Culture Tips for New York

Restaurants: 15-20% standard, with 20% for excellent service if you dont want dirty looks from your server. Some places auto-add 20% for parties of 6+ so check your check.

Bars: $1 per drink minimum. Tip when you order if youre running a tab.

Cabs: 10-20%. Uber/lyft same deal. Cash for yellow cabs is better cause the credit card companies take their cut.

Hotels: $2-5 per night for housekeeping. $1-2 per bag if the bellhop actually helps you. Doormen get $2-5 for hailing cabs but only if they actually get you one.

Here's the thing - service workers here live off tips. It's not europe where they get real wages. Dont be that tourist.

Authentic diversity: NYC isn't just diverse on paper. You can find real Senegalese food in the Bronx, authentic Shanghainese soup dumplings in Flushing, proper British pub culture in Hell's Kitchen. Most US cities have "ethnic food" but it's heavily Americanized.

True walkability: Unlike LA, Dallas, Houston, or Phoenix, you genuinely don't need a car here. The subway connects all five boroughs and walking is often faster than driving in Manhattan. This is extremely rare in America.

Urban intensity: Everything operates at a different scale than other US cities. The art scene, food culture, nightlife — It's all amplified. Coming from São Paulo or London, NYC will feel familiar in energy. Most American cities feel suburban even downtown.

The MET is always pay-what-you-wish (yes, you can pay $1). MoMA is free Friday evenings. Brooklyn Museum is first Saturday free. Check individual websites, almost all of them have something.