Is Rio de Janeiro Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

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.

Solo 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.

Solo 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.

Solo 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.

Group 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.

Group 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.

Solo 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.

Solo 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.

Couple 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.

Solo travel experience

I was in Rio solo over Christmas and loved every second of it. I stayed in Leblon, did a samba class/club tour to Lapa, and did a million other things that made it my favorite trip to date.

I live in Rio, in Copacabana. I find it pretty safe so use the same precautions that you would in any big city. I recommend taking Uber everywhere when it gets dark. Also, dress casually and try to disperse your belongings put money in your bra and a card to be extra extra safe. It’s really not as bad as people say. I love it here and I haven’t felt threatened in any way. Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and Gavea are very safe areas. Downtown seems a lot more unsafe. Rio is an amazing city and Brazilians are some of the friendliest people you can meet and are always willing to help.

I love Rio but I usually avoid the downtown at night or go to bars alone. For a stay, I recommend the Urca, Botafogo, Leme, and Copacabana neighborhoods. For places to visit, I recommend Barra da Tijuca, Sao Conrado Beach, Parque da Laje, and taking a ferry to Niteroi or Paquetá Island. As for public transport, it is safe and cheap.

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.

I lived there for years and loved it. Lots to see but like in any place be street smart, carry local currently in small amounts, avoid jewerly and expensive equipment showing off, be aware of your surroundings. Enjoy the beaches, if possible get off the beaten path, check Barra da Tijuca Beach, walk on the sidewalk in Copacabana, enjoy sunsets in Leblon or Arpoador, check the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, the Botanical Garden, the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf, if you can visit the Lake Region (Buzios, Arraial do Cabo), also worth visiting Angra dos Reis, Parati, e de mountains Teresopolis to see a God's Finger Mountain, Petropolis visit the Imperial Museum, Nova Friburgo. Feast on the traditional Rodizio BBQ, the Feijoada, Romeo and Juliet desert, Flan, Peixada and caipirinha.