Boston Safety Guide
Is Boston Safe?
Learn how locals scam tourists in Boston and how to avoid becoming a victim. Below you'll find Boston crime statistics — the probability of being robbed or attacked, information about corruption in Boston, safety tips and precautions.
Daytime Safety:
Nighttime Safety:
Comfort Rating
In terms of safety, Boston is remarkably safe during daylight hours. Basic awareness is all you need. Evenings require increased attention, though main tourist areas remain generally secure.
Robberies and Theft: low
Armed Robberies: low
Assaults: low
Corruption: low
Drug Issues: moderate
Beggars: low
Vandalism: low
Theft from Cars: moderate
Car Theft: low
Local Scam Alert: What to Watch For
Taxi Meter Trick (High Risk) - Unofficial taxis, particularly near Boston Logan Airport and popular tourist areas like Faneuil Hall, may claim their meters are malfunctioning and offer inflated flat rates instead. Always use official taxi stands and ensure the meter is operating before starting your journey.
Fake Charity Solicitation (Medium Risk) - Common in tourist hotspots like Boston Common and near historical sites, scammers may approach you posing as representatives of non-existent charities and request donations. Politely decline and verify any charity claims through official channels before donating.
Street Performer Scam (Medium Risk) - Street performers in areas like Quincy Market may perform tricks and then aggressively demand tips afterward, often becoming confrontational if you don't pay. Simply enjoy the performance but keep your distance and don’t feel pressured to give money.
Menu Pricing Trick (Medium Risk) - Some restaurants in tourist-heavy areas, particularly those near the Historic North End, might have menus with inflated prices shown only to tourists. Always check multiple places and consider asking locals for recommendations on reasonably priced dining options.
Credit Card Fraud (Medium Risk) - Scammers may use card skimmers at gas stations or convenience stores in areas like the Back Bay and South Boston, capturing your card details. Opt for using cash at smaller shops or examine card readers for tampering before use.
Scavenger Hunt Scheme (Low Risk) - In areas like the Freedom Trail, you may encounter individuals promoting scavenger hunts that require upfront fees but ultimately provide little value. Research and read reviews before participating in any tourist activities that require advance payment.
Foreign Currency Exchange Tricks (Low Risk) - Some exchange kiosks in busy tourist areas may offer unfavorable rates or hidden fees, particularly near Haymarket or Downtown crossing. Compare rates at multiple locations or use bank ATMs for better currency exchange rates without excessive fees.
Fake Charity Solicitation (Medium Risk) - Common in tourist hotspots like Boston Common and near historical sites, scammers may approach you posing as representatives of non-existent charities and request donations. Politely decline and verify any charity claims through official channels before donating.
Street Performer Scam (Medium Risk) - Street performers in areas like Quincy Market may perform tricks and then aggressively demand tips afterward, often becoming confrontational if you don't pay. Simply enjoy the performance but keep your distance and don’t feel pressured to give money.
Menu Pricing Trick (Medium Risk) - Some restaurants in tourist-heavy areas, particularly those near the Historic North End, might have menus with inflated prices shown only to tourists. Always check multiple places and consider asking locals for recommendations on reasonably priced dining options.
Credit Card Fraud (Medium Risk) - Scammers may use card skimmers at gas stations or convenience stores in areas like the Back Bay and South Boston, capturing your card details. Opt for using cash at smaller shops or examine card readers for tampering before use.
Scavenger Hunt Scheme (Low Risk) - In areas like the Freedom Trail, you may encounter individuals promoting scavenger hunts that require upfront fees but ultimately provide little value. Research and read reviews before participating in any tourist activities that require advance payment.
Foreign Currency Exchange Tricks (Low Risk) - Some exchange kiosks in busy tourist areas may offer unfavorable rates or hidden fees, particularly near Haymarket or Downtown crossing. Compare rates at multiple locations or use bank ATMs for better currency exchange rates without excessive fees.
Scam Types and General Tips
Complete Guide to Scam Types
Tourist Reviews
All photos and texts belong to their authors
All this happened because the diligent American workers seem to forget about crucial things like fire hydrants, and while clearing snow in the middle of the storm, they ended up burying them, which, considering fire safety, is a huge oversight. So, they buried the local hydrant, and today, as they were clearing the mess with massive Caterpillars, they ended up damaging it, flooding one of the entrances in the town and turning it into an ice rink with a frozen fountain. Water was gushing from 3 AM to 8 AM simply because the guy responsible for shutting off the water... was ASLEEP, and apparently, waking someone up is not considered a good deed. So there you have it. Sleep well, everyone. »