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

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How safe is Boston for solo female travelers?

Travel safety index

4.3 /5

based on 10 experiences from female travelers

Solo travel

I had a great time in Boston, USA. I spent about a week there before I moved on and on and visited some relatives nearby. Boston was still pretty snowy. The greenaway was nice with public art but not well shovelled. I really liked the free viewing point " Observation Deck at Independence Wharf". The parks and public transport were quite nice too. The galleries had a free entry evening at the time and lovely art. The park by the galleries "Fan Pier Park", the waterfront by MIT Richard J. Resch Boathouse and Revere Beach had great views but the wind was a bit too cold at times in March when I visited. I would recommend. The HI Boston Hostel was convenient and pleasant. I also stayed in a hotel by Revere beach which was really nice and relaxing. "Las Delicias Colombianas" restaurant I think is the one where I got my sizzling steak at which was great.

Posted: February 2, 2025Experienced: March, 2022
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Ren

Ren

United States

Solo travel

Visited in the summer, the T (trains) were pretty regular and not as delayed as NYC trains (max 15 min delay one time in my 3 month internship). Harvard yard, Boston Commons, all the trails are lovely. I traveled around at most hours of the day and it was relatively quiet/calm the entire time. If I had extra time I'd love to check out Salem!

Posted: November 27, 2024Experienced: April, 2018
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Gabrielle

Gabrielle

Brazil

Solo travel

I went there to few days to commemorate my birthday. I did couch surfing at the moment. Was in 2015. Was really nice the experience. I really recommend! The weather wasn’t the best one, but if you have good clothes can be fine.

Posted: June 26, 2024
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How safe is Boston for women?

Local safety index

4.2 /5

Based on 26 local experiences

Local crime index

1.4 /5

Based on 26 local experiences

Boston is one of most populated cities on the east coast of America. Yet, it is one of the only places where I have felt safe for such a populous city. There are many students and young adults around and everyone tends to stick to themselves. The public transportation system here also always has workers sprawling and ready to help in case something were to happen, which is unlikely.

Posted: October 31, 2025
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Mabel

Mabel

Generally pretty safe! Pickpocketing I noticed doesn’t really happen, public transit is generally fine. In general I’d say to just use your intuition and discretion and you’ll be ok. At night time, I’d say if you want to go out, to go with a group of friends and you’ll be totally fine

Posted: September 4, 2025
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Boston is pretty safe overall, but it depends on where you are and what time it is. Smaller crimes like bike theft are common. It feels to walk around at night but I would recommend being in well-lit areas whenever possible and carrying some pepper spray with you just in case. Downtown areas can be a little shady at night but the other neighborhoods are very family friendly and safe. Public transit is safe and easy to use as well. Just stay alert of your belongings at all times, especially during off-peak hours.

Posted: August 13, 2025
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Safety in United States

Hospitality Exchange in Boston

Diana

Diana

Boston

Can host for:

2 days

About me

I am officially a doctoral student currently living in Boston. Unofficially I am a photographer and I also love crafting things, cooking, running, reading, yoga and scuba diving.

Speaking

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Hilary

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.

Speaking

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Expats in Boston

Debo

Debo

Boston

About me

Hi to all the beautiful ladies out there ..I am a woman in my early 40s. I am from India but i have been living in Boston for the past 11 years for work. I love traveling and have been on many solo trips. I love doing wildlife photography. I like to hike but I am not a pro.

Speaking

Meruyert

Meruyert

Boston

About me

Hey. You can call me Meru. Originally I am from Kazakhstan (Central Asia). But now I live in Boston. Currently getting my masters in com. Love to travel and discover new things and places. It is nice to meet you all ;)

Speaking