subject: Staying Safe In New York City [print this page] Every major city in the world has its own plus and minus points for visitors, and New York is no different. On the positive side, its a bustling metropolis with a vast number of iconic landmarks and a unique buzz thats both exciting and stimulating. On the negative side, it has problems with crime that, even though its far less of an issue than in times past, still need+
to be taken seriously.
Most tourists who visit the Big Apple tend to remain on the island of Manhattan for most of their stay, although it should be pointed out that several of the citys impressive attractions, including the Brooklyn Childrens Museum and Yankee Stadium, are located in the outer boroughs. But wherever you are in this wonderful city, a little common sense is usually all thats needed to remain safe.
Any good guide book will tell you which areas of New York are best avoided, so you can always plan ahead to make sure you dont visit them, especially at night. Generally speaking, the streets of Manhattan are safe even in the evenings, partly perhaps because there is a high police presence in the area. In many ways, Manhattan is safer than the centre of most other major cities.
Be sensible, be safe
One area of Manhattan that experts agree should be avoided at night is Central Park, although during the day its a wonderful place to visit. In fact, no trip to New York is really complete without a stroll through the park, especially if its on a warm and sunny day. The Big Apple comes alive in the summer, so its great to spend some quality time surrounded by the flora and fauna of this oasis of tranquility.
The theatre district on Broadway and around Times Square is teeming with people well into the evening, and is generally a very safe environment. When the playhouses have closed for the night, however, the area can become a little more intimidating. As in any major city, make sure youre not in the wrong place at the wrong time, and always be ready to err on the side of caution.
Traveling around the city is easy thanks to an intricate subway network. Most guide books, however, will warn against riding the underground trains at night, especially later on. Cabs are relatively inexpensive , so they are generally a better option during the hours of darkness. In the daytime, the subway is safe to use and is popular with locals and visitors alike.
