Tourists

Guy to friend: Oowee! Some weed and a perm! That's my perfect New York day.

–West Village

Overheard by: Joe

Conductor: Step in, stand clear…let's go New York!

–1 Train

Overheard by: Ashley Nelson

Intoxicated creepster: Are we in Manhattan? What the hell! This city is so full of New Yorkers!

–St. Mark's Place

Overheard by: Lizzzzz

Bitter man on subway: I think one summer here would cure them of any love they have for this town.

–1 Train

Passerby to surprised-looking wife, watching fight: They're fighting. It's New York, that's what people do in this city.

–City Hall

Overheard by: ascorbique & almost famous

Grinning paramedic to female tourist in shock, strapping her to backboard after she was struck by a car: Welcome to New York!

–34th St & 7th Ave

Overheard by: Mateo que Feo

Out-of-town poser #1 looking at Condoleezza Rice painting: Look, they painted Satan!
Out-of-town poser #2: Shhh! Someone’ll hear you!
Out-of-town poser #1: Pshaw. I don’t have to be quiet in New York City. Everyone agrees with me.

–MoMA

Tourist lady: So, this is New York…
Chick: No. This is Manhattan.

–R train

Overheard by: miraclemidgit

Native guide: All these subways go north-south, see, north-south, north-south. So we have to get the shuttle, which goes east-west.
Tourist #1: Shuttle, shuttle! Sounds like something you'd say to someone when you're upset. Oh, shuttle!
Tourist #2: I don't really understand this whole north-south thing.

–1 Train

Overheard by: Rose Fox

Male tourist #1, pointing to Empire State Building: What building is that?
Male tourist #2: The Empire State Building.
Male tourist #1, pointing to MetLife Tower: There's Big Ben.

–23rd St & 5th Ave

Overheard by: Slufoot NYC

Tourist dad: Look, Alexander Hamilton.
Tourist son: He was young.
Tourist dad: Yeah, wonder what he died of?

–Rector St, by Trinity Graveyard

Overheard by: DTA Officer

Tourist: Wow, it’s like a whole underground city thing here!
Local: I dont know any freaks who would want to live in a city like this.

–Times Square subway station

Overheard by: LSB

Arizona tourist: I forked my boss!
Sister-in-law: (awkward silence)
Arizona tourist: At least it was a plastic fork.

–LIRR

Overheard by: …nice

Tourist lady: Excuse me, can I get to the New York Public library on this bus?
Man: Yes.
Tourist lady: About how far is it?
Man: It’s a ten minute walk or a twenty minute bus ride.

–42nd & 8th