Unspoken RULES of NYC - What I wish I Knew Before Coming

[@SarahFunky]

It's an unspoken rule that you also need to take one of my NYC tours 😜 JK! But here is a link in case 😘 funkyexperiences.com/

[@derekdolcy5839]

😊✋❤️hi there Sarah iam from nyc born rase me an my sister

[@Thnsrd42]

@SarahFunky You visited London so you would have seen people crossing the street even when the light is red. I have done it lots of times. Some of the cyclists are lunatics. It is not illegal to J walk in the UK but it is illegal to ride a cycle on the pavement depending on which area you are in. It's a Council by-law.

[@jacktrade1592]

Too bad a tour doesn't include taking you out for drinks!

[@kevym8985]

u are a stunner

[@jimreadey4837]

@@Thnsrd42 So you ride your cycles only on the grass...?

[@slvnyc2824]

While I was standing on a New York street corner, I heard a mother instructing her toddler, "Don't look at the lights, the lights aren't going to kill you. Look at the cars. It's the cars that are going to kill you."

[@oc5406]

And that's exactly how most native New Yorkers cross the street.

[@squiggleworks9]

Yes, I cross the street more cautiously as an adult but I used to take pride in skillfully navigating vehicular traffic as a pedestrian in NY when I was a teenager lol. Everyone in my friend group has at least one story about their close brushes over the years

[@paulawashington3175]

Teenagers think they're immortal. @@squiggleworks9

[@xavierpoes4985]

it is partially true. the best advice is doing both things: looking for light AND cars. only then cross. they will have time to just look at cars.

[@ariebirb]

i have come closer to death from cars as a pedestrian in florida then i ever did in nyc.

[@NN-rn1oz]

No hello, no eye contact, and yet people will help you if you ask them. Sounds like heaven for introverts.

[@meggtokyodelicious]

Tokyo is the same. 😅

[@deb7518]

Weird, but when I was in NY, I was walking down Avenue of the America's, and when some weird anomaly of foot traffic happened nearby, another person walking nearby and I simultaneously looked at each other, had a quick "WHAT was up with THAT!?" type exchange, laughed and continued on our separate paths. I never felt any intimidation or weirdness anywhere I walked in about a 6-8 block area there, all alone. And, any people I interacted with were pretty friendly and polite. I was there in '97, and again in '98, and they were pushing a whole "Be Nice to Visitors" campaign, so maybe that was it.

[@kevinforeman4485]

Yesireee. New yorker here. So annoyed visiting down south. Everybody saying goodmorning. Hate it.

[@alkh3myst]

The no eye contact thing is mostly to shield people from scammers. Not saying hello to everyone you walk past is because this is impossible. In midtown Manhattan during the day, you can walk past 800 people on one block.

[@alkh3myst]

​@@deb7518Sixth Avenue. If you call it Avenue of the Americas, everybody knows you're a tourist. This is the first thing new residents correct in their speech.

[@fortress1133]

Long Islander here and you are right on. Walk with the pace, don't make eye contact, know where you're going and what you want before you get there. Big point... If you fall down or need help? There will be a dozen people there instantly to get you back up.

[@SL-lz9jr]

On that last point, so true. Growing up the stereotype was that New Yorkers are rude. After moving here, I learned we’re just busy and in a rush. We skip the peasantries, are super direct, and say what we feel. But we’ll always help someone in immediate need. I wasn’t in NYC when 9/11 took place but I think that’s one of the biggest examples of the kindness of New Yorkers. As someone once said, New Yorkers are kind, but not nice. Lol.

[@xavierpoes4985]

we're kind, not nice. that is the truth. it has nothing to do with the lame excuse of we not having time. we have 24h and same things to do like the rest of the world.

[@IronHorsey3]

Yeah, right. Like when I was creamed on a bike by a van going through a red light. People gathered and then when I turned out to be ok and uninjured (because I made an adjustment giving up the rear portion of the bike at contact) when woman voiced in disappointment, "He's alright." So, don't tell me, I'm from NY. Now go to the Roosevelt and go pick up an illegal migrant. 🐸

[@pennPi]

No one follows the no-eye contact, which is so annoying! Whenever I happen to glance up there is always someone staring.

[@Anon54387]

As someone not from New York, the no eye contact thing is a little strange. Where I am from it is considered poor manners not to make eye contact, it's almost considered creepy or at least awkward like why are you afraid to look someone in the eyes.

[@sillyputty3601]

I grew up in NY and I found your rules to be the same as what I learned growing up. There's just one thing you might have mentioned about crossing the street. It's not so much that New Yorkers don't care about waiting for a green light. We wait for a little group of people to gather at the curb and all cross together. The thinking is that if a car comes plowing into a group, one of us would probably have a good lawyer.

[@commonsense4898]

xDDDDD

[@dianad1968]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@danielgines8401]

LOL!

[@archaeopteryx981]

The worst experience I had with a tourist in NYC was when I was heading upstairs out of a subway station. Walking up the stairs in front of me was a tourist holding a heavy overstuffed backpack in her hand. As she got to the top of the stairs, she stopped abruptly to orient herself to where she was, and then she swung her backpack around to put it on her back. I was walking up the stairs right behind her when this happened. Since I was a couple of steps below her, her backpack swung around and smacked me in the face. She was so clueless to her surroundings that she didn't even know she had done this. The point is when you're walking in New York, always assume there's someone walking right behind you.

[@ManChan-w5p]

Following too close. Riding her rear bumper.

[@archaeopteryx981]

@@ManChan-w5p Obviously you're not from NYC. I was just following the flow of traffic that is everyone exiting the subway station. Like I said, she stopped suddenly at the top of the stairs and swung her backpack back, hitting me as I was emerging from the subway. If I was “following too close” as you claim, I would have run into her when she stopped abruptly. Instead I got hit in the face from the side, as the backpack swung around. Make sense? When you’re window shopping in the streets of NYC or checking your phone while walking, you slow down traffic for the dozens of people walking right behind you. Most people will try to walk around the slowpokes, but the same folks who walk slowly also tend to weave left and right, making it difficult to walk around them. Pedestrian traffic congestion is a real thing in NYC.

[@Foreign84]

Don't tailgate! Tf you up her ass for

[@jerryhong4304]

This obviously could have happened anywhere but because it happened to you it’s important because the world does revolve around you. Duh

[@michellearbizu7483]

And

[@brianna_lynch]

Here’s a couple of extra things: 1. Only ask for directions if someone is completely stopped, do not ask someone directions if they’re walking 2. When using escalator, stand on right, walk on left. Never stand on the left side of an escalator.

[@oc5406]

That escalator thing really pisses us New Yorkers off. People give you strange looks when you walk on the left and say excuse me.

[@sherylb.3197]

Same in DC.

[@Neville60001]

@@oc5406, same here in Toronto.

[@xavierpoes4985]

yeah this should be enforced with jail penalty.

[@sopdox]

I am always stopped mid-stride by people needing directions. Do they not know I’m going to miss my train if I stop?😂

[@zakkincaid]

Unwritten rule: if someone is carrying something heavy up or down subway stairs (bike, stroller, etc) always ask to help if you have the ability because there WILL be a time where you need help yourself.

[@fbafoundationalbuck-broken6011]

good advice

[@casaraku1]

why not just be kind for no reason other than helping... at least one good deed for the day.

[@jokerpilled2535]

And what makes you think anybody will help you just cause you helped someone?

[@jokerpilled2535]

@@casaraku1 cause NYers only care about money, not kindness

[@WalkingCommuter]

These are all accurate!! One thing I would add to the "know your order" is... be ready to pay! We don't want to see you digging in your bag holding things up!!!!

[@SarahFunky]

Good point!

[@LiveToFly-Br]

Just see Seinfeld's Soup Nazi procedure to see how it should be done!! Kkkkk

[@yaowsers77]

OMG it's like being on line on black Friday and people don't have their credit out when it's time to pay!

[@Sheri7029]

How about don't count out change.

[@joebarr725]

At one of the cheesesteak places in Philly (I don't remember which one - maybe Geno's), if you get to the front of the line and you are not ready to order, you will be sent to the back of the line.

[@CrystalWilliamsoncoach]

Another unwritten rule: If you see someone with a nice outfit on, yes you can compliment them. But when you do, say it, and keep walking. If you are the one being complimented, say thank you, and keep walking. This is one of the tenets in the NY streets: keep it moving!!

[@Thnsrd42]

@CrystalWilliamsoncoach. As the cockney stand up comedian Mickey Flannigan would say, 'look lively'.

[@tsb7911]

True, but only if you a female. A male complimenting a female stranger will soon have a cop's knee on his back.

[@Thnsrd42]

@@tsb7911 😂 In London they have introduced a law which could get you arrested if you look at a woman in a certain way. I'll leave that to your imagination/interpretation. Madness, absolute madness.

[@robinpeppin]

i love throwing a little compliment to schnazzy dressers.

[@knittylane3016]

I’m from the Midwest and on my first trip to NYC I was surprised how crowded the streets were. I kept apologizing for bumping into people ( even though they may have bumped me) until I realized that nobody cared.

[@SL-lz9jr]

We were probably too busy getting to our next destination! :) If I want a quiet not crowded street, I visit residential neighborhoods in NYC. Clean, wide streets on the UES. Historic cobblestone streets in Brooklyn Heights.

[@paulawashington3175]

New York State has about 17 million people. New York City has nearly 9 million of them.

[@xavierpoes4985]

@@SL-lz9jrso tired of the bs. we nyers have 24h/day and same things to do like the rest of the world. if we choose to do things the way we do is not because we are busier.

[@rachelpurdy4405]

Great tips! We’ve been to NYC twice in the past year and just learn from what others are doing. It’s amazing how quickly you can pick it up if you pay attention. Everyone back home assumes New Yorkers are rude. I quickly say “No, it just seems indifferent and wary to us-they have things to do, places to go, and don’t want to get scammed.” When you’re walking so much and are around so many people, it seems very warranted to me. It’s very different than the Midwest-where we have so much space and are spread out-we’re just not in such close contact with people. We’ve also witnessed numerous people asking and receiving help if needed. Thanks for the videos!

[@paulawashington3175]

This is true, especially on the subway at rush hour. Often you might be squeezed right up against a stranger. The only way to have personal space is to avoid eye contact. Looking at someone you cannot avoid touching is seen as invasive and rude. That said, when there is an emergency, like a blackout, New Yorkers drop their necessary standoffishness and immediately help one another.

[@THETONESHOW]

100% native NYer approved! Awesome list, especially about we don’t care what you wear or what you are doing “backflips in a clown suit eating hotdogs” -fine, just do it on the side of the sidewalk lol. Walk with your hands in your pockets in Times Square, Wall Street, any of the tourist hot zones in order to avoid anyone handing you something “just no thanks” and keep it moving. Look both ways even when crossing one way streets!!! Delivery messengers or a scooter will take you out going the wrong way don’t assume any non car vehicles follow the rules or direction of traffic. If you rent a citybike and you have never biked in NYC assume everyone is trying to take you out lol. I see so many tourist ride city bikes in the middle of the street assuming cars will give you the right of way- they won’t! Yellow cabs will take any space available! If you drive use parking app may be cheaper to park by Wall Street or blocks away from where you are going and train it up uptown.

[@amyc6071]

For real on the bike messengers. They will take you out!

[@bakerlima6811]

Live in NJ but worked in NYC for 40 years. A very good rule list (slow walkers and escalator blockers are the top of my drive-me-crazy list) Oh yes and the sudden stoppers!

[@SL-lz9jr]

Sudden stopping drives me nuts. If I need to orient myself in an unfamiliar subway stop, I walk off to the side after coming up the stairs. Sheesh.

[@xavierpoes4985]

the people not letting you out at the train really gets me. the other day i felt sorry afterwards for almost shoving someone who maybe didn't know better.

[@dianad1968]

I worked in Manhattan and at the end of the day, hurrying to get my train and encountering fellow passengers abiding by the "rules" and not walking down the escalator would drive me nuts...it was worse if my train came in and left just as I got to the platform. Now I have a bum knee and walking down the escalator is very difficult for me to do, but I always step aside and allow the impatient ones like I used to be, go by...I understand😁😁

[@billh.1940]

People standing in intersections while talking to friends. Step to side please. Standing in subway doors and not letting anyone on off.

[@mpcjunkie72]

I'm a Texan and took a plane to NYC and meet my friend at Grand Central Station. I was getting crazy looks and didn't know why. My friend met up with me and we jumped on the subway then she tells me "don't do that." I said "Do what?" She said "tell people hi or smile." LOL I DIDN"T KNOW THAT I NATURALLY GREET PEOPLE AND SAY HELLO! LOLOLOL I still laugh about that to this day.

[@kinggizzwizfizz]

Aww you Texans are great people! Can’t wait to visit Texas❤️

[@Jackson_Hts_Mr_Randy_Watson]

haha, I'm sure nobody was harmed with your pleasantries.

[@user-sk5qo4py7r]

Thanks! For your cool videos and advices, greetings from Germany ❤

[@SarahFunky]

Thank you so much!

[@cindee1794]

I have visited NYC alone twice (so far). Everyone has always been very nice and helpful. If I needed to ask something, I typically started with "Excuse me", then launched into my question. When I was trying to figure out a Metro Card machine the first time, a nice man at the next machine over offered to help me. Fortunately, there were numerous open machines and just the two of us actually using any of them, so I wasn't holding up anyone.

[@azedel7151]

@@majkollalo He was a serial killer, billionaire philanthropist who was being nice on that particular day. 🤪😉

[@stepheneson4107]

Nice video Sarah! Add one of my biggest pet peeves: look up from your phone!

[@SarahFunky]

That is another one!

[@allthingsnu4673]

I visited Manhattan alone a month ago for 8 days and I loved, loved, loved it! I was ready to go back as soon as I got back home. Everything Sarah says is true. I loved the way everyone crosses the street as long as cars aren't coming, how there are no racial divisions (like there are here in the south), how I could walk back to my hotel at 10 or 11pm after a show and feel completely safe, and so much more. People are nice but they don't bother each other - it's like everyone mutually respects the fact that everyone is just trying to get to wherever they are going. Just watching this video makes me want to go back.

[@petesmith9472]

My visit to New York was the most underwhelming experience of my international travels. I was LITERALLY stepping over the homeless.

[@allthingsnu4673]

@@petesmith9472 That would be pretty rude if you were literally stepping over the homeless. I saw some, but not that many.

[@arupian666]

the reason you "loved, loved, loved it" was cos you spent a week here, then got to leave. I've lived in NYC for 25 years and I don't get people's obsession with this overcrowded, noisy, rat infested city that stinks in the summer. Ahhhh, the stench of stale urine in the subway stations. Can't beat it.

[@victorlloyd5271]

Come on back for another visit, All things nu. I love my NYC, and although I have travelled a great deal I have been telling people for years that New York and Istanbul are the two most hospitable cities I know, and I am proud to live in one of them. 🥰

[@chrisransdell8110]

The tip about asking for directions is very true. People are busy and they aren't into chit chat but if you need directions or you have a special request at a deli or whatever, go ahead and ask it but be prepared and concise. You might be surprised that the hurried crabby looking person will turn out to be very helpful.

[@xavierpoes4985]

i'm so done with this lame excuse. we nyers have still 24h per day and do the same things in a general basis as many other people around the world. we are busy, not busier. we just choose to do things our way.

[@andrea_dubai2018]

I've been to NYC several times and paid a lot of attention to all those issues you mentioned in your video. Once I was so surprised when a very nice guy explained me how to get to the HIGHLINE and just two days later I met him again totally by chance in Midtown and he talked to me at the traffic lights. New Yorkers, you are really nice people (when it comes to talk to a European English teacher) 😅😊

[@djkennyparker]

I am 57 years old, born and raised in NYC. You are spot on, LOL!!!! Thank you.

[@aaronlimitless]

For someone that frequently travels I would always recommend two things of advice that can kind of just go with anywhere you are and with everything the first being observed what others are doing to find out if you’re doing something right or wrong and the other thing just always act like you know what you are doing where you are goingwhat’s going on etc. even if you don’t it’ll make you blend in a lot better

[@chrislopez816]

Great Video!! One thing I wish I knew: when crossing the street bikes are so much more terrifying than cars. They come out of no where and DON'T STOP!!

[@bri6713]

We were sitting at a light, not even moving, and a bike roars past our cab and knocked the side mirror right off. It scared the crap out of me...the biker didn't even slow down, never mind stop and take responsibility for the damage.

[@gregthebaritone]

Also because of bikes, look both ways when crossing a one-way street.

[@BernhardSchwarz-xs8kp]

Why should they - they are faster.

[@slimedog]

As a lifelong Bostonian I love NY and its people. Two things I experienced of which u mentioned was so helpful in giving directions, I tried to bring this notion back to Boston when I returned and saw confused folks, and Boston is the most confusing city I've ever witnessed. And the idea of not being prejudiced against people as where I'm from, there is a lot from the older folks. I remember a New Yorker telling me when I pointed this out he said- I live on a block that has about fifty different nationalities- who should we pick out to pick upon?

[@YOLOnyc]

This video is so on point! Welcome to NYC!

[@craigmeyer5291]

I love the last comment. I was taught (back in the 1940's) to accept everyone and "sort by behavior." All people are tolerated and even loved. ONLY good behavior is tolerated. All the rest is ignored. With varying degrees of "emphasis." Nice work!

[@LuisYanes88]

Thanks for touching on one of my major pet peeves! People walking slowly or in the way 😂 I'm super conscious about doing this myself! Awesome details!

[@nathan_p]

NYC etiquette = common courtesy Step aside. Don't block people. Wait for people to get off before getting on. Don't harrass others. I went to New York recently, and it blew my mind how many American tourists don't understand how to be considerate of others. I swear New Yorkers get the bad rep when they are actually really nice and accomidating, despite having to navigate a gauntlet of rude tourists daily. (I guess that can be true for every major city in the world) I'm also glad you mentioned how diverse and open-minded NY is. It was the best vacation I've ever had because of the diversity. Everyone's a different color, speaking a different language, nobody has time or need for any negativity towards others' differences. That's ultimately the beauty of NY, right? A melting pot of everyone's culture.

[@stephb3321]

I don’t know, she ends the video with saying we’re all in this together and we are open-minded. However, the tips leading up to that made New Yorkers sound pretty intolerant and impatient. I’m going next week for the first time. I will be a tourist and will probably get lost a few times. I hope there is someone friendly there, good grief!

[@stephb3321]

And I’m from Seattle, so I understand rudeness and “the freeze”, believe me.

[@nathan_p]

@stephb3321 There are definitely friendly people there. I encountered many. But, of course, there are not-so-friendly people there, as there are wherever you go. And I experienced some of that as well. I think a lot of times with big tourist destinations, people forget these places are people's homes. When you're visiting one's home, you try to be a good guest, right? No matter where you go in the world you should understand there are certain cultural dos and don'ts. I don't think it's asking too much, honestly. I really hope you have a great time. I wouldn't be afraid to ask for help. As long as you are smart and you keep your wits about you.

[@chrisransdell8110]

Nathan_p, I don't totally agree. Some of what is 'polite' in NYC would be completely jerky behavior in Atlanta or Nashville or Dallas. Being curt and just blurting out a request is ok at a NYC deli or food cart but pretty arrogant sounding in almost any small city or town. Other things obviously should apply anywhere. Randomly stopping on a busy sidewalk, entering an elevator or subway car before allowing exiting people to get off etc should be obvious to anybody. The general volume level that a lot of NYC people speak at can be really jarring when you are somewhere tranquil like a winery or a museum. Basically, I'd say that yes, there are a lot of tourists that are rude because they aren't aware of what they are doing in NYC but believe me there are a lot of people from NYC that are woefully oblivious to how obnoxious they are being when they are NOT at home in NYC.

[@paulawashington3175]

Saying "Excuse me," and getting to the point will generally get a positive reaction. New Yorkers can be helpful just like people anywhere. The reason that people don't strike up conversations with strangers is that there are about 9 million strangers. It's not like you're likely to encounter the same person repeatedly. However, if you are in need, people will stop to help you.@@stephb3321

[@carlodellacasa7536]

Awesome! All of these unwritten rules also work perfectly in Milan (Italy) 😎 Taaaac!

[@gizzykiwi]

These unspoken rules are very helpful, Thanks, I will be in New York in a couple of weeks, and I can't wait to explore it

[@SarahFunky]

Have fun!

[@poladelarosa8399]

Really appreciate your last tip. A reminder moment for all of us in different towns, cities and states.

[@JC-catsNYbike]

Also, don't put your phone on speaker, we don't want to hear your conversations. Don't facetime and walk slow. Use headphones, bring a book or use your cell and sunglasses to avoid eye contact and ignore panhandlers and rowdy/ mental people in the subway but still be alert of your surroundings! Never let your guard down.

[@gregthebaritone]

Remember for a short while those Nextel phones that had a walkie-talkie function? Those were so annoying.

[@michellearbizu7483]

Such a sad state of the human condition

[@exelmans8855]

@@michellearbizu7483 we are no supposed to live in cities period.

[@owenmeyer1305]

This is one of the funniest videos I've seen!!! And a great message at the end.

[@tamedshrew235]

I would add that when standing on the subway platform do it with your back to a post or a clear distance from the tracks. New Yorkers are known to shove random strangers onto the tracks, sometimes with the train approaching.

[@zuluradioseattle2007]

facts. stand back and always from the tracks. Also, don't stand near the edge or on the yellow edge, looking for the train to come... you doing that will NOT make the train come any sooner, so just stand FAR AWAY from the edge. YOU standing near the edge is setting yourself up for some crazy clown to push you, making you either fall on the tracks or into the train.

[@gissyepop7771]

OMG I almost died laughing! Last year we went to NYC and my husband made the mistake to stare at someone 😂😂😂 in the subway. It was pretty awkward😅

[@MarieTarisaSepanskiBartunek]

I don’t stare at people and but I look at people even in the subway. My mother stares at what women are wearing, their shoes, and handbags, lol. Sometimes they smile, sometimes I smile. But it hardly ever get awkward. There’s a difference of glancing vs staring. And I’m from New York born and raised, 4th generation New Yorker!

[@anotherjoshua]

i was born here and raised here, and you're advice is spot-on. btw, the most annoying "crime" a tourist can commit is just standing in front of a subway entrance.

[@irampotter]

Guilty, on my first day in Manhattan, a little jet lagged, I walked into an empty deli around 35th street and couldn’t immediately make up my mind about what I wanted, there were so many types of bread available and what seemed like 100s of different meats, cheeses and dressings, the guy behind the counter was getting fed up with me, I then realised that the deli was absolutely packed with people behind me waiting for me to order and get out of the way.

[@rmcook13]

Love the pink retro-flapper dress.

[@marciaharris108]

I am a New Yorker and I approve of this video. Smile! I am actually sharing with some friends from the south who are traveling to NYC in a few months.

[@IronHorsey3]

Brave friends. Tell them to keep constant awareness all around and to keep moving. Move away from the threat before it materializes. NYC Reality

[@MRP3261]

Hi Sarah Since I live in Brooklyn. Well in Park Slope ( Where I work) Especially 7 Ave .I have to walk at a corner and wait for the walk sign that is because the food delivery workers don't care for pedestrian safety. They go thru red lights, ride in the opposite direction , go on the sidewalk where parents and elderly people walk on . They are selfish and don't care for pedestrian safety. Few times I almost got hit by them and I let them vocally " Have it" . Then people in Park Slope come to me and say "Thank you " in a nice way seriously. Walking. Well to admit I'm not a very fast walker I walk on the right side. I walk a bit faster when I go to Rangers games at MSG and Brooklyn Cyclones games from the Subway. And with my fishing pole and tackle from my apt to catch a boat in Sheepshead Bay. Great video.

[@EnglishWalk]

Unfortunately, my husband and I have been victims of discrimination from a truly New Yorker (I know that because he said so) in a theater on Broadway just because we are from another country. It was amazing to see how other people would back us up. ☺️ They defended us and this guy and his family/friends even had to move to the other side of the theater.

[@JoeTaxpayer]

I grew up in NYC and lived there through college. On one of my regular visits to family, I was on Broadway in the 60's and someone came up to me and asked "Can you tell me how to get to Carnegie Hall?" I blurted out "Practice!!" (And then pointed the way). Another NYer heard this and said to me "You've been waiting for that question your whole life, haven't you?" Absolutely.

[@mo5407]

NYer - love these...they're on point! Especially- walk fast, don't block the side walk! Gosh, don't get me started with the know ur order...use ur phone before u arrive to check out the menu....

[@nicolesmith454]

Born & raised here in NYC! I love your videos! On point!!!

[@richardgazinia5482]

The other reason that subway cars may be empty at this time of the year (Summer as of this writing) is that the A/C doesn't work. I've sat in the car with someone "sleeping" in it and tried to stay at the far end away from them because I want a seat if I'm riding from 14th Street to Gun Hill Road in the Bronx.

[@lauradishong1774]

I live in NJ but visit NYC sometimes. My pet peeve is when you walk through a doorway, keep walking. Don't stop at the doorway and stare blankly into the next room. There are people behind you who also need to get through the doorway.

[@onthemarginofgrace]

Thanks for this great instructional video! As a native New Yorker, here are a few other tips: -a slice of pizza is always folded at the base of the triangle and eaten by holding it in your hand. Forks and knives are not usually necessary and look out of place unless it's a deep dish or very heavy on the toppings. -do not step into an active bike lane and expect bicyclists to abruptly stop. Always watch the bikes as well as the cars! -if a car has the light, DO NOT just keep walking into the street! Drivers in NYC do not give you the courtesy of stopping to let you walk when they have the light. This is a common courtesy in suburban areas but will get you hurt in NYC. -do not automatically assume folks with dogs want you to touch their pet. Dogs are all therapy pets in this city and are like family. It doesn't hurt to ask the owner to pet them though, or to compliment the pet. -be VERY aware of who is waiting around you when waiting to order at an eatery or bakery or deli; then wait your turn. Cutting the line ahead of someone waiting WILL get you a verbal lashing. -tipping is pretty much required at restaurants. It's not Europe! Don't say you weren't warned... -always avoid areas around middle schools and high schools at dismissal; from around 2pm - 3:30 pm. Trust me! -Watch your umbrellas in the rain. Proper etiquette requires you to raise the umbrella as you walk past others on crowded streets and corners. -Streets in Manhattan have a logical grid. This is not the case in the outer boroughs; Queens especially! There is no finding your way around Queens unless you grew up there or have your cellphone Maps app on. Boulevards lead into Turnpikes which turn into numbered streets, then Avenues, etc. etc. It's a labyrinth. -The giant cube sculpture on Astor Place brings back fond memories of nightclubbing in the 1980's. There was an all night diner right across from it and you could watch everyone taking turns spinning the cube as fast as they could while eating a hamburger special at 3am. It was getting dangerous though and the city actually welded it to keep from spinning for a few years. Good to see that it's back to it's original form. ...enjoy!

[@Lissi0423]

Living in the East Village for two years makes me miss it so much. Moved back to LA 1 year ago. These are asap accurate and I learned in my time there.

[@tylerhhudson]

Just moved to NYC staying in East Village and it’s cool but I miss LA 😂

[@MPricci-xj2xj]

Don’t stop to figure out where you are when you are at the top of the subway stairs. Walk a few feet, go to the side and check your GPS or read the street signs.

[@rje1157]

"As a newyorker for 15 years" that statement alone is crazy

[@airnflips7]

This one hit home ! Thanx for the content Sarah. Nu'yorka my entire life 👊🏽🎵💃💯

[@HChampagne63]

New Yorkers can and often are very helpful. They are proud of their city. Also they are all comedians. Very funny.

[@LatinaChef1986]

I miss NYC already! It’s such a cool city. I made sure to watch your videos before I went on vacation last month (08-17-23 to 08-21-23).

[@GOLDZZK]

Been NYC for 20 yrs, definitely more things to add but those are crucial and essential! 😂

[@ManChan-w5p]

What about walking into an intersection without the light and right of way but yet blocking the intersection preventing the others with the light and right if way.

[@paulawashington3175]

New Yorkers don't do that. We are selective in how we flout the rules.@@ManChan-w5p

[@forfoxsake7972]

I'll be visiting NYC for the first time ever in two weeks time (I'm super excited btw 😍) and I'm just soaking up these kinds of videos like a sponge right now because I really want to "fit in" 😇

[@rebeccatelgenhoff3540]

Best advice from Sara’s Videos! Be aware of the CD Guys! Don’t LOOK AND Say No!

[@nyc_shots]

Another great tip: try not to do too much..take it easy each day youre there. Enjoy the parks, theyre all over the city. Walk the brooklyn bridge at night, from bklyn side to the manhattan side. Hope you have a blast! 🫡

[@SarahFunky]

YES!

[@SarahFunky]

That is a good one too!

[@martingreenberg870]

@@SarahFunky Another bit of advice. Times Square at night. The show is on every night. Lots of neon lights. Picture taking friendly. You were warned about the CD hustle. Watch out for the costumed people. Pose with them and they expect payment. There is so much light from the signs you don’t need flash or a fast lens in order to take pictures of video. Sarah is right about Times Square and locals. Not a popular place to be. Bryant Park at 5th Avenue and 42nd street during the day is another story. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@rah938]

I live in the west village and work in midtown. I walk almost everywhere. It’s just one of the things I love about city life. All of these tips are second nature to me now, although I must confess, the Ave. of the Americas and Sixth Ave thing took me a few days to figure out. I was seventeen when I came here for school from a cultural vacuum in the Southwest, and the things that really light me up are here for the having. My kind of town.

[@lout3921]

Please don't be loud on your phone in the train or bus. I also wouldn't pull out a map and look lost, you might attract the wrong kind of oeople.

[@vprime]

By far, the best and most informative transportation video, thank you! Cheers from Brazil!

[@markg.9981]

Thx for video…Nyc is a great walking city. You don’t always need to use and Uber or cab to get around. Use google maps to get around or how to use subway. Also…tap and go via phone is way to go..vs buying a metro card. Also 5th Avenue is the split from east and west side of Manhattan.

[@averyhebert335]

Thanks for the tips! Headed to NYC in 44 days! Yes we are counting down!

[@SarahFunky]

Have fun!

[@averyhebert335]

@@SarahFunky We are beyond excited! My husband and I will definitely be wearing our sunglasses! 😂

[@andrewfischer8564]

:30 the astor place cube... recently renovated. it spins if you push it.

[@BoogeyManXX]

I used to LOVE driving in Manhattan. It was like the hard level in a driving game. Brooklyn is medium, Staten Island is easy. No, depends on where. Easy-medium. I got hit on the easy-medium level and changed my life 😢

[@el.aye.bee.4477]

Rule # 7.2 made me bust out laughing as soon as you started saying it because I knew exactly what it was. One other reason a subway car might be empty, though, especially in the summer, is because the A/C might not be working in that car and it would feel like a sauna in there.

[@DL-rm7zg]

A homeless person was on laying on the ground with one leg of his jeans covered in crusted over poop. Worst smell in the world.

[@el.aye.bee.4477]

@@DL-rm7zg man, listennnnnnnnnnn. You ain't lied at all!!!

[@hazeywaz]

A good tip would be pay attention too your surroundings, and stay alert. Read the air on the train, and got myself out of a potential sticky situation.

[@timsharpe8342]

One more, keep to the right. Walk on the right side of the sidewalk, when there are two doors the one on the right is the one to use. Keep to the right on the escalator is you are standing. Basically the rules of the road are the rules for walking.

[@b43xoit]

Those are good practices to follow when in DC, too.

I worked in mid-town and down-town NYC for years back in the 80s and 90s. It wasn't too bad then. Then I went to Florida, then Texas and finally ended up in Phoenix, AZ. I love that it's sunny every day here. I probably won't be moving anywhere else.

[@TodCast]

Not an unspoken rule, but a good tip - if you have Airpods or headphones, wear them. Even if you're not listening to anything. It prevents people (especially beggars) from talking to you.

[@gregthebaritone]

Works well in combo with sunglasses

[@angelita98gaby]

love the Sidetalk NYC footage for prime example of nothing phasing us 😂

[@lindasnyder2976]

Sarah, I love to visit NYC! Thanks for the out- of-towner tips. I notice your shoulder bag, it looks open, and I'm wondering if you usually carry a shoulder bag; it doesn't look safe from purse snatchers. I love your pink dress and the blue checkered top!

[@heidiguttenberg]

Sounds a lot like Buenos Aires… with the exception of the first one 😅 and not as many turists as NYC here either.

[@chuckiea7011]

As a native New Yorker, everything you said was spot on. However, the no talking thing depends on where you're at in NYC. I visited Jackson Heights back in 2010 and the Latin Americans there were extremely talkative and friendly. But in most of The Bronx, that's where people walked right past me not saying a word. You definitely have to have thick skin living in NYC.

[@TahBoi]

Thank you for all the unspoken rules of NYC.

[@BernhardSchwarz-xs8kp]

They are not that unspoken if you break them.

[@davidfirth1]

Good advice for other east coast cities, as well.

[@agnieszkazelaznicka6330]

I live in Warsaw, Poland and most of these also apply to my city. 😅 And I must say I was kinda surprised cause people in NY were walking slower than here in Warsaw.

[@saulchapnick1566]

So true about Warsaw. Having frequented that city often during the last 22 years, it has morphed into a very cosmopolitan city during that time.

[@GOLDZZK]

Maybe when you were visiting NY, you were in tourist sections like 5th Ave, Times Sq,, Village, Chelsea or Downtown Area.

[@agnieszkazelaznicka6330]

@@GOLDZZK some of it yes, but mostly „not touristy” parts of NY (as my friend lives there :) )

[@GOLDZZK]

@@agnieszkazelaznicka6330 I see! I think what happened is that since pandemic appx 1/3 of New Yorkers started working remotely and don’t need to rush to come to work any longer and we definitely started walking a bit slower than before but we used to be in rush often for no reason lol that you would have seen that during business hours especially between Madison and Park Avenue

[@BernhardSchwarz-xs8kp]

I guess this is supposed to be yet another Polish joke.

[@EmmaSutton-v9f]

@SarahFunky can you do an updated video on the passes. New york pass vs Sightseeing pass the all inclusive ones or can you point in the right direction

[@alfonzo9389]

The crosswalk one is so true. I was shocked when people just walked across the street without the walk signal lol but I got used to it pretty quick

[@leonardmayer7127]

A New Yorker for the first 50 of my 60 years. You nailed it.

[@blaster-zy7xx]

My favorite do and don’t was know what you want when you get to the front of the line and at the counter. You were in this line and had enough time me to figure it out before you got to the front of the line!!! I hate it when people stare at their phones the entire time in line, THEN begin reading the menu when it is their turn!!!!! ARGH!

[@dnguyen9747]

Today: Two women got off the subway, they took two steps down the stairs, stopped, stood side by side, blocking people going up and down the stairs. I think they were vlogging or one of them was on the phone and both were talking to whomever. I waited for 5 seconds and then I yelled out "do not stop on the stairs, do not stop on the stairs". I think they were oblivious. If they were vlogging they probably said I was a "Ken".

[@johnhawks5035]

Oddly, here in Jalisco Mexico it is considered kinda rude not to say hello. Good Morning, Good Afternoon, or Good Evening to pretty much everyone.

[@paulawashington3175]

When I moved a half hour from NYC it took me a minute to get used to people saying "Hello" to me when I entered a shop or business. Then again, in a small village it is normal to see the same people multiple times. They quickly cease to be strangers. I don't think that people are more or less rude in different places, but I do think that the situation determines what is acceptable behavior.

[@zuluradioseattle2007]

The timing and what you are doing dictates what. You walk into a bodega, you say whatsup.

[@johnhawks5035]

Yeah, much better comment than just making gross generalizations.@@zuluradioseattle2007

[@vandie9759]

Love his Square Body Chevy shirt..

[@LucasHuang]

Perfect for my square body... lol but thank you! 😀

[@markweaver1012]

Here in Ann Arbor, we also cross whenever (or wherever), ignore the crazies, and have an identical spinning cube thing. Maybe the similarities are partly due to having so many from NY and NJ at the U here. No subway here though, and it's OK to make eye contact and give a quick smile to (non crazy) strangers.

[@AlohaLove2Learn]

Something that amazed me in nyc was that a lot of the dogs also didn't make eye contact! I'm an animal lover and at home and in other places dogs and cats are drawn to me, but in Central Park the dogs looked straight ahead and primarily interacted with their owners or with other dogs!

[@charlesbullghost5491]

Instead of walking🚶‍♀️across the street. Downtown Minneapolis minnesota has the record of the most Skywalkways or walkways in the entire world 🌎. Stretching for then more eighty miles in length. From one building to the next buildings.🌇 you can travel through many glass window walkway structures. My great information for today. Have a great fabulous wonderful day.😀😊

[@darlataddeo6376]

New Yorkers are the best! I was visiting the w/ a friend of mine who flew in from Germany and we spent the week there together. We were unsure of what train to take to get to the Whitney, so we asked a woman in the subway and she was going in the same general area. She even walked with us part of the way after we exited to make sure we knew where we were going and we had a nice conversation with her. Everyone we met was always very helpful and friendly. I think if you give off “good energy” it is usually returned in kind.

[@DavidGivinsnhe]

True! They are helpful 😊

[@vkmoss9651]

I always feel comfortable in NYC because people are no-nonsense, yet kind and accepting if you don't annoy them!!

[@reallygreatloops]

Hey Sarah! Thanks for the tips! Your channel is great! I’m from Brazil and I’m flying to NY with my girlfriend to watch John Mayer at the Madison sq next month…I’ll propose to her, then thought about some options: Central Park (bow bridge), Greenwich village and then we’ll have dinner at carbone, or maybe a great rooftop bar/restaurant! Would you have some suggestions for the best proposal spots? Thank you so much 😊

[@oc5406]

My suggestion is you should not have written what you plan on doing. What if your girlfriend reads it??

[@reallygreatloops]

@@oc5406 she won’t, trust me! This is another YT channel I have she barely sees it haha and I might delete this after I have the tips :)

[@gatoulla]

Thank you for training us to make your life easier😇

[@faisalafridi3497]

Cool 😎 liked your videos. Complete information 😊

[@matthewjl4127]

Some suggestions I’d like to add for anybody visiting New York City. First, we call it “The City”. I don’t recommend eating at any chain restaurants at all. Even if you’re in Times Square, if you go 2-3 blocks west, there are A LOT of authentic NYC places all over 9th Ave. If you’re walking along and someone tries to hand you a CD, keep walking and avoid them lol. Also, the people dressed like Monks are known to be a gimmick. There are much better places to visit other than Times Square. Definitely visit Central Park. Cheers!

[@oc5406]

Only people outside the 5 Boroughs call it "The City" .

[@richardgazinia5482]

I took my 13-year-old granddaughter up to NYC a few years ago and she complained that there was nowhere to eat. I looked her in the eye and told her that she was in one of the greatest food cities in the world and she could get anything she wanted. She told me that there weren't any Wawas around. After riding back to Hamilton, NJ she was content after we stopped at the local Wawa on the way home. Kids, what are you gonna do.

[@squiggleworks9]

Only Manhattan is referred to as ‘the city’ - usually by people in the other 4 boroughs. Everything else is true. Do Times Square for the experience but get the heck on out of there to enjoy much better parts of the city

[@paulawashington3175]

I got in a little bit of trouble as a native New Yorker. While at college n Massachusetts, another student asked me where I was from and I carelessly answered, "I'm from the city." What annoyed the other students was that she knew which city.@@oc5406

[@paulawashington3175]

Yes. Growing up in Queens, and in the same zip code as Kennedy Airport, we did often say, "We're going to 'the city' when we meant Manhattan."@@squiggleworks9

[@georgemortensen7623]

I grew up in the Bronx. So glad I survived and so glad I left. I now live in the South and would never go back.

[@proudamerican1278]

You need to add when you walk up a flight of stairs or take the escalator stand to the right because people who are in a rush will pass you on the left just like driving a car in the highway

[@umbro12]

Opposite in Australia

[@Aaronchaz]

Good video definitely on point

[@danielgines8401]

Holy crap Lucas pop on here more I've been making right turns on red since i moved here a month ago I didnt know that was a thing. Which brings up a video suggestion not that you need any. My wife and I are big fan of yours. Been watching your videos since we found out we were moving here six months ago(We will purchase tour but again just moved lol its expensive). Not sure if its worth the time but parking signs!!! Omg took me my first two days and three parking tickets later to figure out no standing is talking about cars not people lol.

[@LucasHuang]

Other tips that could be helpful: - Know exactly how wide your car is & be able to gauge if you can fit between a space just by looking at it. There will be so many times when you're on a one way street and there's cars, Amazon, delivery, etc. double parked and you gotta squeeze through. Every inch counts if you don't want the whole block honking at you 😂 - If you need to run into somewhere without properly parking (hydrant, not paying the fare), like if you're picking up food or something, as long as someone is in the car the parking agents will leave you alone & not ticket you. - After 7pm most of the paid parking is free, I honestly stop paying by like 6:30, but some rare areas they go until 10pm; check the green signs - If there's the parking signs with the arrows it applies in that direction until the next sign with another arrow or end of the block I hope all this helps & no more tickets 🫡

[@truckingwithtobee]

We were in New York a few months ago, and when we were going through the subways, some bum had taken a dump right in the stairwell was so gross. I will stick with my Vegas life. Thank you very much.😂

[@lenfeder8521]

A very accurate list. I lived in NY for 40 years.

[@BernhardSchwarz-xs8kp]

40 years and still learning. There is never a dull moment in NYC - unless you hide under a rock.

[@Formaldehydex]

Hey! I’m walking here! I moved out of Manhattan in 2000. I miss it so much.

[@shanepeed8125]

Great video! Sadly I have no plans to visit NYC , But the video was still really entertaining and informative. I think #2 should be am unspoken rule EVERYWHERE! for contest I at a sub shop and I also happen to use a wheelchair so I spend the vast majority of my time taking orders and it is the most annoying thing EVER

[@racingphotographer8251]

Another one - never ask where's the nearest Papa John's/Pizza Hut/Domino's.... my wife made that mistake asking that at the front desk of hotel on Long Island. Guy just pointed over at the stacks of local pizza menus on top of the desk, "Why would you want that when we have all these?"

[@oc5406]

Lol😅😅

[@zuluradioseattle2007]

ALWAYS eat the local pizzas and fuggidabout them others.