Is Rio de Janeiro Safe for Female Travelers?
Experiences from Rio de Janeiro
Overall rating
based on 13 experiences
Rating summary
Things to do
Safety
Food
Budget-friendly
Solo travel experience
I was in Rio for a while and I enjoyed the touristy spots I visited. My advice is to keep your phone safe and use Uber. Don't walk about when it gets dark.
Posted: September 10, 2023Local experience
I’m half Brazilian and go to Rio almost every year to visit my family. People usually tell that it’s not a safe city but honestly, you need to be cautious like any other city, but there are some extra precautions you can take. Don’t walk around with your phone in your hand or draw a ton of attention to yourself, especially in high tourist spots like Zona Sul. Leave your fancy jewelry at home and don’t have your windows open too far if you’re sitting at a red light. Tourists are unfortunately targets for muggers but as long as you keep everything close you should be good. These are all rules locals follow and what I’ve been taught since I was a kid. Rio is a beautiful city and I absolutely love it there, you just need to be a little extra cautious is all.
Posted: June 11, 2023Solo travel experience
I stayed in the Copacabana neighborhood and loved it. I didn’t go out late at night and just made sure to be cautious of my belongings in crowded areas, just as I would in any other large city. I heard mixed reviews before I went, but I was very pleasantly surprised and overall felt safe in Rio. Highly recommend checking out a steakhouse, Sugarloaf Mountain, and taking the cable car the Christ the Redeemer.
Posted: June 8, 2023Solo travel experience
I spent 10 days in Rio solo a few months ago and fell completely in love with that city. One of the top places I’ve visited and I never felt very scared or fear for my own safety, but I did follow all those common safety rules. Brazilians are some of the most friendly and joyful people I’ve met.
Posted: May 31, 2023Solo travel experience
Rio de Janeiro is a city it is worth visiting. Crime is high but knowing how to move around will allow you to have plenty of experiences You can stay 2 weeks or 2 years and still have new things to do.
Posted: May 23, 2023Group travel experience
Rio is such an amazing city! But can get very unsafe, even in Copacabana. We went for carnival and had such an amazing time.
Posted: May 1, 2023Group travel experience
I was in Rio with my friend for like 11 days and we never experienced anything dodgy at all. We stayed in Copacabana and did our own tours. We used Uber and all were fine except not everyone speaks English but not a big problem as we were translating basic Portuguese using google. It was one of the best places I've been and if there's a chance I will definitely go back.
Posted: April 23, 2023Solo travel experience
I went for Carnaval and loved it. I stayed in the tourist areas and felt reasonably safe the whole time I was there. It can be pretty cheap or as expensive as you want to make it. I also really enjoyed the free walking tour in the city center.
Posted: April 23, 2023Solo travel experience
I did sense some sketchiness in downtown or when I'm walking home after dinner. Other than that, I felt completely safe. The Brazilian people are so friendly and hospitable - they totally made my experience worthwhile.
Posted: April 23, 2023Couple travel experience
My favourite city in the world! You can hike and see the native animals and breathtaking views in the morning, go to a beach and see the sunset in the afternoon and then hit the amazing bars which offer a taste of Brazil’s awesome Cousine and music. Recommend staying in Zona Sul (specially Copacabana) as it is closer to most interesting locations and quite safe.
Posted: April 18, 2023Get the Travel Ladies App
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Meet locals in Rio de Janeiro
Julia
Speaking
About Me
I'm a young 21 years old brazilian who wants to meet new people, show around my city and make them know how is the real and tradicional Rio de Janeiro beside the turistic points! our culture, food, what we like to do and also, practice my english. I think it would be a good way to make memories, of course. As a good brazilian, I LOVE talking and have fun!!
Countries I’ve Visited
🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇵🇹 Portugal
Isadora
Speaking
About Me
I'm isadora emer, 19 years old, brazilian from rio de janeiro. Traveler, student, singer, songwriter and a great enthusiast of Brazilian music (especially forró pé-de-serra). On Instagram: @isadoraemmer
Countries I’ve Visited
🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇧🇷 Brazil
Raquel
Speaking
About Me
Hi, My name is Raquel and I'm interested in art, culture, events & social, education, backpacking, history, languages, live music, nature, photography and solo travel
Countries I’ve Visited
🇦🇴 Angola, 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇵🇾 Paraguay, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇺🇾 Uruguay, 🇻🇦 Vatican City, 🇻🇪 Venezuela, 🇲🇽 Mexico
Stay with locals in Rio de Janeiro
Isadora
Speaking
You can stay for:
4 days
I can host:
2 guests
About me
I'm isadora emer, 19 years old, brazilian from rio de janeiro. Traveler, student, singer, songwriter and a great enthusiast of Brazilian music (especially forró pé-de-serra). On Instagram: @isadoraemmer
Countries I’ve Visited
🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇧🇷 Brazil
Karen
Speaking
You can stay for:
4 days
I can host:
2 guests
About me
Hi, My name is Karen and I'm interested in animals, art, cinema, dancing, food & cuisine, nature and solo travel
Countries I’ve Visited
🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇵🇾 Paraguay
Shélida
Speaking
You can stay for:
3 days
I can host:
1 guest
About me
Hey!, My name is Shélida and I'm interested in books, art, cinema, business, food & cuisine, history, photography, running, shopping, swimming, technology, writing, fashion and events & social
Countries I’ve Visited
🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇨🇴 Colombia
Upcoming visitors to Rio de Janeiro
Vanita
Speaking
About Me
Hey!, My name is Vanita and I'm interested in history, art, nightlife and solo travel
Countries I’ve Visited
🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Alena
Speaking
About Me
Hey!, I'm Alena and I live in Berlin
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Destination rankings
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Frequently asked questions
Is Rio de Janeiro Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Is Rio de Janeiro Safe at Night?
Is Rio de Janeiro Safe for LGBTQ+ travellers?
