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The New York Journal · Planning

Is NYC Safe for Tourists? What Visitors Should Know

What the latest crime figures say, and the common-sense habits that keep a New York trip easy.

By Luxury Travel NYC Editorial··6 min read

Fifth Avenue at golden hour with pre-war facades and a black sedan passing

In brief

  • For most visitors, New York is safe to visit with ordinary big-city awareness.
  • NYPD’s preliminary figures for the first nine months of 2026 show major crime down 6.6% citywide, and the fewest murders and shooting incidents in the city’s recorded history for that period.
  • Subway crime was roughly flat over the same period (up 0.9%), so normal transit awareness still applies.
  • At the airports, ignore anyone offering rides inside the terminal; use the official taxi line or a prearranged car.

Yes: for most visitors, New York City is safe to visit, especially in the areas where tourists spend their time. Like any large city it has crime, and a few simple habits make a real difference. Here is what the latest figures show and how to travel with confidence.

What the latest crime figures show

In its October 6, 2026 release, the NYPD reported preliminary year-to-date figures through September:

NYPD preliminary year-to-date figures, January–September 2026 vs. 2025
Measure20262025Change
Major (index) crime, citywide86,02392,057−6.6%
Murders203253−19.8% (lowest on record for the period)
Shooting incidents489553−11.6% (lowest on record for the period)
Transit (subway) crime1,6281,613+0.9%

Figures are preliminary and may be revised. For the latest numbers, see the NYPD’s published crime statistics.

Is the subway safe?

Millions of people ride the subway every day. Transit crime was roughly flat in 2026, so use the same awareness you would on any big-city transit system:

  • Stand back from the platform edge while you wait.
  • Keep your phone and bag close, especially near doors as trains stop.
  • Late at night, ride in a car with other passengers and choose busier stations.
  • If something feels wrong, move to another car at the next stop.

Is Times Square safe?

Times Square is crowded day and night, which makes pickpocketing and street hustles the main concerns. Keep valuables zipped away, don’t hand your phone to strangers, and be wary of anyone who offers you something “free” and then asks for money. Costumed characters often ask for a tip after a photo.

Is Central Park safe at night?

The park is busy into the evening and closes at 1:00 a.m. After dark, stay on well-lit, busy paths and drives and avoid isolated wooded areas. Our Central Park guide has more.

Arriving at the airports

Ignore anyone who approaches you inside the terminal offering a ride. The Port Authority prohibits ride solicitation inside its terminals, and JFK warns that many solicitors are unlicensed and uninsured. Use the official taxi line outside the terminal, a ride-hailing pickup area, or a car you booked in advance. Our airport arrival guide walks through it.

Practical tips for a safe trip

  • Know your route before you leave the hotel, especially at night.
  • Keep valuables out of sight in crowds and on transit.
  • Use licensed transportation: yellow and green taxis, app-booked rides, or a prearranged car.
  • Choose your hotel’s neighborhood well: see where to stay.
  • In an emergency, call 911. For non-emergencies, call 311.

FAQ

Questions, Answered

Is NYC safe for tourists?

For most visitors, yes, with ordinary big-city awareness. NYPD’s preliminary 2026 figures show major crime down 6.6% through September and record-low murders and shootings for that period.

Is New York City safe at night?

Busy, well-lit areas such as Midtown and the main avenues are generally fine at night. Stick to busy streets, know your route and use licensed transportation late at night.

Is the NYC subway safe?

Millions ride it daily. Transit crime was roughly flat in 2026 (up 0.9%), so stand back from the edge, keep valuables close and ride in occupied cars late at night.

Is Manhattan safe?

The areas where visitors spend most time, such as Midtown, the Upper East and West Sides and downtown, are busy and generally safe with normal precautions.

Is Central Park safe at night?

Stay on well-lit, busy paths after dark and remember the park closes at 1:00 a.m.

What number do I call in an emergency?

911 for emergencies; 311 for non-emergency city services and questions.

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