What Not to Do in NYC: 12 Tourist Mistakes

New York City is one of those places that can completely sweep you off your feet: the lights, the energy, the food, the neighborhoods. It’s electric, chaotic, and for many travelers, a total dream come true.

But here’s the thing: NYC is also one of those cities where travel tips are genuinely helpful. They save you time, money, energy, and stress.

And honestly, it doesn’t matter if you’re from a big city, a small town, or even if you consider yourself a seasoned traveler; if it’s your first time in the Big Apple, there are definitely a few notes worth picking up.

That’s why I put together this guide on what not to do in NYC. Think of it as a cheat sheet for avoiding the biggest tourist mistakes, so you can actually enjoy the city instead of stressing out or getting ripped off.

From Times Square scams to navigating the subway, these are the things you’ll want to know before your trip.

Stay Alert in Times Square at Night

Times Square is a must-visit spot to cross off the bucket list. The glowing billboards, the energy of the crowds, and the sheer chaos are all part of the New York experience.

That said, it’s also a stomping ground for scammers who’ve made a living out of working the crowds.

From costumed characters who say photos are “free” (then demand $20) to people posing as friendly tour guides or ticket sellers, there are countless tactics in play.

I’ve stood around watching it happen more than once, and it’s eye-opening how many tourists fall for the same tricks.

So go, take in the lights, snap your photos, but keep your guard up. Don’t take unsolicited offers, know that nothing is really “free,” and keep your belongings secure.

Also, be aware of your surroundings at all times. Pickpockets do operate here, and with Times Square busy all day and late into the night, it pays to stay observant.

Explore Beyond Midtown and Times Square

Something that always surprises me is when friends tell me they’ve been to New York City but then admit they only spent time in Midtown and Times Square. Technically, yes, you were in NYC, but you didn’t really see it.

Sure, Times Square is a must-visit once. The lights, the energy, the giant billboards, it’s an experience worth checking off.

But here’s the thing: these are the very areas most locals avoid. They’re crowded, pricey, and don’t show you the true side of the city.

To find that charm, you need to explore the many neighborhoods of NYC where people actually live. Head to Greenwich Village for historic streets and cozy cafés, SoHo for trendy shops and art galleries, or Harlem for incredible food and live music.

Over in Brooklyn, neighborhoods like Williamsburg or DUMBO offer skyline views and a distinctly different vibe.

Midtown and Times Square are just the surface. The real magic of New York is scattered across its neighborhoods, and exploring beyond the obvious spots is what turns a quick trip into a genuine NYC experience.

Keep Moving & Don’t Block the Sidewalk

New York is a walking city, and the sidewalks are its highways. Locals are constantly on the go, commuting to work, grabbing a bagel, or catching a train.

One of the fastest ways to annoy them (and stand out as a tourist) is to stop right in the middle of the flow.

If you need to check your map, grab a quick photo, or figure out where you’re headed, step to the side.

It sounds like common sense, but trust me, you’ll see plenty of groups bunched up in the middle of a busy block, completely blocking the way.

Not only does it make you a target for some eye rolls, but it’s also unsafe when the sidewalks are packed.

So keep moving, pull over to the edge if you need to pause, and you’ll blend in a lot better with the locals.

Avoid Standing in Bike Lanes for Photos

Here’s another one that trips up tourists: NYC has bike lanes everywhere. They’re painted green, and they’re not extra sidewalk space, even if it looks like it at first glance.

It’s tempting to stop in them for a perfect photo, especially in areas like the West Side Highway or near the Brooklyn Bridge, but standing in a bike lane is a recipe for disaster.

Cyclists in the city ride fast, and they’re not expecting to dodge a group of tourists staging selfies in the middle of the lane.

If you want your shot, step onto the curb or wait for a proper lookout point. The city has plenty of safe photo spots with equally impressive views.

Respect the bike lanes, and you’ll avoid an angry shout, or worse, an accident.

Don’t Forget to Make Reservations

If there’s one mistake I see visitors make all the time, it’s assuming they can just walk into any popular NYC restaurant and get a table. That might work in smaller cities, but in New York? Forget it.

I don’t know about you, but I’m a massive foodie, and NYC is hands-down one of my top three favorite food cities in the world.

The fact is, reservations are an integral part of the culture in NYC. If you’re visiting during a busy period, such as the holidays, Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July, or even just a regular weekend, you’ll want to book well in advance.

If you already know the restaurants on your list, use an app like OpenTable to secure a reservation. Trust me, it’ll save you a ton of stress.

That said, some of the city’s most iconic spots don’t take reservations at all. So be prepared to wait in line, whether it’s Dominique Ansel Bakery in SoHo for a cronut or John’s on Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village for their legendary pizza. It’s just part of the New York dining experience.

Watch for the Bump & Blame Scam

One of the more annoying scams you’ll come across in NYC is the “bump” scam. Someone will deliberately bump into you, drop something, and then turn it into a scene, accusing you of causing damage and demanding money.

It’s basically their full-time hustle, preying on tourists who look unsure of what just happened.

Here’s the truth: in New York, bumping into people happens all the time. It’s part of walking in a crowded city. Typically, you just say sorry and move on.

If someone tries to guilt you into paying up, don’t engage. For the most part, these people are harmless; they’re just looking to make a quick buck. Continue walking, or if the situation escalates, contact the police.

Skip Pedicab Rides: They’re Pricey and Risky

You’ll see them all around Central Park and Midtown: brightly decorated pedicabs blasting music, offering you a “fun” ride through the city.

Sounds charming, right? The reality is they’re one of the biggest tourist traps in NYC.

Prices are rarely clear upfront, and I’ve heard numerous stories of people being charged $100 or more for a short loop around the park.

Some drivers even try to pull you into a negotiation mid-ride, which is never a good sign. On top of that, the safety standards aren’t exactly ideal, and it’s really not the way to experience the city.

Don’t confuse these with the horse-drawn carriages in Central Park, which at least have a slower-paced, old-fashioned charm.

Pedicabs are basically the bad version of a tuk-tuk from Thailand: slower, more expensive, and way less fun. If you want to explore Central Park, you’re much better off walking or renting a bike.

Leave Flexibility in Your Schedule

This is another very common tourist mistake, and honestly, it applies to a lot of destinations, but especially New York City. I get it. You’re visiting for the first time, and you want to cram in as much as possible. But as tempting as that sounds, it can actually backfire.

You’ll exhaust yourself, miss out on the city’s quieter charm, and at the end of the day, you might only remember rushing around, not the experiences themselves. What you really want to do is leave some flexibility in your schedule.

New York City has an overwhelming number of things to do in one trip. I’ve been many times myself and still have plenty on my list for next time.

So don’t pressure yourself to see it all. Build in time to explore at a slower pace, linger in neighborhoods you like, and let the city surprise you. Chances are, if it’s your first visit, you’ll be coming back anyway.

Skip the Empire State Building Line with a CityPASS

The Empire State Building is one of those bucket list stops in New York, and for good reason; the views are iconic.

But what most first-time visitors don’t realize is just how long the lines can get, especially in peak tourist season.

If you show up without planning ahead, you could easily waste an hour (or more) waiting to get to the top. That’s time you could be spending exploring other parts of the city.

The smarter move is to grab a New York CityPASS or another sightseeing pass that includes the Empire State Building. Not only does it save you money if you’re hitting multiple attractions, but it also helps you skip the worst of the lines. Trust me, it’s worth it; your feet and your patience will thank you.

And while the Empire State Building is the classic, another incredible viewpoint to consider is The Edge at Hudson Yards. It’s one of the city’s newer observation decks, featuring a modern design and a glass floor that offers a direct view of the streets below.

The layout feels totally different from the older observatories, and the views of Manhattan’s west side are unbeatable. If you have time, I recommend doing both; they each offer a completely different perspective of the city.

Don’t Forget to Tip in NYC

One thing that surprises many visitors, especially those from countries where tipping isn’t common, is just how much it matters in New York.

The city’s service industry runs on it, from restaurants and bars to taxis, haircuts, and hotel staff.

Look, I get it. Tipping might not be part of your culture. Personally, I’m from Canada, where it’s the norm, but I’ve also spent time in countries like Japan, where tipping is actually frowned upon.

So I understand both sides, those who think it doesn’t make sense and those who can’t imagine skipping it.

That said, New York City is one of those places where tipping is essential. It’s part of the culture, and more importantly, it’s what helps workers get by. And just to be clear — I said get by, not get rich.

• Restaurants: 18–20% of your bill.

• Bars: $1–2 per drink.

• Taxis & rideshares: Round up or add 10–15%.

• Coffee shops: Consider leaving a tip of $1 or more if you received good service.

It might feel overwhelming at first, but consider tipping in NYC as part of the city’s rhythm.

Being open-minded and tipping fairly isn’t just about etiquette; it’s about respecting the people who keep the city running and make your trip smoother.

Of course, this all assumes you actually received decent service. If someone was flat-out rude or dismissive, you don’t need to hand out tips just for the sake of it.

Keep it practical, reward good service, and don’t feel pressured to tip in situations where it clearly isn’t deserved.

Dress for Comfort, Not Just Style

New York City can definitely be a spot to wear those outfits you’ve had tucked away in the back of your closet. I’m the same way; I enjoy fashion, and the city is perfect for showcasing it.

Anyway, as fun as that is, make sure comfort comes first, especially when it comes to your shoes. You’ll be walking a lot more than you expect, and nothing ruins a day of exploring faster than sore feet.

If you’re visiting in the fall or winter, dressing warmly is just as important. NYC winds can cut right through you, so layers, a good coat, and gloves will make a world of difference.

Keep in mind that if you’re here during the holidays, there are plenty of Christmas activities in NYC to experience, so you’ll want to be prepared to stay warm, as you’ll be out for most of the day.

Summertime presents its own challenges, with the humidity making the subway feel like a sauna, so breathable clothing is essential.

The bottom line: bring the stylish outfit, but balance it with practical pieces so you’re comfortable no matter the season.

Tips for Navigating NYC Airports and Transfers

One important aspect of New York City that often catches first-time visitors off guard is the airports.

There are three: JFK and LaGuardia in Queens, plus Newark over in New Jersey. When booking flights or transfers, ensure you know which one you’re landing in, as it makes a significant difference in terms of time, cost, and convenience.

• Klook Airport Transfers: A convenient option that allows you to book online in advance, read reviews, and secure a ride before you land. It saves the stress of figuring things out at the terminal.

• Uber/Rideshare Apps: Both Uber and Lyft operate at all three airports, although surge pricing may be activated during peak times. Still, it’s a reliable and comfortable option if you prefer app-based rides.

• Yellow Cabs: The classic New York choice. Official airport taxi stands always operate on a meter (with set flat rates from JFK to Manhattan). Just avoid unlicensed drivers who may approach you inside the terminal.

• Public Transportation & Shuttles: Each airport connects to the city via trains, buses, or shuttle vans. It’s the most affordable option, although it may be slower if you have a lot of luggage. JFK’s AirTrain to the subway is especially popular with budget-minded travelers.

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Final Thoughts: Avoiding Tourist Mistakes in New York City

Visiting New York City for the first time can feel overwhelming; there’s just so much packed into one place.

And while mistakes are bound to happen (we’ve all made them), being a little prepared goes a long way.

Whether it’s keeping your guard up in Times Square, using the subway instead of overspending on cabs, or remembering to tip, the small things really do shape your experience in the city.

The goal isn’t to plan every single second, but to know the common pitfalls so you can avoid them and spend more time enjoying the best things to do in NYC.

At the end of the day, New York rewards curiosity. Wander into a new neighborhood, try that slice of pizza, or catch a random street performance; those little moments are what you’ll remember most.