Safest Places to Stay in New York City

New York City, the place where you’ll walk ten miles a day, eat pizza at 2 a.m., and casually pass by the Empire State Building like it’s no big deal. It’s also a city that never sleeps, which might make some travelers wonder: where exactly are the safest places to stay?

Good news: despite its reputation from ‘90s movies, NYC today has a violent crime rate and property crimes level that’s significantly lower than the national average for major U.S. cities. That being said, some New York neighborhoods are definitely safer (and more convenient) than others. So whether you’re a first-time visitor, a nervous parent sending your kid to the Bronx Zoo or Yankee Stadium, or just someone who prefers tree-lined streets over the chaos of Times Square, I’ve rounded up the best neighborhoods with a low crime rate, excellent subway lines, and easy access to all the main attractions.

1. Upper East Side: Museum Mile and Classy Calm

If you like your safety served with a side of elegance, the Upper East Side is one of the safest neighborhoods in NYC. Known for Madison Avenue, Museum Mile, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this is the perfect place if you want a safe neighborhood with luxury hotels, chic boutiques, and plenty of green spaces.

You’ll also be just a few blocks from Central Park, which means you can spend your mornings wandering the best things nature has to offer without leaving Manhattan. Plus, the tree-lined streets make you feel like you’re in a residential bubble far away from the hustle.

Best hotels in this area include The Mark and The Carlyle—if your wallet allows.

• The Mark Hotel – Modern luxury with over-the-top suites and a location just steps from Central Park. If it’s good enough for Meghan Markle, it’s good enough for you.

• The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel – Classic NYC glamour with white-glove service and a piano bar where you may casually rub elbows with celebrities.

2. Upper West Side: Family-Friendly and Safe

On the other side of Central Park, the Upper West Side is another great place with a low crime rate and tons of cultural gems. Think the American Museum of Natural History, Lincoln Center, and Riverside Park stretching along the Hudson River.

It’s a safe place for families, with residential neighborhoods full of brownstones and playgrounds. You’re also within walking distance of Broadway shows if you’re up for a stroll.

If you’re traveling with kids, this might be the right place—it balances access to tourist attractions with a quieter vibe.

• Hotel Beacon – A favorite among families thanks to its apartment-style rooms with kitchenettes. Bonus: right near a subway station.

• Arthouse Hotel New York City – Trendy yet laid-back, with tree-lined streets outside and a lively lobby bar inside.

3. Greenwich Village & West Village: Trendy Yet Secure

The Greenwich Village and West Village duo are where bohemian charm meets safest areas living. With their tree-lined streets, quirky cafés, and iconic spots like the Stonewall Inn and Washington Square Park, these are among the best neighborhoods for those who want a safe neighborhood without sacrificing nightlife.

Expect more young professionals, fewer tourists, and a good idea of what it’s like to live like real New Yorkers. You’re still close to subway stations, so public transportation is easy.

Pro tip: skip the car—parking here is harder than snagging a table at Chelsea Market on a Saturday.

Walker Hotel Greenwich Village – Boutique style, art deco interiors, and just a short walk from Union Square and the East Village.

The Jane Hotel – Quirky and historic, with ship cabin–inspired rooms and a reputation for being a great place for budget-conscious travelers.

4. Midtown Manhattan: Convenient and Busy (But Safe!)

If you’re one of those first-time visitors who want to check every box—Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Bryant Park, the Museum of Modern Art, and Fifth Avenue shopping—then Midtown Manhattan is your home base.

Yes, it’s crowded, and yes, it can feel like a tourist trap, but the area is still one of the safest neighborhoods thanks to constant activity and a visible police presence. The crime here is mostly petty (watch your wallet around Penn Station and Grand Central Station).

It’s also filled with luxury hotels and hotel rooms with easy access to the subway lines. Plus, you’ll never run out of best things to see.

• New York Marriott Marquis – Right in Times Square with easy access to Broadway shows and big, comfy hotel rooms.

• The Peninsula New York – Located on Fifth Avenue, with a rooftop bar, spa, and some of the city’s most indulgent luxury hotels vibes.

• Concorde Hotel New York – My current favorite due to how quiet our stay was and how large our room was! Plus, it’s walkable to Fifth Avenue and Times Square.

5. Battery Park City: A Quiet Slice of Downtown Manhattan

Tucked along the Hudson River in lower Manhattan, Battery Park City is one of the cleanest, safest, and most underrated spots in NYC. With its green spaces, residential neighborhoods, and walking distance to the World Trade Center, it feels like a calm oasis compared to the buzz of Wall Street just blocks away.

It’s also a safe place for those who like running paths, riverfront dining, and quick access to the Staten Island Ferry. If you want proximity to downtown Manhattan attractions like Little Italy and Chinatown while still being in a safe neighborhood, this is it.

Conrad New York Downtown – Spacious hotel rooms, river views, and modern art throughout the property.

6. Brooklyn Heights & Park Slope: Safe and Scenic

If you’re open to staying outside Manhattan, Brooklyn Heights is one of the best areas in the borough. With its brownstones, promenade views of the Brooklyn Bridge and East River, and a low crime rate, it’s a great place for families and couples.

Nearby Park Slope also scores high on the safest neighborhoods list, thanks to Prospect Park, cafés, and tree-lined streets filled with strollers and dogs.

These neighborhoods have easy access to subway stations, making the commute to midtown Manhattan or downtown Manhattan painless.

• 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge – A great place with eco-friendly design, rooftop pool, and panoramic views of the East River and skyline.

• NU Hotel Brooklyn – A boutique stay near Atlantic Avenue with modern style and a location perfect for exploring both Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope.

7. Murray Hill & Kips Bay: Central and Safe for Young Professionals

If you’re traveling with friends or just want a safe neighborhood near Grand Central Terminal, Murray Hill and Kips Bay are popular with young professionals. Both neighborhoods offer easy access to Midtown’s main attractions without the chaos of Times Square.

They’re also filled with mid-range hotel rooms and plenty of food options. It’s a good idea for anyone wanting central convenience at a more manageable price point than uptown.

• The Renwick Hotel New York City, Curio Collection by Hilton – Artsy, modern, and just blocks from Grand Central Station.

• Pod 39 Hotel – Budget-friendly, stylish, and featuring a rooftop bar with skyline views.

8. Long Island City: A Queens Gem

Across the East River from Manhattan, Long Island City has become one of the safest areas in Queens. With its skyline views, art galleries, and quick subway lines into Midtown, it’s a great place for budget-conscious travelers.

It also puts you close to MoMA PS1 (the edgier cousin of the Museum of Modern Art) and has plenty of newer luxury hotels with spacious hotel rooms.

• Ravel Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham – Trendy with a rooftop lounge and sweeping city views.

• Boro Hotel – A great place with minimalist design, balconies overlooking the skyline, and spacious hotel rooms at a lower price point than Manhattan.

Bonus: Other Notable Safe Areas

• Chelsea – Known for the High Line, art galleries, and Chelsea Market, this residential neighborhood has a relatively low crime rate and lots of luxury hotels.
• Financial District – Close to Wall Street and the World Trade Center, this area is buzzing during the week and peaceful at night.
• East Village & Lower East Side – Once gritty, now trendy with boutique hotels, union square proximity, and great places to eat. Still safe for savvy travelers.

Safety Tips for Staying in NYC

Even in the safest neighborhoods, it’s still smart to follow basic safety practices:

• Stick near subway stations and well-lit areas at night.
• Keep an eye on your stuff, especially in crowded spots like Times Square or Madison Square Garden.
• Use public transportation instead of driving—trust me, finding parking near Madison Avenue or Houston Street will ruin your trip.

Why Safety Isn’t Everything

Here’s the thing: if you only pick your hotel by the violent crime rate or property crimes statistics, you’ll miss out on the magic of NYC. The best places to stay balance safety, easy access to main attractions, and a vibe that suits your style. Whether you want the quiet charm of Brooklyn Heights, the elegance of the Upper East Side, or the buzz of Midtown Manhattan, there’s no shortage of great options.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Perfect Place in NYC

New York has plenty of safest neighborhoods that double as the best neighborhoods for exploring the city. From Battery Park City’s calm waterfront to the cultural riches of the Upper West Side, the safest places also happen to be near tourist attractions, world-class museum mile stops like the Guggenheim Museum, and iconic landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and High Line.

So don’t overthink it: pick the right place, book your hotel rooms, and get ready to explore the United States’ most exciting city. After all, the best things in NYC aren’t just the sights—they’re the unforgettable experiences of wandering different neighborhoods, bumping into New Yorkers, and realizing you’ve found your own safe place in the city that never sleeps.