Is Chicago Dangerous to Visit? What Tourists Should Know

Chicago is a city bursting with art, deep-dish pizza, iconic architecture — and yes, a reputation for crime that makes some travelers nervous. As a born-and-raised local, I get asked one question over and over again: Is Chicago safe to visit as a tourist?

When I travel, I’m often surprised (and a little disheartened) by how people react when I say where I’m from. Even while reassuring my own mom about my global adventures, I’m met with concern when I mention I live in Chicago — often from people who’ve never stepped foot here.

So, is Chicago dangerous? The short answer: not in the way you might think.

In this local’s guide, I’ll walk you through the truth behind the headlines. You’ll learn which neighborhoods are safest, which to avoid, and what everyday precautions make all the difference.

So, is Chicago dangerous?

Spoiler alert. The short answer to the question of whether or not Chicago is safe to visit is: yes. As long as you choose where to spend your time carefully, you’re highly unlikely to run into any problems.

A dynamic night scene in Chicago with a CTA train captured in motion blur on elevated tracks, streaks of car lights on the street below, and warm streetlamps lighting up the intersection. People often wonder, is Chicago dangerous at night? This photo depicts one after dark scene of the city.

A bit of background

Why do people think that Chicago is super dangerous? Why is the city associated with high crime levels, particularly violent crime?

In terms of reputation, it may not help that Al Capone – possibly the most infamous gangster of all time – called the city home. Chicago is also sometimes associated with gang warfare, and violent crime is often big news. As in many large cities, petty thefts can also be common.

A snowy downtown Chicago street scene with the Trump Tower in the background, cars driving beneath the elevated train tracks, and pedestrians walking past storefronts like Popeyes and Gold Coast Dogs.

Chicago is one of the largest cities in the US, and we could therefore expect crime levels to be among the highest in the nation. But as with so many places, crime levels aren’t consistent across the city.

The areas tourists tend to stay, dine, shop, and sightsee in have lower levels of crime than other areas of the city where crime is more concentrated.

The type of violent crimes you might hear or read about don’t tend to occur near the neighborhoods frequented by tourists nearly as often. So you could say it’s a tale of two cities.

Is Chicago safe to visit as a tourist?

As a tourist, it’s generally safe to spend time in Chicago. As with any big city in the US and beyond, you should feel secure and experience no crime as long as you follow certain common sense rules.

Choose where to stay and where to go carefully, for a start. You should also keep expensive items out of sight where possible, and avoid walking the streets alone after dark.

Where does Chicago rank in crime?

To give you a clear picture, here are a few Chicago crime facts and figures.

Here’s the bad news. According to a recent report by Illinois Policy, 28,443 violent crimes were committed against Chicagoans in 2024. Aggravated assaults were at their highest level for two decades.

On a more positive note, 1,614 less violent crimes against Chicago residents were reported in 2024, as compared to 2023. This reflected the fact that there were fewer sexual assaults, robberies, and homicides.

The Chicago Police Department (CPD) is the second-largest in the US. There are more than 12,000 officers employed to protect the property and lives of people who reside or spend time in the city.

The 2024 reviews from both the CPD and the University of Chicago Crime Lab highlighted reductions in shootings and homicides specifically.

Is it safe to walk around downtown Chicago?

The tall, angular form of the St. Regis Chicago skyscraper rises into cloudy skies, partially obscured by fog and framed by leafy green trees in the foreground.

As long as you take the usual sensible precautions, downtown Chicago is a pretty safe place to be.

Stick to common sense rules like keeping an eye on your stuff, remaining alert and aware of your surroundings, staying in highly populated and well lit areas, and avoid walking around alone late at night.

Which part of Chicago is safest?

The best parts of Chicago for tourists include downtown and The Loop, Lincoln Park, the West Loop and Fulton Market area, Lakeview, River North, and Gold Coast.

These neighborhoods feature tourist attractions as well as plenty of parks, museums, restaurants and shops.

What part of Chicago to stay away from?

Areas of Chicago to avoid include West Garfield Park, East Garfield Park, Auburn Gresham, Englewood, Fuller Park, Riverdale, and Washington Park. The latter is part of the city’s infamous South Side.

What area of Chicago should you stay in?

The Chicago skyline seen from Lake Michigan, with a clear gradient sky above and the calm blue water of the lake stretching into the distance, reflecting the buildings near Oak Street Beach.

There are plenty of great options within and around the city to stay in safely. Here are a few of my personal recommendations as to where you’re likely to feel most comfortable as a tourist.

🏨 Viceroy Chicago in Gold Coast

Viceroy Chicago is a four star hotel north of the Magnificent Mile and near to Oak Street Beach. It occupies an attractive, historic building, and the vibe is 1920s style with a modern twist.

The appealing list of amenities includes a rooftop pool, bar, and lounge; two restaurants; and a well-equipped gym.

👉🏽 Click to check prices and availability

🏨 Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile in Downtown

The Sofitel Magnificent Mile is located downtown, so you won’t have far to go to get anywhere, and is also situated within a striking prism-shaped building with lots of glass, making it easy to find. It features stylish French-style decor, a fitness center, and a bar and restaurant with a terrace.

👉🏽 Click to check prices and availability

🏨 Hyatt House Chicago West Loop-Fulton Market

Foodies flock to the West Loop neighborhood for its fabulous range of restaurants, making Hyatt House a sound choice if you love to dine out.

It’s a family-friendly pick, too, with clean, spacious suites and a play area in addition to indoor and rooftop pools, a gym, and a bar.

👉🏽 Click to check prices and availability

Is Chicago safe to get around in comfortably?

The best ways to get around the Chicago area are on foot, via taxis or rideshare apps, or public transport.

A grassy area along the Chicago Riverwalk dotted with colorful Adirondack chairs in red, blue, and yellow, surrounded by towering glass office buildings and the historic Merchandise Mart.

Walking

As long as you’re as careful as you’d be in any big city, walking can be a great way to get around Chicago.

Just be mindful of sticking to well-lit and highly populated areas, keeping your belongings close to you and concealed from view, staying alert and aware of what’s going on, and walking with someone else at night.

Rideshares / taxis

Use the Curb app for taxis, or Uber and Lyft for rideshares. I recommend switching on the setting where you enter a PIN before beginning the ride: it’s something I’ve set up as a frequent solo traveler.

ALWAYS double check the license plate and that the car matches the description before getting in.

If you’re ever in doubt or at all hesitant, do cancel your ride. Such as when you’re assigned a driver with a lower rating than you’re comfortable with, you can say so and wait to be paired with another driver.

Public transportation

The Wells Street Bridge in downtown Chicago at sunset, with light glowing through the windows of historic and modern skyscrapers reflected in the Chicago River.

We have a fantastic public transport system here in Chicago. That said, you will want to take the usual safety precautions, such as avoiding late night services unaccompanied, keeping valuables out of view, and avoiding deserted train cars.

Sometimes you can run into folks, both around the city and on public transportation, who are mentally unstable. To stay safe, be mindful of which train cars you enter, get off at earlier stops if you feel uncomfortable, or you could switch train cars when the train stops.

The same goes for buses. Personally I prefer buses, because there are more frequent stops, and I also like the views. Taking the train is often more convenient and/or faster, though.

Safety tips for visiting Chicago

These tips can help to make sure you stay safe while visiting Chicago.

A paved walkway along the Chicago River curves beside a black metal railing, lined with trees and shaded areas, with modern high-rises in the background and a bridge crossing over the river.

Maintain vigilance

Keep your belongings close to you at all times by opting for a crossbody bag, and keeping your hand over it when walking through crowded spaces.

Don’t leave your phone or any other valuables out on the table when sitting down at a restaurant or cafe, so you don’t fall victim to opportunistic crime.

Avoid talking to strangers

If you’re not used to being in a big, busy city you might feel you’re being rude by following this rule. But do try to avoid making eye contact with strangers, and walk everywhere purposefully.

The latest scam going around is where people share a story to tug at your heartstrings before requesting money, asking people to pay with credit cards, and then charging their card for thousands.

A pedestrian bridge with a modern, open lattice design leads toward Lake Michigan, with soft golden sunlight casting long shadows across the pavement during sunset.

This does not mean you shouldn’t be nice or helpful towards people at all. You’ll also see folks around town selling the weekly StreetWise magazine for a couple of dollars. You can and should support it if you’re able.

I’ve also purchased and dropped off some food to people I’ve passed by sitting on sidewalks. But always be mindful of your surroundings, and never completely drop your guard.

Chicagoans are generally kind, and often down to earth, so don’t be afraid to make friends. But always be cautious and heed your intuition, because sadly not everyone has the best intentions.

Don’t wander around late at night

If you’re staying out really late, opt for a ride back to your accommodation rather than walking – especially if the surrounding areas seem quiet or you’ll be returning alone.

My final thoughts – is Chicago dangerous?

A scenic view of the Chicago skyline from the Lincoln Park boardwalk, with a pond reflecting the buildings and a curved wooden pavilion on the left, surrounded by tall grass and wildflowers under a clear blue sky.

While I have to admit that Chicago isn’t the safest place I’ve ever been, the same could be said for any big city.

As long as you stay street-smart, stick to busy, tourist-friendly areas and stay aware of your surroundings and belongings, you really should be fine and have a very enjoyable visit, too.

I personally love Chicago and am proud and grateful to call the city home! I often explore Chicago solo myself. With some street smarts, you’re sure to enjoy the best of the city.