15 things to know before traveling to New York, from subway etiquette to social norms

For those visiting for the first time, New York City can be as intimidating as it is attractive. With over 8 million inhabitants and 220,000 enterprises scattered over five districts and More than 350 districtsit would take several lifetimes for many of us to fully explore the dynamic and ever-evolving city Condé Nast Traveler the editorial office calls home. From subway and sidewalk etiquette to unspoken social norms, there are a few basic rules New Yorkers live by to navigate the chaos.

To help travelers navigate the best city in the world with confidence and ease, we’ve rounded up 15 unwritten rules everyone should know before visiting New York, as well as tips and tricks for planning your next trip. Consider it a cheat sheet for experiencing New York like a local. When you do come, know that while New Yorkers may not be Midwesterners or cold West Coasters, we’re always happy to lend a hand if you need directions, advice, or help lugging that packed suitcase up the subway stairs.

New York has 472 subway stations and 28 routes covering all 5 boroughs.

© Marco Bottigelli

Plan for traffic and delays

As a native New Yorker, this was a hard lesson I learned oh so many times, especially when hailing a cab was so convenient. When you’re late for that Broadway show you’ve booked weeks in advance, don’t—and I mean DON’T—rely on ground transportation to get you there on time. More often than not, there is some sort of parade, protest, rally, street fair, or film shoot (or all of the above), especially in the busiest parts of the city. Using the subway will almost always be your best bet. If you are in the wilderness of the metro, taking the bus will still be a better option as they use dedicated bus lanes. My best advice for avoiding the mess of all of the above? Give yourself plenty of extra time to move around anywhere Even if it seems not far away, you never know what kind of strange incident can cause road and rail traffic throughout the city. — Emily Adler, Assistant manager of social networks

Use public transport

As mentioned above, public transport it’s the best way to explore the city. New York has one of the best transportation systems in the world, including trains, buses, ferriesand even a tram. With 472 stations and 28 routes covering all 5 districts, the metro is the most convenient option. To plan your route, connect your destination to the MTA Map New York Subway app or use the transit option on Apple Maps or Google Maps. Always choose the correct entrance depending on the direction you’re going (in Manhattan, this is usually uptown or midtown) so you don’t end up on the wrong side of the tracks. You can pay with one touch using your phone, contactless credit card or metro card.

Time for rules. When the subway arrives, stand next to (not in front of) the doors to be the first to let passengers off the train. When everyone leaves, you can sit down. If the door closes right when you get there, don’t panic — and please don’t leave it open. There is probably another train coming right behind. If there are many people in one car, move to the center to make room for the drivers behind you. And if you’re stuck right in front of the door, you’ll need to get off at the next stop to let people out (just stand right or left and then you can come back). Now for seat etiquette: these are reserved for lighters, not purses, so don’t take up space with your purse. Offer your seat if you see someone who needs it more. If you’re standing with a backpack on a crowded train, take it off and hold it in your hands or put it by your feet so you don’t hit the people behind you. When you’ve finally arrived at your destination and are climbing the stairs back to life above ground, real New Yorkers will always offer to help with strollers or heavy suitcases—we’re all in this together. — Hannah Towey, Assistant Editor

This subway car is empty for a reason

Never board an empty subway car, because there’s probably a good reason for that. Maybe it’s not working air conditioning or heating; someone’s grocery bags spilled all over the floor; the possibility of encountering some unpleasant smell – the list is endless. Instead, put yourself in an airless car and believe that there are hundreds of different reasons why every New Yorker around you decided to do the same. —Arathi MenonGlobal Digital Director