Midtown West

New York City, United States

Overall Safety
Good
3.6 / 5
Based on 12 Safety Metrics
Summary

Midtown West encompasses Times Square, the Theater District, and Hell's Kitchen, offering Broadway shows and dining but with overwhelming crowds and tourist-focused pricing.

Theater-focused and touristyBusy and commercialCentral locationMixed atmosphereTourist-friendly
Details

Midtown West includes Hell's Kitchen and the Theater District, which have totally different vibes. Hell's Kitchen has great restaurants on 9th and 10th Avenue and feels pretty safe, especially since it's gentrified a lot in recent years. But Port Authority is a different story - it's always chaotic with lots of homeless people and can feel sketchy, especially late at night. Stick to the well-lit areas around Times Square and the theater district where there's heavy police presence. The restaurant scene in Hell's Kitchen is fantastic and you'll see plenty of women dining out alone before or after shows. Just avoid wandering around Port Authority unless you're actually catching a bus.

Safety Ratings

Daytime Safety

Excellent

Night Walking Safety

Good

Harassment Risk

Moderate

Public Transport Safety

Good

Pickpocketing Risk

Moderate

Scam Risk

Moderate

Police Visibility

Excellent

Emergency Services

Excellent

Evening Venues

Good

Solo Dining

Good

Drug Activity

Low

Homelessness Visibility

Moderate

Getting By in English

Excellent
Recommended Places

Cafes

  • Blue Bottle Coffee
  • Birch Coffee
  • Gregory's Coffee

Restaurants

  • The Meatball Shop
  • Sardi's
  • Joe Allen

Bars

  • Rum House
  • Jimmy's Corner
  • The Press Lounge

Other Spots

  • Broadway Theater District
  • Hell's Kitchen
  • Port Authority Bus Terminal
Impressions & Tips

"Solo travelers feel most comfortable here when first visiting NYC"

"Easy walk to many attractions but can be overwhelming"

"Good for first-time visitors due to central location"

"Some find it too touristy but appreciate the convenience"

"Decent safety due to foot traffic but watch for pickpockets"

Based on aggregated research results
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Safety Reminder

Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.