Clyde, please, do not scare innocent tourists. They have already seen all the Hollywood movies and do not even want to use a subway?!?!?!?!? I do not know a safer city then NYC. After all, we have 35,000 police officers and that is more then some country's army.
Nip, for the love of god, where do you get these pictures?!?! I want to be you when I grow up... (er... too bad I'm already a lot older than you). Stephanie, I echo the sentiments of many of the others on here. New York is actually generally very, very safe. You'll be fine. Now if you ever come to Philly, on the other hand, be sure to let me know first so I can lend you one of my handguns
Funny, New York is one of the few large cities I feel completely safe walking in at all hours of the day. I am originally from LA and I feel safer in NYC than I did back in LA, (LA is a huge cesspool in my opinion). Just try to stay below 125th late at night.
Jawad, you are soooo cute and smart!!!!! Stephanie is coming to NYC... which is THE safest City (all the locals agreed on that and who cares about an opinion of the strangers... and why do they have an opinion in the first place??). When are you coming to our wonderful City? I have not seen you for ages. Are you tall and blond by now?
I think that NYC probably just has that stereotype. I was fine with it, but a couple people expressed their worries and it got to me. Hearing that it's not so scary helps. I won't worry now. Haha..yeah, I'm familiar with Philly. A lot of my family lives there and I visit quite often.
Went to Philly and Hartford not too long ago and it was pretty hairy there. In NYC as long as your in prime-mediocre areas where theres people around you will be fine. Its not like it use to be years ago in the late 80s and early 90s. If you decide on going uptown, way into the 119+ Streets you may question your safety at certain hours of the night. During the day i actually like areas around 125st since its so diverse and culturally interesting. Being downtwn and midtown at any hours of the night, i dont think you would have any issues. Its always crowded to some degree.
Here's what you don't do: take advice from people who don't live in Manhattan Unsafe above 96th ST? WTF?! Look I know you're a tourist so without fail you are going to annoy me (I'm a NY'er and hate tourists), but let me give you some advice: 1) Please don't wear an "I Love NY" or NYPD/FDNY tee-shirt. 2) Don't take a stupid horse ride through central park 3) No pedi-cabs 4) Don't stand needlessly gawking at the Seinfeld diner or other needless iconic landmarks, acknowledge it, snap your picture and move on. 5) Why do tourists feel the need to dress to the 9s when going out to explore the city? Some jeans and sneakers will help you blend. Even though NY'ers are the most awesome people in the most awesome city in the world, we don't dress like the girls in John's pictures to go and get breakfast. 6) Don't get into political or other debates with homeless people/street peddlers -- just ignore them. 7) Don't take pictures of street performers without putting money in their jar...or better yet, just don't take their picture. 8) In some cases the subway is safer and faster than a cab, especially during rush hour. Don't be afraid to use it as it is incredibly simple and efficient. 9) Most importantly: if you go to Ground Zero be respectful. It's not a tourist attraction, it's a place to pay hommage and respect. Please help us not turn it into a carnival ride. Things I would recommend all tourists do: Walk, walk, wAlk, and WALK! This is by the far the coolest city to explore on foot. You can start down by the battery and make your way north through Times Square and end up in Central Park (which itself is an amazing park to walk through -- thank you Mr. Omstead!). You should walk through the West Village and Soho, especially in the evening. Of course I would strongly recommend a walk through Times Square at Midnight, it's safe and something you have to experience firsthand. Of course there are all the cool museums, churches, and the statue of liberty -- but mostly I would just recommend walking! You'll also be surprised that you can discover so many things on foot just by falling upon them. As for places not to go to: NJ. Enjoy your stay, now get the **** out! -N
... basically, try not to show fear or insecurity. Like how dogs can sense fear in a person, people can see that in people that aren't from their city. Walk like you know where you are going even if you don't. You may get the occasional scammer asking for change or to buy their CD or something but just say "nah, no thanks" and keep it moving. Don't entertain them unless you want to stand there and hear their whole story, they're fast talkers. And I agree with Nabbs on the walking thing. There's so much to see. I used to go to the Village to buy music almost weekly but due to impatience, I would drive down. But in doing that I would miss so many other stores I'd see while driving and you have to pay attention cause the cabbies are nuts and parking is a pita! So I started taking the train down and it was great. You'll be ok.
NYC or Orlando, I suppose a tourist is a tourist. I get irritated with tourists, too. The worst is when you're trapped behind them on I-4 as they're passing by a pair of mouse ears or the outlets. Ahh!! I think we're planning to walk everywhere. I'm packing my Shox and I don't plan on taking them off unless we go out to a nice meal or for drinks, in which case I have my knee-high boots. We're having a cold front this weekend, so I'm assuming it got rather chilly there in the past day or so, as well. I bought a new jacket and a few sweaters to keep warm, as I didn't have anything appropriate prior. Personally, I'm more concerned with staying warm than getting mugged. I'm a wimp when it comes to cold weather. Brr!!!
Here are some of my favorite spots in NYC : Times Square Museum of Natural History Empire State Building Little Italy Rockefeller Center area during Christmas time Ludmillas Apt ( Just kidding ) For food most of the time I go down to Little Italy , but pretty much any place in the city the food is great . If you are in the Theater District eat here: La Rivista - 313 W 46 TH street Little Italy : Buona Notte on Mulberry Street is excellent . Nabbs gave the best advise - just walk around , so much you can see. Try to get familiar with the subway lines : http://www.mta.info/index.html
you bought new clothes before your trip? no, you're supposed to buy them in the city! well you will probably want to buy something you see there anyway...
I had to get a few things so I wouldn't freeze, but I don't really care to do any shopping while I'm there. I can shop here and I also don't want to have to ship clothes home. I might hit a couple stores we don't have here, though.
Musicman..... I saw that Actually, my house in the City is a landmark and does attract tourist's attention.
feel free to stop by Luca Luca (italian women's clothing), ask to speak to my mom...and get a huggeee discount on last season's stuff!!
Ludmilla..I did not know you've visited the boutique. Ask to speak to Irene next time (my lovely mom)...and tell her how you know me!
Where is your home located in the City ?? Just the general area obviously I dont expect you to post your actually address on line !! :-}