I’m often asked whether I think New York City is safe? In my opinion I do feel safe, but like any other urban city it is wise to take a few sensible precautions and you should be fine.

A question I am asked frequently is whether I think New York City is safe, especially given media attention of crimes that occur in the city. In my view, I do feel safe, it is like any big city, there will be crime but a common sense approach needs to be taken. Many places accept contactless payment so there may not be a need to carry significant sums of money. Obviously consider tipping, a huge part of the way of life in NYC. But consider just taking a bank card with you, or even better if you can pay using your smartphone or Apple Watch, that may be more convenient. 

 

Don't flash valuables, would you do this when walking around your town or city? I would suggest leave everything at home. For identification purposes leave the passport back in the hotel and take your driving license. This way it can be put away easily. 

 

So in summary, yes I think NYC is safe, yes you will see homelessness, like moist big US cities, and indeed cities across the world, I don't think it is any worse or any less in the Big Apple. Just take your precautions and you should be fine, and most of all, enjoy New York City. 

 

Happy US travels.