Ezra’s guidebook

Most people know New Yorker's never stop talking about our tap water. It is claimed it's responsible for the city's famous pizza and bagels, and there's actually scientific evidence to back this up! This water comes straight from the Catskill mountains in gravity aqueducts. 90% of it comes unfiltered straight from the source. People outside the city generally claim it's some of the most delicious water they've ever had! If a restaurant asks "bottled or tap" save a few dollars and get the infinitely better taste at the same time.

The pizza places in and around airports and transport hubs charge double to triple the price of a basic New York slice, and it's not even going to be the best one. Walk a little further from where you arrive and grab one for $2.75 from a street shop- a New York rule is that the best NY slice will always cost the same as a subway ticket.

A lot of people avoid the subway because they assume it's going to be confusing and unforgiving. Never fear, both Apple and Google maps have minute-to minute directions! Even if your phone dies the walls are covered in maps, and an MTA employee will always be more than happy to give you directions. A common mistake is getting on the right train, but the wrong direction. Many trains have trains going either way from one platform, but some have different entrances. Make sure if your map says "Manhattan-bound L" you board that one, not "Canarsie-Bound L".

Stand on the curb (DON'T walk into the bicycle lane or bus lane) and hold your arm up and out. Even if a bunch of taxis pass, you're doing it right! It might take a minute for an empty one to happen by.

Always carry cash on hand to grab quick, cheap bites from street vendors. They're everywhere for a reason!

Most New Yorkers love to chat (not while rushing to work though, which is what most are doing in the daytime), and give advice and directions, especially to tourists. We know the city can be fast-paced and intimidating so we are usually happy to help someone out! If you see someone powering along the sidewalk with earbuds and a briefcase I wouldn't advise you stop them with questions, but plenty of people milling around would be happy to help.

Don’t stop in the middle of the sidewalk to look up and/or take photos- step off the sidewalk or back up against the building. Traffic on sidewalks runs just like vehicle traffic- stay to the right.​ If you’re with a group, do not walk all together in a group in a row blocking everyone from passing you. Don’t block the subway doors even if it’s crowded as people might be trying to get out of the subway doors. If you have no choice, step off the train briefly when the doors open to let people by. Let people exit the subway/bus before you get on. Stand to the side.

Comfortable shoes; even on a big night out, you'll see mostly sneakers and low comfy heels. You'll be walking a lot. After October, your fullest-coverage coat. The tall buildings concentrate the wind down and it can be very strong and frigid in the city! Nobody is going to judge you for wearing comfy basics, and that's what most people you see will be wearing, but don't be afraid to wear that outrageous outfit you're thinking of. Street style is major in NYC and anything goes. Anything.