Is Chicago Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Chicago, like any major city, has both safe and less safe areas. Downtown and the popular tourist areas are generally secure, especially during the day. However, it's essential to remain aware of your surroundings at all times. Personal safety can largely depend on which neighborhoods you are visiting and at what time of day. It's advisable to research the areas you plan to visit, use trusted forms of transportation, avoid less populated areas at night and always keep your belongings secure.

Safety rating

4.1 /5

Based on 11 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.5 /5

Based on 25 experiences from local women

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How safe is Chicago?

Safety at night:Moderate

Chicago, like any big city, has areas that are very safe and others that are not. It's a vibrant city teeming with culture, food, and music, especially at night. However, it's crucial to stay alert and to stick to public, well-lit areas. Rely on trusted transportation like city taxis or rideshare apps rather than walking alone where possible. Be aware that some parts of the city experience higher crime rates than others. Local advice, common sense, and staying connected with others can significantly enhance your safety.

Public transportation:Moderate

Chicago, offers a robust public transportation system which consists mainly of buses and trains. It is generally secure during day time, especially the areas frequented by locals and tourists. Stations and vehicles are equipped with surveillance cameras for safety. However, during late hours, it could be less safe particularly in certain neighborhoods. The presence of homeless people and petty criminals is also noted at times. It's advisable to be aware of one's surroundings and not to be out too late alone. Also, public transportation there could get quite crowded during rush hours which could result in uncomfortable situations.

Street harassment:Moderate

Chicago as a metropolitan city can present varied experiences for solo female travelers. Street harassment is not uncommon, but the frequency and intensity largely depend on the location and time of day. More tourist-centric locations are generally safer with less harassment reported. Always stay vigilant, especially when travelling alone at night in less crowded areas. Don't hesitate to rely on local authorities in uncomfortable situations.

Petty crimes:Moderate

Chicago, like any major city, has a varying degree of petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and car break-ins. Some areas are more prone to incidents than others. However, most tourist areas are safe and monitored. Being aware of your surroundings and taking standard precautions can reduce the risk significantly.

Is Chicago worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 11 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

4.1/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.2/5

Solo travel

I felt great in Chicago between the years. Perfect city to walk around, go up the towers and enjoy the views. And the Chinatown in Chicago was great. Especially the community center. I loved to go there and relax!

Posted: August 14, 2024Experienced: December, 2019

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Group travel

Did a quick weekend trip to Chicago with the girls for a bachelorette party. We had dinner at the Dearborn and Wakamono, both 5/5. We tried out The DISCO since it has 4 levels but it was pretty small and crowded so we ended up at Three Dots and A Dash and the vibe there was much more chill but fun! We mostly traveled by Uber but when we did walk around we felt safe.

Posted: May 14, 2024Experienced: May, 2024

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Group travel

I felt very safe in Chicago, it is a wonderful city, although many people say it is a dangerous city, I felt safe. In Chicago, you must try their famous pizza, visit the beach and Skydeck. I can say that is the most beautiful city.

Posted: February 10, 2024

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Nina

United States

Solo travel

It has a lot of things to do even when you explore the city alone. I did not use public transport as it was fun and easy to walk around. There are many impressive theaters, bars etc. that are worth visiting especially in the night hours. A bit expensive but it was worth it.

Posted: January 15, 2024Experienced: January, 2024

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Abril

Spain

Solo travel

I enjoyed this trip so much. The city is amazing, I highly recommend the ferry architecture trip, to avoid staying in the downtown!! The Getaway Chicago Hostel is a great option. Food in Chinatown is really cheap and delicious. People is friendly, I had an amazing time there.

Posted: November 18, 2023

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Solo travel

Here are my recommendations: 1. Willis Tower Sky Deck - you can see the entire city from a glass box 2. Art Institute of Chicago Museum 3. Pizza - deep dish. There is a pizza tour in Chicago that is super fun, worth considering 4. Portillo's - Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef. Must try the cheese fries 5. River North - cool neighborhood for going out. Lots of clubs, bars, restaurants 6. Wrigley Field (where the Chicago Cubs play. It's a famous baseball stadium) and Wrigleyville - neighborhood next to Wrigley Field with lots of bars and restaurants 7. Chicago architecture tour - this is the coolest thing I've done in Chicago 8. Visit Lake Michigan

Posted: September 12, 2023

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Family travel

Great city with a great vibe. Stunning architecture. Highlights of the trip were the architecture cruise, sunset river cruise and Art Institute. For food I loved London House (cocktails were also amazing here) and Broken English Taco Pub.

Posted: June 28, 2023

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Solo travel

I embarked on a solo trip to Chicago and was thrilled. I visited the Art Institute (lots to see, definitely recommend), the Willis Tower (great views), the WNDR museum (super fun), a boat cruise of the city's architecture (a bit expensive, but worth it) plus tons of walks everywhere. I liked Yolk as a place for a casual breakfast and felt obliged to try Lou Malnati's pizza - strange, but I would eat it again. I also happily walked to the Navy Pier and the planetarium, mainly for the great views of the city.

Posted: June 18, 2023

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Solo travel

I loved the boat tour of the architecture, I found a great deal for one of them on Groupon. The Art Institute was amazing, definitely a must-see. Girl & The Goat and Rose Mary were my favorite restaurants. Book your spots early.

Posted: July 9, 2022

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Is Chicago safe for women?

Safety index

3.5 /5

Based on 25 local experiences

Crime index

2.2 /5

Based on 25 local experiences

Noemi

Like any place, certain areas should be avoided if possible after night. Downtown Chicago has been experiencing some cases of young groups harassing folks around Millennium Park but local police have taken measures by enforcing curfews. As far as train lines, if using the red I would be careful of going south of china town. Overall I have lived in Chicago for 32 years and have never been robbed or pickpocketed. Lots of lovely places and nice folks. Def great food.

Posted: November 11, 2024

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Sumathi

I live in Chicago Downtown. It's always good to excrise caution. Stay street smart. Look out around and just be mindful. Enjoy the busy downtown experience of Chicago high-rise building chilling weather, and the windy city has a lot of memories to offer. Just be mindful

Posted: October 24, 2024

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Meet locals in Chicago

Sumathi

About Me

Hi, my name is Sumathi. I am an IT consultant on a journey to travel and make memories. I went to school at DePaul, and I am a Chicago Blue Demon. I have three sisters and one brother; we all live nearby with our parents. I have a Labrador. My parents will be taking care of him when I am away from Chicago. I practice yoga every day and enjoy going for a long walk every day. I enjoy making new friends and am always thankful for the wonderful experiences I gather when meeting new people. There's always something to learn.

Speaking

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Christina

About Me

Hello! I am solo traveling out of the country for the first time and am very excited! If anyone is going to be there at the same time as me and would like to meet up, message me!