Are the Ethnic Neighborhoods in NYC safe?

[MinnieM3]

We willl be in NYC next week and I've only been on one "ethnic" (for lack of a better word, sorry) neighborhood and that was Chinatown in Toronto. It was fabulous and fascinating!

I know (think) that NYC has neighborhoods like this....Chinatown, Little Italy (?), any others, like German or Jewish or other interesting cultures? Id' love to visit them. Where are they?

Are these neighborhoods safe.... sorry to ask, but I have no clue.... and I already feel like I'll stand out like the country mouse in the big city.

 

[LBAK]

The neighborhoods in NYC are fine. We love to eat in Chinatown and go to Little Italy for dessert. You should use the same caution as you would anywhere else in the city. I don't wear much jewelry, I keep my purse in front of me and I watch. I go in the city all the time and it's fascinating. Have fun!

 

[frndshpcptn]

They are fine. Check out the Lower East Side for Katz's Delicatessen, Chinatown, Little Italy, etc. La Bella Ferrara has great desserts and La Mela has awesome Italian food.

Check out Canal St. also.

 

[BeNJeNWaFFLe]

Yes those towns are safe. As long as you use common sense and stay where the crowds are you are fine.

I lived in Brooklyn for 3 years. It was an area that was (as you say, can't think of a better word) "ethnic". I am as white as they come, with red hair and blue eyes. I definitely did not look like I belonged. And most of the time I went out with my roommate who was from Greece. We never had a problem. Just don't go to any place that you would feel uncomfortable.

 

[charlie,nj]

check out: www.nyctourist.com

click on maps and then the section of the city you want to visit...it will list places of interest..

Have fun!!


.

 

[LukenDC]

One unnerving thing about Chinatown is that many of the shops sell pirated or fake goods. Shoppers know this and go precisely because it is possible to get designer look alikes at incredible prices (I personally would never buy designer fakes or pirated goods, but each to his own). It is not uncommon for the shopkeepers to close the overhead doors on their shops when making a deal with a buyer. In other words, you are locked in with the shopkeeper until the money and goods exchange hands. I believe that the reason for this is so that the authorities will not witness the transaction, but the practice seems somewhat sinister to me.

 

[MinnieM3]

Oh some great info. Thank you so much! I think it'll be fabulous!

 

[Imzadi]

Well, I'd stay out of Harlem, Spanish Harlem & Central Park late at night.

 

[ducklite]

Well, I'd stay out of Harlem, Spanish Harlem & Central Park late at night.

Good advice. I'm assuming you aren't planning on wandering around any part of town after midnight or so? Otherwise, especially on a weekend, you're fine.

Anne (Who will be at CBGB's in the Bowery this Saturday night--now tha's an area I do'nt really suggest visiting without a reason LOL!)

 

[mudnuri]

Every year my mom would take us to NYC for day trips when we were little. We ALWAYS went to china town! I loved it, it was so "authentic' or as close to being real as I could guess as a child/teen!

we drove to NYC- and always drove down to China Town...heck, mom would drive all over NYC including the less than desirable locations..

A city is only as safe as you make it, and every part has negatives. Just be on your up and up, pay attention to what your doing, and be aware of your surroundings...

Have Fun!!

Brandy

 

[Sleepy]

A city is only as safe as you make it, and every part has negatives. Just be on your up and up, pay attention to what your doing, and be aware of your surroundings...
Brandy

That is good advice. I figure if I can walk the streets of Naples, I should be ok in NYC.....which is probably our next destination. If so, Little Italy will be the place for us when it comes to food as we will need the Buffalo Mozzarella fix