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More than 8 million people call New York their home. Its inhabitants speak more than 800 languages, which makes it one of the most linguistically diverse cities in the world. All the different individuals and cultures melting and stewing in one pot combined with the fast-paced and vibrant lifestyle of the city often results in quite bizarre moments. And it would be a crime not to share them with those who can’t roam its streets and experience them firsthand.

So that’s what we’re doing today. Courtesy of the Instagram account What Is New York, we present you with a whole list of New York pictures that show the city exactly like it is. Documented through the eyes of New Yorkers, they will transport you to the Big Apple in seconds.

While you’re scrolling through, don’t forget to check out a conversation with Ellie Seymour, a magazine writer, author, and blogger over on New York On My Mind, who kindly agreed to talk with us about all things NYC. 

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    #2

    Two people in New York holding signs saying #filter and #nofilter, wearing matching outfits in Times Square.

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    Ron Man
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are the people in Times Square that say, "TAKE OUR PICTURE!!!" and then once you do, they try to get you to pay them $40.

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    Even though Ellie Seymour, a magazine writer, author, and blogger over on New York On My Mind (a blog all about NYC), is based in Brighton, England, and might not have better knowledge about it than a true New Yorker, her passion and curiosity for the city and traveling motivates her to find new places and get to know it more.

    She fell in love with the city when her mom took her there for the first time in 1995. Now, she visits the Big Apple once or twice a year to get her fix and is pretty much always planning her next trip. 

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    #5

    Person on New York subway with a kitten peeking out of their hoodie, holding a phone.

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    “When I’m there, I love discovering the city’s small backstreets and hidden local haunts, and much prefer quirky, independent establishments to big glitzy chains—although I’ll make the odd exception like my ‘First night in New York trip up the Empire State building,’ she writes on her blog. 

    “When I’m not there, I love keeping up with what’s going on; culture, events, stories, that kind of thing, and delving into its history books.”

    #8

    Sign in New York humorously requests not to accept money from shoes, socks, or underwear.

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    Gémeaux jumeaux
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, but I wanted to pay for the bread roll that I grabbed with the tongue

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    #9

    Uber rides in New York City comparing prices for UberX, Pool, and Copter options.

    Uber Copter being the cheapest option here is mindblowing

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    Darius S. (he/him) cis/grey
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    a place i've worked has used the helicopters instead of cars, if you got a nearby pad, it really can be cheaper and quicker and wows clients.

    Su Boddie
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Vegas it cost as much by cab as it does by Uber. I would have thought the cabs would be cheaper so they'd get more business.

    David
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I question whether this is real. That's not a 4 minute drive. I verified on google maps and they show it as 17-22 minutes. That makes me wonder about the accuracy of the rest.

    Sonya Ross
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    being it says ... they live 4 mins from the airport - save your money and walk!

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    During our interview via email, she described the city as one of the most thrilling places in the world to visit. “The ultimate must-see bucket-list destination of dazzling skyscrapers, elegant avenues, honking yellow taxis and iconic landmarks, infused with an intoxicating energy that draws you in,” she continued, painting the picture of the most populated city in the U.S.

    #11

    Yellow flip flops in New York salon resembling small figures holding onto feet, with humorous text overlay.

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    deejak
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago

    This comment has been deleted.

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    What she most enjoys about it is wandering around its cinematic streets and neighborhoods. To her, they feel like a giant real-life movie set. “Especially the West Village with its brownstone houses and cosy corner bars and restaurants.”

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    While New York exudes cinematic, elegant, and thrilling charm, it can also at times be a bit weird, and the strangest thing that Ellie has seen while visiting it confirms it. It was people traveling without pants for the No Pants Subway Ride.

    Yes, that is a real tradition (if one may call it that), which started in 2002 in New York as a way to confuse and amuse people. Initiated by Improv Everywhere, the comedic performance art group, it invited people to take their daily commute in their underwear and jackets. However, this event hasn’t returned since 2020, as the pandemic has put it to a stop. And it seems that it won’t be returning this year either.

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    #21

    Silver car with a sign about stolen catalytic converters, capturing the humorous side of New York issues.

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    Royal Stray
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's not too uncommon to see that with nice cuts of meat where I used to live. Some stores would even have their salmon in the back so you had to ask the staff to get it, since it'd get stolen so often. (Arguably it was way too expensive so I kinda get it)

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    Having covered the amazing and strange aspects of New York, we were also curious about its hidden gems that most people overlook. “On the Met Museum’s rooftop is a kind-of ‘secret art gallery’, that hosts an installation every summer from May to October, and incredible views over Central Park,” shares Ellie.

    #24

    Person floating on an inflatable lounger in New York's East River surrounded by ducks.

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    Janissary35680
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For those who don't know, the East River was one of the most polluted rivers in the world when I was a kid in NYC in the 50-60s.

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    Some other less-known locations include: “The city’s old-school luncheonettes, like B&H Dairy in the East Village; a gated street on the Upper West Side called Pomander Walk built in 1922 that looks like a traditional English village.”

    #31

    Black Volkswagen Tiguan with a humorous New York license plate reading "YURRMOM" parked on a street.

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    Riley Quinn
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tiguan is a combination of Tiger and Iguana, chosen in a public poll. Not nearly as catchy as Boaty McBoatface chosen through an online poll.

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    #32

    Family in humorous sneaker and bug costumes, walking down a New York street.

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    Gémeaux jumeaux
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Genius. You know you're living in the end-times when your preschooler says, "Mom, Dad, I'd like to be an invasive species for Halloween."

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    #34

    Person in hat and sunglasses peeking from the back of a New York City utility truck in traffic.

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    #35

    Stove placed humorously in a New York subway station near stairs.

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    #44

    Sign on car window in New York: "Please do not break my window. Door is open. Don't break my truck. Thank you."

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    #51

    Car with a printed New York license plate taped on the front bumper, humorously imitating a real plate.

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    Al Fun
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now, print this picture and stick it on your license plate. Then, take a picture, print it…

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    #56

    Bike with makeshift wooden leg parked on a New York street.

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    Ron Man
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you're wondering, because by the other comments, people are wondering and not getting it: This is a blue "CitiBike". They are swipe a card rentals you rent for a trip. Someone stole it. They've used duct tape to cover up branding. CitiBikes don't have kickstands because they're meant to be returned to rental bike rack where they're not needing one. So the thief added the table leg to it.

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    #62

    Sign in New York saying "Please close the door, this is the Bronx" on a dark background.

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    #63

    People in a New York park holding humorous protest signs, including one about scooped bagels.

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    #66

    Boxes piled up at New York's Fulton St Station entrance, adding humor to the bustling city scene.

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    Darius S. (he/him) cis/grey
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Probably a homeless person trying to get privacy. There are always stacks of cardboard on NYC streets.

    #68

    Garbage truck spilling trash onto New York street with "Happy Friday" text overlay.

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    Gavin Johnson
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Obviously there’s a system within the cab for controlling the opening of the rear, this is normally separate from the controls for the terberg or bin lifting kit, occasionally a driver might not have their brain fully on the job in hand. It’s lucky they didn’t activate the blade that pushes all of the contents out of the wagon 😳

    #69

    Wet Jeep parked on a New York street with a funny sign on the wheel saying, "Do not boot!! Payment plan in window!"

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    #71

    Couch awkwardly stuck in New York subway turnstile, capturing a humorous scene.

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    Darius S. (he/him) cis/grey
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When your train is coming in and you just leave behind your street find chair stuck in turnstile.

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    #75

    Person napping on a New York subway under a "Funny Girl on Broadway" poster.

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    Darius S. (he/him) cis/grey
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    may be NJ transit, other than that, what's the problem.. some people need their glasses to see their dreams clearly.

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    #80

    Wet cement on a New York sidewalk with footprints, capturing a funny urban moment.

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    Darius S. (he/him) cis/grey
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why didn't you put up yellow ribbons? Maybe that wouldn't have stopped the person with their nose in their phone, But that pigeon would probably have obliged .

    #81

    Street massage in New York, Flushing area, with a masseur giving a chair massage outdoors.

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    Debbie
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A chair massage. They offered it at times at our workplace as well, although we'd keep our clothes on.

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    #85

    New York funny license plate reads "IYDKNYKN" on a blue Honda CR-V, parked on a city street.

    Gotta love NYC vanity plates

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