The needs of women travellers in New York are – generally speaking – very well catered for.
The Big Apple is a forward thinking and fast moving city and women, whether they are in groups or travelling alone, seldom report that they feel unsafe.
Nevertheless, some neighbourhoods can make some tourists feel uneasy after dark and New Yorkers themselves often advise sticking to the main parts of the city in the evening.
New York is a great destination for a holiday. There are so many famous sights to see and high-quality shops that you feel right at home from just about the minute your aeroplane touches down.
In terms of accommodation, New York like most North American cities has a range of choices. Indeed, New York hotels are some of the finest in the world; their facilities are top-notch and their rooms are spacious, perfect for those who want a peaceful and comfortable stay. These fashionable hotels tend to be located in the downtown part of the city in Manhattan and clustered around Central Park.
In the suburbs, you can find smaller hotels and bed and breakfasts which are more affordable, although generally very good. If you are staying in New York on a budget then there is hostel accommodation which tends to be functional but perfectly clean. These are usually split into modest dormitories of between six to eight people. You can find women-only dorms which are probably worth it if you are travelling alone or only in a small group of females.
Because New York is such a large and cosmopolitan city, you can experience a wide variety of bars and nightlife. However, it also inevitably means that once in a while a lone female may be approached by a stranger. For some women, staying in the right district – where lone females are not uncommon – is the best way of choosing a hotel. General advice can be obtained from tourist information centres. There are plenty of these. Probably the easiest to locate for newcomers to the city is the one situated on Times Square.
The general advice offered usually states that staying anywhere in Manhattan is fine along with large parts of Brooklyn such as Williamsburg. Midtown Manhattan is ideal for women who want to explore lots of the city because it provides a central base that is easy to navigate to and from using the subway. Travelling by public transport is usually unproblematic during the day but many New Yorkers will advise that you opt for a taxi cab if you are travelling through certain neighbourhoods after about 10pm. This is not always necessary, but it is better to be safe than sorry – particularly if you are travelling alone.
When exploring the city, it is a good idea not to look too much like a tourist. If you have a map with you, for instance, fold it away when you are not actually using it to get around. Make sure your handbag is slung over your body and not just hanging from your shoulder. Just like any other large city, you need to be on your guard against potential hazards, but there is no need to feel paranoid. New York really is a great place to travel to.
What are your favourite New York Haunts or recommendations?
NOTE: if you are travelling from abroad you may apply for esta visa online.
