Is New York Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

New York is generally safe for solo female travelers. With its well-connected public transit, well-lit streets, and 24/7 city life, women can feel comfortable traveling alone. However, safety is a relative term and always depends on your individual behaviors and precautions. Just like any large city, there may be areas that are less safe than others. Being aware of your surroundings, not showing valuables openly, and avoiding isolated and unfamiliar areas late at night are always smart moves. But, overall, NYC offers a relatively safe environment where solo female travelers can enjoy their travel adventures.

Safety rating

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How safe is New York?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

New York City is generally safe for solo female travelers, even at night. However, like any large and busy city, it is essential to be aware of your surroundings. The city is well-lit, and people are usually around, but some neighborhoods can be less safe after dark. Always stick to well-trafficked areas, avoid poorly lit streets, and use taxis or rideshare apps if you're uncomfortable or unsure. Make sure to research before venturing to any unfamiliar areas.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in New York is generally reliable and safe. The subway operates 24/7 and is regularly patrolled by the police. However, as with any large city, it's advisable to stay alert, especially during off-peak hours. Keep an eye on your belongings, avoid empty subway cars, and don't hesitate to switch cars or get off at the next station if you feel uncomfortable. As long as you use your common sense, you should have no major issues while navigating the city.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Moderate

New York is generally considered a safe city for solo female travelers. However, street harassment can and does occur, much like it does in any large, densely populated city with various socio-economic backgrounds. This typically takes the form of catcalling or lewd comments but instances of more serious harassment and even physical harassment to occasionally occur. It is important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially late at night or in less trafficked areas.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

New York City, like any major urban area, has its fair share of petty crimes such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation. While the city is generally safe, it's always advisable to be mindful of your surroundings, keep personal belongings secure at all times, and avoid unlit or desolate areas at night.

Is New York worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 53 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

3.8/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.2/5

Solo travel

The streets were safe enough but I was very attentive in metro. There are cool restaurants all around the city. It’s called an expensive city but I believe there are budget friendly activities and restaurants

Posted: January 8, 2025
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Dalma

Dalma

Hungary

Family travel

We stayed at Brooklyn cause it was much cheaper than Manhattan, but still close enough to be at the Times Square in 30 minutes. The public transport is fascinating there, the metro network is easy to use and comparing to how much we used it, its relatively cheap. The food is expensive and full of calories but so so so delicious. It worths to try it, really. For program: watching a Broadway musical, visiting the Statue of Liberty and that small Zoo in the huge Central Park is a must. I liked every and each moment of this trip (even tho we visited Queens where I didn't felt that safe than anywhere else).

Posted: December 31, 2024Experienced: May, 2024
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Eva

Eva

Norway

Couple travel

It was my first time in NY,I really liked the city and the vibes but I dislike people there and prices. Of course KFC,McDonalds and etc. are cheap but if you want eat out in good restaurant it can costs you a fortune. The city very big,I would rather say enormous. Advice*always take 20 minutes extra because metro train cannot to come. Overall,NYC is the city where everyone can find something for their souls and pockets 🤗

Posted: December 28, 2024
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Solo travel

I treated my dad to an immersive experience for his birthday and it was great. I rode on the subway for the first time which was also an exciting experience. We spent 2 days together then he left and stayed behind on my own for a few days more where I went on a self-guided walking tour of DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights on my own which was so memorable but would have been better with company.

Posted: October 18, 2024Experienced: August, 2024
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Juliana

Juliana

Brazil

Solo travel

My experience in New York was wonderful. I highly recommend going at least once and visiting places like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and the Summit Observatory. It has an incredible view. And the iconic Central Park, you can't miss it.

Posted: September 7, 2024
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Laura

Laura

Czech Republic

Solo travel

Travelled to NYC solo for the first time in june. Best experience were the Broadway Shows I went to see: Wicked and MJ One. Times Square is beautiful and SOHO great for shopping. I stayed at the Upper West Side, saw the MET that didn’t have a lot of people at the opening time until 12PM.

Posted: September 4, 2024
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Solo travel

A great and amazing city. All the times I went there I had never been disappointed. Great museums, food. The people are amazing. You are never bored. There are lots of things to entertain you. One of the greatest city in the world.

Posted: September 1, 2024
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Group travel

Was my second time in NYC and I was travelling with two friends. We always felt safe. food was delicious but the amount of food is insane, we always shared two main dishes and it was enough😅 we did not do the usual touridtic stuff this time, so it was a complete different trip this time

Posted: August 31, 2024
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Sarah

Sarah

United States

Solo travel

I loved traveling solo to New York City. It felt surreal being there for the first dream. So many of my favorite movies were filmed in the city so it felt like a dream come true visiting there for the first time. I stayed a hostel near Central Park and loved the location. Ate some amazing pizza and bagels and most some nice fellow travelers along my trip that I ate pizza with and they bought me dinner. Traveling solo has really opened up my eyes to the possibilities of just doing things alone and facing your fears. Do not wait for others to do things you want to do. Just go out and do them alone.

Posted: August 25, 2024
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Celia

Celia

Germany

Family travel

I loved new york city, i think the people out there were amazing and so kind. I felt safe but in the night i didn’t feel so safe like i did in the morning and afternoon. I stayed at the chelsea inn hotel and it was perfectly fine because i just slept there and for that it was great. I would say everyone should see this city once in their life

Posted: August 20, 2024Experienced: August, 2024
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Is New York safe for women?

Safety index

3.7 /5

Based on 43 local experiences

Crime index

2.7 /5

Based on 43 local experiences

NYC is extremely safe because there are tons of people always around, lots of cameras and surveillance around so someone is literally always watching, people will help if you’re in need, there are tons of police present in all parts of the city

Posted: January 12, 2025
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Clare

Clare

New York City is safe if you have someone you know to show you around and how to get around! I go to work and walk home late at night alone daily and I feel, that when I am being aware of my surroundings, I am safe .

Posted: January 10, 2025
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Meet locals in New York

Belen

Belen

About Me

Hi! I’m cute person хихи

Speaking

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Reesa

Reesa

About Me

Hi! I am Reesa <3 and a current college student in NYC studying Human Rights and Applied Math. I love collecting rings, hiking, poetry, meditating, dancing, and exploring anything and everything.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in New York

Eliza

Eliza

New York

Can host for:

4 days

About me

Creative, energetic and fun.

Speaking

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Joanna

Joanna

New York

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi! My name is Joanna, i am 24 years old, mexican american and ill be traveling solo for almost 3 months in west and central europe

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to New York

Lisa

Lisa

About Me

Hi I’m Lisa , I live in Germany and right now I study veterinary medicine in Munich. As you might guess I love animals, especially dogs and horses (my family owns a Labrador retriever called Amy). 😍I love to meet up with friends or maybe future friends, explore new cities, cultures … and I’m always loving to participate in any kind of activity🤗 Furthermore I love to be creative with art and explore nature. Coffee and cake dates are also perfect 😅 I would love to meet you

Speaking

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Safety in United States