NOT (to add on the last DO NOT)
Stop and take pictures on a crowded street like 5th Avenue
-So many people make this mistake and I don't seem to understand why. A couple or a group of people decide that they would like to pose in front of a particular building and so one person goes on the street side of the block to take a picture of the person/people posing, and then get mad at the crowds of people walking right into the shot. While we may not be mean people, we also are not going to go out of our way to help you get a picture of your girlfriend holding up the Peace sign in front of Macy's. Pick a different spot or don't take the picture.
DO
Understand that there are just areas of the city that you should avoid
While, I would like to say that this is a city of wonderful fun and pixie dust and blah, blah, it is realistic to know that there are places that you simply should avoid and should not flash around expensive things such as cameras or phones. Just use common sense. If a place doesn't feel right, don't bring attention to yourself and just get out. Don't panic, and don't freak out. It happens, like with every city. You just have to follow your instincts.
