New York is a great place for tourism. From seeing the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to enjoying the wonders of Central Park, there is so much to do here. However being a NOTICEABLE tourist in New York is never a good thing. How can you fit in better so that you can enjoy the city yet look like you belong. Here are some tips!
If you're a tourist that will be here for several days, try to keep your luggage in the hotel. Carry as little as you'll need each day. Being that New York is so hectic, having tourist roll their luggage around everywhere can cause traffic jams on the sidewalk. So be considerate. The best thing is: You carry less, you get around easier. Plus you're going to buy souvenirs anyway.
It's a win-win situation.
Research where you want to visit. Say you want to visit South Street Sea Port. Find out as much as you can beforehand, NOT AS YOU WALK. So often tourists just stop in the middle of walkways to check their maps. Umm, what about the people that are still walking around you? Don't get in the way, figure out your destinations as best you can ahead of time. After all, would you rather look like you belong? or do you want to stick out like a sore thumb?
When you're in the Subway, enter the subway quickly (because during rush hour, the conductors are unkind. They WILL close the door on you). If you're in a big group, either spread yourselves out in the car, or enter two different cars. DON'T stay clumped in the same car in the SAME area. You will stand out. And worse if a local New Yorker has to get around you and maybe all your LUGGAGE, they will miss their stop.
Sightseeing but see first. What do I mean? Looking at tall skyscrapers is nice, but make sure you enjoy the view out of the general walkway. Otherwise you have people cursing at you or worse, bumping into you. When you want to admire, step aside, and view. We'll know you're a tourist, but at least we'd humbly appreciate your consideration.
(This step was inspired by Shirley Philbrick's comment. Thank you)
If you're visiting Chinatown, you might want to give yourself more time. CHINATOWN IS EXTREMELY CROWDED. To pick the best places to eat, go local. Look for restaurants with large Asian crowds. That's the best chance you'll get good Asian cuisine.
TIP: Please don't point at all Asians you see. A good portion of the Asians in Chinatown are born here. So we'll know what you say, and especially when you point.
Finally when it comes to taking pictures, find places with less crowd to take big pictures. But if you're going to take pictures at a famous yet crowded monument/building, take pictures with less people. It'll cause less of a traffic jam, plus guarantees that more of your tourist group will get the pictures they want.
Another win-win situation.
