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In the late 70s and 80s, New York had a reputation as one of the crime capitals of the world. Fortunately, its reputation today is vastly different, with it being ranked as the safest city in the USA (quite a feat considering it is also the most populated). This is something that New Yorkers are particularly proud of, and why shouldn’t they be? To live in the city that never sleeps and to feel relatively safe while doing it is something that should not be taken for granted.

However, it would be foolish to have a false sense of security - it is a big city after all, and big cities harbour crime. If you are a woman travelling alone in New York, you should take the same precautions you would anywhere else in the world. There is not much in the way of public annoyances and harassment by male onlookers, but you should make sure you are always aware of what is going on around you and be street smart at all times. Hold your head up high and walk with confidence, as if you know where you’re going. Stopping in the middle of a sidewalk to fumble about in your handbag for your phone may make you a target.

Even walking around at night is ok, as long as you stay in the well-populated areas where there is plenty of light. The subway operates around the clock, although trains become more infrequent in the wee hours. If you need to ride the subway and feel a bit nervous, try not to sit in an empty car (not difficult: this is the city that never sleeps, remember?). One bit of advice that you should probably follow is to avoid the parks late at night - but that’s just common sense, of which you’ll have plenty if you’re used to travelling alone.