Is Orlando safe for tourists?

Updated October 2026 · How we answer

Where visitors usually stay

Most tourists stay in the resort corridors near Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and International Drive. These areas have heavy foot traffic, security staff, and hotels and restaurants that stay open late. Crime can happen anywhere in a large metro area, so the same common sense you would use in any big city still applies.

Orlando is a large, spread-out city with neighborhoods that differ a lot. Some areas near downtown and parts of the west and south sides have higher crime than the resort zones, while many residential suburbs are quiet. Local crime data from the Orlando Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff's Office is a good place to check specific areas.

• Stay in well-lit, busy areas after dark
• Lock your car and never leave valuables in sight
• Use the hotel safe for passports and extra cash
• Choose licensed taxis or rideshare apps over hailing strangers
• Keep your phone and wallet secure in crowded parks

Practical precautions

Theme parks and resort areas use bag checks and security teams, but pickpocketing and car break-ins still happen in parking lots and crowded lines. Keep backpacks zipped and watch for distraction tactics. Keep copies of important documents separate from the originals, and save photos of your rental agreement.

Before traveling, check the U.S. State Department travel information for your destination and any advisory level. Sign up for hotel or park alerts if they are offered, and save the local emergency number, which is 911 in the United States.

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