7 Things Tourists Should NEVER Do in NYC

We’ve seen a million lists out there for things that out-of-towners NEED to do when they come to NYC. Personally, we’re of the mindset that you should do whatever you want…with the exception of a few key things. But before we go there, make sure you visit SideTour.com to find unique and memorable things to do in NYC.

Here’s our list of 7 things you should definitely, absolutely, under no circumstances do while you’re in New York:

         

1. Don’t Eat Anywhere You Recognize From Home

Sure, we understand that The Red Lobster in Times Square is comforting and familiar, but it’s marked up significantly and the food quality is drastically subpar to anything you’ll find in the ‘burbs.

Alternative: Skip the hotel concierge and ask your cab driver where to go for dinner. A few good recommendations include The Mermaid Inn for seafood, Taqueria LES for Mexican, and Supper for Italian. 

         

2. Don’t Try to Hail a Cab Between 4PM and 5PM

That’s shift change time and unless you’re headed to Queens, you probably won’t have much luck. 

Alternative: Take the train. It’s fast, easy, and cheap. And post-Giuliani, you don’t have to worry about getting stabbed. Win-win!

          

3. Don’t Ride the Double Decker Tour Bus

You’re labeling yourself as an immediate tourist and New Yorkers are rolling their eyes at you. 

Alternative: Go on a SideTour. You’ll meet some locals, get a one-of-a-kind experience, and walk away with a great story versus a bunch of useless knowledge about the Empire State Building. 

         

4. Don’t Get in the F@**ing Way

Example: Pulling out a map in the middle of the sidewalk. You’re blocking the street and being incredibly annoying. 

Alternative: Ask someone for directions. We don’t (normally) bite. If you absolutely MUST look at a map, step into a bathroom or at least out of the path of oncoming pedestrian traffic.

          

5. Don’t Be an Ignorant Shopper

Getting a manicure, buying food at the farmer’s market, or going shopping in SoHo on the weekend is a bad idea. Prices get marked up and you’ll be paying more for the same services and products.

Alternative: Go on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. If that’s not an option, go to Brooklyn and explore. The Brooklyn Flea and Williamsburg Smorgasburg are great Manhattan weekend alternatives with far fewer tourists.

         

6. Don’t Get Scalped

The guys that are offering cute carriage horse rides and rental bikes in Central Park are laughing at you all the way to the bank. These things are crazy expensive and you’ll spend the whole time calculating how much money you’re wasting instead of enjoying the park.

Alternative: Grab a blanket, a frisbee, a bottle of wine, and a few plastic glasses. Go lay in Sheep Meadow and people watch. Pretend to look-out for cops who will confiscate your wine.

          

7. Have Some Respect For Yourself

Don’t wear your “I Love NY” shirt in New York. It’s like wearing the t-shirt of a band at one of their shows. 

Alternative: There’s no alternative. If this needs further explanation, we’re afraid we can’t help you. 

New Yorkers: have more suggestions? Tweet them to us with the #NotinNYC.