The center of the city, where you'll find the hotels, cultural activities, and the principal sights, are quite safe at any time of the day. The central streets are well lit and frequently patrolled by the police who are probably more trouble than any actual criminal activity downtown. Do not drink in public at night or you will have problems with the police.
There are street robberies/pickpocketing especially on public transport, but such crimes are very rarely violent or even overt. Demonstrate the minimum level of prudence and you should not have any troubles.
Avoid some of the poorer neighborhoods at night, like the 17th Quarter кваÑÑал and Saisary СайÑаÑÑ, where Rockys and Rambos are known to be around. Hold on to your things, or keep them in inaccessible pockets, on public transport and crowded markets. It's also worthwhile to note that some hold a ridiculous suspicion of the ethnic minorities here, but that's purely a myth. Yakutsk is a harmoniously multi-ethnic and tolerant city, open to anyone who's happy to be here.
The biggest danger in the city, without a doubt, is the extreme cold of the Siberian winter. In the winter, the cold can kill you quickly, and even if you're careful, you can very quickly lose a nose or a couple toes. When going out in -50° Celsius weather, layer every article of clothing you own fur is best, and plan to spend no more than ten minutes outside directly exposed to the air. If walking, you will become exhausted very quicklyâavoid walking entirely and take taxis door to door everywhere you go.
Also if you want to have a little fun, take a pot of boiling water and take it outside and immediatly toss the water into the air. It will freeze instantly in the air and make an extremely loud hissing noise, one of the coolest things ever.
