Is Lower Manhattan Safe? A Complete Guide to Visiting Lower Manhattan and Staying Safe in 2024

Is Lower Manhattan Safe? Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Lower Manhattan in NYC

Is Lower Manhattan safe? This part of the city is actually one of the safest areas in town, but you will still want to do your research as neighborhoods can drastically change from street to street.

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When visiting somewhere new, it’s wise to do your research before making any plans. If you’re visiting New York, you might be wondering, is Lower Manhattan safe? In this complete guide to Lower Manhattan, I will go over exactly how safe this part of New York City is, as well as the best things to do, the best places to stay, and all the commonly asked questions about this side of town.

What is Lower Manhattan like?

Lower Manhattan is the birthplace of New York City. At the southernmost tip of the Manhattan borough, Lower Manhattan is where New York began to be developed from farmland in the 1600s to the concrete business epicenter it is today. 

It’s the home to skyscrapers, including the tallest building in the entire Western Hemisphere—One World Trade Center, the financial district, aka Wall Street, cultural and historical landmarks, and the main governmental center for the entire city. Lower Manhattan is rich in history and is full of stories to tell to anyone who cares enough to listen. It’s considered the main “Downtown” in all of New York. 

Is Lower Manhattan safe for tourists in 2024?

The locals would say that it would be pretty hard to find an area under 110th Street that isn’t considered safe, and since Lower Manhattan officially starts at 14th Street, the entirety of this section of New York is in the green zone. 

Overall, Lower Manhattan is normally safe, especially in highly populated areas like on the streets where bars, restaurants, and tourist sights are.

With that said, you’re still visiting a big city with a massive population. And where you can find people, unfortunately, you will find crime. Lower Manhattan has an average crime rate in general (which, statistically, isn’t bad), so it’s best to play it smart when visiting this part of town. Follow the rules and advice I lay out in this blog, and your visit to Lower Manhattan will be perfectly safe. 

Is Lower Manhattan safe during the day?

You will not find any significant safety issues anywhere in Lower Manhattan during the day. Large sections of this part of New York have been recently gentrified, attracting high-end renters and homeowners over the last 30 years. The Lower East Side especially is very trendy and expensive, and while this can get complicated for locals who live here, it’s a good thing when it comes to feeling safe and comfortable as a visitor.

Is Lower Manhattan safe at night?

Like any big city, it’s probably not a bright idea to wander around unpopulated areas by yourself at night. It’s usually not even a good idea in smaller towns. However, overall Lower Manhattan is pretty safe at night.

Despite being a generally safe area, staying on the streets with bars, restaurants, and attractions is still best. Being around others will help ensure your safety and help deter any na’er-do-well-ers from causing trouble if you stay in a place with lots of witnesses. Even if Lower Manhattan is not dangerous, it’s always better to use common sense and avoid dark alleyways and empty streets. 

That said, the bars of New York can get pretty packed at night, and where there is alcohol, trouble is often afoot. So, be sure to keep your personal belongings close at hand and follow the safety tips I’ve listed further down in this article. 

Is Lower Manhattan safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, Lower Manhattan is safe for solo female travelers. New York City is fun, and the people here are friendly. It’s a town that’s full of culture, history, and good times. But, of course, it pays to travel smart.

Like it or not (it sucks), but we women have to be extra vigilant when we travel solo compared to men. So, just make sure that you follow common sense of solo travel, and you’ll be fine. Here are a few tips to remember (these are good to know no matter what part of the world you’re traveling to):

• Always keep an eye on your drink—even when it’s being made at the bar—and never, I repeat, never, leave it unattended. If you ever do want to check that your drink is safe, these testing strips might come in handy.
• If someone is making you feel uncomfortable, speak up and get help. Bar staff is trained to help in situations like that, and, remember, it’s okay to be rude, especially if you’re having one of those gut feelings.
• Don’t walk alone by yourself at night if you can help it. If you’re a solo female traveler, I highly recommend staying at a hostel and making new friends to go out with. There is safety in numbers. 
• Always look like you know where you’re going. Walking confidently and purposefully makes you less likely to attract attention. Look up directions before you leave, and don’t spend too much time looking at your phone.
• And, since you’re reading this article, you’re already kicking ass on my final tip: always research your destination before you go. Look into the neighborhoods, hotels, hostels, attractions, etc. Find out everything you can before you board that plane and take off for your adventure.

Is Lower Manhattan safe to travel for families?

If you’ve got teenagers, then Lower Manhattan is an excellent family adventure that’s fun and safe for the whole family. If you’ve got younger kids, it’s still a great trip waiting to happen, but you’ve obviously got to be a little more careful. 

Manhattan is a busy place with lots of people walking somewhere. It’s easy to get lost in, and if you’ve got a wandering kid, that could lead to some pretty big trouble. It’s always a good idea to organize a meeting place that’s easy to find in case someone gets separated.

There are also often street performers in crowded areas that catch the attention of children and their parents. Make sure to leave your valuables at home because while your eyes are darting between the street performer and your kids, a pickpocket could easily slip their hand into your bag and grab your wallet.

I know all of this might sound overwhelming and scary, but it’s all just precautions to keep in mind in any big city. Overall, you’ve got nothing to worry about. Lower Manhattan is a very safe place for families to bring their children. 

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Safest neighborhoods of Lower Manhattan

Lower Manhattan as a whole is a pretty safe part of town, with a crime rate that is continuously dropping. In fact, between 1990 and 2020, Manhattan’s overall crime rate dropped by 83.24%, according to NYPD CompStat. But if you want to make extra sure that the neighborhood you choose in Lower Manhattan is safe, here are the three safest neighborhoods in Lower Manhattan:

Battery Park City 

Located at the very tip of Manhattan, Battery Park City is a planned community built next to Battery Park. Battery Park is where you can hop on the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It’s also next to Brookfield Place, which was formerly known as the World Financial Center.

This part of town is mostly residential. It’s very quiet and is full of green spaces to wander and walk through. In a way, it doesn’t even feel like New York, and the crime rate here is 45% lower than the national average. 

Things to do in Battery Park City:

• Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
• Wall Street
• One World Observatory
• Brooklyn Bridge

Tribeca

Tribeca gets its name from “Triangle Below Canal Street,” even though the shape of the neighborhood is more of a quadrilateral. The neighborhood started out as farmland hundreds of years ago, but more recently, it’s known as one of the swankiest parts of New York City. 

Taylor Swift, Robert De Niro, and Gwyneth Paltrow are only a few celebrities known to live in this Michelin-star-abundant, culturally affluent neighborhood.

Things to do in Tribeca:

• The Oculus
• Woolworth Building
• Ghostbusters Fire Station
• Brandy Library bar

Lower East Side

The Lower East Side was originally a working-class neighborhood, and for better or for worse, it became gentrified in the 1990s. While gentrification has its cons, it also has its pros, one of which is a typically lower crime rate. Now that the Lower East Side has become an expensive place to live, it’s a much safer neighborhood than it was 30 years ago, a change that tourists can benefit from. 

Immigrants built the Lower East Side, and therefore the neighborhood is a hub of culture and an example of the American melting pot. While it is predominately home to a Puerto Rican and Dominican population now, the neighborhood has a rich history for the Irish, Italians, Poles, Ukrainians, and German cultures as well.

Since the crime rate has dropped dramatically over the last three decades, the Lower East Side has become a major center for nightlife and live music.  

What to do in the Lower East Side:

• Pizza School NYC
• Nuyorican Poet’s Cafe
• Museum of Reclaimed Urban Spaces
• Sara D. Roosevelt Park

How to determine if a neighborhood is safe

Knowing that you’re safe is one of the best ways to ensure that you enjoy a vacation. If you’re feeling nervous about your safety while on a trip, that’s a surefire way to dampen the mood and take you out of the excitement of your adventure. Here’s a little more info to make sure you feel safe while traveling to Lower Manhattan.

Crime mapping services

Crime mapping services like SpotCrime are excellent tools to use when determining the safety of a new area because they provide a total picture of any shady stuff that has been going on recently. 

A word of warning, however. While SpotCrime will share all reported crimes in a specific neighborhood, don’t let the information freak you out too much. Remember, where there are people, there will be crime. That’s the case for any major city. 

It’s good to keep a level head, think logically, and look at all the information, including the overall crime statistics for that part of town. Also, always practice safe traveling on your adventures. More tips on that coming up in a moment.

Lower Manhattan crime statistics

Overall, Lower Manhattan is a very safe place with relatively no crime in comparison to the rest of the city. The crime Lower Manhattan does face is often non-violent crimes like petty theft. 

However, it is always good to stay up to date with the latest crime statistics, which you can find here. Lower Manhattan makes up the NYPD’s 1st, 5th, and 7th precincts.

Safety tips for visiting Lower Manhattan

Even though Lower Manhattan is one of the safest neighborhoods in New York City, you’re still a tourist visiting a place you’ve never been before. So, you need to be on the lookout and keep constant vigilance over your personal safety. 

As much as you may think you won’t look like a tourist on your trip, you’re gonna look like a tourist. It simply can’t be helped. You’re going to look up in awe at the giant skyscrapers you’ve never seen before, take photos in front of cool monuments, be starring at your phone constantly while looking at directions, and you’re either going to dress in full comfortable athleisurewear, or in super trendy outfits that (as fashionable as you may appear) look nothing like the grungy laundry day clothes native New Yorkers wear every day. 

And I want you to do all that. Take your pictures, wear your cute vacay outfits, and film all the Tik Toks your heart desires. But stay safe while you do it, and pay attention to your surroundings.

Most of all, follow these 5 safety rules that should be followed when visiting any major metropolis:

5 safety rules when visiting any big city:

Is Lower Manhattan safe? Yes, it is. But these rules should be followed in any big town, whether you’re in the epicenter of the crime syndicate or not.

1. Blend in with the locals

I’m not talking about your clothes here. Dress in whatever way makes you comfortable and gets you those once-in-a-lifetime amazing vacation pics. When I say blend in with the locals, I’m talking about your mannerisms. 

I know most of you wouldn’t do this anyway, but definitely don’t carry a paper map with you. And don’t make it too obvious that you’re looking at a digital map on your phone, either. Starring at a phone screen every two seconds while squinting your eyes to see the next street sign will be a clear indication to any scammer that you’re a tourist. So it’s a good idea to always look up directions before you leave and only check your phone as often as you need to as if you were just responding to a text message.

And, when it comes to clothes, I would avoid wearing the “I Love New York” shirt while you’re in the city if you can help it. 

2. Avoid traveling alone, or at least communicate when you do.

If you’re traveling with someone else, try to stick to the buddy system as much as possible. Many of the scams work best if the scammer’s target is by themselves.

If you’re solo traveling, try to make friends at your hostel or hotel who can travel with you. However, if you love the solitude of wandering a new place by yourself (I totally get it), message someone you know when you leave your hotel so at least someone knows where you’re going and what time you should be back. 

3. Keep valuables out of reach.

Thieving is the most common crime in New York City (or any big city). Hopefully, it will never happen to you, but it’s always good to be prepared just in case. (I happen to know two people who were mugged in major cities—in Europe, not NYC—and one of them got to keep their cash because they kept it hidden in their shoe).

Here are a few tips to make sure your valuables stay safe:

• Buy an anti-slash traveling purse like this one.
• Keep your wallet and phone in your front pocket (or your anti-theft purse) to stop grabby hands from grabbing.
• If you are someone who likes to carry cash (I advise against it while traveling), don’t ever take a whole wad with you. Keep some of it in a safe back in the hotel room, just in case.
• You can also keep money in your boot like my friend did. I love these combat boots that conveniently have a pocket just big enough for a card, cash, or keys. I’ve had my pair for 10 years and take them on every trip I go on. 

4. Stay in well-populated areas after dark.

This one is common sense, but even the most experienced travelers need to be reminded on occasion. In fact, it’s usually the most experienced travelers who need to most reminding. 

Stay in well-populated areas after dark. Go out, and enjoy the nightlife, but don’t wander down dark and empty streets in strange towns you don’t know. 

5. Keep extra sharp on the subway.

No matter where you’re taking the metro, it’s pretty common for the car to get so crowded that you suddenly become very intimate with the passengers around you. While this can make for a pretty uncomfortable ride where you touch one too many sweaty backs and breathe that stanky perfume of a stranger’s body odor, it also makes it easy for thieves to slip their sticky hands into unattended bags or pockets. 

Always keep your bags close and your valuables out of your back pockets, but especially pay extra attention on crowded subway rides.

How to get around Lower Manhattan (and the rest of New York) safely:

Lower Manhattan offers excellent transportation options like the rest of New York. NYC is a very walkable city, and most attractions are either a short walk or a quick subway ride away. You also often have the opportunity to rent a Citi bike or hail a cab or Uber. Here is how you can get around Lower Manhattan safely:

Subway lines in the Lower Manhattan

Lower Manhattan is connected to pretty much every part of NYC by one train or another. So, no matter where you want to explore, there is a safe bet that you can get there by the New York Metro. 

In Battery Park, you can access the red or green lines connected to the 1 and 5 trains, and both run up from the very southern end of Manhattan, through the top of Manhattan, and into the Bronx.

Just a couple of blocks north on Wall Street, you’ll be able to access the brown, blue, and yellow lines connected to the J, Z, R, W, and E trains, which spider out into Manhattan, the Bronx, and Brooklyn. You can also get on the red or green lines here, which will give you access to the 2, 3, and 6 trains. 

Basically, what this means is that Lower Manhattan has access to any part of New York City, even if you might have to transfer a train or two along the way. 

If you’ve never ridden a subway before, it sounds more confusing than it actually is. It’s way easier if you have a visual, so check out the MTA map here, and you can easily map your route from Lower Manhattan to whichever part of the city your excursion is in. 

And don’t worry, Google and Apple Maps also have clear directions that will tell you which train to take and when to transfer if you put in your desired destination. 

Walking in New York City

New York is a walking city. If you’re only exploring one neighborhood, you can pretty much walk anywhere you want. But if you want to explore other parts of the city, then you might have to take a subway or hail a cab.

Despite being so walkable, NYC is still huge. NYC is over 300 square miles, which means no matter how walkable the neighborhoods are, you can’t walk the entire thing. Even just walking from the bottom tip of Manhattan to the top would take the average walker 4 hours, and that’s if they didn’t stop at a single restaurant, shop, or attraction along the way. 

So, walk when you can, but be prepared to pay for some transportation at some point during your trip. At least if you ever plan on leaving Lower Manhattan and exploring other areas of the city.

How to safely hail a Taxi or Uber

Hailing a taxi

If you plan to take a taxi during your trip, be careful of taxi scams. It’s not super common, but it’s possible for a car to pose as a taxi when it isn’t. So make sure that you follow the designated signs for taxis when you get into a taxi cab at the airport.

You can also ask for help from the doorman at your hotel or the bartender at a bar since they are used to calling cabs for others and will know how to get you into one safely. 

If you need to call a cab and aren’t at your hotel or at a restaurant, make sure that the light in the middle of the taxi’s roof sign is lit. This means that the cab is available for new passengers.

Calling for an Uber

To be honest, I have only ridden in a taxi a handful of times in my entire life, and it was only when an Uber or another ride-share service wasn’t available. Maybe it’s just a symptom of the tech age, but I feel way more comfortable calling for my ride via an app.

Still, you have to be even more careful with ride-share apps, so here are a few safety tips to follow:

• Request for your ride inside, where there are other people nearby while you wait.
• Check the make and model of the car with the assigned driver listed in your app before you get in. 
• Then, before you get in the vehicle, ask the driver who they are picking up. Never ask if they are so-and-so listed on the app, and never say, “For [your name]?” Instead, ask them who they are intending to pick up, and make sure they say your name before you get in the car.
• If possible, ride in the back seat to safely exit the car from either side, depending on which side of the road they drop you off. 
• Always share your location with someone you trust. You can actually do this through the app directly.
• Ride-share drivers can get chatty. All they do is drive people around all day, so it’s natural for them to want to share some small talk. Just make sure you don’t divulge too much personal information. Remember, no matter how friendly they may seem, you don’t know this person.
• Always follow your intuition. You have a natural gift developed over thousands of years of evolution that is designed to keep you safe. Always listen to that gut feeling, even if you think it’s stupid in the moment.

What are the main attractions in Lower Manhattan?

So, we’ve already answered the question of is Lower Manhattan safe, but is there anything to do in this part of New York? Of course! Here are my top three Lower Manhattan attractions that I highly recommend.

Cruise to see the Statue of Liberty 

Seeing the Statue of Liberty is a must-do for any first-time New York visitor. After all, the sight is iconic. And the Statue just happens to be the main attraction in Lower New York City!

While you’re there, I highly recommend hopping over to Ellis Island. Not only is the museum here very cool and full of history, but the Ellis Island Hard Hat tour is an attraction that can’t be missed. 

On the tour, you’ll get to wander the abandoned hospital where patients fresh off the boat went to heal before they could enter New York City. The building is super creepy and full of history, which is why it’s one of my favorite things to do in New York City!

Museum of Ice Cream And Ghostbusters Movie Set

Enjoy a unique experience that is fun for all ages. The Museum of Ice Cream is an immersive experience where anything can happen! This museum will trigger the imagination while you enjoy delectable treats that will make your mouth water just thinking about them!

This museum is also next to the famous Ghostbusters Fire Station. So once you’re done stuffing your face with delicious desserts, walk off the sugar by visiting one of the most iconic movie sets in New York!

9/11 Memorial and Museum

New York City is full of history, and some of it is very sad, but very important to remember. Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum to pay tribute to those who were affected by September 11, 2001. Here, you can hear personal stories of remembrance and strength following the terrorist attacks.

What are the must-taste restaurants in Lower Manhattan?

So now that you know is Lower Manhattan safe to visit, and that there are lots of good options for activities, let’s cover what there is to eat in this part of the borough.

Jerrell’s BETR BRGR

It’s time to get it on with Jarrell’s BETR BRGR, a totally vegan burger bar with delicious burgers, fries, and chili that you can wash down with unbeatable plant-based shakes and soft serve! I highly recommend this late-night joint whether you’re a veg-head like me or a carnivore like my hubby!

Dirt Candy

You may not be able to tell from the name, but Dirt Candy is one classy joint. In fact, it’s one of only two Michelin Star vegetarian restaurants in all of New York. If you’re looking to celebrate something special, or you’re simply celebrating the fact that you’re in New York (which is cause enough for a bit of merrymaking if you ask me), then I recommend making a reservation at Dirt Candy—it will be a once in a lifetime experience. 

Champion Pizza

When people think of pizza, they think of three places: Italy (obviously), Chicago, and good ol’ New York City. When you visit New York, it’s basically the law that you’ve got to try a slice, and I recommend checking out Champion Pizza in SoHo for all your pie requirements. Here, they make pizza the best way: a thin and crunchy crust with delicious fresh toppings.

The best Lower Manhattan tours

Is Lower Manhattan safe for walking tours? You betcha! Here are my favorite walking tours to explore Lower Manhattan with a real New York guide to give you all the inside details.

SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown 2-Hour Guided Walk 

Experience New York City like a real New Yorker and spend two hours walking around SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown. In this part of the city, every turn will bring you into a different world filled with rich history and fascinating stories. It’s also a popular area for celebrities, so keep your eyes peeled, and you might catch a familiar face!

NYC: Lower East Side Food Tastings and Culture Tour

One of the coolest things about traveling is having the opportunity to try new food. On this Lower East Side Food Tastings tour, not only will you get to try a new dish, but you’ll get to try cuisine from all over the world! Take your tastebuds on a tantalizing journey as you visit the markets and eateries developed by the immigrants who settled in the area.

NYC: Wall Street and Financial District Walking Tour

New York City is the financial capital of the world, and this is the tour where you’ll get to hear all the tea. From the heroes of Wall Street to the billionaire bandits, your Wall Street tour guide will dish on all the deets as you get a glimpse of Wall Street as if you were on the inside. 

Best Hotels in Lower Manhattan

Is Lower Manhattan safe to stay in overnight? Absolutely it is! But, just like any other city, you want to make sure that you stay in the right place. Neighborhoods vary from street to street, so to make your stay the most comfortable, I’d recommend one of these three locations.

Madison LES Hotel

The Madison LES Hotel is my recommendation for budget travelers. This comfortable, modern hotel might have small rooms, but it’s in a safe neighborhood on the Lower East Side and is highly rated. Besides, when visiting New York, how much time will you actually be spending in the hotel anyway?

Artezen Hotel

The Artezen might be midrange in price, but you’ll feel like you’re staying at a luxury resort with how friendly the staff is. The hotel itself is modern and gorgeous, and it’s located right in the middle of the financial district. It’s about a 15-minute walk from anything you want to see in Lower Manhattan, and if you need any help, the staff is famous for their customer service. 

They also have a fitness center and yoga classes for anyone who can’t bear to miss a day in the gym, even when on vacation.

The Ludlow Hotel

The Ludlow Hotel is the priciest place on the list, but it’s well worth the cost if you’re looking to stay somewhere swanky. Why not pull out all the stops and request the Skybox Loft? Here, you’ll enjoy amenities like a giant bathtub where you can soak while taking in a fantastic view of the city landscape.

Located in the Lower East Side, the Ludlow is close to restaurants, bars, and just a couple of subway stops away from attractions like the One World Trade Center. They also have a stylish bar, a delicious French restaurant, and a cozy lounge complete with a fireplace.

FAQs about is Lower Manhattan Safe

Is Lower Manhattan expensive?

You might be wondering, if Lower Manhattan is a safe place to visit, then is it more expensive than other areas? And that’s a totally valid question.

Visiting any part of New York can be extremely expensive or relatively cheap. It all depends on how you plan your trip. If you plan wisely and use tools like New York City attraction passes to get discounts on attractions, you can enjoy an excellent trip in New York on any budget.

What is the safest part of Manhattan?

While Manhattan is arguably the safest borough in New York City, you really have to look at the neighborhoods, as the vibe of the land can vary from street to street. Is Lower Manhattan one of the safest neighborhoods in Manhattan? Absolutely. In fact, Battery Park and Tribeca in Lower Manhattan are considered two of the safest areas in all of New York City because of their low crime rates.

Other safe neighborhoods to stay in New York City

While we’ve answered the question of is Lower Manhattan is safe, you might be wondering what other parts of New York are safe to stay in. Honestly, New York’s reputation is bigger than its bite, the city itself is not as dangerous as TV, and the media would have you think. In fact, the metropolitan area doesn’t even fall on the list of the top 15 most dangerous cities in all of the United States, and there are plenty of neighborhoods where you should feel safe and sound while visiting.

Greenwich Village

In addition to Lower Manhattan, Greenwich Village is also a great place to stay. It’s near midtown and close to all the action (meaning all the most popular attractions), but also has more of a neighborhoody vibe, so you’re not always stuck in the chaos of the touristy areas. This is the part of town where a lot of NYC TV shows take place. For instance, the Friends gang all lived in the Village, and you can even visit a coffee shop at 90 Bedford Street, where the fictional Central Perk is located.

If you’d like to learn more about Greenwich Village, check out my Greenwich Village guide here.

Murray Hill

Murray Hill is in a neighborhood in Midtown and is only a subway stop or two away from anything. It’s a stone’s throw away from the Empire State Building, only a few minutes walk away from Times Square, a hop, skip, and jump away from Bryant Park and the Stephen A. Schwarzman branch of the New York Public Library (which is one of my favorite places to visit in the city). Basically, staying at Murray Hill will put you in the middle of all the action, but is also a very safe neighborhood where you’ll feel secure.

Kips Bay (between midtown and lower)

Kips Bay is the neighborhood just below Murray Hill, so staying here will put you very close to all the attractions listed above. But, it will also bring you a little further south, so if you’re looking for a safe place to stay between Midtown and Lower Manhattan, Kips Bay would be a great choice. 

So, is Lower Manhattan Safe? The conclusion

When it comes to New York, the reputation is way worse than it actually is. New York is actually a pretty safe place to visit as long as you do your research and stay in one of the better areas. 

So, is Lower Manhattan one of the safer areas? It most certainly is. If you decide to stay in Lower Manhattan, you will be staying in a safe neighborhood that is close to all the main attractions. Just remember to always use your common sense when traveling, and you’ll be just fine!

Heading to New York City soon? You might also find my Greenwich Village travel guide helpful!

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