Safety
New York is safer than its reputation — crime is at its lowest since the 1960s. The tourist downtown (Manhattan, Downtown Brooklyn, Williamsburg) is safe day and night. Normal big city caution is sufficient:
Pickpockets
The main risk: pickpockets in crowded subway trains (rush hour), at Times Square, in tourist crowds at attractions, and at markets. Carry valuables in front, keep an eye on your backpack.
Scams
- CD Sellers: In Midtown and Times Square, people hand you CDs and then demand $20. Do not accept!
- Costumed Characters: The costumed figures at Times Square (Elmo, Spider-Man) take photos and then demand $5–20. Clarify beforehand or decline.
- Fake Tickets: Never buy tickets for musicals or attractions from street vendors — only from official box offices, TKTS, or TodayTix.
- Shell Game: In tourist areas — you never win.
Areas
Manhattan, Downtown Brooklyn, Williamsburg, DUMBO, Park Slope, and Long Island City are safe day and night. In parts of the Bronx, East New York (Brooklyn), and some corners of Queens, you should be more vigilant at night — but as a tourist, you won't accidentally end up there. Harlem is safe for visitors during the day (Apollo Theater, Sunday service, Sylvia's).
Emergency number: 911 (police, fire department, ambulance). Non-emergency: 311 (city hotline for everything).
