Home to towering skyscrapers, incredible street food, and a vibe unlike anywhere else. But like everywhere else, you must know what not to do in New York City.
I’ll admit it—I made plenty of rookie mistakes myself on my first trip to the Big Apple. From navigating the subway to eating at the wrong places, I’ve learned a lot about what not to do.
If you’re a beginner or even intermediate traveler planning a trip to NYC, I’ve got you covered.
Here’s what not to do in New York City to have unforgettable experience.
1. Don’t Expect to See All of NYC in One Trip
Let me save you from some serious disappointment—there’s no way you’re going to see everything in one trip.
On my first visit to New York, I had this ambitious plan: I’d visit the Statue of Liberty, walk through Central Park, hit up Times Square, and somehow squeeze in a trip to Brooklyn, all in one day.
Yeah, I barely scratched the surface of the city.
Pick a Few Key Attractions
NYC is enormous, and the best way to experience it is to narrow down your itinerary. Focus on a few major spots per day.
For example, if you’re hitting Midtown (where Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Rockefeller Center are), make that your day.
You don’t want to be racing across the city from one borough to another—you’ll just end up stressed and exhausted.
Plan for the Long Haul
Remember, the beauty of New York is that there’s always more to see—whether it’s a hidden coffee shop in the West Village or a new exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
So don’t feel like you have to cram it all in—leave some things on your list for your next trip.
2. Don’t Forget to Look Up (And Around)

It sounds simple, but don’t forget to look up while you’re in New York. The city’s architecture is stunning, and there’s so much you’ll miss if you only focus on ground level.
On my first visit, I was so busy looking at my phone for directions that I almost missed the beauty of buildings like the Chrysler Building and the stunning details on the bridges in Central Park.
Take a Moment to Soak It All In
One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was to slow down and just observe. Find a bench, grab a coffee, and spend some time people-watching.
You’ll notice the energy of the city, the way people move, and the small details that make New York, well, New York.
Whether you’re in a busy square or a quiet park, there’s always something to see if you just take a second to stop and look.
3. Don’t Take a Cab Everywhere
Sure, yellow cabs are iconic, and taking one can be part of the New York experience, but don’t make them your primary mode of transportation.
Use the Subway Instead
New York’s subway system is one of the most efficient ways to get around, and despite its reputation for being confusing, it’s actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it.
Plus, it’s a much faster way to travel during rush hour. Just be sure to download a subway map or app to help you navigate—when I finally ditched the cabs and figured out the subway, I shaved off a ton of travel time.
Skip the Rush Hour
If you can, avoid taking the subway during rush hour (roughly 7-9 a.m. and 5-7 p.m.).
Trust me, it gets packed, and you’ll find yourself in a sea of commuters who are not in the mood for touristy delays.
If you do find yourself riding at peak times, hang tight and be prepared to stand—subway seats are a rare luxury during rush hour.
4. Don’t Eat at Chain Restaurants
With so many amazing food options in New York, the last thing you want to do is end up at a chain restaurant or tourist trap.
I’ll admit, on my first trip I made the mistake of stopping at a recognizable chain for dinner (I won’t name names, but it rhymes with “Olive Bardens”).
What I didn’t know was that I was just blocks away from some of the best local spots in the city.
Go Local
New York is home to some of the best food in the world, and you’ll find everything from classic New York pizza to authentic ethnic cuisine in neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Italy, and Koreatown.
If you’re craving something specific, do a quick search or ask a local for a recommendation—New Yorkers are surprisingly willing to share their favorite spots, as long as you ask nicely.
Don’t Forget the Food Trucks
While it might be tempting to sit down at a fancy restaurant, don’t overlook the incredible food trucks that pop up all over the city.
From gourmet tacos to falafel stands, New York’s street food is an experience in itself, and it’s often cheaper and faster than dining in.
5. Don’t Get Stuck in Times Square
Look, I get it—Times Square is iconic, and you should definitely check it out. But once you’ve taken your photos and marveled at the neon lights, don’t linger too long.
It’s crowded, overpriced, and honestly, there’s so much more to New York.
Explore Nearby
Times Square might be a tourist trap, but just a short walk away, you’ll find some amazing places worth exploring.
Hell’s Kitchen, located just west of Times Square, is full of incredible restaurants and bars with a much more local vibe.
You can also head to Bryant Park, which is quieter and offers a nice spot to relax after the chaos of Times Square.
6. Don’t Underestimate the Walking

Yes, New York is a city of walking—probably more walking than you’ve done in a while.
While it’s exciting to explore on foot, don’t underestimate how exhausting it can be if you’re not used to it.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trust me, you’ll be doing a lot of walking. From wandering around Central Park to hopping between subway stations, comfortable shoes are a must.
Pace Yourself
You don’t have to see everything in one day, and sometimes the best way to experience the city is by strolling at a relaxed pace.
Walk a few blocks, stop for coffee, and take in your surroundings. And if you get tired, don’t be afraid to hop on the subway or catch an Uber to give your feet a break.
7. Don’t Ignore the Boroughs Beyond Manhattan
When most people think of New York, they think of Manhattan. But NYC is made up of five boroughs, and each has its own unique character.
If you only stick to Manhattan, you’re missing out on a huge part of what makes the city so diverse and interesting.
Visit Brooklyn
From the charming brownstones in Park Slope to the vibrant street art in Bushwick, Brooklyn has a completely different feel from the hustle and bustle of Midtown.
If you have time, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge—it’s an experience in itself—and spend an afternoon in DUMBO or Williamsburg.
Check Out Queens
Queens often flies under the radar for first-time visitors, but it’s one of the most diverse places in the world.
Whether you’re looking for authentic international cuisine or want to catch a Mets game at Citi Field, Queens has a lot to offer.
Plus, it’s home to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, where you can visit the iconic Unisphere from the 1964 World’s Fair.
8. Don’t Forget to Tip (and Tip Well)
Tipping is a big deal in New York, and if you don’t tip properly, you might get some not-so-happy looks.
In restaurants, bars, taxis, and even some cafes, tipping is expected, and the standard is usually 18-20%.
Make Sure You Carry Cash
While most places accept cards, you might find yourself in situations where cash is the easiest way to tip—especially at bars or for street performers.
If you’ve ever worked in the service industry then you know, cash tips are always much appreciated.
9. Don’t Skip Out on the Museums
New York is home to some of the world’s best museums. Even if you’re not a “museum person,” there’s probably one here that’ll blow your mind.
Take Advantage of the Variety
New York has a museum for everyone.
If you’re into art, check out the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Whitney Museum of American Art.
If you’re more into science and history, the American Museum of Natural History is a must-see.
And if you’re into something a little quirkier, the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens is perfect for film buffs.
Look Out For the Free or Pay-What-You-Wish Days
Many museums offer free or reduced admission on certain days.
For example, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has a pay-what-you-wish policy for New York residents, and the Frick Collection has free admission on certain evenings.
Check the museum websites for deals before you go.
10. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

New Yorkers might have a reputation for being rude, but that’s mostly a stereotype. In my experience, they’re actually pretty helpful—as long as you’re polite and ask for help the right way.
Approach the Right Way
If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask a local, but be mindful of their time.
If someone looks like they’re in a rush (and in New York, many people are), it’s best to find someone who seems more relaxed or standing still.
Approach with a friendly “Excuse me,” and chances are, they’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy NYC Like a Local
NYC can be overwhelming, but it’s also one of the most incredible places to visit.
And now that you know what not to do in New York City, you’ll have a much smoother and more enjoyable trip. Take your time, explore the neighborhoods that interest you, and don’t feel like you have to see everything in one go.
The best way to experience NYC is to embrace its diversity and go with the flow. Whether you’re enjoying a slice of pizza, wandering through Central Park, or taking in the view from the top of the Empire State Building, there’s always something new to discover.
So pack your walking shoes, brush up on your subway skills, and get ready to fall in love with the energy of the Big Apple.
Just remember, there’s always more to see—so don’t stress if you can’t fit it all into one trip. NYC will be waiting for your return!
Explore more. Fear less.
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