Boston, United States
What 90% of solo women don't know about staying safe in Boston.
Back Bay is the easiest base in Boston for a first solo visit, with walkable streets, good transit and plenty of places to eat alone. The trade-off is price, since it is one of the most expensive parts of the city.
Victorian brownstones, tree-lined Commonwealth Avenue and the boutiques and cafés of Newbury Street make Back Bay the part of Boston most visitors picture. It is one of the easier places to base yourself when traveling alone. Streets are wide, well lit and busy from early morning until late evening, with residents, office workers, students and shoppers around most of the day. There are plenty of places to eat alone, from café counters to hotel bars, and staff are used to solo guests. The Green Line stops at Copley Square and Hynes, and the Orange Line at Back Bay Station, so the airport and the rest of the city are easy to reach. The residential side streets away from Boylston and Newbury quiet down late at night, so stick to the main avenues, but overall it is a low-stress area to walk home in.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
LowPublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
LowScam Risk
LowPolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
ExcellentSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
ModerateGetting By in English
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"Felt comfortable walking back to the hotel at night along Newbury and Boylston"
"Easy to eat alone at a bar or café counter without feeling out of place"
"Everything is close together and the T is right here"
"Expensive, but the location makes it worth it"
"Quiet residential streets get empty late, so main roads are the better choice"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Beacon Hill is the most picturesque part of Boston and among its safer neighborhoods, good for slow days, photos and quiet evenings. It is not a nightlife area, and its hills and brick sidewalks are hard on feet and wheels.
The Seaport is modern, clean and comfortable for women on their own, with good seafood, rooftop bars and the ICA. It lacks the historic character of other neighborhoods and is expensive, and some streets are empty late at night.
The North End is atmospheric, walkable and generally safe for women on their own, with some of Boston's best food. Waits at popular places are long, and the streets away from Hanover Street get quiet at night.
Help other women stay safe in Back Bay
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.