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 safe to travel?

3.9 /5

Based on 49 experiences

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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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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Julie

Julie

Denmark

Solo travel

I took a 3 month vacation to New York City in 2013 and it was amazing! The city is enormous and exciting and it truly is the city that never sleeps. I visited all the famous spots, saw a Broadway show as well as some off-broadway ones, I traveled everywhere by subway, And I met some really interesting people. The thing that surprised me the most was how open and helpful the people were, and how safe I felt. There was police everywhere and they were all very friendly. The nightlife was a lot of fun, there are so many cool shops, and there's lots to do. If you plan to visit and see all the famous places I'd advise you to stay for at least ten days. One week just isn't enough unless you're willing to have a very tight schedule with little time for actually enjoying everything, or compromising with what sights you want to see. Most likely you'll only meet very few native New Yorkers. Almost every person I met had moved there either from out of state or from another country, but pretty much everyone was really nice. Be aware that it's a crazy expensive city to visit. You can find restaurants with reasonable prices, but many are pricey and even buying food in a shop to cook for yourself is much more expensive than other places. There are many options for meetups if you're traveling alone and want to meet some other people on the Meetups app/website. If you like going to clubs then you may be lucky enough to meet a promotor who can take you to clubs without paying the cover charge or alcohol and food all night 😉 Bonus tip: If you use golden ticket (I believe that's what it's called) then you can get some really good discounts. And don't be afraid to see something that seems low quality, I saw an amazing and hilarious version of A Christmas Carol off-off-Broadway for about $15. NYC remains my favorite place I've visited and I would have stayed there if I could.

Posted: July 17, 2024
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Solo travel

New York was exactly like all of the. Movies and TV shows I’ve seen. It had all the glamour of uptown fashion world in the business community. But right next to it there was lower level housing in a lot of poverty and homelessness on the street. As a woman I didn’t feel entirely safe in the city. I would recommend traveling with a partner.

Posted: July 7, 2024
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Solo travel

I travelled alone, and from the moment I arrived to the moment I left I did not have a moment where I felt my safety was threatened. I took Lyfts almost everywhere I couldn’t walk, and avoided walking on my own when it was late at night, and during the day due to the volume of people in the city I was able to easily walk to nearby attractions with ease.

Posted: June 22, 2024
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Asma

Asma

France

Couple travel

New York was AMAZING I am definitely GOING BACK !! We stayed for 9 days in a hotel in chelsea. We visited museums, did a broadway show, a sleep no more show, comedy cellar (booked in advance), walked around the city, had so much food, specially cakes and pastries 😋 So many talented chefs based in NYC. Overall I felt safe. But one must keep distance from the crazy homeless ladies as I had one kick me on the leg for no reason 😅 Walk, eat, feed your creativity with museums, nap at the parcs, enjoy the facades, discover the different neighbourhoods and do at least one show at night :)

Posted: May 25, 2024
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Maha

Maha

United States

Family travel

I visited New York twice over the past year. It felt safe on both occasions. The first time we stayed in Manhatten, and the second time in Brooklyn. We had fun both times. Brooklyn was cheaper, quieter, and friendlier. I loved walking around the waterfront area. In Manhatten we visited some of the world-famous sights, such as the Empire State Building and the Times Square.

Posted: May 24, 2024
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Joana

Joana

Portugal

Family travel

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been to NYC since the past 20 plus years, and I never get tired of going back. New York is one of the most vibrant and rapidly changing cities I know. Every time I go back there’s something new to visit or do. Since the pandemic prices have risen significantly, especially in restaurants so be prepared for it. Even though it’s not the safest city in the world, I’ve never had any problems whatsoever, even at night. I’m am more careful than back home, but won’t avoid walking any place or at anytime. I’ve been to New York during every season of the year (fall is my favorite, springtime is beautiful as well) and visited solo, with friends, family, etc. enjoyed it every time. Plan ahead regarding art exhibits, shows, games, etc, as you might get cheaper tickets that way.

Posted: April 9, 2024
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Is New York safe for women?

Safety rating

3.5 /5

Based on 28 experiences

Crime rates rating

2.4 /5

Based on 28 experiences

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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Shuyi

Shuyi

Depends on the neighborhood and time- for the most part, it’s a very safe city. But definitely be mindful of the homeless and people with mental illness wandering the streets and trains. If you have to travel late night on the subway, pick a train that has more people. If traveling by cab, send someone the car license plate and don’t let anyone know you’re traveling on your own.

Posted: August 28, 2024
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Is New York safe right now?

Before your visit to New York, it's essential to check travel advisories for United States, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Canadian government advises taking normal security precautions in the United States. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: September 12, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Australian government advises exercising normal safety precautions in the United States of America. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: September 12, 2024

Is New York worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 49 experiences

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
Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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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
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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Meet locals in New York

Meet local women in New York who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Raquel

Raquel

About Me

32/F bilingual (English/Spanish) native New Yorker that is interested in making new connections with individuals that are interested in traveling — more specifically to lesa frequented countries. What are your plans for this August? Let me know.

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Belen

Belen

About Me

Hi! I’m cute person хихи

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Stay with locals in New York

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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

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Upcoming visitors to New York

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Selvi

Selvi

About Me

Calm funny and social person Love to meet with new people

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Mariana

Mariana

About Me

I’m a Brazilian living in the Bay Area as an AuPair. I enjoy going to movies, hanging out with friends, hiking and live musicals. I’ve been interested in traveling around the country and visit tourist sites, as well as filming locations from Hollywood productions I like.

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Safety in United States