Is it safe for a woman to travel to New York alone? Absolutely. And I would know: I am a travel writer who specializes in solo women’s travel and lives in New York. Since I moved here, dozens, if not hundreds, of women have asked me the same question: I want to visit New York, but is it safe for me to go alone?
I believe that with proper research and preparation, almost anywhere in the world can be safely traveled by a single woman. And the same goes for New York. Millions of women from around the world call New York their home; millions of other women visit every year, many of them alone. That would not be the matter if it were too perilous for single women.
New York is fantastic for other reasons, too. It is a city that is built for the lonely person. So many people are stuck in New York that it is common for residents to seek solitude outside their homes, not inside them. The city reflects this. There are activities for all kinds of people to enjoy on their own, and it is not considered unusual to do activities alone or eat alone.
Whether you’re looking to spend time alone or meet nice people, visit unusual museums or take the most challenging fitness class in town, whether you’re on a budget or have the financial limits, New York has something for every single traveler.
How to use this guide?
This 5000 + word guide is a comprehensive resource for solo women’s trips to New York. And every woman who has traveled alone knows that safety is only one aspect of her journey. Other important things are knowing what activities are good to do as a solo traveler, choosing inviting restaurants and hotels for solo travelers, and learning how to meet people when you want to.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solo Trips to New York
Is New York safe?
New York is one of the safest cities in America—much safer than it was in the 90s, 80s, and earlier years. If you keep an eye on your things and use common sense, you will probably have a very safe time in New York.
Where is the best place for a woman to stay alone in New York?
I recommend staying less than 10 minutes walk to the subway. Some of my favorite tourist spots for travelers are Solo West Village, East Village, Upper West Side, Cobble Hill in Brooklyn, and Long Island City in Queens.
What is the best way to meet people in New York City?
I recommend the weekly Reddit meetup at the peculier pub in the West Village! Visitors are welcome.
What are the best things to do in New York alone?
Some of my 25 favorite things to do on my own in New York are a culinary tour of Queens Street, a Staten Island ferry, a solo Broadway show, a day trip to Governors’ Island, a visit to a Korean spa, sampling Instagrammable food, and more.
Is New York Safe?
New York City is extremely safe—much safer than it was in the 90s, 80s, and before. The New York of today is not the New York Taxi Driver, or RENT, or Home Alone 2, or even Gender and the City.
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Today’s New York has much less crime than before, is much cleaner than before, and is much more expensive than ever. It is a place where some people make six numbers are considered middle class. Almost all of Manhattan and the “ccool parts” of Brooklyn are so hygienic, safety is on par with a theme park.
Over the years, I have found that people tend to associate destinations with their conflicts of the 90s. Mention that you are going to Cambodia, Bosnia, or South Africa, and people will often react as if Pol Pot were still alive; the Serbian bombs fell and apartheid ended yesterday. That is not the matter. Each of these countries has changed enormously since the 1990s, and with appropriate research and preparation, it is safe to travel today.
This also applies to New York. Concrete example? In the episode of Friends, where Frank Jr. visits Phoebe for the first time in New York, filmed in 1996, Frank says, “Yes, I thought maybe we could go to Times Square and pick up ninja stars. My friend Larry wants me to take a picture of a prostitute.”
That makes me laugh. Today, Times Square is one of the most touristy places in the city. It’s hard to believe that 20 years ago (yes, the 90s were 20 years ago!) here you found medicine and ambiguous weapons. Today, families will photograph with Elmo.
Having visited 83 countries and 7 continents, I consider New York to be one of the safest cities in the world. New York may not be as safe as Reykjavik or Tokyo, where you can leave your purse on a bench and no one will touch it, but it’s certainly safer than Paris or Barcelona, where you have to be constantly on your guard for pickpockets.
