How do you spot a NYC tourist? (New York, York: bus, bill)

[Moderate Guy]

.....opens up to cabbie at jfk telling him how nice it is to visit the big apple for first time and can cabbie show/explain the landmarks on way to hotel in manhattan. cabbie shows em bronx zoo, throgs neck bridge, staten island landfill, brooklyn museum "on way" to waldorf astoria.
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after reaching destination try to convince cabbie in faltering english that fare should be $45. tour guide cabbie suddenly has language issue, "No speaka much english. please to give cabbie $245. no tip since you nice guys."

[Fred314X]

Tourists are the ones carrying subway maps.

[bx718]

Originally Posted by NooYowkur81

...-Taking pictures on the Subway...

natives do this A LOT especially at the weekends and at night. I see it all the time on the 2/5 in the X. Teens basically have photo shoots on the train

[Minus]

Originally Posted by NYCwoman

You know those guys that hang out on the street and hand out flyers for whatever(lunch specials, drink specials, xxx etc)? Do only tourists take those? When I visited NY when I was young I remember taking several, probably thinking that's what everybody does.


I used to take them just to be kind (because I feel so sorry for those guys). But then I started feeling guilty about enviromental concerns (taking paper knowing I would just throw it away). So, now I look these guys and gals in the eye, smile and say "No, thank you". I cannot tell you how many times they smile back with gratitude for not just walking by and ignoring them like they don't even exist.

I usually take em, on account of I used to have a job where I had to hand out menus, and it sucked just standing there trying to get rid of my stack so I could go back inside.

[john_starks]

Originally Posted by njmike

Standing 4 or more across the sidewalk, holding hands and blocking people from getting by. Then get annoyed because they try to get through the group.

yeah, this seems to be a midtown phenomenon. i can't believe how much sidewalk space one can take up while walking -1 mph

[rlrl]

and I was walking on Broadway near 251 street in Riverdale, Bronx.

A carload of people pulls up to me at the Mobil station on the corner.

The driver, talking in an accent, tells me "we're from Columbia county, we're lost, we're looking for the Majestic Theater off Broadway"

I told them to get back on the H Hudson Pkwy and ride downtown until they hit 44th street and make a left OR to keep riding down Broadway until they get to W 44th street

I thought it to be the most hilarious encounter i have ever had and that those people were utterly, utterly lost and had no concept of Broadway in Manhattan or the Bronx

they were 10 miles short of their destination

to me this was the ultimate example in a tourist being lost

[Wild Style]

Originally Posted by bx718

natives do this A LOT especially at the weekends and at night. I see it all the time on the 2/5 in the X. Teens basically have photo shoots on the train

i was about to say that. A lot of people take pics in NYC not just tourist. I am from Bk and when ever I am home I try to get out and shoot (I do amateur photography)

[quelinda]

You can tell right off the bat by the styles of the clothing and hair. Also, loud talking on the train when everyone else is quiet. They have no concept that almost the whole car can hear every last word they're saying. But I'm glad they come and I'm always willing to help with directions or whatever.

[Pivot Point]

American tourists often look extremely healthy and innocent.

[Andysocks]

Originally Posted by quelinda

You can tell right off the bat by the styles of the clothing and hair. Also, loud talking on the train when everyone else is quiet. They have no concept that almost the whole car can hear every last word they're saying. But I'm glad they come and I'm always willing to help with directions or whatever.

Teen Long Islanders on the train home from the city. Holy crap is that annoying. No one needs to know what Rita did that was so funny during lunchtime Monday morning.