For those visiting the city or new to it there are a few things you should know. There’s no other place like it and nothing can prepare you for it. You just have to experience it for yourself. I’ve heard some say, “You either love it, or hate it. There’s no in between.” Just to be clear, I absolutely love it! Here are just a few tips that would have helped me and will surely help you.

Calling an Uber
When you need a ride in NYC, particularly in Manhattan there is no need to prepare and call ahead. Trust me, I’ve done this before. There was this one time I called for an Uber in my apartment. By the time I was out my door I received a notification that the driver was already there. Since, I still had to wait on the elevator, by the time I made it downstairs my ride had been cancelled and I had been charged a fee. I seriously had a small time window to catch my ride. I learned real quick. So remember this, only call for an Uber when you are ready to go.

Catching an Uber
Once Uber has located you a driver there is a chance they may call you right after you have been paired. If the question on the other end of that call is something like, “Are you going to LaGuardia?” do no not answer and just respond, “I’ll see you when you get here!” It’s not right but what happens sometimes is, since Uber drivers don’t know your destination until they’ve picked you up they may try to acquire that information beforehand so they can determine if the trip is worth their time.

Catching a Taxi
Same goes for catching a taxi. When you hail a taxi I repeat, do not tell the driver where you are going until you have secured your seat and the doors are closed. Some taxi drivers will pull up and immediately ask you, “Where are you going?” and then refuse you a ride. Just so you know you can politely share that the law requires taxi drivers to drive you to any destination in the five boroughs.

Riding the Train
Believe it or not, there are common courtesies when riding the train in NYC. When waiting on a train and it finally arrives always wait to the side as the doors open. Allow people to deboard a train first before making your way onboard. Once on the train grab a seat or a pole to avoid falling when the train moves – you will look silly and some passengers may or may not chuckle, if they are paying attention and not on their phone. And if it is rush hour beware! A lot of people packed like sardines, anxious to get home, will not open their arms and make room for you, which is probably nonexistent at that point. You have two options. 1) Push your way through, as politely as possible, declining to apologize because someone may scream, “You’re not sorry!” (trust me, I witnessed this when an unnamed individual came to visit). Besides its inevitable you will bump into someone as you make your way on the train. Or you can 2) Simply wait for the next train and hope theres a sliver of room for you to squeeze into gracefully.

Check the Weather
It is absolutely key you check the weather before heading out for the day since most of your commutes will involve trekking through the city by foot. I remember picking up my son from daycare, and unbeknownst to me there would be a huge downpour shortly after I had him in tow. I tried my best to find shelter but I didn’t survive the rain’s vicious comeback. As I got closer to my destination a kind New Yorker offered to hold his umbrella over me and my child and then later gave it to me to keep. Such a kind gesture by a fellow city dweller. Lesson learned. Always check the weather and carry an umbrella even if there is the slightest chance of showers.

Carrying Personal Belongings
While in the city you will walk a lot and you don’t want to be weighed down my your personal belongings. I’ve always loved crossbody bags but really invested in two sturdy ones when I moved here because I really need my hands free. If I’m with the kids I often opt for a backpack since it serves as the diaper bag and my purse. Whatever your accessory of choice choose something comfortable, light and manageable.

Dressing Your Feet
Socks and shoes. Two coverings for your feet that are essential whether it is hot or cold. Flip flops are not always the best choice unless you own some real durable ones. I had a flip flop straight up break on me while at the park with my little ones. I had to limp back home. It was so awkward as I passed staring strangers. I was super thankful I didn’t have to go far. Then there was the time my socks all ended up with holes where the balls of my feet belong. I couldn’t figure it out for the longest why this was happening. I just bought several pairs. It then occurred to me that I had been walking way more. I mean, you can walk a mile and it hardly feels like it because of all the sights along the way. So buy good quality socks and perhaps the same thing won’t happen to you. Now, if you must wear your fashionable heels consider chunky or kitten heels and even wedges. Otherwise, an Uber may be in your near future.

Fitting In
If you must fit in and don’t want to be hounded along with the rest of the tourists that flock to the Big Apple put your headphones or earbuds on, even if there is no music playing, and walk onward as if you know where you are going. If you get a handle on the cross streets and avoid using addresses when hopping in cabs you are on you’re way to fitting in. Also, look straight ahead and don’t make eye contact. Hahahahaha! That sounds so awful. I am truly a social person but sometimes you have to turn that off when on a mission to steer clear of salespeople asking if you want to take this or that bus tour, rent a bicycle, or go for a horse and carriage ride. Oh, and don’t walk slow holding up the rest of pedestrian traffic. If you must, step to the side and leave room for those who are in a hurry. When riding on an elevator that is near capacity, don’t act surprised when 3+ more people jump on because, after all, in NYC there is always room to be made.

There you go! Your visit to NYC should be loads of fun!