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

4.2 /5

Based on 16 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.3 /5

Based on 194 experiences from local women

Russia is currently ranked #90 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.2 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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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 16 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

4.2/5

Food

4.1/5

Budget-friendly

3.6/5

Natalia

Russia

Chernyakhovsk, Solo travel

Very beautiful town, highly recommended. Underestimated IMHO. I adored nature, surroundings, German architecture. The place is being embellished constantly, so each time you visit it you can find new things. ♥️

Posted: June 13, 2025Experienced: September, 2023

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Novorossiysk, Solo travel

I felt safe in Novorossiysk. I went to the sea in Shiroka Balka. It is a nice rocky beach. I recommend it to everyone, it is nice and not very crowded. As for food. At the end of the beach they sell good shashlik, and at the beginning there is delicious ice cream. Don't buy shawarma anywhere!!! My advice to you.... I tried it myself.....

Posted: June 12, 2025Experienced: May, 2025

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Alevtina

Russia

Stavropol, Solo travel

The city is rather boring. Measured. But at least you feel safe. Compared to my city, Stavropol has few entertainment options and few places to eat. But! I can single out the Mexican restaurant at the Bazaar. It's delicious! (last photo). Don't go to Chico - it's expensive, cold and tasteless (first photo with food). Of interest, you can go to botanical garden to feed the squirrels or go to the park and ride the Ferris wheel.

Posted: June 12, 2025Experienced: May, 2025

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Katy

Russia

Yekaterinburg, Solo travel

I was living there for 6 years of my life. I know it’s not the safest place on Earth, but there are my rules: - always share geo location with your friend - always wear comfortable clothes (and shoes!) to run away - always check taxi drivers’ rate and don’t talk with them - don’t leave you clothes or any stuff when you need to move away for a sec - it’s better to have a friend to stay at night (no hostels or rooms) Some recommendations: - ЖизньМарт is definitely the best street food to take a coffee or dinner here - Ельцин Центр is one of the most interesting places to go for shopping and events (even for free) - Гринвич is a mall in the center where you can go shopping and eating for a whole day 🫶🏼

Posted: June 8, 2025

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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

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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

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Is Russia safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 194 local experiences

Crime index

2 /5

Based on 194 local experiences

Yaroslava

Krasnodar

Krasnodar is a city of understanding people for the most part. The only problem is men (haha, just kidding!). But seriously, there are some people of Caucasian nationality (a few) who are better not to communicate with.

Posted: June 24, 2025

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Moscow

It's actually quite safe if talking about central part of Moscow because Moscow os full of many different characters and locals there are 50/50 used to it. So it makes it safe for some non basic looking girls too. But it's unsafe on the ending stations and even in centre if it's middle of the night

Posted: June 24, 2025

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