Is Russia Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Russia, as a large and diverse country, has varied safety conditions depending on the area. Major cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg generally have adequate safety measures, but caution is always advised as petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas. It's important to maintain vigilance in less tourist-frequented areas where the risk can be higher due to lower police presence. Travelers are advised to avoid late-night solo excursions and to always ensure someone knows of their whereabouts. Language could be a barrier as English is not widely spoken outside of major cities, which might lead to complications or misunderstandings. As usual, it is recommended to respect local customs and laws to avoid any trouble.

Safety rating

4.1 /5

Based on 11 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.3 /5

Based on 156 experiences from local women

Russia is currently ranked #99 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.1 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

Make friends while traveling solo

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet other women, find travel buddies and stay with locals for free through hospitality exchange.

How safe is Russia?

Safety at night:Moderate

While Russia is generally safe during daylight hours, caution should be taken at night. Big cities such as Moscow and Saint Petersburg have well-lit areas where you might feel comfortable walking alone. However, the safety can decrease in lesser-known areas or suburbs. It's recommended to use licensed taxis or trusted ride-sharing apps when traveling at night to avoid unnecessary risks. Also, try to stay in populated areas and always let someone know where you're planning to go.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Russia is generally secure, with buses, trams, metros, and trains being easily accessible and efficient. Like most places, it can be crowded during peak hours, so stowing away valuables is recommended. Navigation may be a challenge as English is not frequently spoken so it's advised to know some basic Russian or have a translation app handy. Care should be taken in less frequented stations and late at night as with any location worldwide.

Street harassment:Moderate

As a solo female traveler in Russia, one might face some level of street harassment, but it appears to be moderate in comparison to some other places worldwide. The biggest city, Moscow, is relatively safer for women, but lesser-known or rural areas may present a different scenario. Learn some basic phrases in Russian to navigate better and avoid showing signs of being a tourist, to mitigate the attracting unwanted attention. Always maintain caution and utilize common sense around strangers and unfamiliar territories.

Petty crimes:Moderate

Russia has an average risk of petty crimes such as pickpocketing, especially in major cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Be vigilant in crowded places, avoid displaying valuable items openly, and be careful of distraction techniques. Don't leave your belongings unattended in public places.

Is Russia worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 11 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4/5

Safety

4.1/5

Food

4/5

Budget-friendly

3.6/5

Farzona

Kyrgyzstan

Tula, Group travel

I had an amazing time in Tula! It felt safe and welcoming. The highlight of my trip was visiting Yasnaya Polyana — Tolstoy’s estate is peaceful, inspiring, and full of history. I highly recommend it to everyone! Tula also has great local food and a cozy atmosphere. A perfect place for a short escape into Russian culture and literature.

Posted: May 13, 2025Experienced: April, 2025

favorite_border 2

mode_comment 0

Kaliningrad, Solo travel

I felt very save in Kaliningrad. People were friendly and tried to help. Most of them don't speak english. I used public transport in town and even visited the seaside by train. The infrastructure is quite good. The service in the restaurants was also very good and polite. The food delicious. I would recommend to visit the market (rynok) for fresh and homemade products like fruits, vegetables, honey or wool products, the organ concerts on Kant island in the cathedral, the ocean museum and the orthodox cathedral on the main square. There are also many tourist attractions and guided tours to learn about the interesting history of the town. Kaliningrad is also good for shopping there many big malls with a variety of shops. I would recommend to visit this beautiful town.

Posted: April 21, 2025Experienced: June, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Lelya

Russia

Gelendzhik, Solo travel

this is a tourist place so it is safe, I did not have any problems. I recommend: fishing on a yacht, horse riding, a walk on a pirate ship (if you are with children, I was alone and it was a bit boring, but beautiful) go up to the mountains. many delicious restaurants on the embankment. I stayed in a hostel, yes it was easy and safe. I spent about $ 200 for 3-4 days

Posted: April 17, 2025

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Lelya

Russia

Pyatigorsk, Solo travel

I love this place! It's the best in Russia! I would like to live there! I felt safe (even though this is the Caucasus, which is famous for its wild men, but I had no problems, no one even approached me, everyone behaved very decently) First, just walk around the evening city, you will understand this atmosphere, and then boldly go on a jeep tour to Elbrus and Gizhgit! It's amazing! The food is the most delicious! All the restaurants are amazing, don't be afraid! It's cheap there, I lived in a hostel for $ 10 a night, about $ 30 a day for food, tours cost about $ 30 each, in a week I left about $ 150 I was in a hostel in a shared room! and everything was fine, there are also women's rooms where it is even more comfortable.

Posted: April 17, 2025

favorite_border 1

mode_comment 0

Saint Petersburg, Family travel

I stayed at Kino Hostel. We took the separate room for 2p. I felt safe. From the centre it’s more dirty but overall I loved it. The museums are must have to go to! But you need hours to see all of the paintings! Prepare comfortable shoes!

Posted: April 10, 2025

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Nomin-erdene

Mongolia

Ulan-Ude, Family travel

We went there for our holiday groceries.Because Russia has cheaper food.So we went to Titan. And while i was travelling i saw so many beautiful houses.But there was plenty of drunken people. I think someone who is solo travelling should be cautious at night.We didn't spend the night there so i can't give advice on that one

Posted: March 15, 2025Experienced: December, 2023

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Russia, Solo travel

I stayed there for 6 months , was one of my best experiences . Of course I visit Russia again . It was my first time to see the snow ⛄️ . Learned the language, tried the Russian dishes , discovered the cites.

Posted: January 13, 2025

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Kaliningrad, Group travel

Kaliningrad and the Kaliningrad region - former German cities are small, easy to navigate - you definitely won't get lost. I went for 4 days with my friend, we walked alone, together at night. I felt safer and calmer than in Moscow. The streets are well lit, passers-by were friendly, no one approached us to get acquainted. The only thing was that when we were in Zelenogradsk, drunk men made a little noise, it was unnerving, but everything was fine. The food is excellent with fresh seafood, the average bill in a cafe is $ 7-10

Posted: December 26, 2024Experienced: May, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Moscow, Solo travel

It was a really nice trip. You can travel on a budget. There’s lots to see and do. I’d definitely try local cuisine, there’s a wide choice of dineries. Taxi is affordable, safe. Avoid travelling in the rush hour, the streets can be blocked.

Posted: December 3, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Makhachkala, Family travel

I felt absolutely safe travelling to Makhachkala even though i was with my family. The city is beautiful both during the day and night. I highly recommend hiking the mountains, the views are insanely great. And renting the a house in Salta on the edge of a cliff (almost:)! The trip was fairly cheap. As a family of four, we spent 80000 rub (800 usd) on plane tickets flying from Saint-Petersburg and nearly 20000 rub (200 dollars) on renting a place to stay at night. The food is really cheap and very good too. The average cost of a meal for a four-person family is 12 dollars, so nearly 3-4 dollars per person. Makhachkala is great, in conclusion i highly recommend going there!

Posted: August 26, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Is Russia safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 156 local experiences

Crime index

2 /5

Based on 156 local experiences

Moscow

It is pretty safe especially in the center even in a night time. But some places that are far from the center can be uncomfortable for walking in night time. Anyway every place is safe when it is daytime

Posted: May 14, 2025

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Moscow

Moscow is very safe city, mostly all public zones under CCTV and lights are always up during evening and night. I never experienced any crime or even situation outside the house. I think for people and for woman specially here is nothing to worry about. But obviously you need to take care about your personal belongings and don't forget it somewhere.

Posted: May 12, 2025

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Check all reviews

Meet locals in Russia

Anastasiia

About Me

Hi! I am open and friendly person. Recently I discovered travelling for myself, but was only in 2 countries: Bahrain and Japan. Hoping to travel more in the near future or find a company. I am welcome to meet with someone in my city and Saint Petersburg

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Anastasia

About Me

hey, girls! I‘m a linguist and English teacher (mostly for Russian-speaking students), I also know and keep learning Spanish and German languages. I love optimistic, enthusiastic and talkative people as I am myself ☺️ I‘ve been dreaming of travelling the world for ages! I‘ve actually even started recently, but it’s still not so easy from Russia. Right now the only reason I’m not visiting other countries is my finances :( I hope I can find sone new friends here and will be able to travel more <3 Of course, if you decide to visit Russia, I can help you with the locals, language and culture as well :) My city may not be the best touristic destination, but there’s a lot to see in other Russian cities

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Russia

Anastasia

Novosibirsk

Can host for:

5 days

About me

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Anastasiia

Veliky Novgorod

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Check all hosts

Upcoming visitors to Russia

Lena

About Me

Я Лена, живу в Якутске, хочу путешествовать по всему миру, пока что список стран совсем маленький, это отчасти что боюсь/боялась начать путешествовать одной, сейчас у меня будет первая одиночная поездка хотя бы по России 🙂 хочу найти здесь друзей