Is Porto Alegre Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Porto Alegre, like many other large cities in Brazil, poses safety concerns. While local people are generally friendly and welcoming, crime rates such as theft and robbery are quite high, especially in certain neighborhoods. It is advised to maintain a high level of vigilance, avoid travelling alone at night, keep all belongings secure, and be careful when going to less-frequented places.

Safety rating

2.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

2.9 /5

Based on 10 experiences from local women

Travel and Meet new People

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.

How safe is Porto Alegre?

Safety at night:Unsafe

Porto Alegre is a unique city in Brazil with a vibrant culture. However, it is recommended to practice caution, specifically during night time. While there are areas that are safe, others can be less safe and experience crime, especially if alone. Always choose populated and well-lit areas to walk at night and avoid showing off valuable belongings. Utilize safe transport options like trusted taxi services or Uber, particularly after dark. It's also advisable to be aware of your surroundings and maintain a confident demeanour to discourage potential issues.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Porto Alegre, including buses and trains, is generally used by locals and tourists alike. As a solo female traveler, however, you should exercise caution especially during non-peak hours or when using less populated stops. Instances of pick-pocketing and occasional verbal harassment have been reported. While such incidences are not rampant, the general advice is to remain vigilant, avoid displaying valuable items openly, and stay in well-lit, populated areas whenever possible. Always keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.

Street harassment:Low

Porto Alegre, as a part of Brazil, does encounter some street harassment issues occasionally. However, the frequency is not very high, especially in the tourist areas. Locals are generally friendly and respectful towards women. It is still important to take safety precautions such as avoiding walking alone late at night in less crowded areas.

Petty crimes:Moderate

Porto Alegre, like any large city, has its share of petty crimes like pickpocketing and purse snatching, particularly in crowded areas and public transportation. Therefore, it is crucial to be vigilant at all times, keep your belongings close to you, and avoid displaying valuable items openly. Use caution when navigating the city, especially in areas that are not frequented by tourists.

Is Porto Alegre worth visiting?

No travel experience found

Be the first to share your experience.

Is Porto Alegre safe for women?

Safety index

2.9 /5

Based on 10 local experiences

Crime index

2.9 /5

Based on 10 local experiences

junië

It’s safe for women, but it’s not recommended for you to walk alone at night because of robberies. If you are with other people, it’s fine! Just don’t walk with your phone out or your jewelry showing too much because it’s easier to get targeted like that. But if you are with other people, not alone it’s gonna be easier for you to just walk around without a worry. Crowded places are definitely easier for you to get robbed, but I would say people just have to save your bags or take care of your things because of pick pockets.

Posted: February 3, 2025

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Shay

Porto Alegre is a capital in the south of Brazil so you need to take all the precautions you would in any big city, but it’s not dangerous as long as you stick to the nice areas of town, like the more central areas such as Moinhos de Ventos, Petrópolis, Montserrat and such.

Posted: January 31, 2025

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Check all reviews

Meet locals in Porto Alegre

Bárbara

About Me

I’m a very friendly and respectful person to get along with. I’d love to make new friends using this app! Women friends precisely and feel safer during my trips :) I’m mostly online on ig @unepetitebr

Speaking

mode_comment 0

junië

About Me

Hey! I’m Junie. 26 years old Brazilian travelling the world. Currently I work for a marketing company as a copywriter but I already worked in many areas. I was an English teacher for kids for 5 years :) I lived in Australia for a year, went back to brasil and now I’m travelling a bit more. Started in December 2024 and haven’t stopped since.

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Porto Alegre

Bárbara

Porto Alegre

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Gabriela

Porto Alegre

Can host for:

4 days

About me

Hey, I’m Gaby! I’m 25yo and wanting to see most of the world and learn all languages at the same time (but failing in most 😂), I work in marketing so I’m basically the stereotype of that: communicative and friendly, never afraid to do anything by myself if I want I to and no one wants to come together. It will be nice to meet you!