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Is Boston safe for solo female travelers?

Boston is generally safe for solo female travelers. It's a city with good public transportation and coffeeshops, bookstores or restaurants in every corner where you can feel comfortable even if you're alone. Furthermore, people in Boston are helpful and polite. However, as in any city, especially large ones, it is necessary to exercise caution particularly at night, and in less busy or poorly lit areas.

Safety rating

4.2 /5

Based on 6 travel experiences

4.8 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.9 /5

Based on 6 local experiences

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How safe is Boston?

Safety at night:Safe

Boston is generally a safe city for solo female travelers. The public spaces are well-lit and populated, even late into the night. While traditional tourist areas such as Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and the North End are considered safe to navigate at night, always use common sense and stay aware of your surroundings. As in any other city, there could be certain areas less safe, particularly after dark. Public transportation is reliable and user-friendly, and there is also a good number of taxis and rideshares available. However, it's always necessary to remain attentive, avoid walking alone late at night in deserted areas and let someone know your whereabouts for your own security.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Boston is quite safe, especially during daytime and early evening hours. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) or 'the T' as locals call it, is well-maintained and continuously monitored. The majority of the commuters are locals, students, and tourists, and the presence of a strong community atmosphere can be felt. However, like any big city, late-night traveling can be a bit more vulnerable, so always be aware of your surroundings and consider using a taxi or rideshare service after dark.

Street harassment:Low

Boston is reasonably safe for solo female travelers. In general, Bostonians are respectful and street harassment is not frequently encountered. However, like any large city, it is advised to remain aware of your surroundings and avoid less-traveled areas at night. While generally safe, areas such as Mattapan, Roxbury, and some parts of Dorchester could turn unsafe after dark. Public transport is safe but avoid less busy stops during off-hours. Also, as a college town, Boston has a strong nightlife. Attend these social events, but never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers.

Petty crimes:Low

Boston experiences some level of petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse-snatching particularly in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation. However, with a degree of caution, such as not flaunting valuable items and staying aware of one's surroundings, these risks can be significantly minimized. Overall, the city is relatively safe compared to many other major U.S. cities.

Tap water:Very safe

In Boston, tap water is not only safe to drink, but it's some of the best in the country. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) tests the water quality multiple times daily to ensure its safety and cleanliness. They provide public access to test results as well, presenting an image of openness and trust. Many locals will tell you they prefer the taste of the tap water to bottled water.

Is Boston safe to travel?

4.2 /5

Based on 6 experiences

Solo travel experience

You should go down the Freedom Trail, it will guide you through the city and past many historical sites. There are pleasant shops on Newbury St., some of them are a bit expensive, but it's a great neighborhood with a good selection of restaurants. Select Oyster Bar is a great place with a nice bar for eating alone. Boston is my favorite city, I've always found public transportation to be safe and easy to understand.

Posted: September 6, 2022

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Is Boston safe for women?

Safety rating

3.9 /5

Based on 6 experiences

Crime rates rating

1.3 /5

Based on 6 experiences

Anqi

Boston in general is very safe. You might see some strange characters on the subway at night but they most likely won’t bother you. I feel totally safe walking alone after dark. I’ve also never had anything stolen from me from the streets either

Posted: May 5, 2024

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Boston is literally the safest major city in the United States in my opinion. Love if. No issues at all. I feel safe walking home alone at night, even wearing headphones. There’s only a couple bad spots from what I’ve seen and they are the kind of place that tourists wouldn’t end up anyway IMO.

Posted: April 11, 2024

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Is Boston safe right now?

Before your visit to Boston, it's essential to check travel advisories for United States, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.

🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The government of Canada advises to take normal security precautions while in the United States. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: May 6, 2024

🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Australian Government advises to exercise normal safety precautions in the United States of America. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: April 2, 2024

Is Boston worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.7 /5

based on 6 experiences

Solo travel experience

I found that Boston was a very clean city. It was bustling with students, and there was lots of great music. I did not stay long as I was just passing through on a solo road trip however, I do feel as if I could live there! Very lovely architecture and I didn’t find the driving too bad.

Posted: March 4, 2024

Things to do: 3/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5

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Solo travel experience

I went alone about a month ago, and the people were very nice and friendly. It was one of the easiest cities to tour solo. I spent 3 days eating and drinking.

Posted: October 24, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5

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Meet locals in Boston

Meet local women in Boston who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

Taylor

About Me

Heyyo, my name is Taylor. I’m a Freelance Designer and all-around restless creative. I’m originally from the Boston area but decided to turn travel into a full-time lifestyle. I’m Currently traveling in Montréal May - Oct About: ✈️ Slow-travel nerd 🇫🇷 Learning French (Beginner) 💫 Casual astrologer 🏃🏻‍♀️ Training for a 1/2 marathon 🎨 I draw, paint, design + make my own clothes 🏋🏻‍♀️ Weightlifting 🧥 Trench coat collector Interested in: 🌟 Philosophy, spirituality + self development 🧠 Psych 📚 Education 🏔️ Hiking ⛷️ Skiing (beginner) 🏄🏻‍♀️ Surfing (beginner) 👕 Thrifting (expert) 🖼️ Museums 📸 Photography (canon ae1) + more!

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Boston

Stay with local women in Boston who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.

Valentina

Boston

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hey there! I'm a 23-year-old student currently enrolled in the MSMs program at Boston University, with a passion for exploring the world. My travels have taken me to 15 different countries, each one adding to my treasure trove of experiences and memories. I'm now setting my sights on LA, eager to discover what this vibrant city has to offer. When I'm not hitting the books, I'm all about staying active and embracing a sporty lifestyle. Looking forward to connecting with fellow travel enthusiasts and making new friends on this journey!

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Hilary

Boston

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello! I live in the suburbs of Boston, MA USA area and will be traveling to Italy and Germany for work. I will be staying for a few weeks to a month at a time and plan to travel on weekends. I would love to meet up with like minded people for a meal or day/ weekend trips.

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Upcoming visitors to Boston

Connect with upcoming visitors to Boston who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.

Cari

About Me

Hi Im Cari. I am originally from NYC and moved to Vermont in August 2021 for a simpler slower life. I am travelling to Boston to participate in some research studies at Mass General and Mass Brigham focusing on womens health and need help with a place to stay over a night here and there. I do not drink or smoke cigarettes or weed. I am low key and clean. I am mostly quiet except for the occasional loud sneeze and I love to laugh. I enjoy stand up comedy and would love to check some out in Boston when Im there. I like animals. I am not a fan of strong scented perfumes or air fresheners.

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Charlotte

About Me

Hey you! I‘m Charlotte and actually from Germany. My semester abroad ends mid-May (11th) but I want to travel after and focus more on Canada. So far I have Boston, Montreal, Calgary and British Columbia (mainly Vancouver+island) on my list and would love to have a travel buddy for one or more destinations.