There are a few areas in Manhattan that are not recommended to visit whether you are a tourist or a native of the neighborhood.
- Lower East Side Avenue D from E Houston to E10th St
- Tompkins Square Park
- Penn Station area between 7th and 9th Ave 30-34th streets
- Above 96th street to 125th between 1st and 5th Avenues
- Streets between 130 and 140 streets around Frederick Douglas and Malcolm X
These areas are not good for walking alone at night time. That is not to say there aren’t areas you should probably skip, but you might want to avoid midtown Manhattan because it is the most crowded and congested area and it might be a targeted area for terrorists.
Pickpockets and swindlers always work in teams. One will cause commotion by falling or dropping something, while others pickpockets of innocent people who try to help or stop to look what is happening. Crowded street performances provide opportunities for pickpockets. When watching street musicians or artists perform, be aware of your surroundings and where your wallet and valuables are.
Sidewalk card and shell games are most often scams as well participation almost guarantees you'll be giving your money away. Popular tourist destinations are populated but very safe. During the daytime, almost all the areas of Manhattan are safe for walking even Harlem and Alphabet City, although you may prefer to avoid these neighborhoods after dark.
In the crowded subways, you have to be aware of your surroundings. Keep your wallets, phones and valuables in your front pocket and must be held.
Do not flaunt any jewelries, gadgets and cash around you. Don't carry too much cash with you to avoid being robbed, most places accept credit cards and there are ATMs everywhere.
When it is dark, stick to main streets if you don't know where you're going. If you feel uncomfortable or lost, you can approach a police officer to get directions. When you are doubts of your destination or the safety of an area, take a cab, especially when it is very late.