While we all aim to try and blend in as much as possible when we visit a place, sometimes it ain’t going to happen, and that is why it is OK to be a tourist in NYC. Sure the locals will know that you are a tourist, and guess what – so what! You are, and I am.
I am here to find out what all of the fuss is about this city. and to be quite honest, before I can even scratch the surface I was sure as hell going to do some of these iconic things that local people may sniff at.
My cumulative knowledge of New York City comes from watching Sex and the City, Seinfeld, and other TV shows and movies, as well as magazines that I read at the doctors, dentists or hairdressers. That is it. I believe in the Soup Nazi and that Carrie will come running down the street, and that the Home Alone kid is still at The Plaza Hotel near Central Park.
On being a tourist
Contents
I did the total tourist trip to discover what I have seen and read about. Some things I really liked, others not so much. I learned different things, though I am unsure as to whether these are all correct. I say this because I was reading Time Out New York that seems to have a section on what lies locals told a tourist that week. I did some research and they are actually quite funny.
The top of the Chrysler Building is constructed of recalled Ford vehicles. This has some merit.
If you sing the opening line from “New York, New York” in public, any native New Yorker within earshot must call back, “Start spreadin’ the news!”-this was so very tempting to do.
It appears that in New York City, and I am mainly talking Manhattan here, there are those that live there, and then there is everyone else, and that would be us, the tourists. Many of the people who live here, it must be noted, did not originate from the island of Manhattan …just putting it out there.
Here are some of my observations.
I suspect that the people of NYC are too cool to do touristy stuff but love it when a friend or relative comes to town so that they just “have’ to go to the Top of the Rock. For the unitiated, which was me recently, the Top of the Rock refers to the stunning views from the top of the Rockefeller Center – makes sense when you know about it.
I think that people who live or have lived in New York City for a while can be picked out as they have their ear plugs in as they walk and are inevitably holding onto their cell phone.
Local people know who tourists are because they don’t always walk on the right hand side of the sidewalk and get shoulder bumped, to be reminded of the rules – I know, I know but then again I am a tourist and it takes time.
I am guilty of stopping in my tracks when I see something amazing and photographing it. I don’t need tourist tattooed on my forehead, the locals just know.
What I learned
Streets are short, avenues are long, and it’s a grid, so it is very easy to work it out, after a day or so. This New York City guide will help explain things better.
Lower and Upper, East Side and West side, they all make sense now that we are walking it, and trust me we have covered a lot of kilometres …sorry – miles.
Burroughs I get it. There are 5 burroughs, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. I did think that New Jersey was a borough but I got howled down for that one. I think Staten Island may even be an iffy one too. I think however from things I have heard that NJ might be ok. I think that I would like to visit this non burrough of New Jersey, spend time in Hokobin and other areas next trip.
I loved playing a tourist in NYC and I will say now that I will be back for more. It is a lively city and I like that. It has a lot, happening and that is a good thing. It has its full on areas but then we found some really lovely residential areas when wandering. Yes, I like the go of this city.
Which Passes we Used in NYC
We did the hop-on-hop-off bus because this is one of the easiest ways to learn more about the city and to get your bearings, and to see many of the things that make NYC iconic. Also from the top of the bus you get to watch a lot of the street life, and that is certainly fun. We did the uptown route and the downtown route, and I know where uptown and downtown now are. And, I couldn’t get that Billy Joel song out of my head on the uptown route.
We got the New York CityPASS because it saves tourists a lot of money on entry fees to lots of iconic sites. Totally worth it. We used it to see lots of different things, skipped the queues and trust me it is worth it for this alone.
We also purchased a subway card, which is much like the Tokyo Suica Card though it was a little trickier to use the subway. This is where we found that people were super helpful to we tourists. Continuing in this vein, many New Yorkers might wind tourists up, but boy are they a polite and helpful bunch even if they might throw the odd tourist joke at us, to play with our heads.
Where did we go on our tourist trek?
I didn’t realize that advertising and neon lights would be so intoxicating so yes, I loved Time Square. It was a novelty factor and one that I am not yet tired of. I love the crowds, the crazy naked cowboy standing on the corner and all of the Disney, Sesame Street and super power characters trying to rip we tourists off if we took a photo.
We stood and got a selfie in Times Square that was shown on a big screen because we wanted to. Unfortunately, the man next to Gordon looks a lot like Rolf Harris, which we didn’t know until our wonderful Facebook friends pointed this out. We stuck our heads in front of the filming studio of Good Morning America because we could.
We looked at the hot dog vans on the street but couldn’t bring ourselves to do it, as the thought of the lone hot dog from the Simpsons, going round and round, is still in my head.
Despite that, and this may sound odd, but the city smelt good, not the garbagy smell that we had heard about. It was pizza and roasted nuts and pretzels and amazing aromas from the halal food stalls. It is November and after the summer heat and before the bitter cold, so I think that this must bring out the best in the city.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
The city is particularly attractive as the Christmas decorating is underway. The buildings are amazing, and there are pockets of diversity everywhere. We went to The Rockefeller to see the tree being decorated but not unveiled, and to see the ice skating.
We headed to Bryant Park because I know that it has fashion shows and also it was pretty. That is all I need as a tourist and they had ice skating and a fight to keep us entertained.
Places we liked
Wandering around Central Park, which would take a long time to explore properly but we covered a lot.
We checked out Macy’s Christmas window. Nice. Then we saw Saks 5th Avenue. Chic. The winner, however, has to be Lord & Taylor. Gave me that really Christmassy feel.
Chelsea, Meatpacking District, Fabric, Soho, Nolita, Little Italy, Chinatown, Noho, where we found a great little place, Café Angelique. Battery Park City, Hudson Square, TriBeCa, Greenwich Village. We had the Lower East, and West covered.
We are staying in NoMad. Ok, I thought that was a joke because the Paul Hotel NYC is totally on trend with its marketing and delivery but Nomad IS an area. The New York Times coined the District’s name in 1999 after NYC formally established the Madison Square Park North Historic District, which lies in the center of No (North) Mad (Madison Square). Even the font of all knowledge Wikipedia, says that this area exists
and they have their own website, Experience NoMad
The Paul Hotel NYC is a great representative of NYC, because it is a little different and the rooms are bigger than the Manolo Blahnik shoebox rooms most hotels offer. Read about why Paula stayed at the Paul Hotel.
We ate pretty much everywhere we went and spent a good portion of our time looking for a decent coffee made with a proper coffee machine, not that pod crap. It was a nearly impossible task, but then we are from Australia, and we have very high standards where coffee is concerned. Guess NYC doesn’t.
We had some culture for our souls at The Guggenheim Museum, and the MET, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which was my dose of art and history and I, loved it a lot.
We went to Ground Zero – the 9/11 memorial because it has to be done, and it is done so very well.
New York is taxis beeping, police sirens and fire brigades careening down the streets. It is crazy people and brownstones, horse drawn carriages in Central Park. It is light, noise and smells. It is a city that tourists like me want to explore.
Things I didn’t rave about
We took the boat out to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis because it was there. I wouldn’t do it again because it took too big a chunk out of the day that could have been used for exploring more on foot.
We walked the High Line, and it was pleasant, but I didn’t rave about it. It might be a seasonal thing, or it could be just me, so let’s go with that.
I have no doubt left a lot out, but it is OK to be a tourist in NYC, there are plenty of us who think so.
Hey, there, great article about top tourist attraction
Thanks, and we think it great being a tourist in New York
I like seeing my city though the eyes of a tourist. It’s nice to reminded sometimes about how wonderful NYC is. You were right to skip the dirty water dogs. They are cheap, filling and everywhere, but not the best of what the city has to offer. Pizza by the slice is the cheap, convenient NYC food that is also good and must-do. Lord & taylor is my favorite window, too. And I often tell people to skip Lady Liberty. Walk a few blocks south and take the Staten Island ferry. It’s free and the views of the harbor and statue can’t be beat.
We were going to take the Statten Island Ferry but made the wrong decision. Loved your city and will be back.
Paula, I loved seeing our hometown through your (tourist) eyes! Yes, we locals always know who the tourists are but despite what we say, we love seeing your awe for our city, even when you get in our way on our commute to work. I’m so glad you were able to visit in November because it really is the best time to see NYC, most everyone is in a good mood. Thank you for taking me through our beloved home. Happy Travels to you both!
Thanks Brenda, and we loved discovering your city and thought of you often. We used your guide a lot.
We visited NYC almost exactly a year before you did and did all sorts of touristy things. I am impressed by how much area you covered! Great photos, and I especially like that one of you in on the Times Square screen. I wanted to visit the High Line but figured that perhaps that was more of a spring thing and figured it gives me an excuse to return some day.
Thanks Michele, we had so much fun and did cover a lot in the time we were there. However, there is so much more to see and we will return to NYC.
You have a very keen sense of observation, Paula. You are right, the locals are always looking forward for an opportunity to visit their own city or some close-by attraction by this token. But it’s not because they are “too cool to do the touristy stuff.” It’s because they did it so many times that it seems redundant to do it again, while if they take other people there they have an excuse for it. I for one, go to Las Vegas only if I have to take some friends or relatives there. Just going there with my husband would seem like a waste of time, but if we were to accompany someone who has never been there before, it gives the trip more sense.
Very good point Anda, and this is the same for us at home. It is amazing when we are showing people around our city, that we also learn more and see it with different eyes.
Great article! This will be useful as I am hoping to visit NYC for my Bachelorette party! I can’t wait to visit and join the thousands of other tourists 🙂
Definitely join all of the tourists, it us fun and you get to see so many things that I doubt even locals have seen.
I loved reading your take on NYC. It’s so much fun to just walk around the city and explore, especially during the holiday season. And you’re right, it’s ok to embrace being a tourist sometimes!!
I agree, sometimes it is the absolutely correct way to make sure why everyone is raving about that place.
Yes, it’s okay to be a tourist in New York City! The city is filled with things to do and see and the people who live there shouldn’t be the only ones to take advantage of that. I love New York and I’ve been there quite a bit… At one point, I even called it home. I’m glad you had a chance to check it out as a tourist!
I loved playing tourist in NYC and envy you having lived there. We will be back for more of an in depth look at this amazing city.
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with being a tourist. And checking out touristy places is ok too. Especially because they’re famous for a reason. I loved NY and wanted to see all the places I knew from movies and TV shows. And the best thing about NYC is that every time you go it will be a different experience.
I agree totally and think that most of us feel the same way.
It is fun and interesting to read your perspective about New York City. I have been two times and, yes, I have done all the touristy things too. After all, New York is famous for certain things and you want to see those. During my next visit, I will like to explore more of Brooklyn and Queens.
I will be exploring more of those areas also Ruth. This is definitely a city we will be retuning to.
I love to read about being tourists in your own city! Living as an expat for many years it became normal for me to explore a city to death. I loved doing all of the tourist things as well as finding off the beaten path things to do. Now after 3 years in LA, we still have SO much to do and explore.
I think there are many places to see in NYC and other towns and cities that would keep me engaged for a long time.
Beautiful photos…
Thank you.
I also sometimes do the hop-on hop-off bus tours to get an idea of the lay out of a city and it really can be helpful. I’ve been to New York a few times myself and always regret not making it Ellis Island, now I don’t feel so bad that I haven’t made it there.
The hop on hop off buses are great. I just wanted more time wandering the city.
I like using City Pass when I’m traveling. They are a great option. the subway card worked well for us in NY too. There’s so much to see and do that it’s good to have access to the subway whenever you want.
I agree, it worked out so well for us that we do recommend everyone getting the city pass.
I loved seeing your great photos and your take on things which is pretty similar to how I feel about NYC. It’s a bummer about their coffee. C’est Christine, a blogger who lives in NYC has done a guest post for yTravelBlog about coffee in NYC. She lived in Melbourne for a year so she knows her coffee. I recently subscribed to your blog so that I don’t miss any of the action.
I will be reading the post because coffee runs in our veins – good coffee. Thanks for subscribing to our blog we are honoured.
I agree there are some cities it’s a blast to be a tourist in. Especially if it’s your first time to really explore a place. I had a great time on one of those hop-on-hop-off buses in NYC.
I think that a first time in any city should be spent as a tourist, and the hop on hop off buses are a great way to do this.
I had to do a double take – I really thought that was Rolf Harris!
I went to New York a long time ago and as a city girl, I really enjoyed it. Getting some wanderlust to go back now!
We got a shock too when people started commenting on Rolf Harris. Spooky. Loved NYC and I am an urban girl too.
NYC is for all kinds of tourists and they all stand out like sore thumbs. But who cares? I had a photo with the Naked Cowboy and our picture was also on that giant Times Square screen on my 15 seconds of fame!
Good for you Carol, I love that you got your photo with the naked cowboy. I think you should share it with everyone on Facebook.
I love seeing NYC as a tourist! I take the kids all the time because I lived in Manhattan for 15 years before we had kids. So we still have friends and family there. New Jersey is definitely not a borough but parts of it are indistinguishable from the hipper parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn now. Eg., my brother had his first apartment in Hoboken when he was right out of college. Great write up!
Thanks Shoba, coming from a lady who knows the city, I appreciate this.
First I enjoyed the photos.Those are colorful and make me wanted visiting NYC one day!And an interesting guide with many useful information and tips…
Thanks Amila, it is such a wonderful city that begs to be photographed.
Yes, very okay to act like a tourist and see touristy things. When I first started traveling to NYC regularly for my job eons ago, my boss took me to the tops of the Empire State Building and other attractions. He said, “You’ll never see them otherwise,” and he was right.
You are so correct Betsy, and your boss did you a big favour. That is why we started the series Outside my Front Door, to encourage people to see what others see when they visit.
Great post! I’d love to visit NYC mainly because it was featured in so many films and series (love SATC 🙂 ). nice photos! # weekend travel inspiration
Thanks Tanja, we loved it there
I really enjoyed your perspective and the inside tips like going to the top of the rock and the information about the streets and avenues. Although I was born and have lived my entire life in the US, I’ve never been to New York (gasp!). I know, that probably sounds crazy, but I’ve always lived on the west coast so there is still much of the east coast I’ve not seen.
We are finding out just how big the US is. Australia is also a big country and I haven’t been everywhere either, so that makes two of us.