New York City Local Custom Tips by TempNomad

Mini-Oasis in the city

There are many public resting/eating/chatting areas around the city, especially in Midtown. Sometimes they are created as part of a real estate deal (one indoor area is just outside the SonyWonder visitor center) and others are less commercially connected. Either way, they are lovely, free of charge, and many times - very beautiful. One of my favorites is this mini-park that has a waterfall wall and about fifty two person tables and chairs. A couple of trees and that it's in an alcove complete the mood. Buy some lunch at take it here to relax with the sounds of water and people chatting around you.

Other Contact: 53rd Street between 5th/Madison

The Met's Admission Price

Most people visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and for good reason. It's marvelous. The suggested admission price is $10, but it's suggested. If you can afford that comfortably, great! Support the museum! However, if you are desperate to see the museum and want to give $5 or $7, you can do that too.

The Museum has an official web site at: www.metmuseum.org.

It's closed on Mondays, and is open at 9:30AM all other days. It's located at Central Park and 82nd Street (5th Avenue). Take the 4,5,or 6 train to 86th Street.

New Yorkers are Friendly. Really!

We're actually very nice. We don't mind getting close (the trains and buses make that necessary), but most people won't hesitate to comment on rudeness or poor hygiene. I think that in NYC, more than anywhere else, you get what you give. If you say 'excuse me,' you'll probably get a very friendly response. If you ask for directions deferentially, you'll probably get a very detailed and complete response. Unless, that is, the train is just leaving!

Tips are generally pretty high, but it's your cash. Most servers are not paid full salaries, so the tips are actually the paycheck. Give more if the person went out of her way - less if you were treated poorly. Please tip at least 15%! (Can you tell I was a waitress for many years?)