Traveling with family and friends is great, but there’s something about traveling alone that makes you feel a bit more adventurous. There’s nothing quite like the exhilaration of exploring a new place unaccompanied, but it’s not always the best choice.
Some cities, despite their qualities, are too unsafe to visit by yourself. If you plan on venturing to these cities alone, bring someone along to keep you company and stay safe.
1. Atlanta, Georgia
Georgia’s capital city is one of the most vibrant places in the country. Between the sports, history, arts, culture, and food, There's so much about Atlanta to love. It’s a city you have to see in person to truly appreciate.
On the flip side, Atlanta law enforcement has been valiantly battling crime in the city. While most violent crimes have dropped by more than ten percent in the first half of the year, more homicides have been reported since the same time last year.
2. Baltimore, Maryland
Charm City is home to some of the best restaurants on the East Coast. Not only can you find some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever have, but the city has an incredible mix of global cuisine. From Korean to Venezuelan food, Baltimore has it all.
Overall crime in Baltimore is falling, but it’s still not a great place to travel alone. There’s safety in numbers, so visiting the city with a companion or two would be advisable. Enjoy all the city has to offer, but do it cautiously.
3. Birmingham, Alabama
Like most, if not all cities in the South, the residents of Birmingham are known for their hospitality. It’s a city of must-see historical monuments and museums related to its history. Being an Alabama football fan certainly doesn’t hurt, either.
Despite its many attributes, Birmingham has been named one of the most dangerous cities in the United States due to its high levels of violent crime. If you want to visit and take in the history and culture, please err on the side of caution and take a friend.
4. Chicago, Illinois
Being the home of Chicago Jazz and the origin of house music proves the city has a colorful musical culture. Chicago has more than 30 music venues, so no matter what kind of music you prefer, there’s a spot for it.
When visiting Chicago, the level of safety depends on which neighborhood you’re in. Some areas are definitely safer than others, but it’s hard to make that distinction if you’re unfamiliar with the city. If you have a guide who knows Chicago, that’s all the better.
5. Cleveland, Ohio
The city of Cleveland is the brunt of many jokes, but it has quite a few landmarks that appeal to residents and travelers alike, including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the family home from the classic movie A Christmas Story.
The crime reports for Cleveland are a mixed bag, with some violent crimes increasing and others decreasing. The city is taking steps to address its issues. Considering the number of neighborhoods in the city that are unsafe, it’s not a good idea to walk around by yourself.
6. Detroit, Michigan
There’s only one place where you can find probably the greatest music label in history – the Motown Museum, aka Hitsville U.S.A., catch a game of the resurging Lions football team, and attend a car cruise, and that’s the city of Detroit.
The Motor City has a storied history in the music and automobile industries, but it also has a reputation for violence. While crime for the most part in decreasing, incidents like larcenies and assaults have gone up. Exercise caution when visiting there.
7. Houston, Texas
Anyone who’s fascinated by space travel is familiar with the vital role Houston has in the U.S. space program. Houston has many other attractions, but the chance to see elements of space history is too good to pass up.
The rate of violent crime in Houston is falling, but that doesn’t give you the all-clear to walk around the city without a care in the world. You still have to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, and being paired up or in a group gives you extra sets of eyes.
8. Kansas City, Missouri
Hosting festivals is a year-round Kansas City specialty. From the Snake Saturday Parade & Family Fun Festival in January to the Vaile Strawberry Festival in June to the Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival in November, there’s no shortage of events to attend.
While these festivals are an important part of the city’s culture, it’s impossible to overlook its poor public safety record. A significant factor in the dramatic rise of crime is the dangerously low number of law enforcement personnel, which makes individual travel problematic.
9. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is no stranger to having a large influx of visitors nearly every day of the year. The casino capital of the U.S. receives tens of millions of visitors a year, making it one of the most highly traveled places in the country.
Measures have been taken to make the Las Vegas Strip safer for residents and visitors alike, such as the passage of a law prohibiting standing and loitering on the bridges located along the street. This may make the Strip safer, but the same can’t be said for the rest of the city.
10. Memphis, Tennessee
Several Southern states are known for their barbecue, but did you know that Memphis alone has more than 100 barbecue spots? That’s an impressive number by any standard and makes visiting the city all the more attractive, especially if you’re a foodie.
Before booking your trip to the barbecue mecca, be mindful that the city struggles with public safety. Some crimes have decreased while some violent ones have increased, making Memphis a particularly precarious place to travel.
11. Miami Beach, Florida
Receiving millions of visitors a year, Miami Beach knows how to welcome people to its shores. Its reputation as a hub of outdoor fun is well-deserved. The city’s clear blue-green waters, white sand beaches, and dozens of public parks provide the perfect backdrop.
The South Florida city is also among the most dangerous in the region. Crime in general has fallen, but property crimes remain high. If you visit Miami Beach, take someone along and keep an eye on your belongings.
12. Newark, New Jersey
Newark, New Jersey has long suffered with a reputation for being one of the most violent cities in America, but it appears the tide may be changing. While public safety continues to be an issue, violent crimes have been on a downward trajectory.
It would still be wise to travel to Newark as a pair or in groups, and when you do, you’ll find a city working hard to put its violent past in the rearview mirror. The city boasts of landmarks like the NJ Walk of Fame, and the gorgeous stained glass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, both of which are worth a visit.
13. New Orleans, Louisiana
When it comes to celebrations, Mardi Gras in New Orleans is tough to beat. Where else can you eat beignets and po’ boys, dance in the French Quarter, and be the recipient of legendary Southern hospitality, all in one place?
New Orleans is amazing in its touristy areas, but if you travel into the outlying wards, it can be a dicey situation. The city’s crime rate is falling faster than the national average, but it’s still wise to buddy up when visiting.
14. Oakland, California
This West Coast city has a unique vibe that includes fashion, food, and music, all done Oakland style, as the locals say. The city is a must-visit if you want to get a feel for an authentic, culturally diverse California experience.
The city has reported a significant drop in violent crime, and that’s always welcome news, but its public safety can be better. No location is 100 percent safe, but it’s the wiser move to visit the Bay Area with someone else.
15. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The City of Brotherly Love is the home of iconic landmarks like the Love statue in Love Park, the Philadelphia Art Museum whose steps were made famous in the movie Rocky, the Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall.
While violent crime has been falling recently, it can still be perilous in many neighborhoods, even in the more affluent sections of the city. Philly is a great place with a lot of history, but try and share the experience with others.
16. St. Louis, Missouri
The home of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team is also the location for memorable activities like taking a tram to the top of the famed Gateway Arch, which is 630 feet high, and places like the Missouri Botanical Garden and the City Museum.
Sadly, St. Louis has a crime rate that can best be described as nearly uncontrollable with no remedy in sight. Persistent law enforcement shortages and inadequate resources only make things worse for the city.
17. Stockton, California
The multicultural community in Stockton is one of its greatest attributes. Its arts and culture scenes are equally impressive, like the open-air artwork at DeCarli Square and the wildlife exhibits at the Micke Grove Zoo.
Stockton has been named one of the most dangerous places in California. It has one of the state’s highest rates of violent crime and exceeds the national average. If you must visit Stockton, do not venture there alone under any circumstances.
