Is San Juan Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

San Juan generally has a welcoming and vibrant vibe. The city is quite tourist-friendly with locals who are generally helpful. However, like any city, it has its risks. It is important to stay in populated and well-lit areas, especially at night, and avoid secluded areas. Vigilance on personal belongings is necessary to avoid petty theft. Using a registered taxi service or well-known ride-hailing services is also advisable. Thus, it is moderately safe if precautions are taken.

Safety rating

4 /5

Based on 11 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.2 /5

Based on 3 experiences from local women

San Juan is currently ranked #3 safest place in Puerto Rico for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is San Juan?

Safety at night:Moderate

San Juan, is generally safe, especially in tourist areas. However, like many large cities, it's advised to exercise caution when walking alone at night. Stay within well-lit, populated areas and be aware of your surroundings. Use rideshares or taxis when possible, especially late at night. Stick to neighborhoods known for their safety, such as Old San Juan or Condado. Always let someone know where you are if traveling alone at night.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in San Juan, is decently reliable and commonly used by both residents and tourists. Buses and taxis are frequently sanitized and drivers are required to wear masks due to the pandemic, ensuring safer travel. However, timeliness can be a concern especially with buses, which might not always follow their scheduled route or timings. While the areas frequented by tourists are generally safe, be cautious in less crowded or less familiar areas, especially after dark.

Street harassment:Moderate

In San Juan, there may be instances of encounters like whistling or commenting, which are not uncommon. Most instances are relatively harmless, yet could still make solo female travelers feel uncomfortable. While generally safe and friendly towards tourists, it is advisable for solo female travelers to remain aware of their surroundings at all times, and take basic precautions especially during the nights and in less crowded areas.

Petty crimes:Moderate

San Juan experiences moderate levels of petty crimes like pickpocketing, purse snatching, and theft from rental cars. Crowded places like popular tourist spots, buses, and metro stations often tend to be hotspots. It is recommended to remain aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying flashy jewelry or expensive electronics, and keep your valuables securely stored in hotel safes when possible.

Is San Juan worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.2 /5

based on 11 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.1/5

Safety

4/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3/5

Hannah

United States

Solo travel

I absolutely loved San Juan!! I felt completely safe walking around the city, even at night. Old San Juan is really cool but there are a lot of touristy shops. I recommend La Factoria for a cool bar vibe. The locals are super friendly as long as you speak some Spanish! Also the men are so respectful from what I experienced and did not feel unsafe with them at all.

Posted: September 9, 2025

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Group travel

San Juan was fantastic!!!! I loved the beach, the street food & the excursions my friends & I got to do. We had done midnight kayaking, ATV riding & clubbed at La Placita!!! I would definitely go back, only thing to watch for is Old San Juan, super dangerous & do NOT take pictures from above when on (New) San Juan streets as they have gun/gang violence down below!

Posted: June 18, 2025Experienced: March, 2023

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Monica

United States

Family travel

The Condado area felt very safe. We stayed at an Airbnb on the beach. It was nice but my son got bed bugs from the sofa bed. I would recommend renting a car. We went to Old San Juan which was beautiful and renting jet skis. We went to sit down restaurants throughout the trip and it got very expensive. Food is overpriced.

Posted: August 20, 2024

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Mariangel

United States

Solo travel

SAN Juan was my first official solo travel (with no friends in the destination) and it was incredible fun. Never felt more safe than in San Juan, puertorricans are kind and respectful, they take care of their tourist and travelers, they’re open to share local gems and tips. You have a bunch of different activities where to choose and it’s definitely a piece of paradise in the earth. I made amazing friends, I would do it again a million times

Posted: August 8, 2024

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Solo travel

I visit Puerto Rico quite frequently. It’s a gorgeous island with so much to do and I feel safer in Puerto Rico than I do in my home city in the states honestly. When you visit definitely check out other cities and beaches outside of San Juan

Posted: February 20, 2024

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Is San Juan safe for women?

Safety index

3.2 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

Crime index

1.5 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

Monica

Most of the city is very safe. Areas like Calle Loíza and La Placita late at night have lots of people around and are well lit. I walk at night in the city center all the time. There are occasional headlines of random violence in the news, but I don't personally know anyone who has been involved.

Posted: July 11, 2025

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