Is New York Safe Nowadays? My Impression as a Tourist
New York, New York. Probably one of the most famous destinations in the world: a beast of a city that offers tourists everything the American Dream is all about, with great things and not-so-good ones. And one of the biggest concerns I had before visiting New York was about safety.
I read about it – you probably read or heard about it too: New York is unsafe. While I fortunately didn’t let this prevent me from visiting (and it seems I was right to take the plunge, as nothing bad happened), some might still have doubts.
Today, I am here to tell you everything you need to know about how safe New York City is nowadays, which areas you should stay away from, and some specific safety measures to take while in NYC.
After all, official press counts of yearly tourist numbers in New York are over 50 million – and most of these trips went off without a hitch.
My Personal Take on the Big Apple
It is true – New York City has a lingering reputation for crime. You hear stories about petty theft, bag snatching, and more aggressive encounters, and with the world seemingly crazier today than it ever was before, it makes sense to wonder if those famous movie settings are actually secure.
I have visited the city multiple times, taking the ferry out to the Statue of Liberty and craning my neck at the Empire State Building, but also explored the streets (some of which were in not-so-safe areas), and I want to give you my take on it.
Is it actually safe to visit right now? Yes. But there are caveats you should know before you step off the plane.
The biggest problem, in my opinion, is that early on – maybe your first few hours in the city if you never set foot here, is the pressure you feel just because so many people tell you it’s unsafe. But most people – just like me – will never really be (or should feel) in active danger.
My perspective is that of a visitor – living here, especially in the non-tourist residential zones might be a different ballgame. But travelers will not get there.
I, for example, stick primarily to Manhattan and the popular parts of Brooklyn just like most tourists do. These are not some of the most affordable places in the US, but your safety is priceless.
Those areas feel incredibly safe to me and I am always careful not to put myself in high-risk situations. I stay aware of my surroundings, I avoid people or places that seem like trouble and this helps take the edge. This is also common sense stuff to do, no matter if you’re traveling to New York or anywhere else in the world.
NYC Crime Numbers (and Gentrification)
Looking at official numbers, we see that over the past decade, violent crime has dropped by about 50%, all following an already declining trend. For example, back in 2009, the homicide rate hit its lowest point since 1963.
These numbers show that, today, New York is safer than it ever was.
One thing that moved the needle in the right direction is gentrification (wealthier individuals/families moved into lower-income neighborhoods). Take Greenpoint or Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn, which were hotspots for illegal activity in the 80s. Today, Bed-Stuy is highly artsy, and Greenpoint is a hipster haven.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be vigilant. The 2001 World Trade Center attack (which feels like yesterday, but it’s over 25 years ago!) left a lasting impact on the city’s consciousness. There is no elevated alert right now, but the rule stands: if you see something unusual, report it and stay away from it.
Curious to learn more about another iconic US city? Check out my Chicago travel guide here.
Stay Safe on the NY Streets
When exploring the city, even in the touristy areas, you will encounter a lot of interesting (to say the least) characters on the sidewalks.
Unhoused individuals, people struggling with addiction, folks dealing with mental health issues yet out in the wild, people trying to approach you for various reasons… all of these are part of the landscape.
Sometimes they might scare you – they can shout, they can behave erratically, they walk close to you and even try to start a conversation… the best approach here is, in most cases, to just ignore them and keep walking. Almost always, nothing happens.
And this is how it usually is in other large cities in the US, from LA to Washington and anything in between, but also large cities in the world (London, Sydney etc). If you’re used to this, the “noise” on the street will feel normal.
If your hometown is smaller, the erratic behavior might leave you deeply unsettled, even if in reality it rarely is a safety threat. Either way, it’s definitely uncomfortable, but something you have to prepare for.
After all, the US as a whole is never considered one of the safest countries in the world.
Where to Base Yourself: The Safest Neighborhoods in NYC
If you want to play it 100% safe, I recommend sticking to the areas and neighborhoods below. These have the lowest crime rates, are considered the safest and always have people around (and in this case, just like in most situations in life, strength comes in numbers).
Manhattan
Manhattan is almost cliché – it’s the classic, most secure spot and my top pick, especially around the major landmarks. Lower Manhattan and Midtown are packed with both locals and tourists during the day. I have spent most of my time walking these blocks, and they feel extremely secure.
You also have the Upper East Side. Think classic brownstones, tree-lined streets, and the iconic architecture you recognize from television. It is highly secure as well.
Greenwich Village down in Lower Manhattan is another exceptionally safe area, filled with universities and parks. The Financial District, including Wall Street, also reports very low violent crime statistics.
Where to stay in the area, to keep you centrally located and comfortable? Here are my top recommendations:
- Budget option: Casablanca Hotel
- My top pick: Concorde Hotel
- Excellent alternative: The Jewel (facing Rockefeller Center!)
Brooklyn
Brooklyn went from gritty to great over time. Despite the fact that it used to carry a heavy stigma, things have changed dramatically and now you can safely wander around Brooklyn Heights, the areas bordering Prospect Park, DUMBO, and Williamsburg – or anywhere in Brooklyn, more or less.
Williamsburg, for example, constantly ranks as one of the trendiest neighborhoods on the planet, heavily characterized by a booming arts scene and nightlife.
Where to stay in the Brooklyn area – both safe and comfortable? Here are my top recommendations:
The Upper West Side
I spend a lot of time walking the brownstone blocks of the Upper West Side, and it always feels incredibly calm.
It simply shouldn’t be otherwise: you get Central Park on one side and Riverside Park on the other, feeling like a breath of fresh air compared to the rest of the city and its skyscrapers.
It is heavily residential, meaning you see families walking dogs and locals grabbing morning bagels rather than massive crowds of stressed tourists, but this is also part of the charm, especially if you spend more time in New York.
I personally feel completely at ease walking back to my hotel here alone after a late dinner, which says a lot.
Here is where to stay:
Battery Park City
Even though it’s down at the southern tip of Manhattan, Battery Park City feels like a completely different thing and, yes, it is very safe.
We’re talking about a master-planned neighborhood right on the water. Because it sits so close to the Financial District and the World Trade Center, the security presence is extremely high at all hours. And, surprisingly, the streets are very clean – probably the cleanest you’ll see in NYC.
Also read: The Most Romantic Cities in the US
Astoria
Queens rarely gets enough love from first-time visitors, but Astoria is incredibly safe and worth your time. It is now highly residential and famous for having some of the best Greek food outside of Athens.
The main avenues stay busy late into the evening with people eating out, which provides a great sense of community security. I find the quick subway ride into Manhattan is a small price to pay for the peace of mind you get sleeping here.
Safe Spots in the Bronx
While I cannot confidently recommend wandering the entire Bronx (just like Queens above), it has perfectly fine areas too if you want to visit what I consider a landmark of New York.
If you want to see Yankee Stadium, visit the Zoo, or check out Riverdale, you will be fine. But stick to these areas, as Bronx remains trickier than all the other destinations above.
Places That Require Extra Caution
The Tourist Traps and Pickpocket Hotspots
The ironic part – but it makes total sense – is that the most famous tourist spots report surprisingly high rates of incidents, mainly because criminals specifically target visitors.
Times Square, the Theatre District, the Meatpacking District, the Garment District, and Chinatown demand your full attention. While I never had my pocket picked in Times Square, or in any of the other places in NY, it’s better if you are cautious and watch your belongings closely. So none of these places is unsafe physically, but you need to be careful.
For example, Battery Park requires you to be watchful of the aggressive ticket vendors pacing the area. They wear official-looking lanyards and uniforms, convincing you they work for the city, only to hustle you into buying wildly overpriced boat tours (which usually don’t even stop at the Statue of Liberty).
If you want to step foot on Liberty Island, bypass these street sellers and buy your tickets online here (the official tour) or at the official brick-and-mortar ticket windows inside Castle Clinton.
Neighborhoods Better Left Off Your Itinerary
Certain neighborhoods or areas in larger ones should be completely avoided. In Brooklyn, Brownsville suffers from widespread poverty and rampant crime. In the Bronx, the South Bronx area is heavily affected by drug addiction, homelessness, and sex work.
Neighborhoods like Mott Haven and Hunts Point are two of the highest-risk places in the entire city.
Normally, when traveling here, you will never accidentally end up on these streets, but it’s good to keep them in mind and make sure you stay away from them.
How Safe Is New York for Solo Travelers?
While I mostly travel with my family nowadays, I was a huge fan of solo travel when I was single and New York City is a brilliant place for solo travel. Despite the “grumpy local” movie stereotype, I always found the locals extremely friendly and ready to help if you get lost or need more specific directions.
Hostels are available here, but they work differently from hostels in Europe and South America, meaning that they’re not strictly for budget travelers and backpackers. Here, you will find plenty of students and temporary workers, so the vibe is different. This is why I prefer to stick to hotels.
What about solo female travelers? While I obviously have no direct experience with it, my fellow travel ladies who explored New York alone also had a similar experience to mine and felt generally safe. Most importantly, they never had to deal with any sort of crime or harassment, except for very small amounts of catcalling.
However, as a solo female traveler, you have to be a lot more careful. Drink spiking has seen a rise recently, so always buy your own drinks, never accept one from a stranger, and do not let your glass out of your sight.
If you’re on a budget, keep in mind that some hostels cater exclusively to women, so choose those over any type of shared accommodation with strangers. It’s even better here if you book your own hotel room.
Keep emergency numbers saved at the top of your phone contacts and make sure to stay in touch with friends and family back home, always letting them know (or at least one trustworthy person) of your whereabouts and plans.
If you go out partying as a solo traveler in New York, do not get sloppy drunk as this could make you an easy target. If someone makes you uncomfortable, speak up and ask the bar staff for help if they don’t leave you alone. Unlike in many other parts of the world, while indoors at clubs or bars, your safety is the place’s priority.
Finally, unless you’re in crowded areas with plenty of other tourists, it’s better to try and look like a local who knows exactly where they are going. But be very careful with apps and maps – they are a must today, but some calculate the fastest route, which might lead you down a sketchy backstreet. If that’s the case, change your route and always stick to the main avenues.
Re-reading this makes me realize that it sounds a bit scary, so let me assure you that it’s not. The reality there for most people is, as I keep saying, different: New York is generally safe, as long as you also play it safe and take some precautions. But it’s better to be prepared than sorry.
Safety Tips for Travelers in New York
No matter if you travel solo, with family, or in a group, there are three areas you should pay close attention to when in New York City. Again, this doesn’t mean that if you don’t apply all of these, you will automatically become a target, but it’s best to try and to – it’s your safety on line, and the success of your travel, overall.
After all, I wasn’t careful during one of my trips in South America and ended up getting robbed in Bogota, Colombia. Lesson learned, and since then nothing bad happened again.
Better Protect Your Cash and Valuables
The best approach is to pickpocket-proof your gear in advance. If you can, get yourself a travel purse or a handbag designed specifically to deter thieves. They cost very little and take the stress out of walking through dense crowds.
Keep your backpack zipped and, at least in more crowded areas, wear it in front, not on your back. Or don’t place any valuables in it. Also, carry your wallet in your front pocket if you don’t have a specific travel purse/handbag.
Do not leave things unattended, because they will vanish. Keep shoulder straps across your body, and never dangle a nice SLR camera or flash an expensive smartphone (or any smartphone, actually) aimlessly.
I also suggest limiting the cash you carry. Split your money into different caches, keep an emergency stash, and use a money belt. Watch your back at ATMs, as those are prime spots for someone to snatch your cash, and always cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN.
Also, when using ATMs, you have to be cautious about card skimming. This is done by thieves who install hidden overlay devices on card slots to steal your data.
To protect yourself, avoid the standalone, generic ATMs sitting on random sidewalks or tucked into the back of local bodegas. Instead, only use ATMs located inside the secure vestibules of established bank branches.
If you really have to use a random ATM, one way to reduce the risks (but not eliminate them completely) is to swipe your hand over the keyboard and inspect the machine carefully to see if it looks like additional things were installed over it.
Subways and Cabs
Riding the subway is an experience in itself, but also requires you to be vigilant. The main tip I have for you here is to never choose an empty train carriage, especially late at night. While these might be safe (or mean that there’s somebody sleeping there), it’s a risk you should never take.
Instead, always choose one that has at least several people (the more, the better) or choose the conductor’s car at the very least.
Taxis and rideshares have specific rules, also. Fares from JFK airport to Manhattan are capped at around $100 (double check before arriving to make sure things haven’t changed). Do not let a driver overcharge you – some will try, especially if you choose one of the more aggressive drivers at the airport.
Uber and Lyft provide predictable pricing, which makes them highly reliable and are generally considered safe.
While standard cabs are highly regulated, Midtown pedicabs are a different story. Those open-air bike carriages look like a comfy way to see Central Park, but the drivers frequently pull a trick on tourists.
When asked about the price, they will usually quote a regular or even seemingly low rate, but hide the fact that it is a “per minute” fee rather than a flat total. This means that a short ride can easily result in a shocking bill of $200 or more.
So if you decide to take one, always establish a firm, total price for the entire trip before sitting down.
You also need to keep your guard up against the classic street hustlers operating mostly around Times Square. This is a practice that I got scammed with in Italy (and I am sure that most touristy places have some sort of a similar scam).
How it usually goes in New York is this: you will have people trying to push CDs in your hands, or folks dressed as monks placing beads on your wrist, or anything like that.
The second you touch their item, they will aggressively demand payment for it – and a huge amount, too. So if they try to approach you, ignore them, keep your distance and put your hands in your pockets.
Similarly, watch out for the “bump and drop” scam (although this is more difficult to prepare for in advance).
It goes like this: a person will intentionally collide with you on a crowded sidewalk, drop a pair of glasses or a bottle, and angrily accuse you of breaking their expensive property to extort cash on the spot. If you can’t prevent this and it happens, just keep walking and ignore them – and head to a crowded area instead.
Staying Secure After Dark
Finally, you should know that things become more dangerous after the sun goes down. Most of the aggressive incidents happen late at night, so always stick to well-lit main roads and avoid poorly lit, deserted side streets.
But ideally, avoid walking the streets late at night, even in the safest areas of the city. Better order an Uber to get where you need to be.
Wrapping Up
At the end of the day, New York is a highly developed modern city, not a warzone. Most of the statistics regarding violent crime do not involve tourists at all and even though you might feel a bit of pressure and worry a bit, for most of us, there’s no reason to. So try to leave your worries at home and enjoy your stay!
Save 911 for true emergencies and memorize your hotel’s address. By applying a little common sense, doing some basic prep, and trusting your gut, you will have an absolutely incredible time walking these iconic streets.
And if you have additional tips to share, questions, or maybe a story or two, don’t hesitate to do so in the comments down below.
