What parts of Washington D.C. should tourists stay out of to be safe?

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brodyburks

Just use some common sense, like you would in any city. Travel in groups, pat attention after dark, stay in commercial corridors, dont be an obvious target (leave your fanny pack at home and wait till you get back to put on the FBI t-shirt).

Southeast is generally the roughest part of town, but there's very little reason for a tourist to travel there. Other than that, the places the people talk about as "safe" (Dupont, Georgetown, Chinatown, the mall after dark) actually have some of the highest crime rates in the city- they tend to be muggings of people walking after dark, on side streets.

The landmarks are all very safe during the day. At night the area is deserted as noone actually lives there. This makes them more dangerous. But once again, the average tourist will have no reason to be at the mall at 11 PM.

As a bit of perspective though, you're far more likely to be hit by one of our crazy bike messengers crossing the street than mugged.

Jeff

Just like any city in America, stay away from MLK Blvd.
Avoid any exits off I-295.

Right now, there's a city emergency, because a couple people got robbed at the National Mall.

Of course, if it had happened on Malcolm X Blvd (near I-295), nobody would have noticed.

Mike B

I'm assuming you're going to hit the museums, mall and possibly the national zoo. All of those area are exceptionally clean and crime free. Come to DC, have a god time and don't woory about a thing.

Oh, and don't froget to bring a weapon..................(just kidding!)

yooperpooper

grew up not far from there and the mall area was always safe. that has now changed.

poppet

Despite the media hype, Washington DC isn't so bad. For years I was afraid to go there, based on all the crime stats you read in the papers. "Only go directly to the monuments. Step off the path and you will likely be mugged or maybe shot!"
Well, I can tell you after 6 trips there in less than a year, it's been greatly exagerated. Use common sense, and you will be fine. I walked alone several times in the capital hill area with absolutely no problems, and my daughter lived there for 5 months again with no problem and none of her friends or roommates had any problems. It's a wonderful town to visit, so much to do there, so don't let the stories scare you away! You owe it to yourself to visit the capital of our country!

redhotboxsoxfan

Well, lately that would be the entire city. They have had a murder in Georgetown on Sunday, two robberies at the Mall, shootings all over the place. You might be safe on the White House lawn or the Capital building, in some of the Smithsonian buildings, but I wouldn't bet on it until after this heat wave breaks in September

bretto24

Most of it is just media hype. Even SE DC isn't so bad. Just stay in a group and don't go out by yourself in dark places and you should be fine.

bbdeckard

The Whitehouse and George Bush's Attic.

stevekc43

The part between Maryland and Virginia.

Purple girl

Northeast.
Southeast.
Southwest except for the Waterfront...and either drive there or take a taxi.
The Mall at night.
Sorry this is such a big list. Northwest is ok, but don't travel by yourself at night just to be sure.

bestofwashingtondc

Safe is a relative term. Crime can occur anywhere, whether you're in DC, NYC or Paris. Please ignore those posts that tell you to avoid NE and SE DC. Some of the best attractions are in the eastern part of town, like the National Arboretum and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.

B Marley

actully d.c is alot safer than people think. i know cuz i live around the area. the mall is a pretty safe place to stay around. just stay out of places near RFK stadium. places around the espn zone are really safe to.

conservativeguyfromnc

Northeast. Southeast. Anything East. In my opinion, the most beautfiul part of the DC Metropolitian area is NorthWest Washington DC. Particularly Cleveland Park, and the Woodley Park Areas. Keep in mind, Washington DC Crime is greatly exaggerated.
You see, most of the crime actually takes place in the city limits of Washington DC, and the population of DC is slightly under 600,000 people. 90% of the crime in DC takes place in about half of the DC City Limits.
But look at the bigger picture. The surrounding areas (Bethesda, Alexandria, Arlington, etc.) make DC Metro area the 4th largest Metropolitian Area in the Country. All of these areas are very safe.

. South East D.C

melrae1116

All of it!!
I live in No. VA and can't stand going into DC for anything. The traffic, the people, the murders, the robberies, everything.
Save your money, go to Disney World instead.

Just Asking?!?!

Just stay downtown.
That's where most of you stay anyhow.
And if you get on the train don't walk slow.
And stand on the right of the escalator.
We walk down the left side.
Tourist during rush hour on the metro train makes us DC residents very mad!!

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