Damn Tourists: 6 Easy Ways to Spot an Out-of-Towner in NYC

New to the city? Visiting from out of town?

Just because you’re not a regular doesn’t mean you have to look like an outsider.

Strolling the sidewalk, eating in the Hard Rock Cafe, or freaking out when Ryan Gosling walks by are dead giveaways that you’re not from here.

But if you really don’t want to be pegged as a clueless tourist in New York City, here are 6 things to avoid in New York City.


1. Show zero knowledge of MTA cards

*Mar 24 - 00:05*
[via galoremagazine.com]

If you’re the one fumbling with your card, unsure which way to swipe it, then you’re definitely not from the city.

You’re also not very liked either since you’re holding up the now, very cranky line impatiently waiting to hop the subway.


2. You don’t fold your pizza

Folded Pizza SeriousEats
[via seriouseats.com]

Folding your pizza just makes sense to a New York eater because it’s just easier to handle.

So if you’re still eating your slice any other way-- like gasp, using a fork and knife-- get out of here. Seriously.


3. Blatantly stare at everyone

New York City, May, 2013.
[via blog.garyallard.com]

 New Yorkers don’t care who they are sharing the street with. It can be President Obama walking by, or a naked man running the street, and a real New Yorker won’t look twice - probably won’t even look once.

So, if you’re staring at the person living in a dilapidated box, or wearing a tuxedo made out of body paint, avert your gaze. Keep your eyes to yourself.


4. Show no love to the city

LOVE NYC jamienoellelund.wordpress.com
[via jamienoellelund.wordpress.com]

 New Yorkers love their city and a dead give away that you’re not from here is by trash-talking it.

"It smells like garbage!"

"It’s too loud!"

Yeah yeah we get it. Now zip it and move along.


5. Take a selfie with the Statue of Liberty

statue-of-lib-selfie bigappled.com
[via google.com]

Forget the celebrities, you’re all about striking a pose with Lady Liberty herself, and while you should appreciate what she stands for, you don’t want to reach for the selfie stick every time you see her.


6. Sightsee while walking

Sightseeing virtualtourist.com
[via virtualtourist.com]

Pointing out each landmark you pass by is a dead giveaway you’re not a full-timer in this city.

New Yorkers are always on the run with their head down, strutting like they own it (which they do), and they just don’t have time to stop and stare - and if you want to fit in, neither should you.

Check out 17 Touristy Things Every New Yorker Needs to Cross Off Their Bucket List ASAP

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