Exercise Increased Caution
“Exercise increased cautionin the United Kingdom due to terrorism. There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the United Kingdom.”
Updated Thu, 08 May 2025
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Is Manhattan safe? 🇺🇸
United States · Safety report last updated
As of August 2026, Manhattan scores 77/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Manhattan is one of the safest major cities in the world for visitors, with low violent‑crime risk and strong police presence, but pickpocketing and tourist‑targeted scams remain the most common threats. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Manhattan 🇺🇸
United States · Assessed 1 August 2026
77
/ 100
Yes — generally safe
Safer than ~83% of countries
What drives this score
Crime66/100FairHomicide 5.8 / 100k
Sentiment84/100GoodMostly positive
Advisories75Good
Stability75Good
Health74Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
No advisory against travel
“This travel advice also covers American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and United States Virgin Islands. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe.”
Updated 2026-07-23T16:13:06Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for United States: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Homicide rate
5.8 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
62
Robbery / mugging
LowMugging and armed robbery are rare for tourists and occur mainly in isolated residential blocks after midnight.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing is common in crowded areas such as Times Square, Grand Central, Macy's, and subway stations, especially during peak tourist hours.
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
84/100
Reported feel78Mostly positive
Robbery risk92Low risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Recent traveler reports on forums and review sites describe feeling safe walking in Midtown and tourist districts during the day, with concerns rising only after midnight in less‑populated neighborhoods.
Yes — Manhattan is one of the safest major cities in the world for visitors, with low violent‑crime risk and strong police presence, but pickpocketing and tourist‑targeted scams remain the most common threats.
Safety scores show Manhattan rates as SAFE (75/100) with homicide and assault rates below the U.S. average; recent data indicate stable violent‑crime levels and record‑low murders, while pickpocket incidents are clustered in crowded tourist zones. Visitors generally feel comfortable walking during daylight and until about midnight, though caution is advised after dark in quieter streets.
Recent developments
- Jul 2026Two people stabbed outside a Manhattan synagogue in a potential antisemitic hate crime; police increased patrols around religious sites.— The Jerusalem Post
- Jun 2026Eight individuals indicted in a multi‑state retail‑theft ring targeting high‑end stores in Manhattan.— Manhattan District Attorney’s Office
- Jul 2026Banner unfurling atop the Empire State Building antenna led to two arrests for trespassing and disorderly conduct.— PBS
- Jun 2026Citizen app reports noted a spike in police presence around Times Square due to heightened security after a nearby concert crowd disturbance.— Citizen app
Common scams
- Ticket‑resale scams near Times Square and major attractions
- Fake charity collectors targeting pedestrians in tourist hotspots
- Overpriced 'tourist' taxi or rideshare offers that demand cash up‑front
Full briefing
Safety Briefing
Manhattan remains one of the safest large cities in the world for travelers. The composite safety index of 75 / 100 and the World Bank’s homicide rate of 5.8 per 100 k (well below the U.S. average) confirm that violent crime against visitors is rare. Recent NYPD data cited in the dossier show a record‑low murder count for Manhattan in 2025 and only modest increases in street‑level theft, indicating stable overall security.
The most salient risks are non‑violent but frequent: pickpocketing in crowded tourist corridors such as Times Square, Grand Central, Macy’s, and major subway stations, and a handful of scams targeting tourists, including ticket‑resale fraud, bogus charity collectors, and overpriced rideshare schemes. These incidents are concentrated during peak daytime and evening hours when venues are packed. The dossier records a recent antisemitic hate‑crime stabbing outside a Manhattan synagogue (July 2026) and a multi‑state retail‑theft indictment (June 2026), both of which prompted heightened police presence but did not affect the safety of typical tourist routes.
Visitor sentiment, reflected in a consumer‑sentiment score of 78 and numerous recent traveler comments, reports feeling safe walking in Midtown and around major attractions during daylight and until roughly midnight. After dark, the perception of safety drops slightly, especially on quieter side streets or less‑lit subway platforms. The official U.S. travel advisory (Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution) is driven by generic terrorism warnings for the United Kingdom, not by any specific threat to Manhattan, and the UK and Canadian advisories place no travel bans on the city.
To stay safe, keep valuables in front pockets or secure bags, stay in well‑lit, busy areas after dark, and use verified rideshare or taxi services. Avoid confronting panhandlers or engaging with unsolicited offers near tourist hotspots, and be wary of any “too‑good‑to‑be‑true” ticket or charity solicitations. By applying these simple precautions, visitors can enjoy Manhattan’s attractions with a low risk of personal harm.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Manhattan districts for visitors: 3 safer, 5 needing caution. See them plotted on the Manhattan safety map.
Midtowncautiontourist hub with heavy police presence but high pickpocket activity, especially after dark
Chelseacautionvibrant nightlife draws crowds; pickpocketing and occasional street harassment reported after midnight
Harlemcautiongenerally safe during daylight, but isolated incidents of assault reported in less busy blocks after dark
Theater Districtcautionbusy with tourists and late-night shows; heightened pickpocket risk near Broadway venues
East Villagecautionactive nightlife; occasional altercations and substance-related incidents reported late evening
Upper East Sidesaferquiet residential area with low crime rates and strong community surveillance
Financial Districtsaferwell-lit, heavily patrolled, low violent crime, but occasional petty theft near subway stations
Washington Square Villagesaferstudent-heavy area with frequent foot traffic and visible NYPD patrols; low violent crime
07 · After Dark
Is Manhattan safe at night?
60% of people in United States say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2023).
Mugging and armed robbery are rare for tourists and occur mainly in isolated residential blocks after midnight.
After dark, be most careful around Midtown, Chelsea, Harlem, Theater District. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Manhattan safety FAQ
Is Manhattan safe for tourists right now?
Yes — Manhattan is one of the safest major cities in the world for visitors, with low violent‑crime risk and strong police presence, but pickpocketing and tourist‑targeted scams remain the most common threats. Safety scores show Manhattan rates as SAFE (75/100) with homicide and assault rates below the U.S. average; recent data indicate stable violent‑crime levels and record‑low murders, while pickpocket incidents are clustered in crowded tourist zones. Visitors generally feel comfortable walking during daylight and until about midnight, though caution is advised after dark in quieter streets. (Assessed 1 August 2026.)
Which areas of Manhattan should tourists avoid?
Harlem (after dark); Theater District (late night); East Village (late night). See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Manhattan?
- Ticket‑resale scams near Times Square and major attractions
- Fake charity collectors targeting pedestrians in tourist hotspots
- Overpriced 'tourist' taxi or rideshare offers that demand cash up‑front
How does Manhattan compare with other places in United States?
Manhattan ranks #9 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 77/100. See the United States safety overview for the full list.
How is this Manhattan safety score calculated?
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
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4 reportsBrowse the United States safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: manhattan.json (CC BY 4.0).