Unfortunately, Baltimore has gotten an undeserved reputation for drugs and violence. In large part, this was due to the critically-acclaimed HBO series The Wire. Indeed, the city does have a high rate of poverty, and it leads the nation in the number of robberies per capita. That said, rates of violent crime are lower than in many American cities. The good news is that as with most major cities, crime is generally limited to certain areas of the city. The “touristy” parts of town remain very safe, provided you follow the general rules of being a tourist. Specifically, watch out for pickpockets. Pickpockets plague most tourist attractions throughout the world, and in that regard, Baltimore is no different. Avoid carrying your wallet in your back pocket, and you should be just fine. Neighborhoods to avoid include Edmondson Village, the Monument Street area, Pulaski, Hopkins-Middle East, Greenmount East, Orangeville, Fairfield, Grove Park, Cherry Hill, West Baltimore, Berea, Greater Rosemont, and Madison-Eastend. Mount Vernon, Fell’s Point, and the Inner Harbor are among the city’s safest neighborhoods. If you’re going to explore the city on foot, a map can help you avoid the bad areas. When in doubt, check with your hotel’s concierge to get directions. They’re friendly, and they’re happy to help you map out a route where you can stay safe.