Is Saint Petersburg Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Saint Petersburg is a city of rich culture and beautiful architecture. As a solo female traveler, you should be able to explore its beauty with ease but should always be aware of your surroundings. It's always recommended to take usual travel precautions such as avoiding less busy areas late at night and not displaying valuable items in public. Be conscious of pickpockets in crowded places, and try to arrange your travels during the daylight hours for maximum safety. Knowing a few basic Russian phrases or having a translation app handy can also be beneficial.

Safety rating

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4 /5

Based on 64 experiences from local women

Saint Petersburg is currently ranked #8 safest place in Russia for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 3.1 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Saint Petersburg?

Safety at night:Moderate

Saint Petersburg is a vibrant city that generally has safe areas, particularly in the tourist-centric locations. Nevertheless, like in any large city, caution should be exercised of your surroundings, especially during the nighttime. No matter how safe a city is perceived, walking alone at night should be done vigilantly anywhere, taking regular precautions such as avoiding deserted areas or streets without sufficient lighting. Overall, the city can be fairly safe, but it's always important to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.

Public transportation:Safe

Saint Petersburg's public transportation is quite safe for solo female travelers. The city has a comprehensive network of buses, trams, and the metro, which are generally well-maintained and reliable. Pickpocketing can occur especially during rush hours, as in any large city, so it's always wise to keep a close eye on your belongings. Few people speak English, especially the older generation, so make sure to know basic Russian phrases or have a translation app handy. Traveling late at night is generally safe, but always practice common-sense precautions, such as avoiding empty cars or poorly lit areas.

Street harassment:Low

Saint Petersburg, generally provides a respectful and safe environment for solo female travelers. However, it's not unusual to occasionally experience mild, non-threatening forms of street harassment, such as catcalling or unsolicited comments. As with any city, it's recommended to stay vigilant, particularly at night and in less populated areas. While it's generally uncommon for these situations to escalate, it's good to be mindful.

Petty crimes:Moderate

Saint Petersburg, as a magnet for tourists, has a moderate risk of petty crimes. Occurrences such as pickpocketing or purse-snatching, especially in crowded areas like metro stations, bus stops, and tourists sites, are not uncommon. It is always advisable to keep a close eye on your belongings, be vigilant and avoid flaunting valuable items in public to minimize the risk.

Is Saint Petersburg worth visiting?

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

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Is Saint Petersburg safe for women?

Safety index

4 /5

Based on 64 local experiences

Crime index

2.1 /5

Based on 64 local experiences

Karina

To be honest, it really depends on the region of the city that you choose. If it's something in the outskirts (like Murino), than it's dangerous. The centre of the city is packed with people most of the time and even in the night, and it also has a lot of police on the streets. From my childhood I lived in the so-called "criminal" part of the city, Kupchino, but neither I or my girlfriends have never experienced anything assaulting. The city is mostly full of some freaks and weirdos, but they are mostly harmless. But overall, I sometimes feel more safe in S-Petersburg, than in Austria (where I live now)

Posted: August 31, 2025

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