Manhattan for the First Time, Twelve Things

Stay in Manhattan. Someone will not convince you to journey from the cheap place they found in Queens. Or Brooklyn. At least for your first time. Choose Hell’s Kitchen, far from Times Square, or the Lower East Side. And always look at square footage of Airbnbs.

Wear nothing showing bare toes. Outside won’t allow it.

Don’t sit down on a subway seat without examining.

Don’t play cards with anyone in Times Square. If you’re anything like my friend you will. And then have the nerve to get mad after. Another story for another day.

Don’t speak negatively of Junior’s Cheesecake (it was ok..ohhp there I go), the Knicks… any local sports team.

Don’t step in puddles.

Don’t pronounce Houston like the rest of us when referring to the street, it’s “HOUSE-ton”.

There’s no difference between a deli and a bodega.

Buy a metro card. You’ll only need to Uber from the airport.

Keep hand sanitizer at all times.

The crown of the Statue of Liberty is eternally sold out. Book months in advance if you want the tippy top.

Have an RBF on the subway at night.

Cover Photo: Harry Gillen/Unsplash