Melbourne, Australia
Richmond has some of Melbourne's best Vietnamese food, and the multicultural vibe is genuine rather than touristy. Some parts can feel rough though, especially the northern end of Victoria Street, so you'll want to stick to the main commercial areas and be aware of your surroundings.
Richmond has amazing Vietnamese food on Victoria Street, but you need to know which parts are safe. During the day the restaurant strip is busy with families and food tourists, but it gets quiet after 9pm. Swan Street is the gentrified part with better lighting and safer restaurants. But the area around Richmond Station and north of Lennox Street gets rough - higher crime rates and you can go from a safe block to a dodgy one really quickly. Vietnamese restaurants are great for solo dining, though some staff have limited English. Avoid the side streets at night and stick to the main commercial areas.
Daytime Safety
GoodNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
ModeratePublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
ModerateScam Risk
ModeratePolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
GoodEvening Venues
GoodSolo Dining
GoodDrug Activity
ModerateHomelessness Visibility
ModerateGetting By in English
Excellent"It's hit or miss - some parts are fine but Victoria Street can feel pretty rough"
"The Vietnamese food is amazing though, especially on Victoria Street"
"Swan Street feels safer and more gentrified, Victoria Street less so"
"Lots of expats around which is nice for meeting people"
"The northern end of Victoria Street gets pretty sketchy, stay on the main strip"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Carlton has good Italian food and cultural attractions like the museum. The student population keeps it lively but can also make some areas a bit rowdy at night. Overall it's manageable if you stick to the main streets and take normal city precautions.
Collingwood gives you access to Melbourne's alternative scene along Smith Street. The young professional and creative crowd can be welcoming, but you should be aware that this area has higher crime rates than other parts of Melbourne, especially at night.
Docklands is modern and safe with good infrastructure, but it doesn't have much character or street life. It's more of a corporate/business district, so it can feel pretty quiet, especially in the evenings and weekends.
Help other women stay safe in Richmond
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.