Is Boston Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Boston is generally safe for solo female travelers. It's a city with good public transportation and coffeeshops, bookstores or restaurants in every corner where you can feel comfortable even if you're alone. Furthermore, people in Boston are helpful and polite. However, as in any city, especially large ones, it is necessary to exercise caution particularly at night, and in less busy or poorly lit areas.

Safety rating

4.4 /5

Based on 9 experiences from female travelers

4.8 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4 /5

Based on 17 experiences from local women

Boston is currently ranked #7 safest place in United States for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 4.4 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Boston?

Safety at night:Safe

Boston is generally a safe city for solo female travelers. The public spaces are well-lit and populated, even late into the night. While traditional tourist areas such as Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and the North End are considered safe to navigate at night, always use common sense and stay aware of your surroundings. As in any other city, there could be certain areas less safe, particularly after dark. Public transportation is reliable and user-friendly, and there is also a good number of taxis and rideshares available. However, it's always necessary to remain attentive, avoid walking alone late at night in deserted areas and let someone know your whereabouts for your own security.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Boston is quite safe, especially during daytime and early evening hours. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) or 'the T' as locals call it, is well-maintained and continuously monitored. The majority of the commuters are locals, students, and tourists, and the presence of a strong community atmosphere can be felt. However, like any big city, late-night traveling can be a bit more vulnerable, so always be aware of your surroundings and consider using a taxi or rideshare service after dark.

Street harassment:Low

Boston is reasonably safe for solo female travelers. In general, Bostonians are respectful and street harassment is not frequently encountered. However, like any large city, it is advised to remain aware of your surroundings and avoid less-traveled areas at night. While generally safe, areas such as Mattapan, Roxbury, and some parts of Dorchester could turn unsafe after dark. Public transport is safe but avoid less busy stops during off-hours. Also, as a college town, Boston has a strong nightlife. Attend these social events, but never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers.

Petty crimes:Low

Boston experiences some level of petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse-snatching particularly in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation. However, with a degree of caution, such as not flaunting valuable items and staying aware of one's surroundings, these risks can be significantly minimized. Overall, the city is relatively safe compared to many other major U.S. cities.

Is Boston worth visiting?

Overall rating

4 /5

based on 9 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3.8/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

3.9/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5

Ren

United States

Solo travel

Visited in the summer, the T (trains) were pretty regular and not as delayed as NYC trains (max 15 min delay one time in my 3 month internship). Harvard yard, Boston Commons, all the trails are lovely. I traveled around at most hours of the day and it was relatively quiet/calm the entire time. If I had extra time I'd love to check out Salem!

Posted: November 27, 2024Experienced: April, 2018

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Gabrielle

Brazil

Solo travel

I went there to few days to commemorate my birthday. I did couch surfing at the moment. Was in 2015. Was really nice the experience. I really recommend! The weather wasn’t the best one, but if you have good clothes can be fine.

Posted: June 26, 2024

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Nour'hane

United Arab Emirates

Solo travel

My experience was amazing in Boston, I spent there two nights It’s very safe and people are friendly, it’s a little bit expensive in food and activities but there’s lot of public places that you can visit and enjoy for free I had the best seafood there, many parks around and amazing clubs

Posted: May 16, 2024

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Solo travel

I found that Boston was a very clean city. It was bustling with students, and there was lots of great music. I did not stay long as I was just passing through on a solo road trip however, I do feel as if I could live there! Very lovely architecture and I didn’t find the driving too bad.

Posted: March 4, 2024

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Solo travel

I went alone about a month ago, and the people were very nice and friendly. It was one of the easiest cities to tour solo. I spent 3 days eating and drinking.

Posted: October 24, 2023

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Solo travel

You should go down the Freedom Trail, it will guide you through the city and past many historical sites. There are pleasant shops on Newbury St., some of them are a bit expensive, but it's a great neighborhood with a good selection of restaurants. Select Oyster Bar is a great place with a nice bar for eating alone. Boston is my favorite city, I've always found public transportation to be safe and easy to understand.

Posted: September 6, 2022

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Is Boston safe for women?

Safety index

4 /5

Based on 17 local experiences

Crime index

1.5 /5

Based on 17 local experiences

Boston is relatively a very safe city. People are not openly friendly but will always have your back if you need it. It is very walkable and public transport is easy to navigate. Crime is low and petty crimes like theft are not common. As a woman I have never felt unsafe in Boston, although be on your guard at night time in less public areas.

Posted: December 29, 2024

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Jenna

While there are certain pockets of Boston that may feel a bit more unsafe than others, I have lived in Boston for over 5 years and have never had a problem in the city or felt unsafe walking alone, traveling, dining, taking public transport, etc

Posted: December 29, 2024

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Meet locals in Boston

Diana

About Me

I am officially a doctoral student currently living in Boston. Unofficially I am a photographer and I also love crafting things, cooking, running, reading, yoga and scuba diving.

Speaking

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Marie

About Me

Hi! My name is Marie and I am a fun and friendly person looking to make new friends across the world! I am traveling with my college roommate Cate and we are looking for community, new experience and challenges for ourselves. I am a writer and artist, I love working with my hands, and I love being spontaneous!! I think that human connection requires effort and good intentions, and we have both in abundance.

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Stay with locals in Boston

Diana

Boston

Can host for:

2 days

About me

I am officially a doctoral student currently living in Boston. Unofficially I am a photographer and I also love crafting things, cooking, running, reading, yoga and scuba diving.

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Hilary

Boston

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello! I live in the suburbs of Boston, MA USA area and will be traveling to Italy and Germany for work. I will be staying for a few weeks to a month at a time and plan to travel on weekends. I would love to meet up with like minded people for a meal or day/ weekend trips.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Boston

Coco

About Me

I absolutely adore meeting new people and exploring new places! I'm a social butterfly 🦋 and love to be outdoors! I hope to travel more around the world and share my experiences with everyone! 🫶🏽☺️🫰🏽