based on 10 experiences from female travelers
Ginny
United States
I stayed downtown and stuck to public transportation, which always felt very safe. I know there's a stereotype that people in Seattle aren't super friendly, but the overall vibe was on par with what I've experienced in other big US cities.
Posted: November 3, 2025Experienced: July, 2025I absolutely love Seattle and visit often. If you're in the area do not feel like you need to only visit Seattle. Tacoma is a great place to see as well. They have Ruston and Owens beach, both places are amazing.
Posted: December 19, 2024Experienced: December, 2024Susanna
Canada
Quiet place mostly reserved polite people. Very safe - food for nature hikes out of town. City is pretty basic American city - watch out for rainy season which is winter I believe. Lake Washington is nice, fish market is cool spot to see and get some local food or art.
Posted: September 27, 2024I went to Seattle from the Tacoma city. It was my first trip to this city. The trip took about 3.5 hours and public transportation cost $7.25 there and back ($3.25, why not $6.25? Because I put $4 in and the bus cash register didn't give me change, they usually don't give it back) and home by Uber cost $45. I walked around the center, didn't go into a restaurant but ate at the Korean cuisine store "Mart", I really liked the food, lots of choice, and there are hot dishes. I bought some here for $18-19, couldn't finish it all and took some home. The weather was incomprehensible, first cold, and after 20 minutes hot. I suggest taking outerwear if you are going here!
Posted: August 23, 2024Seattle was such a beautiful place to visit. The market they had was great, there were so many friendly people. There is quite a bit to do but it does get quite expensive. They have gorgeous mountains as well.
Posted: August 6, 2024Based on 27 local experiences
Based on 27 local experiences
Allison
Honestly, the whole country is a mess right now. Seattle is a sanctuary city, but like any large city there is crime and a homeless population. What I’ve learned - you can’t live in fear. Of course, be aware of your surroundings, but don’t let it stop you from visiting this beautiful part of the country. Summers are incredible and the rain really isn’t bad. If walking around downtown at night, I recommend having someone with you (or at least walking around populated places)
Posted: October 4, 2025I have always found it to be a safe city overall - but comfort level certainly depends on where you are. Downtown, amd the surrounding areas I usually feel the least comfortable in. Most of the other neighborhoods such as Ballard, Fremont, Green Lake, and Columbia City, etc, I’ve always felt comfortable. Even Capitol Hill isn’t too bad! Of course everyone has their own experience, but this is mine.
Posted: September 7, 2025I would say it's fine to travel alone but you need to be extremely careful in some parts bc of the homeless community they usually don't do anything unless provoked but it's always good to be cautious
Posted: August 4, 2025Pippa
Overall Seattle is a very safe place for women. The main issues are not specifically targeting women or any other gender, but rather everyone seems to be somewhat at risk. For example, gun violence. I don’t often hear of gender-based gun violence out in public, but I have experienced gun violence personally which has made me more wary while going out to parties at night. Another issue is the fentanyl epidemic—it’s getting really bad in Seattle, so I am always careful when I’m downtown or going through areas where fentanyl is present. I take public transportation every day and I rarely feel targeted as a woman. Men tend to be very respectful and progressive, and Seattle is a very liberal city. I generally feel safe in my city and I love it here. The issues of gun violence are just an American thing, not really specific to Seattle.
Posted: August 3, 2025krislee
It is extremely safe during the day. There are a lot of unhoused people, some of whom are on drugs and can be unpredictable/erratic. There are also instances of trafficking, so like a lot of other big cities, I would not walk alone after dark.
Posted: July 28, 2025