20 Places to Stay Away From in New York City, NY

New York City, the pulsating core of the Empire State, is a vibrant metropolis home to over 8 million individuals. Known as the city that never sleeps, it’s a hub where aspirations are born and chased. Yet, like all bustling urban centers, it’s essential to understand the lay of the land – identifying which areas to frequent and which places to stay away from in New York City, whether for safety considerations or to evade common tourist pitfalls.

Avoiding neighborhoods with potential safety issues or areas with a notorious reputation is a key aspect of a secure travel experience. Similarly, bypassing tourist hotspots that are typically congested and overpriced can significantly improve your journey.

Whether your priority is safety or you’re interested in sidestepping tourist traps, this guide will act as your navigational tool, leading you through the complex labyrinth of this expansive city. Embark on this enlightening exploration to deepen your grasp of NYC’s intricate social fabric.

See Also: Best things to do in New York City

 

Dangerous Areas to Avoid

 

1. Brownsville, Brooklyn

Nestled in the eastern region of Brooklyn, Brownsville is a community with a deep-rooted history and a vibrant sense of unity. However, it’s been flagged as a potentially risky area in New York City due to its elevated crime rate, with violent offenses being a notable concern. While measures are being taken to mitigate the situation, it’s suggested that visitors stay alert. Despite its difficulties, Brownsville is home to several landmarks of significance, such as Loew’s Pitkin Theatre and Betsy Head Park, which stand as symbols of the area’s resilience and cultural richness. The community also boasts a range of organizations committed to enhancing local conditions and providing resources for residents.

 

2. East New York, Brooklyn

East New York, a separate sector in Brooklyn, has grappled with issues of crime and poverty. Despite continuous efforts to revamp the area, it remains one of the locations with the highest crime rates in Brooklyn, making it a place where caution is advised when visiting the city. Tourists should be particularly watchful after dark. However, East New York has its positive aspects. It’s known for its urban farming initiatives and the New Lots Library, which are testaments to the community’s spirit and resilience. The sector also features the Gateway Center, a large shopping hub, and several picturesque parks, including the expansive Spring Creek Park.

 

3. The Bronx (certain parts, such as South Bronx)

The South Bronx, a sector abundant in culture and history, has been linked with high crime rates, making it a less advisable area for tourists in New York City. Although there have been substantial improvements over the years, it’s still recommended that tourists be cautious, particularly after dark. Despite its reputation, the South Bronx is the birthplace of hip hop and home to Yankee Stadium, which are reflections of the area’s cultural importance and vibrant community spirit. The sector also features several beautiful parks, including Joyce Kilmer Park and Hostos Community College, which offer a variety of educational and cultural resources.

 

4. East Harlem, Manhattan

East Harlem, also known as Spanish Harlem or El Barrio, is a sector with a strong Latino heritage. However, it’s also a region with a high crime rate compared to other parts of Manhattan, making it a less appealing location for tourists. While the sector is home to cultural institutions like El Museo del Barrio and the annual El Barrio Week festival, visitors should remain alert and aware of their surroundings, especially at night. East Harlem also features several beautiful murals and community gardens, reflecting the area’s vibrant culture and community spirit.

 

5. Hunts Point, Bronx

Hunts Point, a residential and industrial sector in the Bronx, is recognized for its food distribution centers. However, it’s also noted for its high crime rates, particularly related to drugs and prostitution. This makes it a less safe area for tourists, especially after dark. Despite these challenges, Hunts Point is home to the beautiful Hunts Point Riverside Park and the vibrant Hunts Point Market. The sector is also known for its strong community organizations, such as The Point CDC, which provides a variety of programs and resources for local residents.

 

6. Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn

Bedford-Stuyvesant, or Bed-Stuy as it’s often referred to, is a vibrant neighborhood nestled within Brooklyn that showcases an intriguing blend of architectural aesthetics and cultural diversity. While it is a remarkable area, it has been marked as one of the high-crime neighborhoods in New York, making visitor vigilance important. This characterization, however, should not overshadow its rich cultural tapestry represented by landmarks like the Weeksville Heritage Center and the Billie Holiday Theatre.

These historical gems narrate the diverse cultural and historical legacy of the area. In parallel, several community initiatives are tirelessly working to improve local living conditions and provide valuable resources for residents, intending to gradually erase the unsafe tag attached to this part of the Big Apple.

 

7. Fort Greene, Brooklyn

Fort Greene is a historically vibrant neighborhood located in Brooklyn, known for its eclectic blend of cultures and architectural beauty. Despite its many attributes, it’s often considered one of the unsafe areas in NYC due to its challenges with crime, so visitors are encouraged to stay alert. Regardless of these issues, the community stands proud and resilient, boasting cultural landmarks like the Brooklyn Academy of Music and Fort Greene Park. These places encapsulate the neighborhood’s rich cultural life and its undying spirit. Various local organizations are fervently working towards making Fort Greene safer, striving to transform this red-flag area in New York City into a thriving, safe community.

 

8. Washington Heights, Manhattan

Set in Manhattan, Washington Heights is a neighborhood esteemed for its historical significance and cultural richness. However, it has also gained a reputation as one of the troublesome spots in New York City due to concerns related to crime. As a result, it is advised that visitors stay cautious. This label, though, doesn’t diminish the area’s allure, with attractions like the Cloisters Museum and Fort Tryon Park providing glimpses into the community’s resilient spirit and cultural heritage. A number of dedicated local groups are at the forefront, enhancing the quality of life in the neighborhood, fostering safety, and providing crucial support to residents.

 

9. Alphabet City/East Village, Manhattan

Alphabet City, a part of Manhattan’s eclectic East Village, is a neighborhood imbued with history and cultural vibrancy. However, it has also been classified as one of New York’s least safe neighborhoods due to crime-related issues, urging visitors to practice vigilance. Despite this, Alphabet City shines through its rich cultural landmarks such as Tompkins Square Park and the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. These icons of the community celebrate the area’s cultural richness and enduring spirit. At the same time, various local initiatives are working relentlessly to improve the area’s safety and living conditions, aiming to change the narrative around this high-risk street in NYC.

 

10. Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan

Hell’s Kitchen, situated in Manhattan, is a neighborhood known for its energetic atmosphere and deep-rooted history. However, it has also been marked as one of the risky districts in NYC due to its high crime rate, making it essential for visitors to be vigilant. Despite these challenges, Hell’s Kitchen is a neighborhood teeming with life and resilience, evidenced by its renowned landmarks like the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, and the lively Ninth Avenue. These landmarks echo the community’s vibrant spirit and cultural richness. Numerous community initiatives are in place, actively seeking to enhance safety and living conditions for residents. They’re committed to changing the narrative of Hell’s Kitchen from a high-risk area to a safe and vibrant hub of New York City.

 

Tourist Traps to Avoid

 

1. Times Square

Known for its flashing billboards and bustling crowds, Times Square in Manhattan has long been an international symbol of New York City’s dynamism. Yet, it is often marked as one of the neighborhoods to bypass in New York City, and not just for safety concerns. Although its vibrant energy can be enticing, it’s notorious for overpriced restaurants, aggressive street performers, and generic souvenirs sold at a premium. Visitors should also be aware that the high foot traffic and tourist density can make it a target for pickpockets. Despite these issues, local initiatives are consistently working to enhance public safety and improve the overall Times Square experience.

2. Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Ferries

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferries are iconic experiences departing from Battery Park. However, besides being recognized as potential danger spots in New York, they’re also known as tourist traps due to long wait times, overpriced tickets from unofficial vendors, and overcrowded boats. It’s recommended that tourists be careful of ticket scams and keep a keen eye on their personal belongings in crowded waiting areas. Despite these drawbacks, these landmarks still represent an important part of America’s rich history. Efforts are being made to improve safety measures and visitor experiences at these locations.

3. Empire State Building

An architectural marvel, the Empire State Building is a globally recognized symbol of New York City. However, along with being one of the high-crime areas in the City That Never Sleeps, it’s also seen as a tourist trap due to long lines, high admission prices, and an often overcrowded observation deck. Furthermore, the view, while undoubtedly impressive, excludes the Empire State Building itself, one of the city’s most iconic silhouettes. Despite these issues, the building remains a must-see landmark, and authorities are working to enhance visitor safety and experience.

4. Little Italy

Little Italy, a neighborhood known for its rich cultural heritage and culinary offerings, has been increasingly recognized as one of the perilous parts of New York City due to safety issues. Beyond that, it’s often considered a tourist trap due to its inflated restaurant prices, generic souvenir shops, and somewhat diminished authenticity as it has become more commercialized over the years. However, the area continues to hold charm for visitors looking for a taste of Italy in the heart of NYC. Active measures are in place to enhance safety, and visitors are advised to research and select eateries that offer a more authentic experience.

5. Street Food Carts in Busy Areas

Street food carts peppered across New York City’s tourist-heavy areas like Times Square and Central Park are a ubiquitous sight. However, they are often viewed as potential danger spots in New York, and not just for safety reasons. While the convenience of grabbing a quick bite can be enticing, these carts are often criticized for overpriced, sometimes subpar food. Furthermore, hygiene standards can vary significantly. Despite these concerns, many carts still offer an authentic taste of NYC’s street food scene, and there are ongoing efforts to enforce stricter regulations for hygiene and safety standards across these high-risk streets in NYC.

6. Madame Tussauds New York

Located in the heart of the city, Madame Tussauds New York is a well-known wax museum that attracts countless tourists each year. Despite its popularity, it’s frequently regarded as one of the unsavory locales in NYC for tourists due to its steep ticket prices and often crowded exhibits. Additionally, some visitors might find the wax figures less impressive than anticipated. While it remains a notable landmark, tourists are encouraged to carefully consider whether the experience is worth the time and money. The management of Madame Tussauds continues to work on improving visitor experience and safety at the venue.

7. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Times Square is known for its collection of unique artifacts and interactive exhibits. However, it’s often marked as one of the troublesome spots in New York City due to high ticket prices and exhibits that some find less compelling than advertised. Visitors should also be mindful of their belongings as the area can get quite crowded. Despite these issues, Ripley’s continues to offer a quirky exploration of the world’s oddities. Measures are in place to improve the experience and maintain safety for all visitors.

8. Central Park Pedicab Rides

Central Park Pedicab Rides are a popular way for tourists to explore the iconic park. Despite their charm, these rides are often categorized as one of the New York areas to avoid due to inconsistent pricing and occasional cases of drivers taking longer routes for higher fares. Furthermore, the park can be one of New York’s least safe neighborhoods, particularly late at night, and tourists are urged to stay alert. Nevertheless, the Pedicab rides offer a unique perspective on the park’s beauty, and there are ongoing efforts to regulate pricing and ensure the safety of both drivers and passengers.

 

9. Midtown Manhattan during the holiday season (especially 5th Avenue)

Midtown Manhattan, particularly 5th Avenue, with its dazzling holiday displays and the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, draws throngs of tourists each holiday season. While the area transforms into a veritable winter wonderland, it is often labeled as one of the high-risk streets in NYC during this time. Crowded sidewalks, overpriced shopping, and potential pickpocketing issues make it one of New York City’s danger zones. Additionally, the overwhelming crowds can dampen the holiday cheer for some. Despite these issues, the sheer festive spirit of Midtown Manhattan during the holiday season is undeniable. Local authorities implement robust crowd management and safety measures to make the holiday season as enjoyable and secure as possible for all.

 

10. South Street Seaport

South Street Seaport, with its historic buildings, scenic pier, and a multitude of shops and restaurants, is a charming part of Lower Manhattan. However, it often lands on the list of New York neighborhoods with high crime rates and is recognized as one of the potential danger spots in New York. Aside from security concerns, it’s also seen as a tourist trap due to overpriced dining and shopping options, as well as crowded conditions during peak times. Nevertheless, it remains an iconic part of the city’s landscape, and efforts are continually made to enhance safety and visitor experience in the area. Tourists are advised to be vigilant and choose dining and shopping options wisely.

 

Conclusion

Setting out to discover the expansive cityscape of New York City is an unparalleled adventure. Yet, it’s vital to recognize the places to stay away from in New York City, whether for maintaining safety or bypassing common tourist pitfalls. This guide has been curated to act as your dependable guide, aiding you in navigating the city’s intricate social dynamics.

As you carry on with your voyage through the city that never sleeps, remember to have this guide within reach. It’s your ticket to a safe and authentic experience in New York City. So, remain alert, stay curious, and most importantly, savor your unique exploration in the pulsating heart of the Big Apple!