Tourists in New York City share a special kind of energy — a mix of excitement, confusion, and determination that locals spot from a mile away. Every day, thousands of visitors fill the streets of the Big Apple, bringing their maps, cameras, and dreams of experiencing the city that never sleeps. Their actions create an unwritten tourist guidebook filled with predictable yet entertaining moments that happen over and over again.
These tourist behaviors have become such a normal part of New York life that they’re almost like a daily show for city residents. From how visitors handle the subway system to their reactions to famous landmarks, these moments add character to the city’s already colorful atmosphere. Some of these tourist habits might seem silly to locals, but they’re an essential part of discovering New York City for the first time.
Walking While Looking Up at Buildings
Tourists can’t help but stare up at New York’s towering skyscrapers, often walking straight into other people or street signs. This neck-craning walk, known by locals as the “tourist tilt,” causes traffic jams on busy sidewalks. Some visitors even try to walk backward to get better views, creating amusing moments of near-collisions. The Empire State Building and Chrysler Building are the main culprits for this sky-gazing behavior.
Standing in the Middle of the Sidewalk to Check Maps
Nothing screams “tourist” louder than suddenly stopping in a busy walkway to check directions on a phone or map. These sudden stops create human traffic jams as busy New Yorkers try to navigate around the confused visitors. Some tourists even spread out their entire paper maps in the middle of rush hour, creating an obstacle course for locals. The determined map-readers often seem completely unaware of the chaos they’re causing around them.
Taking Photos of Regular Pigeons
Somehow, tourists find New York pigeons far more fascinating than the ones in their hometown. They spend countless minutes trying to capture the perfect shot of these ordinary birds in Times Square. Some visitors even chase the pigeons around, trying to get them to fly for a dramatic photo. The locals walk by wondering what makes these particular city birds so special.
Trying to Pet Police Horses in Times Square
The mounted police in Times Square become unexpected photo opportunities for excited visitors. Tourists often approach the horses as if they’re in a petting zoo, not realizing these are working police animals. The officers have mastered the art of politely explaining why their horses can’t pose for selfies. Some visitors even try to feed the horses snacks from their shopping bags.
Getting Confused by Hot Dog Cart Prices
The simple task of buying a hot dog becomes a comedy show when tourists try to understand the varying prices. They often spend several minutes negotiating with vendors, not realizing prices change based on location and time of day. Some visitors insist on showing vendor prices they found online from five years ago. The look of surprise when they discover the real cost of a Times Square hot dog is priceless.
Blocking Subway Doors While Deciding Which Way to Go
The subway doors open, and tourists freeze, creating a human roadblock as they try to figure out if this is their stop. These moments of indecision cause amusing chain reactions of frustrated commuters trying to exit or enter the train. Some visitors even try to hold the doors open while consulting their phone maps. The local commuters’ expressions during these moments tell the whole story.
Taking Photos with Random Costumed Characters
Times Square’s costume-wearing performers become irresistible photo opportunities for unsuspecting tourists. Visitors often don’t realize these photos come with an expected tip until after the picture is taken. The resulting price negotiations create entertaining sidewalk drama for passersby. Some tourists even try to bargain using currency from their home country.
Eating Pizza Wrong
New York pizza creates endless entertainment as tourists try to figure out how to eat it properly. Some visitors use knives and forks, causing visible distress to nearby New Yorkers watching this pizza crime unfold. Others try to fold their slice backward or eat it from the crust first. The struggle to handle a massive slice while walking and taking photos adds another layer of comedy.
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge in High Heels
The iconic Brooklyn Bridge walk becomes an unexpected challenge for tourists who didn’t plan their footwear properly. Watching visitors attempt the long walk in fancy shoes provides free entertainment for other pedestrians. Some determined tourists even try to do the return journey in their uncomfortable footwear rather than admit defeat. The slow, painful walk becomes a testament to fashion over function.
Getting Excited About Chain Restaurants
Tourists often get thrilled about eating at chain restaurants they can find in any city. They’ll wait in long lines at Times Square’s chain restaurants while amazing local eateries remain empty nearby. Some visitors even plan their entire day around eating at these familiar establishments. The excitement over these ordinary restaurants baffles local New Yorkers who walk past.
Treating Central Park Like a Small Garden
Visitors often underestimate the massive size of Central Park and try to see it all in one hour. They start their park adventure full of energy, only to realize they’ve only covered a tiny fraction of the space. Some tourists attempt to walk to every location they’ve seen in movies, not realizing these spots are miles apart. The gradual realization that the park is actually huge leads to some entertaining route recalculations.
Going to the Wrong Hamilton Location
Eager Hamilton fans often end up at the Hamilton Grange National Memorial instead of the Richard Rodgers Theatre. The confusion on their faces when they realize this is Alexander Hamilton’s home, not the Broadway show, is priceless. Some visitors even try to convince staff that they have tickets for a show at this historic site. The park rangers have become experts at redirecting disappointed theater fans.
Taking Photos of Every Yellow Taxi
Tourists treat regular yellow cabs like rare exotic animals, photographing them from every angle. They often stop in the middle of crosswalks to capture the perfect taxi photo, creating interesting traffic situations. Some visitors chase after occupied taxis trying to get action shots of them driving away. The taxi drivers have learned to ignore the constant camera flashes from excited tourists.
Dressing for the Wrong Weather
Visitors often pack based on movies they’ve seen about New York, leading to some interesting clothing choices. Summer tourists can be spotted wearing heavy winter coats in August, while winter visitors sometimes arrive in light clothing expecting mild weather. Some determined tourists stick to their planned outfits despite the weather, creating memorable scenes of people in summer clothes during snowstorms. The contrast between properly dressed locals and confused tourists becomes especially entertaining during weather changes.
Asking Times Square Street Artists for Free Photos
Tourists often mistake professional street artists for free entertainment, walking straight into their performances expecting complimentary photos. The artists have mastered the art of freezing mid-pose when they spot a sneaky photo attempt. Some visitors try elaborate schemes to capture photos without being noticed, like pretending to take selfies. The resulting interactions between artists explaining their work aren’t free and surprised tourists create daily street theater.
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