Any tips for first-time visitor to NYC?

[callous taoboy]

I'll be staying with friends in Brooklyn for 4 nights. Any tips, safety or otherwise? Would having an i-phone be an advantage? Walking around with a backpack recommended?

[Sanity Claws]

1. Hi there

An iPhone would help because it would locate where you are and help you find out how to get to your next destination.
Get to know the subway. It is the fastest way of getting around. If you are in NYC on the weekend, make sure you check the mta page for route changes. In an effort to repair old tracks, etc. , the MTA shuts down parts of subway lines on the weekend.

Backpacks are okay as long as they are reasonable in size.

[Hoppy]

2. iPhone app:

Public Toilets

Pack able rain jacket in the backpack if rain is predicted

1 bottle of water.

Pickpockets -- carry your wallet in front jeans pocket

[Wilms]

3. Bring a TON of money.

That said, it's great place to visit.

[Smarmie Doofus]

4. Safety isn't much of a concern, if that's what your worried about.

'Course some ( most) areas are safer than others.

Much of BKLYN.... esp the areas near Manhattan.... have long been gentrified, youthifized and upscaled.

That said.... it's a big city .... so keep an eye out. And try not to "look like a tourist". Unless you're in an explicitly touristy area. ( Lower Manhattan, Times Square, etc. )

Enjoy. Come to the Bx. ( America's Borough) if you have a chance. I'll show you around.

[Sanity Claws]

6. Hello fellow Bronx resident!

I've only lived in this borough for about three years (grew up in Queens) and find that not many people admit to living in the Bronx. Have you noticed people say they live in Riverdale, but never say The Bronx?

[Smarmie Doofus]

7. There's an old joke in these parts. Less a joke than an observation, actually.

People in Riverdale say "Riverdale" so people won't know they actually live in the Bronx.

People in Fieldston (tiny enclave of mega-million dollar mansions w. its own police force, completely enclosed by Riverdale) say "Fieldston" so people won't know they actually live in Riverdale.

[callous taoboy]

10. Smarmie, I may take you up on that depending on how things time out.

If I can I'd like to message you here on DU and maybe we can get together and hang! I've long enjoyed your posts here.

[Smarmie Doofus]

11. I changed my mind and I'm booked solid for the next 5 weeks.

Just kidding. PM me here. If you enjoy my posts you can't be *all* bad.

I'll send you contact info after your pm.

[callous taoboy]

12. Ha! Good old Smarmie- That's my usual response.

That and, Smarmie's alright- I don't care what anyone else says.

[callous taoboy]

5. I appreciate the tips!

[cbayer]

8. See Book of Mormon if at all possible.

Eat in small ethnic places and do lots of walking.

Enjoy!

[callous taoboy]

9. Cool, thanks. I want to eat lots of Indian and Korean food.