Is New York City really safe for tourists? A closer look at the risks

Is New York City safe? This is one of the most frequently asked questions by those planning a trip to the cultural capital of the USA. Agatha Christie once wrote: setting a crime novel in New York City is nonsense - New York City itself is a crime novel. But what is the reality?

Tourists visiting New York City often feel a certain dissonance. On one hand, it is one of the most heavily guarded places in the world: police helicopters circle over Manhattan day and night, and the streets are full of patrols.

On the other hand, it's hard to forget the statistics from not so long ago - in the '90s, six people were murdered in New York City every day. Death on the streets of New York even struck global stars (like John Lennon) or mobsters moving with their guards.

The media regularly spread chilling stories of brutal murders, often occurring in homes or at their doorsteps. It was in New York City that the bystander effect was born – a phenomenon in psychology where a crowd does not respond to violence, and responsibility is diffused. Dozens of New Yorkers witnessed the famous murder of Kitty Genovese, but no one helped her, even though the victim was screaming and calling for help.

So, in New York City, relying on yourself is better. According to current rankings, it's better not to venture into the following neighborhoods.

Brownsville in Brooklyn has been infamous for years. The crime rate here is four times higher than the city average. According to statistics, the probability that you will become a victim of an assault here is 1 in 36. Bodies pile up due to domestic violence and drug-related feuds.

This area has resisted the gentrification seen in other parts of Brooklyn (gentrification is the change in the character of a district from one inhabited by tenants from various social groups to an area dominated by residents with high status).

New York photographer Reed Young, describing this part of the city, cites a local saying: if you're over 25 in Brownsville, then you're either dead, in prison, or decided to quit gangster life. It's better not to join any of those categories and avoid Brownsville - even if you're looking for cheap accommodation.

The South Bronx, including Mott Haven and Hunts Point, has historically been a working-class neighbourhood. It's easy to get into trouble here. The causes are long-standing poverty, gangster traditions, and prostitution. According to statistics, there are about five thousand acts of violence per 100,000 residents - murders, rapes, assaults, thefts. It's no wonder that the Bronx is the cinematic embodiment of a sinful city. However, it's better not to test this popular opinion on your own skin.

Bedford-Stuyvesant, also in Brooklyn, has been topping the rankings of dangerous New York City neighbourhoods for years. Here, it's easy to fall victim to a robbery or get involved in aggressive discussions with locals that can end badly.

Poles might associate this place with the death of Henryk Siwiak. He was the only murdered individual on September 11, 2001. While three thousand New Yorkers lost their lives in the World Trade Center attacks, only the Pole was recorded in the registers as a murder victim on that day. He was shot when he got lost on his way to work. Some say it was his foreign accent that got him mistaken for a terrorist; others believe he accidentally found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's wiser not to investigate these dependencies independently and avoid Bedford-Stuyvesant.

Midtown Manhattan

Yes, it's not a mistake - you also need to be cautious in the centre of Manhattan. While it's hard and unfortunate to avoid this part of New York City, one can't overlook its dangers. New York City has been struggling with a homelessness crisis for years. People deprived of means of survival in desperation can resort to theft or violence.

You should watch out for pickpockets, avoid deserted alleyways, or empty subway tunnels late at night. When something throws the city off balance, like a power outage, it's better not to leave your home or hotel.

Andrzej, living in an apartment building in Manhattan, recalls the times of the pandemic and just after it.

-In New York, violence happens in broad daylight, and no one reacts - he says. - From the windows, I saw groups of people looting clothing stores. They just smashed the windows, went in, and took the goods. It went on and on. No one did anything; the police didn't come for hours.

East Harlem in Manhattan

Located within Manhattan, Harlem tempts with colourful culture and churches where you can listen to gospel choirs. However, it's better to go there in a group and during the day.

The relatively safe area is 125th Street and adjacent ones, thanks to gentrification and popularity among tourists.

In other parts, the chances of encountering trouble from residents are 1 in 22. Experienced travellers suggest keeping bags and backpacks zipped, not flaunting expensive gear or jewellery, and not stopping to take photos. It's best to blend into the crowd and keep your eyes wide open. These rules will work throughout New York City.