25 Urban Survival Tips That Will Increase Your Street Smarts

Posted by , Updated on January 8, 2024

We all hear about wilderness survival. There are even several shows dedicated to it. They’re all about building shelters in the woods, finding food, surviving the night, and fighting off predators. But the fact of the matter is that most of us will never find ourselves in that sort of situation. In fact, it’s becoming less and less likely with every passing day. Urbanization is real folks. More and more people are moving to cities and out of rural areas. So, if you’re going to be learning survival techniques, chances are you’ll need to learn them for a different kind of jungle…the concrete jungle. Take these urban survival tips to heart, because you will need them.

Whether you’re moving to a new city or going on vacation, there are numerous things you can do to make your time in the big city easier and safer. For example, when you’re walking down the streets of New York City, don’t stop if someone offers you their CD. Just don’t. Keep walking. Actually, walk fast. As if you know where you’re going. Even if you don’t. And if you’re really lost, don’t whip out a map in the middle of the street. Duck into a store if you can. And for goodness sakes, when you read the “beware of pickpockets” sign, don’t check your pockets for your wallet. You don’t know who put that sign there, and they could be watching you! These are 25 urban survival tips that will increase your street smarts!

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25

If you are ever offered a rap CD while walking down the street, just ignore and keep walking

If you are ever offered a rap CD while walking down the street, just ignore and keep walkingSource: reddit, Image: wikipedia
24

If you are a tourist, never stand out in the middle of the sidewalk staring at a map, especially if you are a big city with questionable crime rates. Duck into a shop instead.

If you are a tourist, never stand out in the middle of the sidewalk staring at a map, especially if you are a big city with questionable crime rates. Just duck into a shop instead.Source: reddit, Image: pixabay
23

While going around a new town, make sure you wear clothes that don't make you look like a walking wallet.

While going around a new town, make sure you wear clothes that don't make you like a walking walletSource: reddit, Image: wikipedia
22

Always act like you have somewhere to go and go there quick, even if you don't know where you're going

Always act like you have somewhere to go and go there quick, even if you don't know where you're goingSource: reddit, Image: wikipedia
21

If a charity offers you candy, remember your mom's advice - don't talk to strangers. It's usually a scam.

If a charity offers you candy, remember your mom's advice - don't talk to strangers. It's usually a scam.Source: reddit, Image: wikipedia
20

If you're ever in a new city, make sure you do at least these two things at every possible opportunity - use the bathroom and charge your phone

If you're ever in a new city, make sure you do at least these two things at every possible opportunity - use the bathroom and charge your phoneSource: reddit, Image: pixabay
19

If you are riding on a train, don't make eye contact with the crazy person. If nobody is looking at you, you're the crazy person.

If you are riding on a train, don't make eye contact with the crazy person. If nobody is looking at you, you're the crazy person.Source: reddit, Image: wikipedia
18

If every other store you pass is a liquor store or a check cashing store, leave that neighborhood quickly

If every other store you pass is a liquor store or a check cashing store, leave that neighborhood quicklySource: reddit, Image: wikipedia
17

If one of the cars on the subway is empty, there is a reason for that.

If one of the cars on the subway is empty, there is a reason for that.Source: reddit, Image: wikipedia
16

You know those kids selling M&M's for their basketball team? Well, there is no basketball team. There's only a few bad looking dudes in a van that drop those kids off around the city.

You know those kids selling M&Ms for their basketball team? Well, there is no basketball team. There's only a few bad looking dudes with vans that drop those kids off around the city.Source: reddit, Image: wikipedia
15

Get an umbrella with wind vents

Get an umbrella with wind ventsSource: reddit, Image: pixabay
14

Always aim to take the second to last subway train if you are out on the town. That way you're less likely to miss the last one.

Always aim to take the second to last subway train if you are out on the town. That way you're less likely to miss the last one.Source: reddit, Image: wikipedia
13

Cab drivers are often the best tour guides. They can be amazing fountains of knowledge when it comes to off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods

Cab drivers are often the best tour guides. They can be amazing fountains of knowledge when it comes to off-the-beaten-path neighborhoodsSource: reddit, Image: wikipedia
12

If you see a sign that says "Beware of Pickpockets", don't pat your pockets to check for you wallet. You don't know who put that sign up and they could be watching you.

If you see a sign that says "Beware of Pickpockets", don't pat your pockets to check for you wallet. You don't know who put that sign up and they could be watching you.Source: reddit, Image: wikipedia
11

More ethnic parts of the city will have more affordable (and tasty) food

More ethnic parts of the city will have more affordable (and tasty) foodSource: reddit, Image: wikipedia
10

Public transport places are made to be navigated. Stop panicking and look for signs.

Public transport places are made to be navigated. Stop panicking and look for signs.Source: reddit, Image: wikipedia
9

Lost your sense of direction? Just remember, satellite dishes are usually pointed towards the equator

Lost your sense of direction? Just remember, satellite dishes are usually pointed towards the equatorSource: reddit, Image: wikipedia
8

If you are in an unfamiliar neighborhood, holding something to eat (chips, hotdog) automatically makes you look more local

If you are in an unfamiliar neighborhood, holding something to eat (chips, hotdog) automatically makes you look more localSource: reddit, Image: wikipedia
7

Keep your head up and don't look around. It may seem harsh, but if you are not in a comfortable place, you may have to walk right past people who may only be asking for directions.

Keep your head up and don't look around. It may seem harsh, but if you are not in a comfortable place, you may have to walk right past people who may only be asking for directions.Source: reddit, Image: wikipedia
6

If you need to use a bathroom, fancy hotels are your friend

If you need to use a bathroom, fancy hotels are your friendSource: reddit, Image: wikipedia
5

Wear neutral colors. And definitely don't wear red. Red is the easiest color for our eyes to pick up so you'll stick out like a sore thumb.

Wear neutral colors. And definitely don't wear red. Red is the easiest color for our eyes to pick up so you'll stick out like a sore thumb.Source: reddit, Image: wikipedia
4

You don't have to be nice, but be respectful

You don't have to be nice, but be respectfulSource: reddit, Image: pixabay
3

If someone asks you for the time, tell them you don't have a phone or a clock.

If someone asks you for the time, tell them you don't have a phone or a clock.Source: reddit, Image: pixabay
2

Don't blast music through your earbuds if you're in a shady part of town. You need to hear what's going on around you.

Don't blast music through your earbuds if you're in a shady part of town. You need to hear what's going on around you.Source: reddit, Image: wikipedia
1

If you can't find a place to spend the night, try the airport. They have bathrooms, water fountains, and maybe even sleeping areas.

If you can't find a place to spend the night, try the airport. They have bathrooms, water fountains, and maybe even sleeping areas.Source: reddit, Image: wikipedia