Manhattan NY

[bigred90gt]

When I lived in New Jersey, we went to Manhattan on a regular basis. The people are actually quite friendly, and are more than willing to help you out if you have any questions (at least we never ran into anyone who was anything other than friendly). We were there at all hours of the day and night, and never felt threatened. There are a lot of people (until you've been there, you really do not understand just how many people), and a lot of really strange people, but for the most part, they all keep to themselves. You're more likely to get hit by a taxi. I almost did, while crossing the street on the walk sign (he was turning right on red, and I had the right of way). After I put a dent in his hood with my fist, and told him what I thought about his lack of ability to pay attention to his surroundings, he seemingly understood and waited for the rest of the pedestrians to pass before continuing on about his way. I dont think I've ever seen my wife so shocked as she was then. I really think she thought I was going to pull the guy out of the car. That side of me doesnt come out very often, and she'd never seen it before (nor has she seen it since) but I've been hit by a car before (twice actually), and know what it feels like, and dont appreciate when someone tries to do it a 3rd time.

[seamusTX]

That reminds me: the bicycle messengers can be death on two wheels. You really need to keep your head on a swivel in a place like that.

- Jim

[Excaliber]

That reminds me: the bicycle messengers can be death on two wheels. You really need to keep your head on a swivel in a place like that.

- Jim

True.

Be prepared for the fact that people there are really focused on where they're going - and they walk fast.

If you walk more slowly than the crowd, you sharply increase your chances of being approached by panhandlers, fake watch salesmen, and other annoyances. These folks tend to hang out along the building line. If you walk fast and close to the street side of the walkway, you can avoid most of these hassles.

Figure out where you're going and how to get there before you leave. In some parts of town if you stop on the sidewalk and pull out a map, your experience is likely to resemble what happens when a flock of seagulls spots a dead fish washed up on the beach.

[seamusTX]

If you do need to look at a map or stand still for any other reason (such as making a phone call), to into a store or building lobby.

Also, (this should go without saying but many people don't get it) don't look like you just fell off the turnip truck. I used to see people in Chicago wearing totally out-of-place clothing, carrying bags with logos of tour companies on them, walking around looking up the sides of skyscrapers, and that sort of thing.

A man can go almost anywhere wearing clean, relatively new blue jeans and a sport jacket.

- Jim

[thr_wedge]

Being from NY state before I got out of there ASAP to come to Texas and having gone to NYC more than a couple of times here are a couple of other tips.

Bag. You will need a man-purse, backpack, messenger bag. You are walking everywhere.

Cash. There are little mom and pop places that don't take credit! And ATMs unless from a major bank are a rip off. You don't need a huge wad, most places take credit but we got burned once...

Bring a bigger belt and fat pants, there is some good food.

NYC is trying to call liner-locks as gravity knives which are illegal. Double check NYC knife laws before you bring anything. A small flashlight will be handy, some restaurants at night are super dark and hard to read the menu.

Don't wander through the restaurant supply district, it isn't nearly as exciting as it sounds. Wrong turn, opps. I think it was by the UN, but that was almost 10 years ago on that particular adventure.

[pbwalker]

Bag. You will need a man-purse, backpack, messenger bag. You are walking everywhere.

Don't let Abraham see this!

[bigred90gt]

I 2nd the bag notion, and bring one that can be carried either in front or tucked under your arm. I brought a backpack, and wore it backwards so that it was on my chest. It looked silly, but kept anyone from unzipping the pockets. In order to keep the pickpockets at bay, I kept my stuff in it, and kept my hands on it at all times.

[G26ster]

Manhattan, and NYC in general, is far safer than most Texas large cities.

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0004902.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[thr_wedge]

I 2nd the bag notion, and bring one that can be carried either in front or tucked under your arm. I brought a backpack, and wore it backwards so that it was on my chest. It looked silly, but kept anyone from unzipping the pockets. In order to keep the pickpockets at bay, I kept my stuff in it, and kept my hands on it at all times.

Yes, I liked the messenger bag the best, it's easy to keep an eye on it.