Yep, I totally agree, Doug. That's a good suggestion. While taking those tour buses does sound "geeky", they ARE the best way to get an idea of any great city's "feel" for the uninitiated.
(...btw newt, as it appears you've heard, seein' as how your thread's title is somewhat alluding to it, I've also heard it's best to avoid the Mexican restaurant scene there...seems they're not all that well versed in the matter...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSxnieYctVM
