Is Pittsburgh Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Pittsburgh generally is a safe city for solo female travelers. It's a city that values community with friendly and approachable locals. Public transport in Pittsburgh is reliable, and there are numerous neighborhoods that are comfortably walkable. While crime is present, as in any urban area, it is relatively low, especially in tourist areas. It's still recommended, as with anywhere, to maintain awareness of your surroundings, especially late at night and in less populated areas.

Safety rating

4.3 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.5 /5

Based on 10 experiences from local women

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How safe is Pittsburgh?

Safety at night:Safe

Pittsburgh is generally considered safe for females traveling alone, even at night. Like with any other city, some areas can be more dangerous than others, especially after dark. However, there are plenty of neighborhoods that are well-lit, busy, and populated, making them safe to walk around in after sunset. As long as you stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, Pittsburgh can be navigated safely at night.

Public transportation:Safe

Pittsburgh's public transportation, primarily through its bus and light rail system ('The T'), is generally safe and reliable. Delays can sometimes occur but buses and trains are well-maintained. Several routes run 24 hours making it convenient at all times. Make sure to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Most stations and stops are in populated areas, reducing incidences of crime. However, like in any city, it's advisable to avoid walking alone late at night where possible. Ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft are also readily available in the city.

Street harassment:Low

Pittsburgh is generally a safe city for solo female travelers. Of course, as in any urban area, there can be occasional instances of verbal harassment on the streets, but such incidents are relatively rare. It is advisable to always stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Overall, however, many women in the city feel quite comfortable walking alone.

Petty crimes:Moderate

As with any city, petty crimes such as pickpocketing, theft, and minor assaults are common in Pittsburgh, particularly in crowded areas and at night. However, with a healthy dose of caution and awareness of your surroundings, these risks can be mitigated. Stay alert, avoid isolated areas, and keep your valuables secure at all times.

Is Pittsburgh worth visiting?

Caitlyn

United States

Solo travel

I had a lovely weekend in Pittsburgh! I was visiting for a wedding and made a little trip out of it. Stops included: - shadyside - the strip district - national aviary - pittsburgh pride - three rivers arts festival - biblical botanical garden - carnegie museum district I drove some (nightmare, I won’t lie, and you will pay for parking) and used the T (honestly great, felt very safe) and stayed in an AirBNB in Manchester. I didn’t partake in nightlife, but during the day I felt very safe! Pittsburgh has some amazing architecture and my “just strolling” times were some of my favorite!! The aviary is also AMAZING!

Posted: June 6, 2024

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Couple travel

Sports are a prominent cultural aspect of this city, including hockey, football, baseball, and soccer. These events are certainly fun experiences and provide great insight into the city. Pgh has a reasonably accessible bus and subway system (The T) that makes getting around the city pretty easy. I've been to Pgh many times throughout the years and have always felt safe.

Posted: January 17, 2024

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Is Pittsburgh safe for women?

Safety index

3.5 /5

Based on 10 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 10 local experiences

Nicolette

Fairly safe in most areas at night, very safe through the days! I walk miles around Pittsburgh every day alone and never have issues, I’d recommend it for a solo trip, just exercise normal levels of caution.

Posted: March 28, 2025

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I think Pittsburgh is overall very safe for single women and women who live alone. There are obviously sketchier neighborhoods, but as avid walker and cyclist who exercises at night even I don’t feel beyond worried. Downtown at night is pretty rough though and I wouldn’t recommend it after 11 pm.

Posted: February 3, 2025

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Meet locals in Pittsburgh

Nicolette

About Me

Hi! I’m Nicolette and love to travel. I used to do the shoestring-backpacking-hostel thing, but now appreciate the finer things in life (read - a private bed not surrounded by snoring dudes I’ve never met). My Spanish is very rusty but I’ve lived in Spain and Chile, and am now back home in the US fulfilling the travel itch with trips with my husband or solo trips when I can.