North America·USA

Is New York Safe for Tourists in 2026?

New York is generally safe for tourists relative to other popular destinations. Our database documents 24 scams, with only 1 rated high severity. Standard travel awareness applies — staying alert in crowded areas and using vetted transport covers the majority of documented risks.

Generally Safe

Overall verdict

24

Scams documented

1

High severity

Overall verdict

Generally Safe

Lower scam risk compared to similar destinations

Scams documented

24

High severity

1

Medium severity

17

Top risk type

Street Scams

Priority warnings

High-severity risks in New York

These are the most serious documented scams — rated high severity based on frequency, financial impact, and confirmation across multiple sources.

Fake Hotel Booking Phishing Website

high

Search engine sponsored ads and lookalike websites impersonate direct booking pages for major Times Square and Midtown hotels including the Marriott Marquis, Hilton Midtown, and similar chains. Tourists clicking paid ads or mistyping a URL land on convincing clones that collect full credit card details and reservation deposits — which the real hotel has no record of. Several major NYC hotel chains have issued warnings about cloned booking sites, and the NY Attorney General has documented this fraud category.

How to avoid: Always navigate directly to the hotel chain's official domain rather than clicking search ads. Verify the full URL before entering payment details. Book via established OTAs such as Booking.com or Hotels.com if unsure of the official site.

Where: Online fraud targeting tourists booking Times Square and Midtown Manhattan hotels; victims discover the scam on arrival when the real hotel has no record of their booking

By traveler type

Is New York safe for you specifically?

Scam risk varies by traveler profile. Different types of visitors face different documented threats in New York.

Solo travelers

Standard risk

Solo travelers are more frequently targeted because they lack the deterrent of a group. Stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share itineraries with someone at home, and avoid deserted areas at night.

First-time visitors

Higher risk

Unfamiliarity with local pricing, transport, and norms makes first-time visitors prime targets. Read the full scam database for New York before arrival — knowing what scams exist is the single most effective protection.

Families with children

Lower risk

Families with children are less commonly targeted for scams involving nightlife or bar areas. Standard precautions apply: use vetted transport, keep documents secured, and brief children on not accepting gifts from strangers.

Budget travelers

Higher risk

Budget travelers spending time in hostels, using street food, and booking last-minute tours face increased exposure to accommodation scams, fake tour operators, and currency exchange fraud.

Where risk concentrates

Areas to be cautious in New York

These locations are specifically cited in documented scam reports for New York. Exercise heightened awareness in these areas.

Three-Card Monte Street Hustle

Side streets off Times Square on W 44th and W 45th Streets, near Penn Station on 7th Ave, and occasionally near the entrance to Central Park on W 59th St at Columbus Circle

medium

Fake Statue of Liberty Ticket Sellers

Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan, specifically the pedestrian approach along Battery Place and State Street near the Whitehall Street subway station (1/R trains)

medium

Unsolicited CD Hustle

Times Square pedestrian plazas on Broadway between W 42nd and W 47th Streets, outside the Empire State Building on W 34th St, and near Penn Station on 7th Ave and W 33rd St

medium

JFK Airport Unlicensed Dispatcher Network

JFK Terminals 1, 4, and 8 international arrivals halls; along the curb before the official taxi stand

medium

Overpriced Broadway Ticket Scalping

Outside Broadway theaters along W 44th and W 45th Streets in the Theater District, the sidewalk near the Shubert Theatre at 225 W 44th St, and the Richard Rodgers Theatre at 226 W 46th St on nights of high-demand performances

medium
Risk breakdown

What types of scams occur in New York?

Street Scams

Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas.

6

25% of reports

Tour & Activities

Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping.

4

17% of reports

Taxi & Transport

Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists.

3

13% of reports

Restaurant Scams

Inflated bills, hidden charges, tourist menus, and food service tricks.

3

13% of reports

Accommodation Scams

Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud.

3

13% of reports

Online Scams

Fraudulent booking sites, phishing, fake reviews, and digital cons targeting travelers.

3

13% of reports

Money & ATM Scams

Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons.

2

8% of reports

How serious?

Severity breakdown for New York

1 High — 4%
17 Medium — 71%
6 Low — 25%
Before you go

Quick safety checklist for New York

01

Before booking any tour or activity in New York, verify the operator has verifiable reviews on multiple platforms.

02

Street Scams scams are the most documented risk in New York — review those warnings specifically before you arrive.

03

Use app-based transport rather than street taxis, especially near New York's main tourist attractions.

04

Keep a physical copy of your passport, travel insurance policy number, and embassy contact in a separate location from originals.

05

If you are approached by someone offering unsolicited help, tours, or currency exchange, politely decline and walk away.

06

Report any scam to local police and to your country's embassy. Even if recovery is unlikely, reports help maintain accurate travel advisories.

Common questions

Is New York safe — answered

Is New York safe for tourists in 2026?
New York is generally safe for tourists based on our database of 24 documented scams. 1 of those are rated high severity. The most common risks are street scams, tour & activities, taxi & transport. Millions of tourists visit New York safely each year — preparedness is the key differentiator.
Is New York safe for solo travelers?
New York is generally navigable for solo travelers with standard precautions. Key advice: stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share your itinerary with someone at home, use app-based transport at night, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Review the full scam list for New York before traveling alone.
What are the most dangerous areas in New York for tourists?
Based on documented incident reports, the highest-risk areas in New York include: Side streets off Times Square on W 44th and W 45th Streets, near Penn Station on 7th Ave, and occasionally near the entrance to Central Park on W 59th St at Columbus Circle. Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan, specifically the pedestrian approach along Battery Place and State Street near the Whitehall Street subway station (1/R trains). Times Square pedestrian plazas on Broadway between W 42nd and W 47th Streets, outside the Empire State Building on W 34th St, and near Penn Station on 7th Ave and W 33rd St. These areas are associated with street scams, tour & activities, taxi & transport incidents.
Is New York safe at night?
Nighttime risk in New York is primarily concentrated around bar and nightlife districts, where overcharging, spiked drink incidents, and fake police are more common. Using official or app-based transport after dark and staying in well-lit, populated areas reduces risk significantly.
Is New York safe for female travelers?
New York is broadly accessible for female travelers with standard precautions. General guidance: use verified accommodation with secure entry, avoid sharing ride details publicly, dress in line with local customs to reduce unwanted attention, and keep emergency contacts accessible. Travel communities like r/solotravel and r/TravelHacks have current firsthand reports.
What scams should I watch for in New York?
The top documented scams in New York are: Three-Card Monte Street Hustle, Fake Statue of Liberty Ticket Sellers, Unsolicited CD Hustle, JFK Airport Unlicensed Dispatcher Network, Overpriced Broadway Ticket Scalping. The full database covers 24 individual scams across 7 categories. Reviewing each scam's description and avoidance tips is the most effective pre-trip preparation.
Should I get travel insurance for New York?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for any trip to New York. Beyond scam-related losses, insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and theft — all documented risk categories here. Look for policies that include 24/7 emergency assistance and explicit coverage for mugging or pickpocketing. Compare policies on comparison sites before purchasing.
Is USA safe to visit in 2026?
USA as a whole is a popular tourist destination with documented scam activity across multiple cities. New York specifically has 24 documented scams with a generally safe safety rating. Check the full USA country guide for a regional overview and safety comparisons across all covered cities.

Editorial note: This safety assessment for New York is based on 24 verified scam reports in the Before You Go database, compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Safety conditions change — always cross-reference with current government advisories before travel. Read our methodology →