Is New York Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

New York is generally safe for solo female travelers. With its well-connected public transit, well-lit streets, and 24/7 city life, women can feel comfortable traveling alone. However, safety is a relative term and always depends on your individual behaviors and precautions. Just like any large city, there may be areas that are less safe than others. Being aware of your surroundings, not showing valuables openly, and avoiding isolated and unfamiliar areas late at night are always smart moves. But, overall, NYC offers a relatively safe environment where solo female travelers can enjoy their travel adventures.

Safety rating

Travel and Meet new People

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

How safe is New York?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

New York City is generally safe for solo female travelers, even at night. However, like any large and busy city, it is essential to be aware of your surroundings. The city is well-lit, and people are usually around, but some neighborhoods can be less safe after dark. Always stick to well-trafficked areas, avoid poorly lit streets, and use taxis or rideshare apps if you're uncomfortable or unsure. Make sure to research before venturing to any unfamiliar areas.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in New York is generally reliable and safe. The subway operates 24/7 and is regularly patrolled by the police. However, as with any large city, it's advisable to stay alert, especially during off-peak hours. Keep an eye on your belongings, avoid empty subway cars, and don't hesitate to switch cars or get off at the next station if you feel uncomfortable. As long as you use your common sense, you should have no major issues while navigating the city.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Moderate

New York is generally considered a safe city for solo female travelers. However, street harassment can and does occur, much like it does in any large, densely populated city with various socio-economic backgrounds. This typically takes the form of catcalling or lewd comments but instances of more serious harassment and even physical harassment to occasionally occur. It is important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially late at night or in less trafficked areas.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

New York City, like any major urban area, has its fair share of petty crimes such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation. While the city is generally safe, it's always advisable to be mindful of your surroundings, keep personal belongings secure at all times, and avoid unlit or desolate areas at night.

Is New York worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 55 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

3.8/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.2/5

Group travel

I spent six days in New York City last summer. I felt safe. There were a few weird people, but they didn’t really care about others. And if they did, you just had to ignore them. Things to do: Brooklyn (DUMBO, Brooklyn Bridge), Central Park, Grand Central Terminal, Times Square, take the free ferry to see the Statue of Liberty, visit the 9/11 Memorial (I didn’t go inside), Summit One Vanderbilt (the ticket was around $50, I guess), and take the free cable car. I had a MetroCard, which was about $30–40 for a week. I stayed in New Jersey and took a bus every day. It happened to be free that week, so I was really lucky! The ride was about half an hour. I used the subway at the end of the day, tried to walk as much as possible, and occasionally took a bus during the day. The hotel was pretty nice.

Posted: March 7, 2025
favorite_border 2
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

The streets were safe enough but I was very attentive in metro. There are cool restaurants all around the city. It’s called an expensive city but I believe there are budget friendly activities and restaurants

Posted: January 8, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Dalma

Dalma

Hungary

Family travel

We stayed at Brooklyn cause it was much cheaper than Manhattan, but still close enough to be at the Times Square in 30 minutes. The public transport is fascinating there, the metro network is easy to use and comparing to how much we used it, its relatively cheap. The food is expensive and full of calories but so so so delicious. It worths to try it, really. For program: watching a Broadway musical, visiting the Statue of Liberty and that small Zoo in the huge Central Park is a must. I liked every and each moment of this trip (even tho we visited Queens where I didn't felt that safe than anywhere else).

Posted: December 31, 2024Experienced: May, 2024
favorite_border 3
mode_comment 2
Eva

Eva

Norway

Couple travel

It was my first time in NY,I really liked the city and the vibes but I dislike people there and prices. Of course KFC,McDonalds and etc. are cheap but if you want eat out in good restaurant it can costs you a fortune. The city very big,I would rather say enormous. Advice*always take 20 minutes extra because metro train cannot to come. Overall,NYC is the city where everyone can find something for their souls and pockets 🤗

Posted: December 28, 2024
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

I treated my dad to an immersive experience for his birthday and it was great. I rode on the subway for the first time which was also an exciting experience. We spent 2 days together then he left and stayed behind on my own for a few days more where I went on a self-guided walking tour of DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights on my own which was so memorable but would have been better with company.

Posted: October 18, 2024Experienced: August, 2024
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0
Juliana

Juliana

Brazil

Solo travel

My experience in New York was wonderful. I highly recommend going at least once and visiting places like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and the Summit Observatory. It has an incredible view. And the iconic Central Park, you can't miss it.

Posted: September 7, 2024
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0
Laura

Laura

Czech Republic

Solo travel

Travelled to NYC solo for the first time in june. Best experience were the Broadway Shows I went to see: Wicked and MJ One. Times Square is beautiful and SOHO great for shopping. I stayed at the Upper West Side, saw the MET that didn’t have a lot of people at the opening time until 12PM.

Posted: September 4, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Group travel

Was my second time in NYC and I was travelling with two friends. We always felt safe. food was delicious but the amount of food is insane, we always shared two main dishes and it was enough😅 we did not do the usual touridtic stuff this time, so it was a complete different trip this time

Posted: August 31, 2024
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0
Sarah

Sarah

United States

Solo travel

I loved traveling solo to New York City. It felt surreal being there for the first dream. So many of my favorite movies were filmed in the city so it felt like a dream come true visiting there for the first time. I stayed a hostel near Central Park and loved the location. Ate some amazing pizza and bagels and most some nice fellow travelers along my trip that I ate pizza with and they bought me dinner. Traveling solo has really opened up my eyes to the possibilities of just doing things alone and facing your fears. Do not wait for others to do things you want to do. Just go out and do them alone.

Posted: August 25, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Celia

Celia

Germany

Family travel

I loved new york city, i think the people out there were amazing and so kind. I felt safe but in the night i didn’t feel so safe like i did in the morning and afternoon. I stayed at the chelsea inn hotel and it was perfectly fine because i just slept there and for that it was great. I would say everyone should see this city once in their life

Posted: August 20, 2024Experienced: August, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Is New York safe for women?

Safety index

3.7 /5

Based on 53 local experiences

Crime index

2.7 /5

Based on 53 local experiences

I have lived in NYC for nearly 10 years and have ventured through many areas within the city, and I very rarely have felt unsafe. It’s a walking and public transportation city, so there are always people out, even late at night on weekends especially. The emptier somewhere is at night the less safe I feel, unless I’m in a residential area such as Upper west side. Like any city, avoid confrontation, go about your day, and you’ll be just fine. I try not to take the subway after midnight, and I make sure to only have one earbud in so I can hear my surroundings, but only because of things you read in the news, nothing has actually happened to me. A note that NYPD does not actually do anything, so don’t rely on them to feel a false sense of security if they’re around. Overall I feel very safe here!

Posted: March 12, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

New York is not too dangerous if you stay aware and avoid quiet alleys and parks at night. And stay away from the edge of subway platforms. Lock your doors and windows. Keep your wallet in your front pocket. Hold tight to your phone on the train at night. Stay away from the neighborhood called “East New York”. Don’t get too drunk.

Posted: February 22, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in New York

anabelle

anabelle

About Me

Hola, I'm Anabelle a girl aspiring to live life to the fullest. My goal this year is to travel to many places as possible and would love to connect with like-minded girls.

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Varvara

Varvara

About Me

Hey y’all! My name is Varya! I’m an artist and art enthusiast! I love going out, I love museums and exhibitions, love hosting dinners, meeting new people. I’m very exited to be here and meet new people and make more connections, hopefully some of will become valuable friendships! I’m based in New York, message me if you’re interested in hanging out and I’ll show you my favorite places here :)

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in New York

Joanna

Joanna

New York

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi! My name is Joanna, i am 24 years old, mexican american and ill be traveling solo for almost 3 months in west and central europe

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Lolita

Lolita

New York

Can host for:

3 days

About me

From Arizona, I am Mexican-American. Currently studying abroad in Madrid. Excited to meet new people!

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Upcoming visitors to New York

Diplomomwife

Diplomomwife

About Me

I'm a wife, mom of two teenage boys, world traveler, and diplomat. I've lived in seven countries, traveled to 38 countries; and if I haven't been there yet, it's on my list. I'm looking to meet ladies who have similar interests and make new friends in new places.

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Carlota

Carlota

About Me

I'm a Spanish woman living in Germany. I love travelling, reading, writing and just walking around!

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Safety in United States