Sckylar RayneIs Greenwich Village Safe? The Adventuring Dreamer’s Guide to Visiting The Village In 2024
Wondering if Greenwich Village is a safe place to stay for your upcoming New York City trip? Not to worry! I’ve got all the answers to make you feel as safe as possible for your Big City vacation.
So you’re planning a trip to New York City— that’s so exciting! But now it’s time to get into the details and figure out where to stay. If you’re on this page then it seems like you’ve got your eye on Greenwich Village in Manhattan, but you’re probably wondering, “Is Greenwich Village safe?”
Luckily, I’ve got all the answers to help you make an informed decision.
What is Greenwich Village like?
Greenwich Village (otherwise known as “The Village”), was once the bohemian capital of the world, attracting artists, writers, actors, and anyone else who wished to live an unconventional lifestyle. It has since become one of the most history-rich neighborhoods in New York City and a cultural epicenter for tourists.
History of Greenwich Village
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Greenwich Village was an affordable place to live, so it acted like a magnet for starving artists and avant-garde inhabitants. Over time, these residents turned the village into a cultural hub for off-the-wall theaters, untraditional publishers, and the home base for the LGBTQ+ movement.
The culture of Greenwich Village
Nowadays, the Village is much less free-spirited and a lot more elite. It is now one of the most expensive areas in New York City, which isn’t great for your average New Yorker looking to rent an apartment, but it is good news for tourists looking for a safe place to stay in New York.
Is Greenwich Village safe for tourists in 2024?
With so many crime television shows that take place in New York City, it is perfectly natural to wonder if New York is safe to visit at all, let alone if Greenwich Village is safe for tourists.
The truth about television is that the production studios need to plug in all the drama to get people to watch their shows. And, while there is a dark side to New York (like there is to any place with human inhabitants), this big city isn’t all crime. There are plenty of neighborhoods that are perfectly safe for both residents and tourists, and Greenwich Village is one of them.
How safe is the Greenwich Village neighborhood?
Greenwich Village is one of the safest neighborhoods in New York City. Centered on Washington Square Park and New York University on the west side of Lower Manhattan, it’s an upscale and classy neighborhood. In fact, because of its reputation for being safe, it’s a popular neighborhood for celebrity residents.
Is Greenwich Village safe at night?
While Greenwich Village is a safer part of New York City, you still want to use your common sense— especially at night. As long as you stay in the more populated areas, and head back to the hotel room by the last call (4 am), Greenwich Village is as safe as any town after dark. Just remember to be smart. Don’t go wandering around a place you don’t know alone, don’t get too drunk without a sober someone that you trust nearby, and maybe only visit Washington Square Park before sundown (which is good advice for any park in any town, to be honest).
Crime statistics
When it comes to neighborhoods in New York City, Greenwich Village is safe. Crime statistics for the area show that no violent crime happens in the area and the only crimes that seem to regularly occur are home thefts and burglaries, probably because it is a well-known wealthier area. So, as a tourist visiting Greenwich Village, you have nothing to worry about. However, if you were interested in renting or buying a home there, then I would recommend investing in some extra security.
What to look out for — Safety tips for tourists visiting New York City
Even though Greenwich Village is one of Manhattan’s safest neighborhoods, you’re still a tourist in a big city, which means there are things you should be on the lookout for.
As much as we wish we could, when we travel, it’s kind of hard to mask the fact that we’re tourists, especially in a place like New York City. Our eyes naturally drift up to look at the tall skyscrapers we aren’t used to seeing, we’re constantly looking at our phones for directions or taking pictures in front of famous monuments, and, let’s be honest, we’re probably dressed in athleisure wear and tennis shoes the way that most tourists usually are. If that’s you, don’t feel bad. I totally get it. Comfort is key when traveling! But it also means we’re easy to spot by a scammer with a well-trained eye.
Basically, as tourists, we stick out of the New York City crowd like a sore thumb and this makes us a bullseye target for people who like to prey on traveling visitors. The best thing we can do to keep ourselves safe when traveling to any big city is to keep constant vigilance and follow a few simple safety rules.
5 safety rules when visiting any big city:
While most tourist scams happen more often in areas like Times Square than in Greenwich Village, it’s important to always follow these safety rules when visiting a big city.
1. Blend in with the locals.
I love being a tourist and there is absolutely nothing wrong with traveling as a tourist. But looking like a tourist lets scammers know who to target. However, it’s not just about your clothes. Your mannerisms can give you away, too.
When you go out to explore, don’t carry a paper map with you. If you’re walking everywhere with your head buried in a map, or are staring up at the skyscrapers with a little too much wonder, you might as well be stamping “Tourist” across your forehead and sending up a beacon for scammers in the area.
To avoid this, maybe save the “I love New York” shirt to wear back home and research the areas you’re visiting before you go out so you look like you know where you’re going.
2. Avoid traveling alone, or at least communicate when you do.
When you’re in a big city, safety is in the numbers. Many tourist scams work better for the scammer if the person they are targeting is alone. Exploring the town with someone else by your side will help keep you safe.
However, if you are on a solo trip or you really want to go out on your own, make sure you communicate with someone where you’re going and what time you’ll be back.
3. Keep valuables out of reach.
Where there are crowds, there are thieves. Unfortunately, this is how the world has worked since the beginning of humanity. I personally know two people who have been mugged while traveling (both in Europe, neither of them in New York, but that doesn’t mean it never happens). So, it’s always a good idea to use precautions when traveling to a big city.
- If you carry a bag, carry an anti-theft purse like this one made with anti-slash material.
- Make sure to never carry your wallet or phone in the front pocket of your bag or backpack, but keep it tucked inside an inner pocket with a zipper so it’s harder for someone’s hand to slip in and grab.
- If carrying your wallet or phone in your pocket, always keep them in your front pockets (or bra) to stop someone’s hand from slipping into your back pocket to take your stuff.
- If you’re carrying cash on your trip, never take all of your cash with you when you go out. Leave some in a safe in your hotel room just in case of emergencies.
- Another good trick is to put some of your money in your boot. I have these combat boots that have a pocket just big enough to stash some cash. I never worry about getting mugged in New York City, but since I know people who have been mugged in other places (and one of them kept money in his boot, which saved him on that trip), I find that this is a good practice to have when traveling to places you don’t know.
4. Stay in well-populated areas after dark.
Some of the best experiences while traveling is the nightlife, so you know I’m not going to tell you to stay indoors after dark. But I am going to tell you to stay in well-populated areas. Don’t wander off into dark alleys or empty parks after the sun goes down. Basically, use your common sense.
5. Keep extra vigilant on the subway.
It’s not uncommon for a subway train car to get so crowded that you’re elbow to elbow with the person next to you. In an area that is super crowded like this, a few sticky fingers would be easy to miss. Make sure you stay extra vigilant on the subway, keep your bag close to you and keep your valuables out of your back pocket.
How to Safely Get Around Greenwich Village
Like anywhere else in the city, you have plenty of options for transportation in Greenwich Village. From taking the subway to renting a Citi bike to hailing a cab or Uber, or even just walking, here is how to get around Greenwich Village and the rest of New York safely.
Subway lines in the Greenwich Village neighborhood
The Village has many subway lines that can help you safely get to other parts of the city.
The 1, 2, and 3 lines run under 7th Avenue and can take you to Uptown Manhattan, the Bronx, lower Manhattan, and Brooklyn.
The N, R, and W trains stop at 8th Street and can take you to Queens and Brooklyn.
Be sure to stay safe when taking the subway. Stand far away from the edge of the platform and always keep an eye on your stuff while on the train.
Walking in New York City
Whenever you travel, it’s best to have a general idea of where you’re going when you start to explore on foot. You don’t want to wander with your head buried in a map or a phone.
During the day, you should be fine walking pretty much anywhere in the city without the need to worry. At night, it’s best to have a walking buddy with you and to stick to the main streets in most touristy neighborhoods. However, Greenwich Village is one of the safest neighborhoods in New York City, so as long as you use your common sense, you will be alright!
How to Safely hail a taxi or Uber
Hailing a taxi
When traveling from the airport to Greenwich Village or another part of New York City, there is a designated taxi line at the airport pick-up. Make sure you get in a taxi from this line to avoid taxi scams.
If you are staying in a hotel, it’s easiest to have your doorman hail you a taxi since it’s their job to know what to do. If you’re at a bar or a restaurant, you can also ask for someone to help you call a driver. But, if you need to hail a taxi when you’re out and about, make sure to look for the lights on the sign on the taxi roof. If the middle light with the taxi number is lit, that means the taxi is available for new passengers.
Calling for an Uber
In this day and age, calling for an Uber or a Lyft is much easier than hailing a taxi. To be honest, I’ve ridden in a ride-share way more often than I’ve ever been in a taxi. It’s just a more convenient way to travel. But there are a few safety guidelines for calling an Uber that you might not be aware of. Make sure to follow these rules if you ever need a ride share in a big city:
- Request your ride inside. The longer you can stay in an indoor, public place with lots of witnesses, the safer your wait will be.
- Check before you get in. Always check the make and model of the car, license plate, and photo of the driver before getting into a stranger’s vehicle. Never get into a mismatched vehicle, even if the person says they are your driver.
- Ride in the backseat whenever it’s possible to make sure you can safely exit the vehicle from either side, depending on which side of the road the driver drops you off on.
- Always share your location with someone you trust. You can share your drive through the app and it will send your loved one all the information about your ride.
- Don’t overshare. Keep your information private and don’t go sharing personal information with strangers, no matter how charmingly chatty they might be during the ride.
- Follow your intuition. Your gut is there to help keep you safe. If you ever feel uneasy, always listen to your gut, even if you can’t explain why.
What are the main attractions in Greenwich Village?
Washington Square Park
At 9.75 acres, Washington Square Park is not even close to the biggest park in New York City, but it is one of the city’s most well-known parks and home to the famous Square Arch. You’ve probably seen this park on the TV screen several times as it’s been featured in many movies, including When Harry Met Sally, Deep Impact, I Am Legend, and Hitch, to name a few.
Stonewall Inn
Stonewall Inn, where the Stonewall Riots happened in 1969, became the first national historic landmark to be dedicated to the LGBTQ+ movement. The Stonewall Riots are often considered the single most important event that eventually led to the gay rights liberation movement in the United States.
Bleeker Street
In the olden days, Bleeker Street was the center of the bohemian movement that put Greenwich Village on the map. Today, it is the nightclub district of the neighborhood.
Is Greenwich Village expensive?
This quaint, charming, historic, and artsy neighborhood is one of the most expensive places to live in New York City with the average rent costing more than $5,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in 2024. But if you’re looking to visit then the cost isn’t that different from any other New York neighborhood.
In fact, you might save money by staying in Greenwich Village, as many hotels cost less than they would in more high-profile areas like Midtown (near Times Square).
Best Hotels in Greenwich Village
The Marlton Hotel
Visit New York but feel like you’re in the French Mediterranean in this swanky historical hotel in the heart of Greenwich Village.
Washington Square Hotel
Located right next to Washington Square Park, the Washington Square Hotel is very close walking distance to all of Greenwich Village’s best restaurants and shopping.
Walker Hotel Greenwich Village
The Walker Hotel is located on the edge of Greenwich Village, close to the Chelsea border. Being so close to two neighborhoods makes this a perfect stay for visiting not only Greenwich Village but also places like the Flat Iron Building and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Safest areas in New York City for tourists
Greenwich Village is one of the safest places in Manhattan, but it isn’t the only safe area for tourists.
If you’re looking for a safe place to stay away from the hustle and bustle of crowded Midtown, aside from Greenwich Village, you also might want to look into the Upper East and West Sides, SoHo, Chelsea, Tribeca, and even Brooklyn Heights. These areas aren’t in the center of all the action, but they’re only a short train ride away.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Here are a few helpful services:
Booking.com | Find a comfy place to lay your head after a full day of adventuring.
Vrbo | If you’re looking for a more homey vibe, these rental homes might do the trick.
Expedia | Whether you’re looking for some wheels or a flight, you can find a way to get to your destination here.
Get Your Guide | Find local attractions and tours and book tickets to your excursions.
Viator | Another great resource for local attractions and tours.
TSA | If you’re flying, check out the TSA page to make sure that you pack to TSA regulations.
New York City Pass | Save 40% at 5 major New York City attractions, including the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty.
