Is Manchester Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Manchester is generally safe for solo female travelers. The city is known for its friendly locals and has a well-developed public transportation system. Common sense precautions still need to be taken such as avoiding some areas at night, and not flaunting valuable items, but overall the city is considered safe for solo female travelers. The risk of serious crime is relatively low, but, like in any big city, petty theft can occur.

Safety rating

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How safe is Manchester?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Manchester, UK, is generally safe, but like other big cities, it has areas that are more prone to crime than others. Also, its safety can vary at different times of the day. At night, it's always better to be extra cautious. Stick to well-lit areas and avoid side streets when possible. Using common sense, such as not flashing valuable belongings and using the buddy system, can significantly enhance personal safety in the city during night hours. Responsible use of alcohol is also encouraged to minimize any related risks.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Manchester, UK, offers a well-organized and efficient public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and trains. Overall, the system is considered safe, especially during daylight hours. However, late at night, it's always wise to remain vigilant and try to travel in busy compartments or areas. Transport staff are generally helpful and security is usually present at stations and major stops.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Manchester in the United Kingdom is generally considered a safe city for solo female travelers. Like any other city, occasional instances of street harassment can occur, but they are not widespread or of high-frequency. The biggest suggestion would be to keep to well-lit, busy areas especially during late hours. Locals are friendly and assistive in case any help is required.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

Manchester, like any other large city in the world, experiences some instances of petty crime such as pickpocketing or bag-snatching, particularly in crowded areas and on public transport. However, by staying alert to your surroundings and taking basic precautions, such as not displaying valuable items openly, you can greatly reduce your risk of being a victim. Be aware of any suspicious behavior and ensure that your belongings are secure at all times.

Is Manchester worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.5 /5

based on 5 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3/5

Safety

3.5/5

Food

3.7/5

Budget-friendly

2.9/5
Britters

Britters

Australia

Solo travel

Spent 3 nights in Manchester solo, all you need is 1 full day unless there is something specific you want to do. I didn't find it as exciting or friendly as London or Bristol which I loved and would go back to again. It is possible there is something I missed though! Safety wise it was very average. I had some concerns because I googled just before I got there (I am inherently a very nervous person) and it seems regarded as a pretty dodgy place. It was honestly fine but I didn't stay out very late at night. There was a lady who came up to me and gave me a story about being on her way to an abortion and needed money for transportation. Next thing I knew I was getting £20 out of the atm and she literally took the note so fast and was off on her way. I felt kinda dumb. My advice is don't engage at all.

Posted: March 4, 2025Experienced: July, 2023
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Couple travel

It was a big city, it was a bit loud but pretty. Much to see. I felt somewhat safe, saw people smoking weed in the streets. The food could have been better, much junk food chains. It was a bit cheap.

Posted: October 2, 2024
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Solo travel

Manchester is an absolutely gorgeous city. I can highly recommend going to museums as they offer a variety of interesting things. Apart from that I never felt so safe in terms of being Queer, I think the existence of the “gay village” existing says it all. Neurodivergency was also not a problem, when I was overwhelmed in the museum of Manchester, the staff kindly showed me to the dedicated quiet space. You need to come here if you love diversity, whether it’s in people, architecture or activities. Just awesome!

Posted: July 26, 2024
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Katie

Katie

United Kingdom

Group travel

Stayed in Manchester with a few mates for a New Year’s black tie event was absolutely amazing, but it’s quite expensive to stay in Manchester, but would strongly recommend as it was a great experience 

Posted: January 15, 2024Experienced: December, 2023
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Solo travel

Manchester during the holidays was a lot of fun! Great and safe public transport options that got me from the airport to the city center quickly. Great museums and Christmas markets. As with any big city, you have to be aware of your surroundings, but I didn’t feel like I had to worry about safety while I was there. The Christmas markets had a lot of great food that wasn’t too expensive. Tons of fun!

Posted: December 22, 2023
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Is Manchester safe for women?

Safety index

3.7 /5

Based on 30 local experiences

Crime index

2.1 /5

Based on 30 local experiences

Eva

Eva

Manchester is very busy so it feels like there is safety in numbers. Streets are well lit. And there's lots going on in the centre of the city. I feel much safer here than in comparable cities like London or Birmingham.

Posted: May 1, 2025
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Same with most places. Don't go out walking in the dark alone. If you drink and are solo, don't get really drunk. I stick to south Manchester and city centre some greater Manchester towns are pretty rough.

Posted: April 25, 2025
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Meet locals in Manchester

Eva

Eva

About Me

My name's Eva, I'm 25. I work in genetics, but still haven't figured out what I really want to do when I grow up. I like bouldering, live music and good food.

Speaking

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Maristel

Maristel

About Me

Hi! I’m Maristel. I’m from Peru, but I currently live in Manchester, UK🇬🇧 I currently work as a marketing executive at a company in northern England, after recently completing my master’s. I love traveling and creating connections with people from around the world😊 What I’ve loved of moving to the UK and Europe in general is the diversity of people living here. It’s amazing to see how good connections can be formed among individuals from different countries, therefore, also different cultures, religions, etc. I believe that’s beautiful! I’m happy to give advice to travelers coming to Manchester and the UK in general :) I want to start exploring the world as a solo traveler soon too. Hope to meet you soon✨

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Manchester

Kat

Kat

Manchester

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello! I'm Kat, love solo travelling after being fortunate to travel SE Asia in my 20s. I'm kind, considerate, open minded and respectful. I'm curious about the world, philosophy, space , music and enjoy learning and engaging with new people. Community is important and I think that sense of interconnectedness doubles when travelling and meeting unexpected new friends along the way. I have a wicked sense of humour, love bringing in laughter.

Speaking

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Nala

Nala

Manchester

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hiii 👋🏽 I'm Nala, 32 Mancunian Mixed race girl. I love to travel✈️, meet new people, laugh🤭 and love life. I speak English and Arabic and have travelled🧳 a fair bit. Would love to get back into travelling, making new friends💃🏽 to share stories and experiences🪂 with. I'm out going, sociable, love trying new things, friendly and a big foodie😋🍲.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Manchester

Veri

Veri

About Me

Hey, I'm Veronika (or better Veri) from Germany. I love traveling and now I have the possibility to travel alone because I'm out of a long relationship. I would love to meet some locals while traveling to see the country/city through their eyes and have a chat and do some activities. Maybe I can even stay the night at your place. I also love to host people in my home town Reutlingen (I'm also active on Couchsurfing). I'm looking forward to get some new experiences and meet people all over the world and maybe find some new friends 😊

Speaking

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Ariadna

Ariadna

About Me

Hello! I'm a PhD student and Latin American. So far that's it.

Speaking

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Safety in United Kingdom