New York City, United States
New York
New York is probably the best big city in the world for solo female travelers - the constant energy and people around actually make it safer, not more dangerous. You can eat alone at any restaurant without weird looks, take the subway at midnight, and walk through most Manhattan neighborhoods feeling secure. The NYPD has a strong presence in tourist areas, and there's always foot traffic even late at night. Street harassment happens but it's usually just catcalling that you can ignore - New Yorkers are actually pretty good about minding their own business. The subway runs 24/7 which is amazing, though stick to the middle cars on late trains and trust your gut if something feels off. Yes, it's expensive and exhausting, but there's something liberating about being completely anonymous in a city of 8 million people where everyone's doing their own thing.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
ModerateTransportation
GoodPickpocketing Safety
GoodScam Safety
GoodPolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
GoodSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
Moderate- Upper East Side
- Upper West Side
- Greenwich Village
- West Village
- Chelsea
- Tribeca
- Battery Park City
- Brooklyn Heights
- Park Slope
- DUMBO
- Williamsburg
- Midtown East
- East Harlem (at night)
- Parts of the Bronx (Hunts Point, Mott Haven)
- East New York, Brooklyn
- Brownsville, Brooklyn
- Isolated areas of Central Park at night
- Subway platforms late at night (use first or middle cars)
Primary language is English. NYC is highly international with many languages spoken. Emergency services (911) have multilingual operators available. Tourist information is available in multiple languages at visitor centers and major attractions.
- New Yorkers seem rude but most will help if you ask nicely. Walk with purpose and don't block sidewalks - people are usually in a hurry. Make eye contact and look confident, especially on public transport.
- Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 15-20% for taxis. Many places automatically add gratuity for groups of 6+. Bring cash for tips since some places make it hard to add tips to cards.
- Dress varies a lot by neighborhood and venue. Comfortable shoes are essential - you'll walk way more than you think. Some fancy restaurants and rooftop bars have dress codes, but most places are pretty casual.
- The subway runs 24/7 and costs $2.90 per ride. Download the MTA app for real-time updates and directions. Avoid empty train cars, especially late at night - there's usually a reason they're empty.
- Uber and Lyft work well but are expensive during peak times and bad weather. Yellow taxis are regulated but can be hard to find when it's raining. Manhattan is very walkable if you don't mind crowds and noise.
- Walking is the best way to see the city during the day. Stick to busy, well-lit streets at night and avoid cutting through parks after dark. Look like you know where you're going even if you don't.
Fall (September-November) has perfect weather in the 60s-70s and way fewer crowds once kids go back to school - this is when New York looks like it does in the movies. Spring (April-May) is nice too but you'll get hit with random rainstorms and it's still pretty crowded. Summer is brutal - 85°F (29°C) with crazy humidity, packed sidewalks, and hotel prices through the roof. Winter gets down to 30°F (-1°C) but you'll save money on hotels and actually be able to get restaurant reservations. Honestly, avoid summer unless you love crowds and don't mind sweating through your clothes.
Help other women explore New York City safely
Safe Accommodations in New York City
Carefully vetted accommodations trusted by solo female travelers, with female-friendly features and safety amenities.
Safety Features
- 24-hour front desk security
- Female-only dormitory options
- Secure keycard access
- Safe Upper West Side location
Walking Distance
Highlights
- Historic building on the Upper West Side
- Walking distance to Central Park and Columbia
- Clean dorms with female-only options available
- Good reputation among solo travelers
Social Atmosphere
High - game rooms, TV lounge, organized activities
Safety Features
- 24-hour front desk
- Secure building access
- Well-lit neighborhood
- Private rooms with locks
Walking Distance
Highlights
- No-frills accommodation with gym access
- Includes pool and fitness facilities
- Central location near Lincoln Center
- Private rooms available but basic
Social Atmosphere
Low to Medium - more hotel-like atmosphere
Safety Features
- Women-only dormitory options
- Secure building entry
- Reception desk staffed
- Safe Chelsea neighborhood
Walking Distance
Highlights
- Budget-friendly option in trendy Chelsea
- Female-only dorm rooms available
- Close to High Line and Chelsea Market
- Basic but clean accommodations
Social Atmosphere
Medium - backpacker-friendly environment
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Neighborhoods in New York City
Explore the different areas of New York City and find the perfect neighborhood for your stay.
Times Square / Theater District
Times Square offers the quintessential tourist experience with Broadway shows and bright lights, but it's expensive, crowded, and requires constant vigilance against pickpockets.
Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village offers a historic neighborhood atmosphere with tree-lined streets, Washington Square Park, and a mix of students, artists, and locals in a generally safe, walkable area.
Upper West Side
The Upper West Side is a quiet, family-oriented residential area with world-class museums, Central Park access, and excellent safety but limited nightlife and higher costs.
Upper East Side
The Upper East Side is Manhattan's safest and most expensive neighborhood, offering world-class museums and luxury shopping in a formal, residential setting with minimal nightlife.
West Village
The West Village offers historic charm with cobblestone streets, intimate village atmosphere, and excellent safety, making it ideal for solo female travelers despite higher costs.
East Village
The East Village offers alternative culture, diverse dining, and energetic nightlife, but requires more caution than other Manhattan neighborhoods, especially on quieter streets at night.
Chelsea
Chelsea offers the High Line elevated park, Chelsea Market, and numerous art galleries in a safe, well-connected neighborhood between Midtown and the Village.
SoHo
SoHo offers high-end shopping and cast-iron architecture in a historic district that's bustling during the day but quiet at night when stores close.
Midtown East
Midtown East is a business district centered on Grand Central Terminal with excellent transportation but limited character, becoming quiet after office hours.
Midtown West
Midtown West encompasses Times Square, the Theater District, and Hell's Kitchen, offering Broadway shows and dining but with overwhelming crowds and tourist-focused pricing.
Battery Park City
Battery Park City is a planned waterfront community offering excellent safety and harbor views but limited nightlife and a somewhat isolated feel.
Tribeca
Tribeca is an upscale residential neighborhood with celebrity residents and high-end dining, offering excellent safety but limited nightlife and premium pricing.
Financial District
The Financial District offers historic sites like Wall Street and the 9/11 Memorial but transforms into a quiet business area after hours.
Williamsburg
Williamsburg offers trendy restaurants, craft cocktails, and a young professional scene with good nightlife but higher prices and L train dependency for Manhattan access.
Brooklyn Heights
Brooklyn Heights provides a quiet, safe residential atmosphere with historic architecture and stunning Manhattan skyline views from the famous Promenade.
Park Slope
Park Slope is very family-oriented with lots of strollers and organic grocery stores. Safe and pleasant but can feel a bit suburban. Good access to Prospect Park for outdoor activities.
DUMBO
DUMBO has great views and is nice for daytime walks, but can feel a bit empty at night. Good for Instagram photos of the Manhattan skyline. Limited subway access compared to other neighborhoods.
Long Island City
Long Island City is cheaper than staying in Manhattan and has some good views of the city skyline. Can feel pretty quiet and industrial at night. Good subway connections but you'll be commuting to most tourist attractions.
East Harlem
East Harlem has great Puerto Rican and Mexican food, but higher crime rates than other parts of Manhattan. Better for day visits to eat and explore, then head back to safer neighborhoods at night.
Washington Heights
Washington Heights is way uptown but has The Cloisters museum and Fort Tryon Park with good views. Decent Dominican restaurants and generally safer than other uptown areas, but still a bit far from main tourist attractions.