Chicago, United States
What 90% of solo women don't know about staying safe in Chicago.
Main nightlife and dining area with everything from high-end restaurants to speakeasies and clubs. Heavy security presence, but weekend nights get crowded and loud. Good if you want upscale entertainment.
River North is just north of the river - packed with restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and art galleries in a small walkable area. Business district during the day, party zone at night. Hubbard Street has the most nightlife - upscale speakeasies like Three Dots and a Dash, multi-level dance clubs. Mix of tourists, business travelers, and young professionals. Calmer during the day when people visit galleries or brunch. Lots of police and private security around, though weekend nights get loud and crowded with the bar scene. Eating alone is easy - restaurants have bar seating and are used to solo diners, especially at lunch. The Riverwalk is close for daytime walks. More polished and expensive than Wicker Park but less touristy than the Loop. About 5-10 minutes' walk to downtown.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
ModeratePublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
ModerateScam Risk
ModeratePolice Visibility
ExcellentEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
ExcellentSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
LowGetting By in English
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"Felt safe with security everywhere"
"Good restaurants for eating at the bar alone"
"Gets loud and packed on weekends"
"Easy to walk around during the day"
"Nightlife is fun but can be too much"
"Police presence everywhere"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Historic area with Victorian architecture and nightlife, home to Second City comedy theater. Safe and walkable with varied restaurants. Good if you want entertainment and historic character.
Diverse North Side area with LGBTQ+-friendly Boystown, sports-focused Wrigleyville, and residential East Lakeview. Generally safe and inclusive with good restaurants and nightlife. Feels like actual neighborhood living.
Main food destination with high-end restaurants and cocktail bars in old warehouse buildings. Safe and walkable. Good if you care about dining and want something more local than downtown.
Help other women stay safe in River North
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.