Essential Hacks for Tourists (Most) Native New Yorkers Already Know

New York can be rough. But it doesn't have to be.

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

To many newcomers of New York, the city can be one of the scariest, most intimidating places in the world. Luckily, the rep New Yorkers get for being unfriendly is (mostly) untrue. This city can take you to great heights, whether you've come to the big metropolis to pursue a creative endeavor or to do some general soul-searching—not to mention all of the interesting people you'll meet. All it takes to survive in New York is an unsmoteable spirit and a bit of street smarts, both of which come with time. But, if time is not on your side, with our list of essential NYC hacks you can skip the missed trains and the angry man at the bodega grumbling, "Cash only." You're welcome—and welcome to the jungle.

RELATED: Tips and Tricks You Need to Survive Urban Living
RELATED: 25 Things You Start Doing When You Move to a City
RELATED: 17 Reasons You Shouldn't Move to New York City 

Lampposts in Central Park have letters and numbers painted in white to indicate your location. The first two numbers indicate what street is nearby, if the last two numbers are odd, you are closer to the west side of the park, even numbers mean you are closer to the east side.

Not Available Interstitial

A sturdy $20 umbrella will last longer than four $5 umbrellas.

Not Available Interstitial

Need a restroom? Stop by one of the city's many New York Public Libraries.

Not Available Interstitial

Don't make eye contact with beggars or salespeople on the streets. They will approach you. In fact, wear sunglasses (and headphones) at all times.

Not Available Interstitial

Traveling from Astoria to Brooklyn? Take a nap during the commute without having to worry about someone stealing your bag by wrapping it around your foot.

Not Available Interstitial

Forget gym memberships. There are numerous locations in the city with Yoga to the People. The best part? The classes are all donation-based.

Not Available Interstitial

Get to your go-to coffee shops early if you want seating or a table with an outlet nearby. New Yorkers are up at the crack of dawn and ready to hustle.

Not Available Interstitial

Avoid vacant trains. Chances are, they are probably strewn with beggars and bodily fluids.

Not Available Interstitial

Brew a pot of coffee, and let it cool in the fridge the night before so you'll have iced coffee ready for the next morning. No more spending $3+ or waiting in lines for coffee.

Not Available Interstitial

If you're living on a budget, or moving around from apartment to apartment, don't bother buying drinking glasses or cups. Recycle old jars and use them as glasses instead.

Not Available Interstitial

You can transfer within two hours of swiping your Metrocard at one station. This means you can change to a different line, as long as it's going in the same direction (downtown to downtown, uptown to uptown.) You can also transfer from bus to subway, or vice versa.

Not Available Interstitial

Always keep at least $20 on you. Many places in New York only accept cash, and if they take credit, there's most likely a minimum amount you must purchase.

Not Available Interstitial

It's pronounced "HOUSE-ton," not like the city in Texas.

Not Available Interstitial

Don't take up the entire sidewalk when walking with your friends. New Yorkers hate that.

Not Available Interstitial

When standing, move to the side of the stairs and elevators designated for standing so that other people can move quickly past you if they're in a hurry.

Not Available Interstitial

When shopping for groceries at Trader Joe's, bring a friend. Have one of you wait in line with a basket while the other grabs groceries. Quick and painless.

Not Available Interstitial

Just an FYI, the MoMA is free from 4-8 p.m. every Friday. Go see The Starry Night as often as you'd like.

Not Available Interstitial

Most halal trucks in New York sell bottled water for $1. The vendors will try to charge you more; do not give in.

Not Available Interstitial

Get a monthly pass for the Metro. Even if you don't use it every day, you will most likely use it more if you know that you can get on the subway any time you want. You also don't have to worry about stopping to refill your card every other day, which is entirely worth the money.

Not Available Interstitial

If you plan on going to the movies with more than one other person, arrive more than half an hour early to get a few spots.

Not Available Interstitial

Learn the general vicinities of the doors when the train stops. This means you will get on the train quicker and can snag a seat before everyone else.

Not Available Interstitial

Coming out of the subway can be disorienting, so you should look for the next street to tell you whether you're going north or south.

Not Available Interstitial

Put your Metro Card inside your phone case so that you don't need to pull out your wallet every time you want to go through the turnstile.

Not Available Interstitial

Maximize closet space.

Not Available Interstitial

Attention New Yorkers, entrances are typically located on street corners with a staircase for descending into the station. If a station is marked with a large green ball, you can buy a MetroCard inside; if a station is marked with a red ball, you need to already have a MetroCard to enter.

Not Available Interstitial

Latest in Pop Culture