1. Uptown and Downtown are relative to your current position not necessarily fixed geographic areas.
2. Avenues run north/south with 1st Ave being on the east side and 11th on the west.
3. Streets run east/west and count upwards from Houston St. starting with 1st St.
4. It gets trickier below Houston St. Use a map.

Bonus: Something that even locals can find challenging is orienting yourself when exiting the subway. Here are a few tricks you can use to help find your way.

Most, but not all, trains run north/south. Remember the direction it was headed as you exit the station and that will orient you once you get to the street. This is more difficult in large stations like Union Square, Times Square, or Grand Central because you may have to climb several staircases and/or cross a mezzanine. In that case, look for big landmarks when you get to the street such as the Empire State Building(5th and 34th). If neither of these solutions work, walk uptown or downtown along an avenue. The blocks are shorter and you’ll more quickly realize which way you’re headed. Also, traffic runs east on even numbered streets and west on odd.

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