10 things not to do in New York

We usually show you everything you must see and do in New York. But here are also the things you should avoid…

1/ Don’t joke with immigration officers

The quickest way to get into trouble when you arrive is to crack a joke with the immigration officer who will clear your entry into the United States. This simply doesn’t happen here. The process is formal and strictly administrative. If you’re lucky, the officer will wish you a good stay. Thank them and leave it at that.

In the United States, rules are clear: if something is forbidden, it’s forbidden. Straightforward, you might think—yet I remember a French tourist who was arrested in November 2014 for climbing onto a beam of the Brooklyn Bridge. He lost his passport and was sentenced to 30 days of community service, plus legal fees. Read the story here. Don’t follow his example.

If you don’t have an OMNY card and need to buy a bus ticket, you must have exact change. You insert money directly into a machine that issues your ticket. The driver has no access to a cash box for security reasons. Before boarding, have your $2.75 ready, or you’ll face a scolding from the driver or frustrated passengers.

While it’s common to see people vault over turnstiles in some cities, that doesn’t happen in New York. The subway is closely monitored by staff at each entrance and surveillance cameras. If you’re caught, the fine for “Fare Evasion” is $100. On our forum, you’ll find the story of a tourist who had a valid transit card but tried to slip through the emergency exit because his arms were full. Result: a fine and lengthy explanations. If your OMNY card won’t read or you’re carrying too much, go to the booth.

Many visitors from Europe struggle with the American concept of tipping. In Europe, service is typically included in the bill, and you might add a small optional tip. In the United States, it’s completely different. Service is not included in the bill—the server relies on tips as their primary income. You can’t leave $1 or $2 as you might in Europe. The minimum is 15% of the bill, or more if you were very satisfied with the service.
Here’s a simple way to calculate the minimum: double the tax amount shown on your bill, and you’ll have roughly 15%. Yes, it may seem high, but this is how it works. Servers depend on tips as their main pay. Visitors need to follow local practice. I’ve met too many visitors who refuse to tip as a protest against the system. Don’t do that. You’re visiting the United States—follow the rules that apply here.

A trip to New York is expensive—between flights and hotels—but since you’re making such a journey, don’t spoil it by being stingy during your stay. Treat yourself. Do what you want to do and see. Dreaming of a helicopter tour of New York? Do it. Want to visit an observation deck or museum again, even if it costs another $50? Do it. Craving a dish you’ve never tried? Order it. Enjoy yourself and remember you won’t be in New York every day—everything you experience will stay with you for years. You’ll have plenty of time to save money once you’re home. In short, make the most of it.

Manhattan certainly holds most of what you need to see in New York: the Empire State Building, SUMMIT, Times Square, Central Park, Top of the Rock, and the Chrysler Building. But New York extends far beyond Manhattan. The city comprises five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. I strongly encourage you to explore these other neighborhoods and experience more than just tourist Manhattan. Brooklyn and Staten Island offer stunning views of New York Harbor and the skyline. Queens lets you discover Greek and Asian communities. The Bronx surprises with its architecture, greenery, and character. You’ll see all the different sides of New York.

I know this might get me some mail, but I have to say it: I don’t understand tourists who eat at McDonald’s or Burger King in New York, which serve some of the worst burgers around. Why go to a chain when New York offers an incredible range of small restaurants serving homemade burgers with real meat, fresh vegetables, and cheese that actually tastes good? To help you discover what a real burger should be, check out the burger restaurants section of our guide.

New York is so wonderful that you might start to think it’s a perfect city without theft or crime. Unfortunately, it’s a major metropolis like any other, with its share of crime. I once witnessed a pickpocketing attempt on Times Square—it was quickly stopped when police caught the thief. New York isn’t a dangerous city, but apply the same basic precautions you would use at home.

A final thought to wrap up. If you’ve read this far and explored this site, you’ve gathered plenty of information for a wonderful stay in New York. When you get home, think of us—the New York fan community. Please share your experience on our forum. In other words, don’t come back from New York without telling us how your trip went!