Is NYC Safe? Everything You Need to Know

We are from New York City, so when we travel to other cities, we are constantly comparing them to New York. When visiting a new town, we evaluate transportation safety, shop and restaurant closing times, how congested the neighborhoods and streets are, and also, how safe we feel.

No matter where you travel, there are always some problems that exist in every city. It is essential to take the necessary precautions and maintain a constant lookout for anything suspicious at all times, whether it’s being alert to potential pickpockets or memorizing a few key phrases in the local language. Today, we’ll tell you what you need to know concerning safety in New York. Read also this article from SharedEasy about the safe areas to live in New York.

Is NYC Safe for Families?

New York City is an excellent option for a family vacation. The city offers many different attractions that are both fun and safe for children, such as museums, zoos, kid-friendly theater shows, and plenty of parks and restaurants to choose from.

New York City is a great and secure vacation spot for families, whether you have youngsters, toddlers, or teenagers. New York City is a wonderful and safe holiday destination for the whole family. We are certain that your visit to New York City will be fantastic, and that you will not experience any crime at all, so you won’t have to worry about it.

Are Cabs Safe in NYC?

Yes, and Uber and Lyft are the best options for getting a taxi in NY. These ride-hailing apps should be used to pay a set fee and track your trip as it goes.

With the Curb app, you now may request a trip in a green or yellow taxi cab. When compared to Uber and Lyft, this even can help you save money sometimes because there is no need to negotiate pricing with the driver – it’s all handled within the app.

Is Biking in NYC Safe

The city of New York has put a lot of effort into making bike lanes in popular areas, so it is safe to cycle there. They also place a high value on bicycle culture.

You must, however, use a helmet at all times because safety must be your priority since you have no control over automobile driving abilities when cycling. It’s also important to obey traffic regulations, keep up with the traffic flow, ride on bike lanes if available, and don’t forget to stop at stop signs and red lights.

Are Airbnb’s and Hotels Safe?

Yes, hotels in NYC are completely secure! Before making a reservation, we recommend reading reviews on different sources (Google, TripAdvisor, Yelp).

Although Airbnb’s are usually safe, it is always important to take precautionary measures – especially if you decided to share an Airbnb. If you opt for a shared space, such as a private room, keep in mind that you are going to spend time in the host’s home. To avoid any mishaps, only stay with hosts who have verified accounts on Airbnb.

Always store your belongings in a locker when sharing a room in a hostel, and avoid suspicious individuals (or inform the hotel staff).

How Can I Be Safe in NYC?

Even though we’re New Yorkers and know that the city is safe, it’s always good to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions. We’ve heard stories from friends, family, and coworkers about what to beware of, so we’re sharing them with you too.

Let’s take a look at some additional suggestions for strolling the streets and subways during the day and night.

Keep moving

It’s not uncommon to be approached by a stranger in NYC. If you don’t look like a local (for example, if you’re carrying a map or guidebook), someone might try to take advantage of you by selling you something or begging for money.

If you are unsure about what to say, simply continue walking or thank the individual and steer clear of speaking. If you keep being polite, they will soon lose interest in you. You might also claim that you don’t understand English.

Don’t Pay with a Large Amount of Cash

The likelihood of you being robbed in New York is quite low, but it does happen to some people. If you take out a large sum of money to pay for something, though, you may spark the interest of someone who wishes to steal your money.

If a calamity of this sort occurs, you have a number of payment alternatives at your disposal. Because credit or debit cards and Apple Pay are almost universally accepted, you should rarely pay in cash. Because cash is advantageous, keeping a modest amount of money on hand to use during the day is reasonable.

Don’t fall for the following scams

• Rickshaw rides, or “pedicabs,” in Central Park and Midtown Manhattan are a tourist trap – avoid them at all cost!
• The “Buddhist monks” soliciting donations in Midtown (a real monk would never beg).
• Fake tickets to major sites such as museums, Broadway shows Yankee games, comedy, or performances (worse, never pay for the Staten Island ferry… it’s free!).
• All train terminals and airports have black unmarked cabs outside inquiring if you need a ride (you would need to agree on a price verbally, but this will be above the market value.). Instead, use Lyft or Uber.
• Purchasing a subway MetroCard from anyone who is offering them (buy a MetroCard only in the MTA ticketing machines).
• Keep in mind that anyone selling you a low-cost flight to “the airport” may not clarify which airport you are flying to, as there are three. Always refer to New York City’s airports by their airport codes: JFK, LGA, and EWR.

By following these tips, you can avoid any dangerous situations during your stay in New York. We wish you a safe and happy journey!