Is Manchester Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Manchester is generally safe for solo female travelers. The city is known for its friendly locals and has a well-developed public transportation system. Common sense precautions still need to be taken such as avoiding some areas at night, and not flaunting valuable items, but overall the city is considered safe for solo female travelers. The risk of serious crime is relatively low, but, like in any big city, petty theft can occur.

Safety rating

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How safe is Manchester?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Manchester, UK, is generally safe, but like other big cities, it has areas that are more prone to crime than others. Also, its safety can vary at different times of the day. At night, it's always better to be extra cautious. Stick to well-lit areas and avoid side streets when possible. Using common sense, such as not flashing valuable belongings and using the buddy system, can significantly enhance personal safety in the city during night hours. Responsible use of alcohol is also encouraged to minimize any related risks.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Manchester, UK, offers a well-organized and efficient public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and trains. Overall, the system is considered safe, especially during daylight hours. However, late at night, it's always wise to remain vigilant and try to travel in busy compartments or areas. Transport staff are generally helpful and security is usually present at stations and major stops.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Manchester in the United Kingdom is generally considered a safe city for solo female travelers. Like any other city, occasional instances of street harassment can occur, but they are not widespread or of high-frequency. The biggest suggestion would be to keep to well-lit, busy areas especially during late hours. Locals are friendly and assistive in case any help is required.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

Manchester, like any other large city in the world, experiences some instances of petty crime such as pickpocketing or bag-snatching, particularly in crowded areas and on public transport. However, by staying alert to your surroundings and taking basic precautions, such as not displaying valuable items openly, you can greatly reduce your risk of being a victim. Be aware of any suspicious behavior and ensure that your belongings are secure at all times.

Is Manchester worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.5 /5

based on 5 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3/5

Safety

3.5/5

Food

3.7/5

Budget-friendly

2.9/5
Britters

Britters

Australia

Solo travel

Spent 3 nights in Manchester solo, all you need is 1 full day unless there is something specific you want to do. I didn't find it as exciting or friendly as London or Bristol which I loved and would go back to again. It is possible there is something I missed though! Safety wise it was very average. I had some concerns because I googled just before I got there (I am inherently a very nervous person) and it seems regarded as a pretty dodgy place. It was honestly fine but I didn't stay out very late at night. There was a lady who came up to me and gave me a story about being on her way to an abortion and needed money for transportation. Next thing I knew I was getting £20 out of the atm and she literally took the note so fast and was off on her way. I felt kinda dumb. My advice is don't engage at all.

Posted: March 4, 2025Experienced: July, 2023
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Couple travel

It was a big city, it was a bit loud but pretty. Much to see. I felt somewhat safe, saw people smoking weed in the streets. The food could have been better, much junk food chains. It was a bit cheap.

Posted: October 2, 2024
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Solo travel

Manchester is an absolutely gorgeous city. I can highly recommend going to museums as they offer a variety of interesting things. Apart from that I never felt so safe in terms of being Queer, I think the existence of the “gay village” existing says it all. Neurodivergency was also not a problem, when I was overwhelmed in the museum of Manchester, the staff kindly showed me to the dedicated quiet space. You need to come here if you love diversity, whether it’s in people, architecture or activities. Just awesome!

Posted: July 26, 2024
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Katie

Katie

United Kingdom

Group travel

Stayed in Manchester with a few mates for a New Year’s black tie event was absolutely amazing, but it’s quite expensive to stay in Manchester, but would strongly recommend as it was a great experience 

Posted: January 15, 2024Experienced: December, 2023
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Solo travel

Manchester during the holidays was a lot of fun! Great and safe public transport options that got me from the airport to the city center quickly. Great museums and Christmas markets. As with any big city, you have to be aware of your surroundings, but I didn’t feel like I had to worry about safety while I was there. The Christmas markets had a lot of great food that wasn’t too expensive. Tons of fun!

Posted: December 22, 2023
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Is Manchester safe for women?

Safety index

3.6 /5

Based on 27 local experiences

Crime index

2.1 /5

Based on 27 local experiences

Manchester is quite safe. I live there and haven’t had any bad incidents. However, as a woman I do keep cautious especially when I am walking alone at night and people can rob you or harass you so it is best to not carry any expensive belongings

Posted: February 23, 2025
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Louise

Louise

I want to believe this is a safe city, obviously as a woman I don’t feel 100% safe anywhere I go. But if you have your wits about you and you are able to not let men ruin it, you will have a great time

Posted: January 13, 2025
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Meet locals in Manchester

Charlotte

Charlotte

About Me

I’m a French-American living in Manchester and I was born and raised in Paris. I’m a community organiser and a French teacher to bilingual kids. I’m passionate about people helping each other out, community action, and international solidarity. I love travelling, hiking, learning languages (like Arabic), teaching my native languages (English and French), and learning about other cultures.

Speaking

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Ellie

Ellie

About Me

Hi, my name is Ellie and I’m from a village half way between Manchester and Liverpool in the UK. I live in New Hampshire, US from Sept- early May for university. I currently study environmental science and international politics 🇬🇧🇺🇸 I’m an avid trail runner and I love to explore places via running solo or finding a running group there- I especially love coastal and mountain runs. My favourite way to relax is to sit in nature to read romance novels or write poetry and I will never say no to a cappuccino, hot chocolate or matcha at a cute cafe. I love trying local food- my favourite cuisines are Greek (I love mousaka), Brazilian, Japanese teppanyaki, Mexican, Italian and traditional Indian. I’m not a drinker but I do love a good jazz bar, a lively restaurant atmosphere with good music, or even a party with karaoke. I also love to be active- whether that’s rock climbing, water-sports, badminton or swimming in the sea. I’m always up for an adventure and my favourite trips have been the most craziest such as quad biking in the Turkish desert, running up Rocacorba in Girona. I’m 1/4 polish (although my grandmother forgot how to speak polish from a young age) and I definitely want to visit at some point and maybe even look into learning the language and applying for a polish passport in the future 🇵🇱. I love learning languages but sometimes I may be a little nervous to speak them due to my dyslexia even though I can understand mostly. I am also hoping to go on an inter-railing trip through Europe at some point: I have a few places on my bucket list so far: the UN in Geneva, the Dolomites.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Manchester

Charlotte

Charlotte

Manchester

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I’m a French-American living in Manchester and I was born and raised in Paris. I’m a community organiser and a French teacher to bilingual kids. I’m passionate about people helping each other out, community action, and international solidarity. I love travelling, hiking, learning languages (like Arabic), teaching my native languages (English and French), and learning about other cultures.

Speaking

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Nala

Nala

Manchester

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hiii 👋🏽 I'm Nala, 32 Mancunian Mixed race girl. I love to travel✈️, meet new people, laugh🤭 and love life. I speak English and Arabic and have travelled🧳 a fair bit. Would love to get back into travelling, making new friends💃🏽 to share stories and experiences🪂 with. I'm out going, sociable, love trying new things, friendly and a big foodie😋🍲.

Speaking

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Maria

Maria

Manchester

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Love meeting new people, trying out new foods and cultures. Im so grateful for all my experiences.

Speaking

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Gee

Gee

Manchester

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello! I am Gee and I love to travel and meeting people along the way 😊

Speaking

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Charlotte

Charlotte

Manchester

Can host for:

1 day

About me

Hi My names Lottie and 25 and work at a bank. I’m planning to do some budget travel / backpacking this year and looking for some travel buddies. There are lots of places I’d like to go and I’m open to different locations

Speaking

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Rachel

Rachel

Manchester

Can host for:

1 day

About me

Hi, I'm Rachel- I really love history and travelling so I'd love to show you around the city I'm from!

Speaking

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June

June

Manchester

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hey!, I'm June and I'm interested in animals, architecture, art, books, cinema, culture, education, events & social, food & cuisine, health, hiking, history, live music, nature, photography, science, sightseeing and solo travel

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Manchester

Veri

Veri

About Me

Hey, I'm Veronika (or better Veri) from Germany. I love traveling and now I have the possibility to travel alone because I'm out of a long relationship. I would love to meet some locals while traveling to see the country/city through their eyes and have a chat and do some activities. Maybe I can even stay the night at your place. I also love to host people in my home town Reutlingen (I'm also active on Couchsurfing). I'm looking forward to get some new experiences and meet people all over the world and maybe find some new friends 😊

Speaking

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Ariadna

Ariadna

About Me

Hello! I'm a PhD student and Latin American. So far that's it.

Speaking

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Safety in United Kingdom