I am a woman living in NYC and I agree that for women it's unfortunately true that taking the subways alone late at night does not feel very safe. I have never been physically hurt or robbed by anyone in NYC, but there is a culture of street harassment here, like many other parts of the world, that can lead to generally feeling unsafe. After 11 or 12 there's guaranteed to be some sort of weird behavior or people trying to bother me on the train. Women should still feel free to get out and explore, but don't engage with anyone who tries to talk to you in the street, guys like to start with an innocuous question to trap you into a conversation. You will most likely encounter some street harassment, especially in warm months when you're not bundled up, so don't be afraid to be rude and assertive to get out of the situation. I am from the South and used to being overly polite, but here I've learned that you have to be clear, confident and blunt about things that make you uncomfortable. If a guy starts talking to you, say "Nope" and keep walking. That being said, screw those jerks and go out and enjoy the city!
Yep, and thank you for thinking of women in your video, I just wanted to elaborate on it a bit. Many guys don't think of or aren't even aware of what it's like to be a woman here. But it never stops me from traveling or going out, I just have to pay attention and trust my gut.
@@HereBeBarr do you know what the legal blade limit is for Pocket knives in NYC? I've been a few times and plan on going this summer. I always keep a pocket knife on me and want to remain in the legal boundaries set.
NYC is mostly safe, it all depends in common sense, and like any place it has its good and rough areas, very accurate you're tips, for a city that has over 8.5 million people I think the crime rate is low
I, myself say post 9-11-2001, the entire city seems less populated & "smaller" since I was there in the late 1990s. I'd say; avoid sketchy places, weird people. Dont be distracted.
I’m a single woman living in NYC. Depending on the demands of your job, sometimes taking the subway late at night is unavoidable, I always make sure to get in to the train car with a Conductor in it. It is almost always the most crowded one when traveling late at night. The conductor is always in the center car of the train which stops right in the middle of the platform and usually that platform location is frequently visible from the ticket booth thus more security.
BarbieGirlDolls100 when I was in NYC, I never saw a conductor on the train, only in his little booth between cars. Even at night (the latest I was on a subway was at 1:30 tho)
@@bob84290 Spoken like someone who clearly has never had to drive home after a 12-16 hour work shift or dealt with the astronomical pricing of parking in NYC.
Native New Yorker here. As a tourist, do not comment about other people's appearance. Period. Not only is it annoying (yes, we can hear you and a lot of us speak multiple languages and can understand you), but you may run into a person who does not take your commentary lightly. And do not make prolonged eye contact with strangers. Another major tip: do not leave your handbag, backpack, etc. on the back of a chair while in a restaurant. I dine with my handbag in between my feet, making contact constantly. Last major tip: do not become intoxicated since you need to be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Speak multiple languages how about British English I know Americans can't understand Australian English, I speak Australian and I can say that I have never answered so many What? Ha? What did you say? questions in my life in NYC, thats ok still loved New York!
I visited NYC for the 1st time in May 2021 & found it to be safe enough. I think the secret is- I stayed in the populated areas of Manhattan, minded my own business & didn't go looking for trouble.
Just you walking around with your camera, vlogging is another proof NYC is safe indeed. The ‘headphones’ tip is a good one. Now I have to watch your shooting incident video as well. Curious kind of guy 😉. We’ve been three or four times to your city and never had any issue at all, only thing was about getting a cab at the airport. Everywhere the same. Just walk to the ‘original’ taxi pickup points to be more secure of not paying too much.
I lived and have family in the Bronx, literally have to say a last name on the block my family is known around there area and I’ll be fine. But other than that bronx isn’t a place to just visit with no prior business or family being there. Now Harlem if you mind your business and are aware of your surroundings you’ll be fine. Most people are just corner store/stoop chillin after midnight. But again if you’re not familiar or recognized as a regular in the area, don’t go over there if you have no reason being there. Also if you are anywhere in ny late at night take an Uber/taxi simple as that! Waiting for a train can be a sketchy situation especially how long they take later in the night.if you’re meeting with new people like at a party try and bring a friend, if you’re going solo and it’s in a unfamiliar area leave at a reasonable time, there’ll be time to build relationships with people and formulate where you want to go and not be at. Don’t be an open target and oblivious in new situations/surroundings. Whoever took the time to read this... you’ll learn the game and how to adjust to your own rules.
I’ve learned from experience to not take the subway after midnight alone as a woman. Nothing bad happened to me, but one night after being out late at a party downtown I had to head over to Penn Station by myself and on the subway ride there I encountered so many creeps! And it definitely didn’t help that I was in flashy clothes and shoes. Never again! I take Ubers and taxis to the station ever since or I just sleep over a friend’s apartment.
I was born here and yes it could be dangerous but the Bronx has some of the best Italian restaurants and sites in the city plus that's where the Yankees play! By the way I was born and raised in East Harlem NYC
I live in Spain, I have been to NYC a number of times and I do appreciate your advice but I have to say a couple of things: 1. It's not always easy for foreigners to know where not to go, that kind of knowledge is acquired over time when you live there. 2. Us guys should, every once in a while try to find out what it'd be like to be made feel uncomfortable because our gender. Show decency and respect towards women not only letting them live their lives but also stopping jerks from not doing so.
I love how NYC has a strong sense of community. I really really love that. For being so big it is really difficult to foster a strong connection and I find that reallly cool. Although, certain events may have lead to the need to come together but still.
You covered all the best tips John, Perfect! We walk around all over Harlem and Brooklyn and of course Manhattan and take the subway every day when we visit. We follow your tips and trust in New York’s finest. We’ve seen and heard some crazy stuff but never actually had anything terrible happen to us. We visit New York every year and love it❤️
Hi John! I’m from Australia and NYC is my favourite place on Earth!! I’ve been there five times in the last 12 years and not ONCE have I ever felt unsafe. Luckily, the first time I went, I was with a friend who used to live there, so I was never unsure of where to go because my friend Sarah already knew where to go and how to get there! I’ve traveled heaps my whole life and my Mum used to be a FA (in the 60’s!) so she just taught me to use common sense and don’t take any risks, as it’s better to be safe than sorry! New Yorkers have always been fabulous to me, -they all seem to love us Aussies! I’m dying to come back, even though I’m not really sure when that is likely to happen at the moment! Stay Safe!
2004, walking back from Times Square late at night to my hotel near the Empire State Building. I was a tourist from the UK but not an idiot. Started to become aware of a person ahead of me acting strange. Glancing back at me, keeping pace. So I slowed down and looked into a shop window and had a good glance all around, he slowed and was watching me. So I carried on and he kept pace, I sped up a bit and he did. I was thinking to myself that this was probably the worst mugger in the world as he was standing out like a sore thumb and being really obvious that he was up to no good and drawing my attention. It was at this point that the hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I had a proper look behind me. 2 guys coming up behind me, walking noticeably quicker than the few people that were around at this late hour. As soon as I looked directly at both of them, they glanced at each other and sped up. At this point I was not in "panic" mode but I knew this was a bad situation. The guy that had been acting shady was gone, vanished. These two big guys coming up quick on me, so I sped up my walking pace to just shy of running and kept glancing behind me. They were closing. I was looking around for a way out, for a taxi, for people, the street was practically empty and I fully appreciated I was about to be mugged. I was psyching myself up for this, I was a tourist but I was not unaware or without means to fight back. I didn't want a confrontation though but I was not going to give up my money, nice watch etc without a fight. I won't go into specifics but I was not going to be an easy victim. Anyway, I was as prepared as I could be and then spotted the neon glow of a small "store" so I practically dove into this little store with a small Asian guy behind the counter. It was incredibly bright in there and I still had the door open with my hand. Being two paces into the store, I glanced over my shoulder wondering if the two big guys were going to come in (I didn't think this was a likely situation). A heartbeat later, both walked past the store and both guys were staring at me. The one nearest the road said "Bitch" loudly and they moved off quickly. I spent some time in that store killing time and bought some random stuff (I can't even remember what it was) the store owner was looking at me with the curiosity of someone that must have been seeing a very distressed and nervous person in his store and worked out what had probably happened. Though he didn't say anything and he did not try to hurry me out of his store. It was a very nervous walk back to the hotel from there, my head was on a swivel and when I got back to the hotel and into my room, I had a massive adrenaline dump. Turns out that Times Square is a great spot to mark and follow tourists late at night, because they stand out like a sore thumb, are at a place where locals generally avoid, have cameras out in plain sight and are easy pickings. Following them a few blocks from TS is a common tactic and down darker streets they are easy to rob. Something I did not know in 2004 and it was certainly not mentioned in the paper book guides I bought. I let the previous week in NYC on holiday lul me into a sense of over confidence about how safe the city was. I'd never have dreamed of being there, at that time of night in a similar city like London. NYC is safe but there are big city problems that are common all over the world. Tourists are an easy mark.
tourists are an easy mark, i live in nyc and you can tell a local from a tourist simply by if they look around constantly vs just dead eye focus. tourists usually get picked off because they will surrender anything and everything at a whim while locals will fight.
Hi General, Sorry to read about your ordeal in NYC, I found New York to be one of the safest foreign cities along with Helsinki I have ever been too. The NYPD are everywhere and even on a quieter streets I found they were never far away so if you are in New York again don;t be afraid to ask the NYPD for help as I found them to be legendary even for street directions.
thegeneral123 Thank God for that little store. I’m glad you are ok. What I find fascinating is Tokyo is the largest city on the planet, yet has the lowest crime rate.
Also, the Bronx can be pretty cool. Lots of art and Latin culture. My friend just bought a place up there. Check out the Bronx zoo and other local attractions. It's still part of NYC and shouldn't be neglected.
I stayed in the Bronx (opera house hotel) for my first trip this May. I was treated so much nicer in this area than Manhattan when I visited. I’m from Asheville NC. We used to be pretty diverse and I don’t look common. Tattoos, yankee fitted, just hanging out as I would downtown at home. I love the culture, the people, etc. So many POC people being amazing to this lost transgender individual as the uppity white people wouldn’t even talk to me. I can’t wait to come back and get a real Bronx barbershop fade. Hang with the locals. Listening and learning. Much love!
What about the juniors murder ? I ‘ve never been to bronx but after i watched that murder video I hated bronx so much .motherfuckers calling themselves gang killing 15 year old boy this shit hurts me honestly fuck all them gang shit coward motherfuckes
As a native New Yorker, you're pretty accurate on everything you said. I'm sorry to hear what happened to you and I'm glad you survived that. It could have been worst. The only thing I'd add for anyone visiting NYC and especially the outer be boroughs, like the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens, definitely pay extra attention to your surroundings. Staten Island except for the Northern part is pretty much a suburb...But still pay attention.
New York has the best Pizza in the world. I visited New York in the 70's. My Mom's cousin took my Family around to see the sights. It was quite a positive experience.
As one that has been born and raised here in NY, just mind ya own business and stay alert and watch ya stuff and you good. Avoid Times- Square if you are a tourist
@@auwizzle5667 Just be alert and aware of your surroundings honestly. If you see something/ someone that is "weird" or out of place to you/ just doing some "weird stuff" that isn't harmful, and no one else is paying attention, just mind your business. Times-Square is a tourist trap for the most part. Don't pay for those decker bus tours, don't pay for the Staten Island Ferry (cause it's free). Also, if you know how to read maps, you can get through the subway no problem, if not, just google map the address you're going to or ask someone, we may seem cold and standoff-ish but that ain't true.
Not good enough. Kids are used to hearing this kind of stuff, and tend to think little of broad terms like "be aware" or "get off your phone", I speak from experience when I say, you have to scare her just a little bit, for her to get what she needs to be so aware of. Stay safe!
All good advice. It feels like a fairly safe city. I'm a 63F native NYer and I've never had anything bad happen to me (KNOCK ON WOOD!!). That said, I'm also extremely aware of my surroundings and that is a big part of staying safe in NYC. Once, back in college I had an upstate friend come visit and it was like she had a target on her back for all the creeps and scam artists. Something about her body language which was slightly oblivious I guess was like a magnet to the crazies. It was quite a day. You don't need to be constantly on guard and afraid when you're here, just pay attention to what's happening around you. The longer you're here the more you get to know what's normal hustle and bustle and what are signs something's amiss and it's time to move out of a situation before it becomes a situation.
When dining out, ladies, don’t hang your bag on the back of chair. When in a club or bar, don’t leave your drinks unattended. Don’t accept a drink from a stranger, instead let them pay for one you ordered and received directly from the bar tender. While these are general tips for any large city, they’re worth remembering. As for the subway, keep in mind, often when changing trains from one line to another, you may have to walk through a tunnel. Often during at night especially in the winter, many homeless will find refuge to keep warm in them. Now, most homeless folks are harmless, (and it’s a terrible situation that they would rather spend the night in a subway tunnel than a shelter) but keep in mind some of the homeless suffer from mental illness, and can be prone to uneven and aggressive behavior, so keep your wits about you, and stay mindful of your surroundings. Most of the subways now have phone service underground, so you can dial 911 and reach an operator.
I've just recently come back from NewYork with my partner. Had a fantastic time & felt more safe than in the small town I live in right now. We are planning on returning soon as possible.
I just got back from New York and I felt safer there than I do in British cities which are on home turf. I love england and America but this is just how I felt.
To me that's number one, walking around at night with your headphones on and your smartphone in your hand. Listening to your music and not paying attention to your surroundings 5 times outta 10 you will become a victim of a street robbery.
Thank you. I'll be visiting NY with my siblings soon. We're all young and we've never stayed in NY without our parents before, so this video was very helpful.
What a helpful ! I'm university student of Japan. I will go on a trip to New York soon. I would say that Asian people are subject to involve in trouble. I have to watch out my surrounding in NYC. Thanks a lot.
I would add to accompany a friend late at night when walking or taking the subway. I know that has worked for me, coming from living in San Francisco for 4 years
As a woman, I have lived in NYC for 15 years and have taken the subway at all hours of night and day. Never had a problem. This is especially true on the weekends when everyone is going home late from whatever club/bar/party that they were at. The subway is rarely empty. Just use common sense.
Yeah, I feel the same, Ive taken the subway at all hours on weekends and weeknights sometimes too without any hesitation or putting myself in dangerous situations. He is totally dramatizing point 2 and making women insecure to move freely after 11pm, cmon now... I got home from school at 11.30 pm several times a week almost always in a fully packed subway... there are literally always people around and New Yorkers are known to help you out in messy situations, so I never really felt scared in such a huge city in the subway. As a comparison, I felt way more uncomfortable in much smaller Western European cities in subways just simply because the number of people at late hours is so much less, so there are not many possibilties to ask for help in such situations. Ladies, NYC is also very safe for us, so feel free to move freely and to use the subway anytime and just use your gut feeling!
Tbh I don't think you should worry about being a woman, just worry about being in the subway in general. Saw a guy with his marijuana on the subway seat and his pipe next to it. I just looked the other way.
Walk fast, yes. Key is looking like you belong there. For daytime non tour guided sightseeing bring a NY sports team shirt. Giants, Yankees, etc. Old one preferably. You can walk around looking like you own the place. This works in any large city. I always do this. Use your brain and don't go to out of way places alone. Great tips on this vid as well. BTW, you can ditch the team shirt when you leave. LOL
Thanks a lot for your video since i was 9 i ve always wanted to live in the US your video scared me a little bit. I hope one day i ll see NY LA ...CHICAGO. ..
Everything you said is perfectly on point. Be aware of your surroundings. I live in the hood in cleveland and i have had not had a problem yet but their are crazy people I always am on alert.
@@buk6708 Cleveland has both good and bad parts just like any city. Downtown is very safe and nice just avoid East Cleveland just as you would avoid Harlem.
Great advice, all of it. I'm big on standing back from the edge on train and underground station platforms too! I visited NYC on business in 2010 and loved it, but didn't wander into any places where my instinct told me uh-uh, especially on my own later at night. It really is the city that never sleeps. Then again I lived in Glasgow, Scotland for many years, it's much smaller but has quite a rough reputation. I walked around Glasgow at all hours of the day and night, rarely felt unsafe because I knew what not to do and where to avoid. I'd add that if you walk like you are on a mission (even if you aren't sure where you are going!) you are far less likely to be bothered than if you are loitering or bumbling around aimlessly. Know where you are and where you are going, if you have to check a street map it's best to do so inside a shop, pub or train station than on the street.
As mexican, I can tell you that NYC is pretty safe if you compare it to Mexico City but it doesn't means that CDMX is like a dangerous place. In USA you got lucky because your police, laws and system works, New York probably have problems about crime just like any big city but it's normal for a city of over 8 million ppl.
I've lived all my life in rural Australia. Even small cities (and I mean small by Australian standards) kind of freak me out. I find Melbourne and Sydney intimidating (Brisbane's okay, it's kind of like a big country town in many ways). I'm honestly not sure if I could handle the anxiety of just being in a city like NYC. But that's more about me than anything else, obviously.
Another brilliant video you are really great .we visited New York 2014 and we loved every minute. Never once did we feel not safe . Our only problem was we did not have enough time in Manhattan. before we set off for Florida .
I was NYC 3.5 days in May and felt perfectly safe. I was staying with a friend on USW and out wandering around a lot, often alone. "Be aware" is good advice anywhere.
Good tips man. Yeah interesting, I have had a few scary moments in NYC but nothing too crazy and I think overall, in the last 4 times that I have visited I have had way more positive interactions with people than negative. I think you just have to understand the city and then things make sense and you can see all the good from it.
Watch out for people hiding in telephone booths at night. I was walking back to where I was staying late at night and swear I saw a someone standing very still in a telephone booth as I walked by it and then said "nope" in my mind and took off running the rest of my way regardless if someone was in there or not. Also maybe act like you're crazy if you're walking at night... I was muttering different things to myself loud enough to where others could hear it and kept a crazy/determined look in my eyes. It was kinda fun tbh lol.
I lived in Manhattan for 2.5 years and found it very safe. Im from London, which is also safe, but I found NYC safer. The murder rate is higher but that’s mostly gangs and not something you really see. In terms of fights in bars etc - there is MUCH LESS of that on NYC than in London or the UK in general. I agree about the subway inNYC. Don’t use it late at night.
NYC crime is way lower then the 70s, 80s, and early 90s. However it is still much higher then in London. Murder rates are still double in NYC. I believe NYC has more homeless people and desperate people. UK has a better safety net then USA to deal with health and safety. The only thing I do agree on however is the UK has more of a binge drinking problem and fights breaking out at clubs, bars and pubs on high streets.
@@jameschampken770 The UK and London has the highest rate of knifecrime in EUrope! So I don't think it's that much safer than NYC. There are way more stabbings in the Uk and London than in NY and the USA
@bob84290 NYC always has higher murder stats then London. USA cities in general are always higher then Europe cities. It's hard to find comparison of different countries based on types of crimes committed, but murder stats are usually easily available. I did find a article 2019 comparison of NYC & London murders. Apparently London averaged 0.8 knife murders per 100,000 at 77 and NYC 76 with 0.9 per 100,000. Total murders though we're NYC 295 or 3.5 per 100,000 & London 136 or 1.5 per 100,000. This is also during a time when NYC is seeing record low crimes, while London is recording a high increase in crime. NYC in early 2000s had over 600 murders a year, in early 1990s NYC was getting over 2,000 murders a year. Based on many stats, no I don't believe London does or ever has had the same murder numbers of NYC in the last 100 years. I even lived in London, it's mostly pretty safe.
@bob84290 there was another stat I found from 2018 , apparently knife murder deaths per population was still higher in USA then UK. When you add in gun deaths in USA, it's far higher. Even if UK had more knifings one year, it's not consistently higher from what I could find, and not double, or triple or quadruple numbers like many USA cities have when comparing total murders vs UK cities.
I don’t disagree the murder rates are higher in NYC than in London - I said so in my original comment. My point was, as a professional person living in well-policed and geographically isolated Manhattan, my _exposure_ to violent crimes was lower than in London (or even in provincial cities in the UK) leading to a distinct impression of being safer there (in Manhattan ie central NYC) than in central London (or greater London).
I went to ny last winter. My friend, my sister, and I rode the subway late and my friend pointed out that some people looked shady and that my sister should put away her phone and she really didn’t listen, and we just left the subway asap just in case. But yeah def be aware of your surroundings.
I just moved to New York for work. My shifts next week go from 3pm to 11pm, so i have to take the subway really late at night to go home and I’m scared out of my mind...😕
I got mugged years ago when I was a teenager in Brooklyn. Crime is still alive and well in NYC today no matter what the statistics say. I Know a few others that were violently mugged. Of course it doesn't happen to everyone but it does happen. When I go to NYC these days I don't walk the streets alone no matter day or night.
I'm one of those. Been living up here for just over three years, and got jumped in Prospect Park (near the Grand Army entrance) earlier this year. They tried to steal my bike, and although I managed to keep it, they ran off (and never got caught), it took just over $200 to repair my bike (I got knocked off it and the ensuing tug of war messed it up pretty badly) and I fractured my clavicle. Changed my perception of NYC, to put it mildly. It might not be the jungle that it allegedly was in the 70s and 80s, and I'd say the odds are in anyone's favor that something like this won't happen to them ...until it traumatically does.
@@Adrian101882 sorry to hear that. When I got mugged it happened on Eastern Pkwy. I used to be on Grand army plaza alot cause my God mother used to live there before she passed away. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, but I no longer live there I now live in the Midwest but I still visit NYC cause I still have family there. You should consider carrying some type of weapon or mace with you if you're walking the streets alone.
Good job, Jon. I lived in NYC for four years, and worked at the same place another two years (living in NJ). I agree it's as safe as any city I've been in. (And I've been in so many!) The one thing I would add: travel with someone (or hang with a native), and stay together. You're much less likely to run into some random bad situation, and it's twice as fun to share the experience. Having said that, I never felt ill at ease in NYC. And I'm not a big guy.
In El Salvador; May 2019 are 30 killings a day within the capital city in peace time. Back in 1982 where about 25 a day but there was a Civil War time. I used to live in NY City some 25 years ago and never had a problem. I was not afraid to walk the city at midnight with my cameras or right before dawn. To me People in NY is to busy to pay attention to you. If some crazy ones are doing dangerous things and you are caught at the wrong moment and place; there is nothing you can do. That applies to any city in the world, but as you said; avoid unnecessary situations. I love NY, I miss the city and I try to visit it time to time because is a rush all over the place that brings energy to me and stays with me for months. I always enjoy NY by my self. There is alway something new to discover. The city will be in my heart always. 👍🏼
I always felt very safe in Ny, even in the subway. The only thing I did not like is that people were unfriendly, you asked some direction and they answered very badly, but taking away that I love NY 💚🇺🇸🗽
I had the exact opposite experience. I was looking lost and loads of people tried to help me. I was way out in brooklyn near queens tho. I think Manhatten no one has time for nothing especially tourists.
Oh actually late at night when I was headed into Harlem. I had a lady help me not go past 110th hahaha. She was like " Oh hell no, no white boy is going past 110 after dark" We went anyways and well that is another story for another day lol.
I'm the type to help tourists out here in Seattle. That being said in this 2018/19 you can look up anything it's not anyone's responsibility to help you out in a polite manner let alone even acknowledge you. At least they responded.
Here's another tip I learned from one of my good friends. If anyone's traveling to NY during New Years Eve and plan on seeing the ball drop at Time Square. Don't bring your wallet, bag, and other valuables with you and leave them at your hotel, home, or wherever you're staying. Pickpocketing is common that night, with all of the celebrations and distractions going on, it makes it a perfect time for thieves to strike.
I’m binge watching all the NYC videos I can get in until June. I am coming to visit for the first time from Ohio with my 15 yr old son and I am trying to prepare as best as I can. It will just be him and I. 🙋🏻♀️ I hope I am not crazy!
This video is really helpful im just starting to take the subway to classes in Manhattan and this video really had good points that i never even thought of.
A tip I would give is DO NOT under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES bike on the Grand Concourse, especially at night. It's statistically the area in the entire NYC metro area with the highest number of fatal accidents involving a bike getting hit by a car, and the entire area around it is not safe.
I actually wore headphones, or earbuds, when I frequented the city back in the day, but I wasn't listening to music, podcasts, or anything. But why? IMO the illusion of listening to something helps deter people from approaching you or outright asking you for money. Plus, to state the obvious, not listening to music enables you to still be aware of your surroundings.
Just commented on the video of when u got shot like I said in that one I live in Milwaukee Wi and I only listen to music with one ear bud in for that exact reason if you can think of more safety tips while traveling you should do another video I find them interesting Keep it up and I love the channel hope to visit NYC one day!
I met my sister in Manhattan a few years ago. Took the train from Newark Airport. I made friends instantly. The lovely Jewish man that chatted me up on the airport train ended up at the platform to head to Penn Station. By the time we arrived, we figured out his uncle used to have a farm 30 minutes from where I live. I live outside Ottawa Ontario Canada. Then he offered to come back into the city with his car and drive my sister and I around to view the city. Once outside Penn Station, I met a backpacker. He told me how to find my hotel. The city is amazing. I am going again in March.
If you are born or live in New York City you are used to it & know what to do. John & Mary tourist get drawn in to the huge buildings, noise, lights, streets. 🏙🏢🏪🌇.. I for 1, do not care for New York. The food & travel is expensive. You rush around everywhere. You have limited choices or options in the suburbs. 👎 In central FL stores are open 7 days a week. In suburb NY, CT, NJ; shops & stores close on Sun or shut down after 700pm on Sat. 😒...
@@DavidLLambertmobile I live in Central Florida. It SUCKS. No real selection in the grocery stores. There are NO stores left here except gas stations, car parts stores and grocery stores. Meth/crack and weed dealers everywhere. Traffic is heavy and people DON'T obey the traffic laws at all. The people are dickwits on a good day. The heat is 11 months of humid hell with the other month being a day here or a day there that you aren't dying from it. We are moving back to NY this summer and canNOT wait. I'll deal with blizzards and crowding and the expense to regain "Don't Block the Box" as a viable reality. Civilization here we come.
I would add if you’re out with a group at night, don’t get separated from the group. In the past this seemed to happen once a year around the holidays where a person was found in the river (East River or the Hudson), male and female.
@@joanamanzueta5829 Little Italy, Comh Tanh Nin Kieu, Highbridge, VCP: John Muir trail among others, Pelham Bay, etc. Nice try, Joana. Go outside more.
Great tips man, love this blog. totally into NYC for the last month, so you are helping me with my NYC fix. Hope to visit again 2022 shoulder season. My sister lived in Nyack for 10 years, she soooooooo misses the city.
Lol love to hear people that aren’t from NYC give advice about NYC.. anywhere from 66 st and downtown really safe . Can’t say the same about the other neighborhoods.. Washington Heights , Harlem , East Harlem , Dyckman , Gun Hill Bronx , Morning-side Brooklyn. Anytime past Midnight you should avoid these neighborhoods if you are alone . And Be careful what colors you wear due to all the gang activity around that time . 3nitarios Dominican gang up in Washington Heights , Bronx Dyckman. Harlem and Brooklyn Crips and Bloods . Spanish Harlem Latin Kings , Crips , Bloods ... You’re Welcome
It's like the ep of Seinfeld where the Hispanic guy rolls up on the older white lady, then helps her find the bank branch! 😉 there are New York City people like that, but as noted: some teens or gangs might be more aggressive. My friend was in a rough Philadelphia PA neighborhood & it was like a 3rd world country! 😮 PA is open carry too.
@@GhostRepulsive there's gotta be one coming soon. it's a NO BRAINER! the Sherlock tv show had a psychotic taxi cab driver episode, and Tom Cruise had COLLATERAL where he was the crazy passenger. An uber horror movie is just a matter of time.
@@stueygriffith4671 it's surprising that no movie of this sort has come out yet. With all the stories you hear about tinder and random "deadly" encounters with people online, it only make sense to capitalize on that.
I am a woman living in NYC and I agree that for women it's unfortunately true that taking the subways alone late at night does not feel very safe. I have never been physically hurt or robbed by anyone in NYC, but there is a culture of street harassment here, like many other parts of the world, that can lead to generally feeling unsafe. After 11 or 12 there's guaranteed to be some sort of weird behavior or people trying to bother me on the train. Women should still feel free to get out and explore, but don't engage with anyone who tries to talk to you in the street, guys like to start with an innocuous question to trap you into a conversation. You will most likely encounter some street harassment, especially in warm months when you're not bundled up, so don't be afraid to be rude and assertive to get out of the situation. I am from the South and used to being overly polite, but here I've learned that you have to be clear, confident and blunt about things that make you uncomfortable. If a guy starts talking to you, say "Nope" and keep walking. That being said, screw those jerks and go out and enjoy the city!
The truth.. right here. Women have to be EXTRA careful at night.
Yep, and thank you for thinking of women in your video, I just wanted to elaborate on it a bit. Many guys don't think of or aren't even aware of what it's like to be a woman here. But it never stops me from traveling or going out, I just have to pay attention and trust my gut.
Yeah I would never wish for a woman to go alone, but going with people is different.
Chelsea Burris if a guy talk to you say no and run 🤷🏾♂️ are all Men rapist? Smh
@@HereBeBarr do you know what the legal blade limit is for Pocket knives in NYC? I've been a few times and plan on going this summer. I always keep a pocket knife on me and want to remain in the legal boundaries set.
NYC is mostly safe, it all depends in common sense, and like any place it has its good and rough areas, very accurate you're tips, for a city that has over 8.5 million people I think the crime rate is low
Thanks Manny !!
I was in NY for my honeymoon for 10 days and we felt safe at all hours.
Chicago consistently has more murders than New York City and Los Angeles combined.
B S Not necessarily. Chicago is just the most glorified
I, myself say post 9-11-2001, the entire city seems less populated & "smaller" since I was there in the late 1990s. I'd say; avoid sketchy places, weird people. Dont be distracted.
I’m a single woman living in NYC. Depending on the demands of your job, sometimes taking the subway late at night is unavoidable, I always make sure to get in to the train car with a Conductor in it. It is almost always the most crowded one when traveling late at night. The conductor is always in the center car of the train which stops right in the middle of the platform and usually that platform location is frequently visible from the ticket booth thus more security.
BarbieGirlDolls100 when I was in NYC, I never saw a conductor on the train, only in his little booth between cars. Even at night (the latest I was on a subway was at 1:30 tho)
thanks
@@danshultz4071 they are there. They legally must open window and point to zebra stripe landing where they are supposed to stop
Why not just buy or rent a car? That would solve the problem!
@@bob84290 Spoken like someone who clearly has never had to drive home after a 12-16 hour work shift or dealt with the astronomical pricing of parking in NYC.
Crime rate is the lowest since 1990? Well duh, you can thank the Teenager Mutant Ninja Turtles for that!!
Lol
YEASSSSSSSSSSS. BRAVO 👏
he didn't say crime rate is the lowest since 1990. crime in 1990 was at its worst. crime in NYC is actually at its lower since the 50s
LOL good one!
Booakasha 🐢🐢🐢🐢power
Native New Yorker here. As a tourist, do not comment about other people's appearance. Period. Not only is it annoying (yes, we can hear you and a lot of us speak multiple languages and can understand you), but you may run into a person who does not take your commentary lightly. And do not make prolonged eye contact with strangers. Another major tip: do not leave your handbag, backpack, etc. on the back of a chair while in a restaurant. I dine with my handbag in between my feet, making contact constantly. Last major tip: do not become intoxicated since you need to be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Great points, although the last one is hard for some people.. but i'd say if you must go out and drink take an uber/taxi home not a subway.
@@Snippz facts
Speak multiple languages how about British English I know Americans can't understand Australian English, I speak Australian and I can say that I have never answered so many What? Ha? What did you say? questions in my life in NYC, thats ok still loved New York!
Thanks for the info 👍
To not be drunk or lose your bearings is good advice anywhere. The bag or purse thing is extreme but even in 2019 may be required. 🙄 .
Download the subway map on your phone. Don’t carry around a map.
I visited NYC for the 1st time in May 2021 & found it to be safe enough. I think the secret is- I stayed in the populated areas of Manhattan, minded my own business & didn't go looking for trouble.
me : how safe is new York?
him : i got a shot but it wasn't serious so no worries
me : ....???
So you have no listening skills. I shouldn't even have to explain why your comment is ignorant.
I agree 김김 ... a lesson in perspective
김김 🤣😂🤣
He said that where he got shot that there was no reason to be where he was (the Bronx)
@@liltoaster2473 isn't bronx New York?
Just you walking around with your camera, vlogging is another proof NYC is safe indeed. The ‘headphones’ tip is a good one. Now I have to watch your shooting incident video as well. Curious kind of guy 😉. We’ve been three or four times to your city and never had any issue at all, only thing was about getting a cab at the airport. Everywhere the same. Just walk to the ‘original’ taxi pickup points to be more secure of not paying too much.
Go investigate hahahah.. Nice to hear from you.
Exactly! In my country Venezuela you could never do that at any time ajajha
I lived and have family in the Bronx, literally have to say a last name on the block my family is known around there area and I’ll be fine. But other than that bronx isn’t a place to just visit with no prior business or family being there. Now Harlem if you mind your business and are aware of your surroundings you’ll be fine. Most people are just corner store/stoop chillin after midnight. But again if you’re not familiar or recognized as a regular in the area, don’t go over there if you have no reason being there. Also if you are anywhere in ny late at night take an Uber/taxi simple as that! Waiting for a train can be a sketchy situation especially how long they take later in the night.if you’re meeting with new people like at a party try and bring a friend, if you’re going solo and it’s in a unfamiliar area leave at a reasonable time, there’ll be time to build relationships with people and formulate where you want to go and not be at. Don’t be an open target and oblivious in new situations/surroundings. Whoever took the time to read this... you’ll learn the game and how to adjust to your own rules.
I’ve learned from experience to not take the subway after midnight alone as a woman. Nothing bad happened to me, but one night after being out late at a party downtown I had to head over to Penn Station by myself and on the subway ride there I encountered so many creeps! And it definitely didn’t help that I was in flashy clothes and shoes. Never again! I take Ubers and taxis to the station ever since or I just sleep over a friend’s apartment.
I was born here and yes it could be dangerous but the Bronx has some of the best Italian restaurants and sites in the city plus that's where the Yankees play! By the way I was born and raised in East Harlem NYC
Go Yankees! East 161st Street!
Fanon Saadiq little Italy in the Bronx is full of Albanians
Eli Cruz just like any other stadium there’s security if you decide to wonder off that’s up to you
@James Mara stay in your small little town, you won't be missed
Morris Park!
I live in Spain, I have been to NYC a number of times and I do appreciate your advice but I have to say a couple of things:
1. It's not always easy for foreigners to know where not to go, that kind of knowledge is acquired over time when you live there.
2. Us guys should, every once in a while try to find out what it'd be like to be made feel uncomfortable because our gender.
Show decency and respect towards women not only letting them live their lives but also stopping jerks from not doing so.
Glad you're okay but I too stopped wearing headphones while walking around the city so I can better hear my surroundings.
I love how NYC has a strong sense of community. I really really love that. For being so big it is really difficult to foster a strong connection and I find that reallly cool. Although, certain events may have lead to the need to come together but still.
So true bro..
I've been to the city multiple times with zero problems. People are helpful and friendly. ❤ it!
Thank you. You are refreshingly genuine, and this video was super-informative.
You covered all the best tips John, Perfect! We walk around all over Harlem and Brooklyn and of course Manhattan and take the subway every day when we visit. We follow your tips and trust in New York’s finest. We’ve seen and heard some crazy stuff but never actually had anything terrible happen to us. We visit New York every year and love it❤️
Hi John! I’m from Australia and NYC is my favourite place on Earth!! I’ve been there five times in the last 12 years and not ONCE have I ever felt unsafe. Luckily, the first time I went, I was with a friend who used to live there, so I was never unsure of where to go because my friend Sarah already knew where to go and how to get there! I’ve traveled heaps my whole life and my Mum used to be a FA (in the 60’s!) so she just taught me to use common sense and don’t take any risks, as it’s better to be safe than sorry! New Yorkers have always been fabulous to me, -they all seem to love us Aussies! I’m dying to come back, even though I’m not really sure when that is likely to happen at the moment! Stay Safe!
Headphones at night are a bad idea in just about any city.
Yes, especially for traffic
I think I can get by with it where I live in South Texas but in way bigger cities of Texas I would say absolutely No headphones.
Headphones during the day are a bad idea. Female joggers with headphones get raped and killed all the time.
besides tokyo, always safe there. I walk the streets ps midnight with headphones for 2 years
That’s A Bad Idea Anywhere Anytime
2004, walking back from Times Square late at night to my hotel near the Empire State Building. I was a tourist from the UK but not an idiot. Started to become aware of a person ahead of me acting strange. Glancing back at me, keeping pace. So I slowed down and looked into a shop window and had a good glance all around, he slowed and was watching me. So I carried on and he kept pace, I sped up a bit and he did. I was thinking to myself that this was probably the worst mugger in the world as he was standing out like a sore thumb and being really obvious that he was up to no good and drawing my attention. It was at this point that the hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I had a proper look behind me. 2 guys coming up behind me, walking noticeably quicker than the few people that were around at this late hour. As soon as I looked directly at both of them, they glanced at each other and sped up. At this point I was not in "panic" mode but I knew this was a bad situation. The guy that had been acting shady was gone, vanished. These two big guys coming up quick on me, so I sped up my walking pace to just shy of running and kept glancing behind me. They were closing. I was looking around for a way out, for a taxi, for people, the street was practically empty and I fully appreciated I was about to be mugged. I was psyching myself up for this, I was a tourist but I was not unaware or without means to fight back. I didn't want a confrontation though but I was not going to give up my money, nice watch etc without a fight. I won't go into specifics but I was not going to be an easy victim.
Anyway, I was as prepared as I could be and then spotted the neon glow of a small "store" so I practically dove into this little store with a small Asian guy behind the counter. It was incredibly bright in there and I still had the door open with my hand. Being two paces into the store, I glanced over my shoulder wondering if the two big guys were going to come in (I didn't think this was a likely situation). A heartbeat later, both walked past the store and both guys were staring at me. The one nearest the road said "Bitch" loudly and they moved off quickly. I spent some time in that store killing time and bought some random stuff (I can't even remember what it was) the store owner was looking at me with the curiosity of someone that must have been seeing a very distressed and nervous person in his store and worked out what had probably happened. Though he didn't say anything and he did not try to hurry me out of his store.
It was a very nervous walk back to the hotel from there, my head was on a swivel and when I got back to the hotel and into my room, I had a massive adrenaline dump.
Turns out that Times Square is a great spot to mark and follow tourists late at night, because they stand out like a sore thumb, are at a place where locals generally avoid, have cameras out in plain sight and are easy pickings. Following them a few blocks from TS is a common tactic and down darker streets they are easy to rob. Something I did not know in 2004 and it was certainly not mentioned in the paper book guides I bought. I let the previous week in NYC on holiday lul me into a sense of over confidence about how safe the city was. I'd never have dreamed of being there, at that time of night in a similar city like London. NYC is safe but there are big city problems that are common all over the world. Tourists are an easy mark.
tourists are an easy mark, i live in nyc and you can tell a local from a tourist simply by if they look around constantly vs just dead eye focus. tourists usually get picked off because they will surrender anything and everything at a whim while locals will fight.
L O N G A S S S T O R Y. Go vent somewhere else. : /
Hi General,
Sorry to read about your ordeal in NYC, I found New York to be one of the safest foreign cities along with Helsinki I have ever been too. The NYPD are everywhere and even on a quieter streets I found they were never far away so if you are in New York again don;t be afraid to ask the NYPD for help as I found them to be legendary even for street directions.
thegeneral123 Thank God for that little store. I’m glad you are ok. What I find fascinating is Tokyo is the largest city on the planet, yet has the lowest crime rate.
Proton1 you sound like you went to trump university.
So scared to visit but went there last month. I LOVED IT and was impressed with how safe I always felt!!! The people were really great!! Loved NYC!
Also, the Bronx can be pretty cool. Lots of art and Latin culture. My friend just bought a place up there. Check out the Bronx zoo and other local attractions. It's still part of NYC and shouldn't be neglected.
E Jeffery totally agree
#factspplalwaysdissingmybornborough
I stayed in the Bronx (opera house hotel) for my first trip this May. I was treated so much nicer in this area than Manhattan when I visited. I’m from Asheville NC. We used to be pretty diverse and I don’t look common. Tattoos, yankee fitted, just hanging out as I would downtown at home. I love the culture, the people, etc. So many POC people being amazing to this lost transgender individual as the uppity white people wouldn’t even talk to me. I can’t wait to come back and get a real Bronx barbershop fade. Hang with the locals. Listening and learning. Much love!
Many outsiders think New York is only Manhattan or the upper east side. New York City has 5 boroughs. 😁
What about the juniors murder ? I ‘ve never been to bronx but after i watched that murder video I hated bronx so much .motherfuckers calling themselves gang killing 15 year old boy this shit hurts me honestly fuck all them gang shit coward motherfuckes
As a native New Yorker, you're pretty accurate on everything you said. I'm sorry to hear what happened to you and I'm glad you survived that. It could have been worst. The only thing I'd add for anyone visiting NYC and especially the outer be boroughs, like the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens, definitely pay extra attention to your surroundings. Staten Island except for the Northern part is pretty much a suburb...But still pay attention.
New York is too safe. It has become like disneyland, a place to go with your family. It shouldnt be like that. There should be hookers on 5th avenue
New York has the best Pizza in the world. I visited New York in the 70's. My Mom's cousin took my Family around to see the sights. It was quite a positive experience.
I look forward to trying it but as a native of Naples, I find it very hard to believe anybody has better pizza than we who invented it.
What about Italy ?
Of course not the best pizza of the world! and this comes from a NYer.
I visited NYC in April. Felt very safe there. Just was a huge place, a culture shock for someone who lives in a rural area of Missouri.
As one that has been born and raised here in NY, just mind ya own business and stay alert and watch ya stuff and you good. Avoid Times- Square if you are a tourist
Right now... Spring 2021 is there a good time at all for Times Square???
@@paulag.8360 What I meant by avoiding Times Square is that if you're a tourist, basically that there are allot of tourist traps there
@@RoseT20 how so? im visiting in a few days and i would like to know to stay safe
@@auwizzle5667 Just be alert and aware of your surroundings honestly. If you see something/ someone that is "weird" or out of place to you/ just doing some "weird stuff" that isn't harmful, and no one else is paying attention, just mind your business. Times-Square is a tourist trap for the most part. Don't pay for those decker bus tours, don't pay for the Staten Island Ferry (cause it's free). Also, if you know how to read maps, you can get through the subway no problem, if not, just google map the address you're going to or ask someone, we may seem cold and standoff-ish but that ain't true.
@RoseT20, why are you so hateful of Times Square?
I tell my daughter that all the time!! She walks to school, I tell her to ALWAYS pay attention to your surroundings. Put the phone down
Not good enough. Kids are used to hearing this kind of stuff, and tend to think little of broad terms like "be aware" or "get off your phone", I speak from experience when I say, you have to scare her just a little bit, for her to get what she needs to be so aware of. Stay safe!
I would say
1. Be attentive
2. Be awakened
3. Be aware
All good advice. It feels like a fairly safe city. I'm a 63F native NYer and I've never had anything bad happen to me (KNOCK ON WOOD!!). That said, I'm also extremely aware of my surroundings and that is a big part of staying safe in NYC. Once, back in college I had an upstate friend come visit and it was like she had a target on her back for all the creeps and scam artists. Something about her body language which was slightly oblivious I guess was like a magnet to the crazies. It was quite a day.
You don't need to be constantly on guard and afraid when you're here, just pay attention to what's happening around you. The longer you're here the more you get to know what's normal hustle and bustle and what are signs something's amiss and it's time to move out of a situation before it becomes a situation.
When dining out, ladies, don’t hang your bag on the back of chair. When in a club or bar, don’t leave your drinks unattended. Don’t accept a drink from a stranger, instead let them pay for one you ordered and received directly from the bar tender.
While these are general tips for any large city, they’re worth remembering.
As for the subway, keep in mind, often when changing trains from one line to another, you may have to walk through a tunnel. Often during at night especially in the winter, many homeless will find refuge to keep warm in them. Now, most homeless folks are harmless, (and it’s a terrible situation that they would rather spend the night in a subway tunnel than a shelter) but keep in mind some of the homeless suffer from mental illness, and can be prone to uneven and aggressive behavior, so keep your wits about you, and stay mindful of your surroundings.
Most of the subways now have phone service underground, so you can dial 911 and reach an operator.
Thanks for being real and not glossing over issues. We are visiting NYC next year and your videos are a great help.
I've just recently come back from NewYork with my partner. Had a fantastic time & felt more safe than in the small town I live in right now. We are planning on returning soon as possible.
Oh my. I was bobbing and weaving in the middle of a shoot out here in queens a few months ago. Stay safe out there my people.
I just got back from New York and I felt safer there than I do in British cities which are on home turf. I love england and America but this is just how I felt.
Thanks John for the tips 👍♥️ you are a life saver with your priceless advice I love your videos your fans enjoy your NY explorations ♥️👍
To me that's number one, walking around at night with your headphones on and your smartphone in your hand. Listening to your music and not paying attention to your surroundings 5 times outta 10 you will become a victim of a street robbery.
Thank you. I'll be visiting NY with my siblings soon. We're all young and we've never stayed in NY without our parents before, so this video was very helpful.
What a helpful !
I'm university student of Japan.
I will go on a trip to New York soon.
I would say that Asian people are subject to involve in trouble.
I have to watch out my surrounding in NYC.
Thanks a lot.
how was your trip?
I would add to accompany a friend late at night when walking or taking the subway. I know that has worked for me, coming from living in San Francisco for 4 years
As a woman, I have lived in NYC for 15 years and have taken the subway at all hours of night and day. Never had a problem. This is especially true on the weekends when everyone is going home late from whatever club/bar/party that they were at. The subway is rarely empty. Just use common sense.
Yeah, I feel the same, Ive taken the subway at all hours on weekends and weeknights sometimes too without any hesitation or putting myself in dangerous situations. He is totally dramatizing point 2 and making women insecure to move freely after 11pm, cmon now... I got home from school at 11.30 pm several times a week almost always in a fully packed subway... there are literally always people around and New Yorkers are known to help you out in messy situations, so I never really felt scared in such a huge city in the subway. As a comparison, I felt way more uncomfortable in much smaller Western European cities in subways just simply because the number of people at late hours is so much less, so there are not many possibilties to ask for help in such situations. Ladies, NYC is also very safe for us, so feel free to move freely and to use the subway anytime and just use your gut feeling!
Gisselle Garcia New York to me looks dangerous.
Tbh I don't think you should worry about being a woman, just worry about being in the subway in general. Saw a guy with his marijuana on the subway seat and his pipe next to it. I just looked the other way.
Thank you for this vide I’m actually going there today and I’m always aware of my surroundings it helps a lot
walk fast, keep valuables hidden... but still enjoy the greatest city in the world
Watch out you don't get hit, knocked over by Bike Riders!
Walk fast, yes. Key is looking like you belong there. For daytime non tour guided sightseeing bring a NY sports team shirt. Giants, Yankees, etc. Old one preferably.
You can walk around looking like you own the place. This works in any large city. I always do this. Use your brain and don't go to out of way places alone. Great tips on this vid as well. BTW, you can ditch the team shirt when you leave. LOL
Hmmm. Could anyone tell me the dangerous areas in New York? . I have to see those areas .
Shahmir Shoots South Bronx , Bronx , Adams Pl. , Jus be careful
@@DylanMathews-w7y thnx mate
Thanks a lot for your video since i was 9 i ve always wanted to live in the US your video scared me a little bit. I hope one day i ll see NY LA ...CHICAGO. ..
Everything you said is perfectly on point. Be aware of your surroundings. I live in the hood in cleveland and i have had not had a problem yet but their are crazy people I always am on alert.
One of my good friends lives in Cleveland.. yeah some of the areas are "interesting" hahaha.
Cleveland is the hood. Its incomparable to NYC, murder rate is like 11x NYC.
@@buk6708 Cleveland has both good and bad parts just like any city. Downtown is very safe and nice just avoid East Cleveland just as you would avoid Harlem.
Just discovered your channel and am loving it. I’ve visited Manhattan over two dozen times, never had any issues, and truly love the city. Thanks!
It's as safe as you make it. Think smart and your safe :)
Think and act smart, yes !
👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
I understand what you mean but that is basically blaming the victim when something goes wrong anyway.
Great advice, all of it. I'm big on standing back from the edge on train and underground station platforms too! I visited NYC on business in 2010 and loved it, but didn't wander into any places where my instinct told me uh-uh, especially on my own later at night. It really is the city that never sleeps. Then again I lived in Glasgow, Scotland for many years, it's much smaller but has quite a rough reputation. I walked around Glasgow at all hours of the day and night, rarely felt unsafe because I knew what not to do and where to avoid. I'd add that if you walk like you are on a mission (even if you aren't sure where you are going!) you are far less likely to be bothered than if you are loitering or bumbling around aimlessly. Know where you are and where you are going, if you have to check a street map it's best to do so inside a shop, pub or train station than on the street.
As mexican, I can tell you that NYC is pretty safe if you compare it to Mexico City but it doesn't means that CDMX is like a dangerous place. In USA you got lucky because your police, laws and system works, New York probably have problems about crime just like any big city but it's normal for a city of over 8 million ppl.
Yep.. the confidence in the police here is quite high.. for most things anyway.
I’m going to NYC next year and I greatly appreciate your videos. They’ve been a great help in planning my trip. Please keep them coming!
I've lived all my life in rural Australia. Even small cities (and I mean small by Australian standards) kind of freak me out. I find Melbourne and Sydney intimidating (Brisbane's okay, it's kind of like a big country town in many ways). I'm honestly not sure if I could handle the anxiety of just being in a city like NYC. But that's more about me than anything else, obviously.
Another brilliant video you are really great .we visited New York 2014 and we loved every minute. Never once did we feel not safe . Our only problem was we did not have enough time in Manhattan. before we set off for Florida .
I got robbed a few times and mugged couple of times🤕 in New York (Brooklyn) Now I'm paranoid. 😩 We have to be careful wherever we go.
What neighborhood? What year?
The last one happened last year in the neighborhood of Gravesend, Brooklyn (where I live) also in Ditmas Park, and close to Prospect park.
Is bay ridge safe lol
I would recommend getting some safety device, Theres some good ones out there
There is an army/navy store by "Break bar and billards" search it up. Go there and buy some "equipment" and learn to use it.
I was NYC 3.5 days in May and felt perfectly safe. I was staying with a friend on USW and out wandering around a lot, often alone. "Be aware" is good advice anywhere.
Hey joemackey, what the heck is USW??? Enlighten me please.
@@martyjewell5683 Typo. Should have been USW (upper west side). :)
@@joemackey1950, no sweat. I shoulda guessed. Everything in NYC has a freakin' acronym; GWB, DUMBO, TRIBECA, SOHO and NOLITA, to name a few. Thanks.
Good tips man. Yeah interesting, I have had a few scary moments in NYC but nothing too crazy and I think overall, in the last 4 times that I have visited I have had way more positive interactions with people than negative. I think you just have to understand the city and then things make sense and you can see all the good from it.
Watch out for people hiding in telephone booths at night. I was walking back to where I was staying late at night and swear I saw a someone standing very still in a telephone booth as I walked by it and then said "nope" in my mind and took off running the rest of my way regardless if someone was in there or not. Also maybe act like you're crazy if you're walking at night... I was muttering different things to myself loud enough to where others could hear it and kept a crazy/determined look in my eyes. It was kinda fun tbh lol.
Well I live in Mexico city so this sounds like a walk in the park
I live in The Bronx and it’s not so bad over here but you should be aware around your surroundings. Also keep your belongings with you at all times💯💯💯
I've been a couple of times and never felt concerned. Nice work.
Appreciate it.
Good tips. I will be visiting Brno - like a million times smaller than NYC, but the tips are still helpful :-D esp. the panhandler one
I lived in Manhattan for 2.5 years and found it very safe. Im from London, which is also safe, but I found NYC safer. The murder rate is higher but that’s mostly gangs and not something you really see. In terms of fights in bars etc - there is MUCH LESS of that on NYC than in London or the UK in general. I agree about the subway inNYC. Don’t use it late at night.
NYC crime is way lower then the 70s, 80s, and early 90s. However it is still much higher then in London. Murder rates are still double in NYC. I believe NYC has more homeless people and desperate people. UK has a better safety net then USA to deal with health and safety. The only thing I do agree on however is the UK has more of a binge drinking problem and fights breaking out at clubs, bars and pubs on high streets.
@@jameschampken770 The UK and London has the highest rate of knifecrime in EUrope! So I don't think it's that much safer than NYC. There are way more stabbings in the Uk and London than in NY and the USA
@bob84290 NYC always has higher murder stats then London. USA cities in general are always higher then Europe cities.
It's hard to find comparison of different countries based on types of crimes committed, but murder stats are usually easily available. I did find a article 2019 comparison of NYC & London murders. Apparently London averaged 0.8 knife murders per 100,000 at 77 and NYC 76 with 0.9 per 100,000. Total murders though we're NYC 295 or 3.5 per 100,000 & London 136 or 1.5 per 100,000.
This is also during a time when NYC is seeing record low crimes, while London is recording a high increase in crime. NYC in early 2000s had over 600 murders a year, in early 1990s NYC was getting over 2,000 murders a year.
Based on many stats, no I don't believe London does or ever has had the same murder numbers of NYC in the last 100 years. I even lived in London, it's mostly pretty safe.
@bob84290 there was another stat I found from 2018 , apparently knife murder deaths per population was still higher in USA then UK. When you add in gun deaths in USA, it's far higher. Even if UK had more knifings one year, it's not consistently higher from what I could find, and not double, or triple or quadruple numbers like many USA cities have when comparing total murders vs UK cities.
I don’t disagree the murder rates are higher in NYC than in London - I said so in my original comment. My point was, as a professional person living in well-policed and geographically isolated Manhattan, my _exposure_ to violent crimes was lower than in London (or even in provincial cities in the UK) leading to a distinct impression of being safer there (in Manhattan ie central NYC) than in central London (or greater London).
This was good and helped calm my anxiety, thank you
I went to ny last winter. My friend, my sister, and I rode the subway late and my friend pointed out that some people looked shady and that my sister should put away her phone and she really didn’t listen, and we just left the subway asap just in case. But yeah def be aware of your surroundings.
Another great video Barr! Channel is growing nicely. Cheers
Thanks guys !
I just moved to New York for work. My shifts next week go from 3pm to 11pm, so i have to take the subway really late at night to go home and I’m scared out of my mind...😕
I got mugged years ago when I was a teenager in Brooklyn. Crime is still alive and well in NYC today no matter what the statistics say. I Know a few others that were violently mugged. Of course it doesn't happen to everyone but it does happen. When I go to NYC these days I don't walk the streets alone no matter day or night.
I'm one of those. Been living up here for just over three years, and got jumped in Prospect Park (near the Grand Army entrance) earlier this year. They tried to steal my bike, and although I managed to keep it, they ran off (and never got caught), it took just over $200 to repair my bike (I got knocked off it and the ensuing tug of war messed it up pretty badly) and I fractured my clavicle. Changed my perception of NYC, to put it mildly. It might not be the jungle that it allegedly was in the 70s and 80s, and I'd say the odds are in anyone's favor that something like this won't happen to them ...until it traumatically does.
@@Adrian101882 sorry to hear that. When I got mugged it happened on Eastern Pkwy. I used to be on Grand army plaza alot cause my God mother used to live there before she passed away. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, but I no longer live there I now live in the Midwest but I still visit NYC cause I still have family there. You should consider carrying some type of weapon or mace with you if you're walking the streets alone.
Me and my family will be visiting NYC this year. Thanks for this helpful video. :)
Good job, Jon. I lived in NYC for four years, and worked at the same place another two years (living in NJ). I agree it's as safe as any city I've been in. (And I've been in so many!) The one thing I would add: travel with someone (or hang with a native), and stay together. You're much less likely to run into some random bad situation, and it's twice as fun to share the experience. Having said that, I never felt ill at ease in NYC. And I'm not a big guy.
In El Salvador; May 2019 are 30 killings a day within the capital city in peace time. Back in 1982 where about 25 a day but there was a Civil War time. I used to live in NY City some 25 years ago and never had a problem. I was not afraid to walk the city at midnight with my cameras or right before dawn. To me People in NY is to busy to pay attention to you. If some crazy ones are doing dangerous things and you are caught at the wrong moment and place; there is nothing you can do. That applies to any city in the world, but as you said; avoid unnecessary situations. I love NY, I miss the city and I try to visit it time to time because is a rush all over the place that brings energy to me and stays with me for months. I always enjoy NY by my self. There is alway something new to discover. The city will be in my heart always. 👍🏼
I'm living in Memphis, Tn. I think NYC it's completely safe!!!
Thanks for watching !
What about Chicago?
FRAYZER IN DIS BITCH. DA BAY.
i live in NYC.. i think Memphis, Tn is very safe too!
valejos182 ruclips.net/video/cbiErEwJY9c/видео.html safe?
Agree 💯 with everything you said of NYC , used to live there over 20 something years ago but never had issues. Jumped once but that's it.
I always felt very safe in Ny, even in the subway. The only thing I did not like is that people were unfriendly, you asked some direction and they answered very badly, but taking away that I love NY 💚🇺🇸🗽
I had the exact opposite experience. I was looking lost and loads of people tried to help me. I was way out in brooklyn near queens tho. I think Manhatten no one has time for nothing especially tourists.
Oh actually late at night when I was headed into Harlem. I had a lady help me not go past 110th hahaha. She was like " Oh hell no, no white boy is going past 110 after dark" We went anyways and well that is another story for another day lol.
Vero Duardo You need to ask directions in 2018? Don’t you have a smartphone?
murd777 right
I'm the type to help tourists out here in Seattle. That being said in this 2018/19 you can look up anything it's not anyone's responsibility to help you out in a polite manner let alone even acknowledge you. At least they responded.
Please keep the NYC videos coming! I plan on traveling there next summer, so this has been more than helpful.
Here's another tip I learned from one of my good friends. If anyone's traveling to NY during New Years Eve and plan on seeing the ball drop at Time Square. Don't bring your wallet, bag, and other valuables with you and leave them at your hotel, home, or wherever you're staying. Pickpocketing is common that night, with all of the celebrations and distractions going on, it makes it a perfect time for thieves to strike.
I’m binge watching all the NYC videos I can get in until June. I am coming to visit for the first time from Ohio with my 15 yr old son and I am trying to prepare as best as I can. It will just be him and I. 🙋🏻♀️ I hope I am not crazy!
Now I kinda wish I knew someone after watching all these lol...
Just don't look like a tourist! :-)
If the people selling tickets for tourist attractions aren't interested in you than you're doing a good job. :-P
Was about to watch until I noticed this was filmed 3 years ago! Back then it wasn’t bad at all. Now… Watch your back!!!!!
Hey John, you should make a video of the night life in nyc
Manhattan is cleared from 1am- 3 am with no one driving nor people only dumpster trucks also stores aren’t open they just light up and look open. Done
This video is really helpful im just starting to take the subway to classes in Manhattan and this video really had good points that i never even thought of.
Ive walked around the bronx after a yankees game. Safe! Ive taken the subway at 2am Safe!! Nyc is super safe!!!
The area around Yankee Stadium is fine.. Bronx Little Italy fine. Other spots to.. But some are definitley not.. Yes I agree with that statement ;)
And safety in numbers helps :)
yes but you’re also a male, so it is a little bit safer than being female. :(
Sean Kelly safe? ruclips.net/video/cbiErEwJY9c/видео.html
Sean Kelly ruclips.net/video/md86aF-7ZY8/видео.html
A tip I would give is DO NOT under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES bike on the Grand Concourse, especially at night. It's statistically the area in the entire NYC metro area with the highest number of fatal accidents involving a bike getting hit by a car, and the entire area around it is not safe.
I actually wore headphones, or earbuds, when I frequented the city back in the day, but I wasn't listening to music, podcasts, or anything. But why? IMO the illusion of listening to something helps deter people from approaching you or outright asking you for money. Plus, to state the obvious, not listening to music enables you to still be aware of your surroundings.
I do the same!
Same
Just commented on the video of when u got shot like I said in that one I live in Milwaukee Wi and I only listen to music with one ear bud in for that exact reason if you can think of more safety tips while traveling you should do another video I find them interesting Keep it up and I love the channel hope to visit NYC one day!
Tip #9 - Always wear a condom.
can I take it off when I pee
@@sonias9722 - NO !!!!
@@sonias9722 Catfish. Girls don't pee
I met my sister in Manhattan a few years ago. Took the train from Newark Airport. I made friends instantly. The lovely Jewish man that chatted me up on the airport train ended up at the platform to head to Penn Station. By the time we arrived, we figured out his uncle used to have a farm 30 minutes from where I live. I live outside Ottawa Ontario Canada. Then he offered to come back into the city with his car and drive my sister and I around to view the city. Once outside Penn Station, I met a backpacker. He told me how to find my hotel. The city is amazing. I am going again in March.
never had any trouble in NYC :)
Great to hear my friend ;) Hope you're well !!
If you are born or live in New York City you are used to it & know what to do. John & Mary tourist get drawn in to the huge buildings, noise, lights, streets. 🏙🏢🏪🌇.. I for 1, do not care for New York. The food & travel is expensive. You rush around everywhere. You have limited choices or options in the suburbs. 👎 In central FL stores are open 7 days a week. In suburb NY, CT, NJ; shops & stores close on Sun or shut down after 700pm on Sat. 😒...
@@DavidLLambertmobile I live in Central Florida. It SUCKS. No real selection in the grocery stores. There are NO stores left here except gas stations, car parts stores and grocery stores. Meth/crack and weed dealers everywhere. Traffic is heavy and people DON'T obey the traffic laws at all. The people are dickwits on a good day. The heat is 11 months of humid hell with the other month being a day here or a day there that you aren't dying from it. We are moving back to NY this summer and canNOT wait. I'll deal with blizzards and crowding and the expense to regain "Don't Block the Box" as a viable reality. Civilization here we come.
I had stage 3 breast cancer in my right breast. I finished all my cancer chemo on March 23,2021.
Found out I had to go to New York for a conference. Started planning my funeral the same day I booked the airline and hotel.
What happened??
@@rihabbensalem6668 Absolutely nothing. I took the subway every day, and had no complications.
I would add if you’re out with a group at night, don’t get separated from the group. In the past this seemed to happen once a year around the holidays where a person was found in the river (East River or the Hudson), male and female.
No reason to go to the Bronx? There’s plenty of reason to go to the Bronx but most people are too scared to explore.
Name a few besides the botanical garden and yankees. yeah, nothing really worth your time.
@@joanamanzueta5829 Little Italy, Comh Tanh Nin Kieu, Highbridge, VCP: John Muir trail among others, Pelham Bay, etc. Nice try, Joana. Go outside more.
Very nice advice to New York visitors.
2 words : Common Sense.
Applies World Wide...
Great tips man, love this blog. totally into NYC for the last month, so you are helping me with my NYC fix. Hope to visit again 2022 shoulder season. My sister lived in Nyack for 10 years, she soooooooo misses the city.
New York city’s murder rate is actually about half, per Capita, than last year’s murder rate in San Diego...wasn’t expecting THAT
Yeah NYC still gets a tough reputation while San Diego gets a family-oriented image.
Good tips
Lol love to hear people that aren’t from NYC give advice about NYC.. anywhere from 66 st and downtown really safe . Can’t say the same about the other neighborhoods.. Washington Heights , Harlem , East Harlem , Dyckman , Gun Hill Bronx , Morning-side Brooklyn. Anytime past Midnight you should avoid these neighborhoods if you are alone . And Be careful what colors you wear due to all the gang activity around that time . 3nitarios Dominican gang up in Washington Heights , Bronx Dyckman. Harlem and Brooklyn Crips and Bloods . Spanish Harlem Latin Kings , Crips , Bloods ...
You’re Welcome
It's like the ep of Seinfeld where the Hispanic guy rolls up on the older white lady, then helps her find the bank branch! 😉 there are New York City people like that, but as noted: some teens or gangs might be more aggressive. My friend was in a rough Philadelphia PA neighborhood & it was like a 3rd world country! 😮 PA is open carry too.
Great video!!!! Your channel is amazing
yeah. guys with UBER signs are usually a NO-GO. you get a ride through your PHONE APP, not a sign.
but that would make for a good HORROR movie! 😉
It's actually a good way to disrupt people's trust in UBER. A horror movie. Thanks.
@@GhostRepulsive there's gotta be one coming soon. it's a NO BRAINER! the Sherlock tv show had a psychotic taxi cab driver episode, and Tom Cruise had COLLATERAL where he was the crazy passenger.
An uber horror movie is just a matter of time.
@@stueygriffith4671 it's surprising that no movie of this sort has come out yet. With all the stories you hear about tinder and random "deadly" encounters with people online, it only make sense to capitalize on that.
🤣 as a New Yorker I had to laugh when he said you most likely will never go to the Bronx. But you took a bullet and survived. You're a g.
After living in Mexico City for years, it’s funny to hear how you think nyc is dangerous, you really don’t know what dangerous is like
Mexiko is a shit hole lol