Having been here almost two months, I’ve learned a couple things I was woefully ignorant of before. I’m not even close to being a “real New Yorker” (I haven’t even cried on the subway guys), but I can definitely share some knowledge that’s helpful to people visiting or moving to the city.
Getting Around
#1 – Look up (and figure out) subway directions BEFORE you leave
#2 – Know the difference between going downtown and uptown
#3 – Local trains stop at every station; express trains DO NOT
#4 – The traffic on even numbered one-way streets go East; odd traffic goes West
#5 – The city is a grid, avenues go North-South; streets go East-West
#6 – 30-day passes can only be swiped once every 18 minutes
#7 – It takes longer to get there than you think
Food Stuffs
#8 – There will ALWAYS be a $1 pizza place. And yes, it will be delicious
#9 – The food trucks are better than you think; and cleaner.
#10 – There are restaurants for every culture…don’t be afraid to try something new
#11 – Look at the ratings that are posted on every restaurant; A and B are good, “grade pending” means a failing grade…
#12 – If you’re on a budget, stick to bagels and small falafel places, or cook at home
#13 – Mid-town is full of tourists and the prices rise accordingly
Staying Safe
#13 – Don’t walk alone
#14 – If you must walk alone, stick to popular streets (a good bet is 2-way streets)
#15 – The Lower East Side is actually pretty safe
#16 – When dealing with catcalls, pretend like you didn’t hear them, don’t look at them, and keep walking
#17 – When in Brooklyn ghettos, put your iPhone AWAY
#18 – Make a wide berth around the more insane-looking homeless, they can be grabby
The Music Scene
#19 – Open mics happen in various cafes and bars every night of the week, and they’re a great way to get gigs
#20 – The East Village has the best venues, all within walking distance of each other, a lot them free
#21 – “Free” means there’s a drink minimum
#22 – Just like any other big city, busk whenever you can (even on the subways)
#23 – Play as much as possible, form a relationship with other musicians, and make sure the audience knows where to find your music when you leave the stage
Musikleigh Alive 