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

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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

4.4 /5

based on 50 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

3.9/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.1/5

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
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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
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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
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Solo travel

A great and amazing city. All the times I went there I had never been disappointed. Great museums, food. The people are amazing. You are never bored. There are lots of things to entertain you. One of the greatest city in the world.

Posted: September 1, 2024
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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
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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
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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
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laney

laney

United States

Solo travel

safe, though the bronx is crazy. have be comfortable with "the crazies" and learn how to move around. amazing food, have to go to flushing queens for affordable authentic korean street food, pizza in Manhattan, soul food in Harlem, Caribbean food in Brooklyn

Posted: July 24, 2024Experienced: July, 2024
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Maria

Maria

Italy

Solo travel

It was absolutely a dream..the city is quite smelly and dirty and expensive, but if you are European it worth every euro. Unfortunately, being alone, I wasn't clubbing so much (that's why I want to go back and stay longer this time) but going around during the day was easy and safe.

Posted: July 24, 2024
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Solo travel

I felt completely inspired everywhere I went and looked around. I was only for a short period of time. Definitely need to come back. The experience of moving in the public transportation is great I recommend to buy an unlimited metro card as soon as you arrive.

Posted: July 18, 2024Experienced: July, 2024
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Is New York safe for women?

Safety index

3.5 /5

Based on 29 local experiences

Crime index

2.5 /5

Based on 29 local experiences

Mavis

Mavis

I’d feel 100% safe when I walk near Times Square even at 1am in the morning, and the subway around the crowded places are totally safe. But I don’t like walking in the Finance district at 11pm bc there’s a lot of drunk or hyped ppl.

Posted: October 25, 2024
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New York is normally safe, but lately it has been reporting more crime. People being assault in the subway has become a problem but the city is trying to solve it by putting more police in the platform.

Posted: September 8, 2024
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Meet locals in New York

Monique

Monique

About Me

Hi! I’m an outgoing introvert who loves new adventures, hanging out, traveling and learning new skills. I spend most of my time exploring NYC, checking out new spots and when not in the city, I love to travel

Speaking

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Belen

Belen

About Me

Hi! I’m cute person хихи

Speaking

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Stay with locals in New York

Eliza

Eliza

New York

Can host for:

4 days

About me

Creative, energetic and fun.

Speaking

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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

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Upcoming visitors to New York

Shu

Shu

About Me

I’m Shu. I love art and learn languages!

Speaking

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Karine

Karine

About Me

Travel lover, eager to meet people to experience other cultures. To this day, I was working to travel and putting my energy into getting early retirement to be free to travel more. I realized I can live my dream with work, so I'm going to study tourism! I've integrated meditation, yoga, pilates (everyday), Qi gong and Tai Chi Chuan (weekly) to help me show donne the pace and leave overwhelming life created around.

Speaking

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Safety in United States