People are currently reading this guide.
- "Is it Europe Lite?" Look, I get it. The sheer number of people yelling in different languages, the delis, the general air of sophisticated chaos...it does have a certain European flair. But no, despite the occasional "ciao" or "bonjour" echoing through the streets, it's not Europe.
- "Could it be Atlantis?" Okay, now you're just being silly. While the occasional pothole might make you feel like you're sinking into a lost civilization, New York is firmly above sea level. (Most of the time, anyway. During a hurricane, all bets are off).
- "Perhaps a secret African outpost?" While New York has a rich and vibrant African diaspora, which adds immensely to the city’s culture, it is not geographically located in Africa.
- "But...but...it's so...different!" I hear you. New York City is a cultural melting pot, a global hub, a place where the world collides. It's a unique beast, no doubt. But geographically, it's firmly planted on the East Coast of the good ol' U.S. of A.
- "And the state?" The state of New York, obviously! It is a state that contains a city of the same name. Think of it as a geographical Inception.
How to find New York City on a map?
- Just look for the East Coast of the United States, and you'll see a big, bright, chaotic blob. That's it!
How to explain to a toddler that New York City isn't a country?
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
- Use cookies. "See, the whole plate is the United States, and New York City is just one delicious cookie on the plate." (May lead to cookie-related tantrums).
How to convince my friend that New York City isn't actually a movie set?
QuickTip: Skim the ending to preview key takeaways.
 |
- Take them to a bodega at 3 a.m. The sheer randomness of the experience should do the trick.
How to survive New York City once you know where it is?
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
- Wear comfortable shoes, carry a map (or a really good phone), and always be ready for anything. And I mean anything.
How to avoid getting lost in the subway system?
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
- Download a subway map app, and accept that you will still get lost at least once. It is a rite of passage.
 |
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
