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Whether this if your first time in the Big Apple or you visit here so often you tell your townie friends, "I practically live there" (you don't), it's tempting to want to fit in with New Yorkers. We're the best, obviously, and it's understandable that you want to fit in here in the best city on earth. Here are a few tips to blend in with the crowd.
1. Bring cash. Yes, NYC is more credit card–friendly than it used to be, but plenty of bars, cafés, delis and restaurants still only accept paper.
2. Use that cash to tip. No New Yorker would be caught dead not tipping their waiter, barista or cabbie.
3. Don't wear clothes inappropriate for the weather. In other cities you might be able to get away with bare legs in December or wearing a long-sleeved button down for a casual event in July, but in this city, where everybody walks and air conditioning is far from guaranteed, you've got to pay attention.
4. If you can't keep up with the latest fashion trends, do as we do: wear black.
5. Walk faster. If you're moving at a normal, comfortable pace we can spot you for the slow tortuous-like tourist that you are.
6. Don't look so shocked when someone drops how much money they spend on rent in open conversation with strangers or if somebody starts painting their nails on the subway. Just be cool.
7. Know your landmarks and use them as navigational tools. If you look up in the West Village and see the World Trade Center in the distance, you know you're heading downtown. If you're in Union Square and spot the Empire State Building, that's uptown.
8. While we're on the subject of skyscrapers, don't ever be caught mixing up the Chrysler Building with the Empire State Building. Ever.
9. Let passengers off the subway before you push your way onto the train. It's common courtesy and will stop us from yelling at you. And don't block the doors!
10. Before you get out of the cab, check for bikers—again, it's the good thing to do and we won't yell at you.
11. Stop smiling as you walk down the street. You're freaking us out.
12. Don't ask, "Can we walk there?" Our answer will always be yes, because there are walkways everywhere. Also, New Yorkers will walk 20 blocks after work to the bar just because they need the "fresh air." The question you want to ask is: "How far is the walk?"
13. If you want to appreciate the lights of Times Square, have a better excuse than a way-overpriced salty dinner at a multi-story themed chain restaurant.
14. Pick your moments to scream "I love New York" wisely. We all want to do it, but it's really most appropriate from a gorgeous roof with a view or while riding a ferry to Ikea.