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You can really live without a car in Manhattan (and might be better off not trying to drive anyway)
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You can get anywhere by: walking, subway, taxi. Think I used the bus twice. Subways are safer then you'd expect. If you have a car, you'll need to buy it a thousand dollar "apartment" (parking spot) for it.
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Most cab drivers in Manhattan have amazing hand to eye coordination (sometimes you might be better off not paying attention)
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Yep, either ignore it or pretend you're on an A-ticket ride at Disney. Try any back-seat observation and you'll be a nervous wreck. It does take a few rides to get used to it. Also when you want to tell the guy which corner to get out on, it's not just right side and left side, it's also near side or far side corner. Eventually you'll even figure out the throughfares enough to leave off the street or avenue extentions. "Cabbie, take me to 5th and 42nd. Right side near."
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You'll find some of the best bars in the world in Manhattan, some very um ... unusual - ditto restaurants
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Amen! Vick, ever been to Jekel and Hydes?
Another tip. Be urban aware. Wallet in front pocket with 50% of your money in it and not all of your credit cards. 40% in back pocket oe other front pocket, folded flat. 10% find your own location.
If you're at an ATM, money goes into your wallet or pocket fast. Don't count it. Don't turn around with it. If anyone is closer to you than two feet, use the reflective surfaces to keep an eye on them. Again, normal stuff -- normal stuff if you're used to it. Never was robbed, not even attempted. I made sure anyone around knew I was aware of everything that was going on around me. Being uptight is as bad as being oblivious to your surroundings. Becomes reflexive and natural actually.
None of that is meant to scare. Just, like Vick said, some tips.
I miss the diversity and the energy there. The mix of different ethnic restaurants and hearing a dozen different languages walking down the street. And the music and art everywhere.
All this talk, I feel like I need a visit there soon.