Is Chicago safe for solo female travelers?
Safety rating
Make travel friends
Meet new friends while traveling, go on trips together, and create memories you’ll never forget
How safe is Chicago for solo female travelers?
Travel safety index
based on 16 experiences from female travelers
Family travel
Gorgeous, large city with amazing food and cultures. I have been to Chicago twice - once during the winter (absolutely gorgeous white Christmas experience) and the other time during the summer (beautiful weather and atmosphere).
Posted: December 7, 2025Experienced: November, 2016Solo travel
Felt super safe! Great city! Loved the Bean, Navy Pier and getting to experience the city from a locals perspective. I cannot wait until I get to come back! Thank you so much for having me and welcoming me to your country/city!!!!
Posted: July 8, 2025Solo travel
Nice city! Lou Malnati’s deep dish pizza is 10 times better than Giordano’s. Most of the times it’s cheaper to by souvenir (or anything else) at target or CVS. River cruise is a must and online you can find better deals. Once you are done with the city center, west town and especially Milwaukee avenue is nice with a lot of second hand shops and cool cafes: a neighborhood with hippy vibes.
Posted: May 7, 2025How safe is Chicago for women?
Local safety index
Based on 55 local experiences
Local crime index
Based on 55 local experiences
Chicago is a beautiful city but just like anywhere be aware of your surroundings. Downtown can be a great area especially Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, and Grant Park. However lately there have been some protests taking place. Just be mindful.
Posted: February 23, 2026Make sure you are not alone in a sketchy place at night. Be careful in the CTA, but normally you should be fine. It’s like nyc vibes sometimes. But overall you will be more than okay. Chicago is great!
Posted: February 17, 2026
Amna
Chicago is amazing! The best summers I have ever spent are in Chicago! It feels safe in River North, West Loop, Streeterville, and other downtown neighborhoods. Always be aware of your enviroment, like in any big city. People are helpful.
Posted: February 7, 2026Safety map
The safety map shows areas in Chicago where women have reported feeling unsafe.
Safety in United States
Hospitality Exchange in Chicago
Violet
Chicago
Can host for:
3 days
About me
Seeking quality guests as too many guests on Couchsurfing are outright rude or irresponsible -- or both. Also, too many nudists and/or sexual predators on that site. Too few female hosts. See my 120+ positive hosting and surfing references over 20 years: https://bewelcome.org/members/avatar/vslaw/original
Speaking
Eden
Chicago
Can host for:
1 day
About me
Hi all! I’m Eden. I’m a reasonably seasoned traveler. I spent a year in Europe, mostly in Spain. I did a month of van life in Florida. I traveled for work for two years along the West Coast of the USA. I’m currently living long term in Chicago. I love getting to know new people/fellow travelers and witnessing people for exactly who they are. Im extremely open minded and believe every person has a good heart. I spend most of my time working with reiki, meditation/wellness, and divine femininity practice. My passions include wellness healing and social justice activism. Looking forward to meeting whoever I cross paths with ❤️
Speaking
