Is Russia Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Russia, as a large and diverse country, has varied safety conditions depending on the area. Major cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg generally have adequate safety measures, but caution is always advised as petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas. It's important to maintain vigilance in less tourist-frequented areas where the risk can be higher due to lower police presence. Travelers are advised to avoid late-night solo excursions and to always ensure someone knows of their whereabouts. Language could be a barrier as English is not widely spoken outside of major cities, which might lead to complications or misunderstandings. As usual, it is recommended to respect local customs and laws to avoid any trouble.

Safety rating

4.2 /5

Based on 17 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.3 /5

Based on 204 experiences from local women

Russia is currently ranked #91 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.2 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

Make friends while traveling solo

Meet other female travelers, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.

How safe is Russia?

Safety at night:Moderate

While Russia is generally safe during daylight hours, caution should be taken at night. Big cities such as Moscow and Saint Petersburg have well-lit areas where you might feel comfortable walking alone. However, the safety can decrease in lesser-known areas or suburbs. It's recommended to use licensed taxis or trusted ride-sharing apps when traveling at night to avoid unnecessary risks. Also, try to stay in populated areas and always let someone know where you're planning to go.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Russia is generally secure, with buses, trams, metros, and trains being easily accessible and efficient. Like most places, it can be crowded during peak hours, so stowing away valuables is recommended. Navigation may be a challenge as English is not frequently spoken so it's advised to know some basic Russian or have a translation app handy. Care should be taken in less frequented stations and late at night as with any location worldwide.

Street harassment:Moderate

As a solo female traveler in Russia, one might face some level of street harassment, but it appears to be moderate in comparison to some other places worldwide. The biggest city, Moscow, is relatively safer for women, but lesser-known or rural areas may present a different scenario. Learn some basic phrases in Russian to navigate better and avoid showing signs of being a tourist, to mitigate the attracting unwanted attention. Always maintain caution and utilize common sense around strangers and unfamiliar territories.

Petty crimes:Moderate

Russia has an average risk of petty crimes such as pickpocketing, especially in major cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Be vigilant in crowded places, avoid displaying valuable items openly, and be careful of distraction techniques. Don't leave your belongings unattended in public places.

Is Russia worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 17 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

4.2/5

Food

4.1/5

Budget-friendly

3.6/5

Krasnodar, Solo travel

About the city itself. I can't say that I wanted to move there, but as a tourist I liked it. Walking, low-rise, but with very heavy traffic and heavy traffic jams in the evenings. I liked the logistics, it was the public transport system that was quite convenient in my opinion, and unlike my city, I could walk to the key points where I wanted to go in 40 minutes or an hour. While in Volgograd, I won't even leave my neighborhood during this time because of the length of the city along the river. The center is old, the buildings are many years old, and they are not being demolished because they are essentially architectural monuments from the pre-war era. Of course, there are also new apartment buildings, and some areas are being actively developed, but the vast majority of buildings are low-rise and medium-rise, which makes the city feel less crowded and more pleasant to walk around. I also liked the air, which is lighter and cleaner than in Vlg Where have I been? I managed to visit two exhibitions in different museums, namely, I got acquainted with the history of Kuban during the Second World War and looked at the collection of paintings of the XVI- early XX centuries. Of course, where am I without an art gallery?) I visited a Safari park, looked at different animals and took a break from people. I walked through parks and squares, and of course, in the famous Galitsky Park, it's really beautiful there. I went on an excursion to Adygea, as you can see from the pictures) the mountains are a dump of everything. Very filled that day with some grace, energy, peace and love for life. What do I remember especially? Rain on the first evening when I got off the train and the next two days, adventures with the hotel (there was always some trouble with the room). Coffee on the walk on the first morning there. Trip to the mountains: observation decks, cave, air, road in the bus, cheese tasting. Chistyakovskaya grosh at 9 am and confusion for the rest of the day. 30 thousand steps and the Kuban embankment. Chatting until 4 a.m. waiting for the train at the station. All of this left a warm impression in my memory. In summary, this was my first trip where I was alone. I guess I need to get used to spending so much time alone, but to be honest, I couldn't help but think about how much I would have enjoyed having someone by my side (a friend, parents, or just a close person). In any case, it was a new and memorable experience for me. I am grateful to myself for this. It's a pleasant feeling of growing up, when you earn your own money, make your own decisions, and don't depend on anyone else. That's how it went) Thank you for reading to the end.

Posted: July 3, 2025Experienced: April, 2025

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Natalia

Russia

Chernyakhovsk, Solo travel

Very beautiful town, highly recommended. Underestimated IMHO. I adored nature, surroundings, German architecture. The place is being embellished constantly, so each time you visit it you can find new things. ♥️

Posted: June 13, 2025Experienced: September, 2023

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Novorossiysk, Solo travel

I felt safe in Novorossiysk. I went to the sea in Shiroka Balka. It is a nice rocky beach. I recommend it to everyone, it is nice and not very crowded. As for food. At the end of the beach they sell good shashlik, and at the beginning there is delicious ice cream. Don't buy shawarma anywhere!!! My advice to you.... I tried it myself.....

Posted: June 12, 2025Experienced: May, 2025

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Alevtina

Russia

Stavropol, Solo travel

The city is rather boring. Measured. But at least you feel safe. Compared to my city, Stavropol has few entertainment options and few places to eat. But! I can single out the Mexican restaurant at the Bazaar. It's delicious! (last photo). Don't go to Chico - it's expensive, cold and tasteless (first photo with food). Of interest, you can go to botanical garden to feed the squirrels or go to the park and ride the Ferris wheel.

Posted: June 12, 2025Experienced: May, 2025

favorite_border 4

mode_comment 1

Katy

Russia

Yekaterinburg, Solo travel

I was living there for 6 years of my life. I know it’s not the safest place on Earth, but there are my rules: - always share geo location with your friend - always wear comfortable clothes (and shoes!) to run away - always check taxi drivers’ rate and don’t talk with them - don’t leave you clothes or any stuff when you need to move away for a sec - it’s better to have a friend to stay at night (no hostels or rooms) Some recommendations: - ЖизньМарт is definitely the best street food to take a coffee or dinner here - Ельцин Центр is one of the most interesting places to go for shopping and events (even for free) - Гринвич is a mall in the center where you can go shopping and eating for a whole day 🫶🏼

Posted: June 8, 2025

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Farzona

Kyrgyzstan

Tula, Group travel

I had an amazing time in Tula! It felt safe and welcoming. The highlight of my trip was visiting Yasnaya Polyana — Tolstoy’s estate is peaceful, inspiring, and full of history. I highly recommend it to everyone! Tula also has great local food and a cozy atmosphere. A perfect place for a short escape into Russian culture and literature.

Posted: May 13, 2025Experienced: April, 2025

favorite_border 2

mode_comment 0

Is Russia safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 204 local experiences

Crime index

2 /5

Based on 204 local experiences

Russia

I live in Saint Petersburg in a regular residential area. I have never had any traumatic events in these places. At the same time, there are quite a lot of drunk people and returning soldiers. This makes me careful. I always have pepper spray with me, but I have never used it. Most of the time I feel comfortable, but not without additional efforts

Posted: July 8, 2025

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Nastya

Moscow

moscow city center is very safe. you can walk there night and day without worrying. but the areas outside of the center are a bit less safe (such as Vychino, Golianovo, Lubertsy). my advice is not to walk there at midnight

Posted: July 7, 2025

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Check all reviews