NYC-East Side safety
 

I will be staying at the Omni (52nd and Madison) and was wondering if the area is safe to walk around at night (8-10pm time frame)? Could I safely walk from there up to Park and 53rd street or up to 60th and 3rd between 8-10pm on a Friday or Saturday night? Thanks.

Yes.

This area is very upscale & my first reaction was ofcourse it's safe, not to mention that the distance between 52 & Mad & 53 & Park is only 2 blocks. However I will mention that this area is a business district (lots of offices) so it can be a bit quiet at night. As such, just be aware of your surroundings. There will be more activity on Third Ave so I'd choose Lexington or 3rd to walk up to 60th st.

I don't mean to be harsh, but I really am curious what you think could happen to you on the two-block walk from 52nd and Madison to 43rd and Park from 8-10 PM. We are talking less than 1,000 feet of walking distance.

I mean, specifically, what would render the area "not safe"?

In fct no where is completely safe. You coulod be sleeping inyour bed and have a plane crash into the house. Or you could be backing out of you driveway and have an oil delivery truck lose crontrol and drive into you, the car and the house. But, barring accidents like that the area you're talking about is probably the safest in the city - a city which is the safest large city in the county.

This area is very nice, and yes safe to walk. As mclaurie stated, just be aware of your surrounds (day or night) in a large city. Enjoy your stay!

Lighten up people. The OP may have no previous experience in NYC prompting the question. Do you remember the story of Dan Rather being mugged on Park Ave.?? It can happen anywhere.

Have a great time Miramar & don't worry.

It is very safe to walk at night all the way up to 96th street if you so desire - as other posters have noted, that is among the safest areas in the city.

Of course, it is a big city and as a tourist just be aware of your surrondings and belongings.

I have stayed at the Omni many times during the week for business and on weekends and have walked at night up til midnight in every direction to and from the hotel and have always felt safe.

It is probably safer than many other areas, but I have also heard about people who have been mugged in broad daylight on Madison Avenue. Some of the side streets between Madison & 3rd are very dark and dimly lit at night.

I lived on 57th Stree for thirty years and never had a problem, but a male visitor from Boston got mugged walking in the 40s near Park. My suggestion: If you're concerned at night, walk on Avenues and on major cross-streets, such as 57th. So, at night, walking from 52nd and Madison, walk from 52nd to 57th, go right to 3rd Avenue, and then up 3rd to 60th. Be alert to your surroundings and you shouldn't have any problem.

The point is that there are never any guarantees ( a friend of mine was accosted in the interection of Third
Avenue and 42 st at 1 in the afternoon by a disturbed person who tried to rip off her {aunt's ancient and molting} mink coat). But - given that - the area the poster is discussing is as safe as it gets.

There is a soup kitchen for the homeless on 51st and Park. You could get attacked.

Didn't a debris from a nearby hotel's scaffolding nearly kill someone awhile ago?

There are lots of yellow cabs vying for fares. One might run into the sidewalk and hit you.

If you start overthinking, you'll never go out.

We lived on E 62nd & Park Ave for many years. We walked everywhere, night and day. The worst thing that ever happened was when someone stole our little Volkswagon ... that was a very sad day.
You will have such a good time, on weekends, the streets are busy and there are a lot of people out, you are gonna love it!