Where and when do I have to be cautious for crime while touring Washington D.C?

Question

Going to DC in August and plan on touring around. I've heard bad things about DC, where do I have to watch out and be most cautious? What precautions can I take?

Answer 1

DC is a city, and like every metropolitan area, you have to exercise common sense when going there: be aware of your surroundings, keep track of your belongings, walk confidently, and avoid deserted streets at night.

The subway system in DC is very safe, it is manned by a person all of the time and there are cameras everywhere. I would not even hesitate to get on the subway. Cabs are also plentiful, and if you are out late and don't want to hop on the subway, hail a cab back to your hotel.

DC relies on tourism for a lot of its revenue, and I think you'll find the natives pretty friendly and helpful if you get turned around or need advice on restaurants, etc.

Have a great time!

Answer 2

DC does not have an unusually high crime rate - it did a decade or so ago, but is fairly normal for a city. And the serious crime occurs far from where a tourist will be.

And even visiting outer neighborhoods, like Anacostia is fine during the day. (and worthwhile - very historic neighborhood)

All tourist destinations worldwide have a problem with petty crime against tourists - less risk. I don't wear a moneybelt in DC, because I live here, but some method of keeping an eye on your stuff is important anywhere you travel. When I travel as a tourist, I generally use a money belt, and recommend them. Especially if you have a passport to protect. Other than that, general being careful of where you are in a city is enough.

DC is safe, you can tour around safely, you can walk in the tourist corridor at night safely. Fear not!

Answer 3

There was a lot in the news earlier this year about a rash of muggings in areas around (not on) the Mall right after dark.

I don't know this for a fact, but I would think that this is primarily the areas to the east (Capitol end) and south.

North is downtown (lots of restaurants, bars, clubs, movies, etc), and the streets are still busy at night, West is the Potomac. But South and East are primarily Federal Gov't buildings and after dark on weekends it is like a ghost town, so that's where you want to be more careful, especially after dark.

We had gone to a late IMAX movie at the Air and Space museum several years ago, and walking back to the Metro station, which is still on the Mall, it was still completely deserted. You'd think there'd be plenty of people around, but there just aren't. With it being the middle of summer, it will probably be better. That and the Mayor really made the public know that they were going to put a lot of effort into making those areas safer.

Have a good trip.

Answer 4

I swear, you people make DC seem like this is the most dangerous crime ridden place. DC has just as much crime as any other major city, actually less than NY and Baltimore. We won't rob or shoot you because you set foot in one of our neighborhoods. You have a better chance of being a victim of crime in a tourist area than you do in a residential area. The key to being safe here is the same as anywhere else, use common sense. Stay aware of your surroundings, don't go to unfamiliar or poorly lit areas by yourself, don't flash your money or valuables, and don't leave your purse or bags unattended. If you make yourself a target you will become one.

Answer 5

If you're "touring around," you'll be on the Mall, downtown, Georgetown, Dupont, maybe Adams Morgan. In those areas, basically you're fine as long as you don't get drunk and yell "Mug me!!" Well, maybe I'm overstating, but unless you walk down back alleys looking to buy drugs or wonder around deserted areas with a fancy camera and an "FBI" t-shirt, don't worry. Your guide book (and you do have a guidebook, don't you? Or are you skipping the professionally researched, written, and edited guide to the city and going with stuff some anonymous people on the internet say?) will have more detail.

Answer 6

If you stick to the normal sightseeing areas and just visit during the normal daytime, you'll be fine and have no worries bec there is plenty of police and law enforcement present.

It is after hours in the darkness or going into the poor neighborhoods that will bring fear and trouble!

Thus it also behooves you to know where to find the right lodging accommodations in like Arlington Virginia along the Metrorail that are rather costly rather than downtown DC or the Maryland suburbs where violence is high.

Answer 7

You shouldn't worry too much. I used to live in DC and still visit it a lot. I've never been pickpocketed or had any problems. Just keep your belongings close to you, like purses under your arm instead of in your hand. If I'm in a shifty area, i usually position my bag so that i can see the zipper. Then i know that nobody can get into it without me seeing them. The main places around DC, like the GWU campus and the Naitonal Mall, are pretty safe, good areas.

Answer 8

The places that are most dangerous in DC are places that a tourist won't visit. You won't be down in Anacostia. There have been muggings on the mall, in Georgetown or Capitol Hill, but these places are generally much safer than the residential areas in NE and SE DC.

Be careful if you're in Dupont after dark, it has one of the higher rates of muggings in the city.

What precautions? All the normal ones. Keep your wallet in a front pocket, don't wear headphones as you walk around, be aware of your surroundings, don't look like an easy mark, and don't get standup-falldown drunk.

Answer 9

Most of DC's crime is in the areas you'll never visit. Take the normal precautions you would take in any big city. The Metro is completely safe.

Answer 10

Don't worry, when I was there no bombs blew up. Plus, How many times are there when something blew up near the white house? as for the people they shouldn't bother you. So just relax.