Dos and Don'ts in New York City: What Locals Wish You Knew

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - New York City is celebrated for its iconic skyline, round-the-clock energy, and an endless lineup of things to see and do. However, navigating one of America’s big cities can feel intimidating, especially for first-timers. That is why listing down the dos and don’ts in New York City is essential for staying in sync with the locals.

To help you manage the finer details of your trip, here is a set of unspoken rules in New York City that you must be aware of, according to insights from Lonely Planet, USA Guided Tours, and Viator. 

List of Dos and Don’ts in New York City

Dos:

1. Ask for directions

Despite the city’s frantic pace, New Yorkers are generally happy to help and will point you in the right direction without hesitation.

2. Watch for bike lanes

Always look both ways before stepping off the curb. With e-bikes and cyclists moving quickly through the streets, staying alert is essential for your safety.

3. Lean on Google Maps

It is an invaluable tool for subway routes, walking directions, checking opening hours, reading local reviews, and saving places you want to visit.

4. Master the Manhattan grid

Understanding that even-numbered streets generally run east–west and that avenues are longer than street blocks will make distances easier to estimate.

5. Stand on the right on escalators

Leave the left side clear for those in a hurry. This is one of the city’s most respected unwritten rules.

6. Take off your backpack on the subway

Place it between your feet or wear it on your front to save space for fellow riders, especially during busy hours.

7. Check subway signage before entering

Make sure you are headed the right way, as some stations don’t allow crossovers. Always let passengers exit the train before boarding.

8. Choose the subway over cabs during rush hour

Surge pricing can be steep, and while trains will be crowded, they are often faster and more predictable than gridlocked traffic.

9. Move to the center of the subway car

Standing in the doorway slows boarding and blocks others from entering.

10. Capitalize on happy hour

Typically running between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., these deals are a savvy way to enjoy New York’s bar scene while managing costs.

11. Tip your servers appropriately. New York City is costly, and a 20% tip is the standard at restaurants.

12. Close doors quickly

Whether entering a shop or a bistro, lingering in the doorway wastes the hard-earned air conditioning in summer or lets in the biting winter chill.

13. Make reservations

Popular venues book up weeks in advance, so planning your "must-visit" meals is essential.

14. Mind your own business

Prolonged staring can make others uncomfortable. New York values personal space and a "live and let live" attitude.

15. Support local businesses

New York City’s best flavors and experiences are often found in independent spots. Use reviews to skip the chains and find neighborhood favorites.

Don’ts: 

1. Don’t stop suddenly on the sidewalk

If you need to check your phone or a map, step to the side. Blocking foot traffic is a fast way to draw sharp looks or verbal reactions.

2. Don’t rent a car

The public transportation system is extensive and efficient. Driving through Manhattan traffic or hunting for parking is a logistical nightmare.

3. Don’t default to a cab from the airport

Trains and buses offer reliable, cost-effective alternatives. Just map out your route in advance.

4. Don’t board an empty subway car

If one car is completely vacant while the rest are full, there’s usually a reason, and it’s best to move along.

5. Don’t pay full price

Sample sales and secondhand shops are everywhere, and scoring a deal is part of the city’s charm.

6. Don’t stay confined to Manhattan

Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island offer world-class museums, diverse dining, and green spaces that are well worth the trip.

7. Don’t pose with costumed characters for free

In Times Square, if you take a photo with a character or accept a CD from a street performer, they will expect a cash tip.

8. Don’t expect a personal "bubble"

From busy restaurants to packed subway cars, close quarters are simply part of daily life in New York.

9. Don’t smoke near entrances or in parks

Smoking is prohibited in city parks and near many public building entrances, with stricter enforcement in recent years.

10. Don’t wear open-toed shoes without caution

Urban hazards like puddles and uneven pavement make sturdy, closed-toe footwear a much smarter choice for a day of walking.

11. Don’t let the subway system intimidate you

It is generally safe and efficient. Just stay aware of your surroundings, use common sense, and you’ll be traveling like a pro in no time.

By keeping these dos and don’ts in mind, your New York City experience will be far more rewarding, allowing you to move through the streets with the confidence of a local. To complete your travel planning, be sure to read our guide to the best hotels in NYC to find the perfect home base for your stay.

Read: Visitors' Guide to Do's and Don'ts in Hong Kong for Hassle-Free Trip

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