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 Wed, 09 Sep 2026
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Is Manhatten safe? 🇺🇸
United States · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Manhatten scores 82/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes. Manhattan is generally safe for visitors with low violent crime risk but notable pickpocketing and scam threats in tourist zones. 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
Manhatten 🇺🇸
United States · Assessed 11 October 2026
82
/ 100
Yes — generally safe
Safer than ~89% of countries
What drives this score
Crime75/100GoodCrime index 49.2 / 100
Sentiment83/100GoodMostly positive
Advisories85Good
Stability72Good
Health77Good
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 2026-10-07T10:48:24Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for United States: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-10-10T19:41:02.6992267-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Good
Mugging & robbery risk
Low risk
92
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
Moderate risk
78
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
75 / 100 (Mostly positive)
75
City SignalCity Web Research
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 mainly occur 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
83/100
Reported feel75Mostly positive
Robbery risk92Low risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Visitors report feeling safe in Manhattan during daytime and early evening, with concerns focused on pickpocketing and scams in tourist hotspots rather than violent crime.
Yes. Manhattan is generally safe for visitors with low violent crime risk but notable pickpocketing and scam threats in tourist zones.
Manhattan's safety profile shows low violent crime against tourists, with homicide rates at the U.S. national average and terrorism risk minimal. Visitor safety is primarily affected by opportunistic property crime in crowded areas, while overall city safety has improved with declining major crime and enhanced NYPD presence in tourist zones.
Recent developments
- Jan 2026Armed robbers stole $100,000 of Pokémon card merchandise and held customers at gunpoint in a Manhattan store— IGN
- Jun 2022A brazen smash-and-grab robbery was caught on video in Manhattan Beach— ABC7 Los Angeles
Common scams
- Times Square character photo scams
- Fake ticket sellers near theaters
- Street performers demanding payment after photos
- Unlicensed tour guides offering overpriced services
Full briefing
Manhattan remains one of the safest large cities in the United States for visitors, with violent crime against tourists uncommon. The NYPD's enhanced patrols in tourist areas and platform barriers in subway stations have contributed to a safer environment, though visitors should stay alert in crowded spots. Most safety concerns involve opportunistic theft rather than violence, particularly in high-traffic zones like Times Square and Grand Central where pickpockets and scam artists operate.
Recent reports indicate that while overall major crime declined through mid-2026, subway-related incidents including assaults and thefts received attention in July 2026. An armed robbery in January 2026 targeting a Pokémon card store highlights that isolated commercial crimes do occur, though tourists are rarely the target. Smash-and-grab incidents, while noted in nearby areas like Manhattan Beach, are not typical in core Manhattan tourist districts.
To stay safe, visitors should secure valuables in front pockets, avoid displaying expensive items, and use licensed transportation options. Stick to well-lit, busy streets after dark, especially when returning from shows or dinner, and remain cautious of unsolicited offers for photos or assistance near major attractions. While the U.S. State Department advises increased caution due to terrorism concerns, the actual risk to visitors remains low, and normal precautions suffice for a safe trip.
Was this Manhatten, United States report helpful?
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Manhatten districts for visitors: 3 safer, 5 needing caution. See them plotted on the Manhatten safety map.
Midtown ManhattancautionGenerally safe by day with heavy police presence; pickpocketing and scams common in crowded areas like Times Square after dark.
Hell's KitchencautionTrendy with dining and nightlife; exercise caution late at night due to occasional rowdiness and petty theft near venues.
HarlemcautionCulturally vibrant; mostly safe in daytime and early evening, but avoid isolated streets after dark due to sporadic incidents.
ChinatowncautionBusy with markets and tourism; watch for pickpockets and scams in crowded areas, especially during festivals.
East VillagecautionLively nightlife and bars; increased risk of petty theft and altercations late at night, particularly on weekends.
Upper East SidesaferUpscale, tree-lined streets with low crime rates; ideal for solo travelers and families, day and night.
Upper West SidesaferHistoric charm, active nightlife, and strong safety record; well-patrolled and popular with locals and tourists.
Financial DistrictsaferHigh security presence during business hours; very low violent crime, though quieter at night and on weekends.
07 · After Dark
Is Manhatten 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 mainly occur in isolated residential blocks after midnight.
After dark, be most careful around Midtown Manhattan, Hell's Kitchen, Harlem, Chinatown. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Manhatten safety FAQ (2026)
Is Manhatten safe right now (2026)?
Yes. Manhattan is generally safe for visitors with low violent crime risk but notable pickpocketing and scam threats in tourist zones. Manhattan's safety profile shows low violent crime against tourists, with homicide rates at the U.S. national average and terrorism risk minimal. Visitor safety is primarily affected by opportunistic property crime in crowded areas, while overall city safety has improved with declining major crime and enhanced NYPD presence in tourist zones. (Assessed 11 October 2026.)
Is Manhatten safe for women, families and solo travelers?
Safety is not one number, and this Manhatten report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Which areas of Manhatten should tourists avoid?
No districts were flagged as no-go areas for visitors at the last assessment.
What are the most common scams in Manhatten (2026)?
- Times Square character photo scams
- Fake ticket sellers near theaters
- Street performers demanding payment after photos
- Unlicensed tour guides offering overpriced services
How does Manhatten compare with other places in United States (2026)?
Manhatten ranks #9 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 82/100. See the United States safety overview for the full list.
How is this manhatten safety score calculated (2026)?
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight (and U.S. reports lean more on the latest field research); the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
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4 reportsBrowse the United States safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: manhatten.json (CC BY 4.0).