By BrainFall Staff - Updated: March 15, 2024
So you think you’re a real New Yorker? Answer these 10 questions to find out how NYC you really are!
How New York City Are You?
Ever wandered through the buzzing streets of the Big Apple and felt like you were just a bagel in a city full of cream cheese varieties? Or maybe, you find yourself constantly humming "Empire State of Mind" as you maneuver through your daily life outside Gotham. Well, it's time to trade in your tourist map for some genuine New York swagger and find out just how much of New York City's essence has seeped into your soul.
The city that never sleeps might as well be a litmus test for coolness, and you're itching to know if you make the cut. Do you scoff at the sight of Times Square, yearn for the perfect slice of pizza, or casually use 'schlep' in conversation? If yes, you might just bleed subway motor oil and dollar pizza grease. Strap on your most comfortable walking shoes, and let's take this quiz to unveil the truth behind your New York City persona.
Exploring the Concrete Jungle
New York City is a vast urban maze with enough landmarks and activities to fill dozens of itineraries. Whether you're craving artistic masterpieces, lush parks, or architectural wonders, the Big Apple serves it all on a silver platter—with a side of bagels.
Must-See NYC Attractions
Your trip to NYC isn't complete without visiting the larger-than-life Statue of Liberty, a gift from France symbolizing freedom and democracy. You can hop on the Staten Island Ferry to catch a free glimpse or opt for a boat tour for a closer view.
- Empire State Building: An iconic symbol of New York City, offering breathtaking views from its Top of the Rock Observation Deck.
- Times Square: It's where the neon lights dazzle and the Broadway shows captivate; don't miss this electrifying centerpiece of Midtown Manhattan.
- One World Observatory & The Edge: Competing skyscraper views are your oyster, panoramas galore!
- Metropolitan Museum of Art & American Museum of Natural History: Cultivate your inner art and history buff with their awe-inspiring collections.
- High Line & Brooklyn Bridge: Walk these high-flying and waterside paths for a blend of urban design and scenic views.
Boldly navigate the labyrinth of neighborhoods like the shopping haven of Fifth Avenue, the trendy eateries in SoHo, or the storied streets of the Lower East Side.
Parks and Recreation
Central Park, an urban retreat, invites you for a leisurely stroll, a bike ride, or a winter twirl on its ice rinks. It's the green heart among the concrete and steel giants, a perfect picnic spot after munching on famed New York bagels and lox.
- Bryant Park & New York Public Library: A dynamic duo where books and flora coexist.
- Rockefeller Center: Skate by the gilded statue of Prometheus or aim high for the Top of the Rock.
- Hudson Yards & The Vessel: Climb the futuristic honeycomb for unparalleled views.
- Greenwich Village & Washington Square Park: Bohemian rhapsodies play out in these storied spaces, a feast for the senses and the soul.
In the wintertime, Christmas in New York transforms parks into wonderlands, from the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to charming holiday markets.
Grab your MetroCard and make the city your playground. Whether you're an art lover eager to visit the Whitney in the Meatpacking District or a history enthusiast exploring the echoes of immigration on Ellis Island, there's no shortage of sights to behold. Just don't forget those skip-the-line tickets to maximize your fun in this concrete jungle!
Living Like a Local
To gauge just how much NYC has seeped into your bones, you've got to explore living as a true Gotham resident. Forget the tourist traps, it's time to dig into the local lifestyle, where the real flavor of the city lies.
Culinary Delights
New York is a smorgasbord of iconic eats and culinary innovation. Toss the touristy guidebook and hit up a food tour in one of the less mainstream neighborhoods—like a trek through Flushing's dim sum joints or a carb crawl in Brooklyn's bakeries. You're not truly a local until you've mastered the delicate art of balancing a coffee while artfully dodging the sidewalk shuffle.
Remember, a New Yorker's wallet isn't stuffed with cash; it's all about the plastic. Oh, and by plastic, think less credit card and more a worn-out MetroCard. That little yellow card works like a backstage pass to every nook and cranny of the city, so keep it loaded!
Navigating the City
The true New Yorker is a master navigator of the concrete jungle, and the best way to do this is by foot and subway. Forget cabs; weave through the streets with confidence and always walk with purpose—even if you're momentarily lost. The subway is your chariot; familiarize yourself with those crisscrossing lines, and you'll hold the city in the palm of your hand.
If you find yourself at the mercy of Google Maps while searching for the acclaimed hole-in-the-wall bar where Broadway actors unwind post-show, don't worry. Your secret's safe as long as you can debate the merits of seeing the original cast in a Broadway show versus the understudies. And remember to prep for those outings—the city's not cheap, after all. Oh, and if you're caught standing on the wrong side of the escalator, we'll know you're an imposter!
