Is Rio de Janeiro Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Rio de Janeiro has many beautiful attractions and vibrant culture, however caution is recommended especially for solo female travelers. Crime can be prevalent especially in certain neighborhoods and at night. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid walking alone at night in less populated or unfamiliar areas. It's also recommended to keep your valuables and flashy jewelry inconspicuous to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. As a rule of thumb, traveling via taxi or Uber, especially at night, is safer than walking. Despite this, many tourists visit Rio safely each year, so it is not impossible to enjoy the city while taking appropriate precautions.

Safety rating

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How safe is Rio de Janeiro?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Unsafe

Walking alone in Rio de Janeiro at night generally presents higher risks due to incidents of crime, particularly in certain neighborhoods that experience higher than average rates of theft and assault. It's always advisable to use licensed taxis or rideshare services to get around after dark and avoid isolated areas. Be mindful of your surroundings at all times and make sure your valuables are secure and not on display. Remote, secluded beaches and parks can be especially problematic in terms of personal safety after sunset.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Rio de Janeiro, such as buses and metro, is generally safe during day time, but extra caution is required during late hours. Buses are often crowded, which can unfortunately lead to occasional pickpocketing. It is advisable to avoid displaying valuable items. The Metro is very clean and convenient. Regular security practices, such as being aware of your surroundings and keeping personal belongings close, should work well.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:High

As a solo female traveler in Rio de Janeiro, you may experience a significant amount of street harassment. It is not uncommon to encounter catcalling and unwelcome advances particularly when walking alone in certain neighborhoods. It is advised that solo female travelers should be cautious and alert at all times. Avoid isolated areas, especially after dark. Dress conservatively, ignore unwanted attention, and be confident. Connect with other travelers, and do not hesitate to ask for help if you feel uncomfortable.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:High

In Rio de Janeiro, petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching can be common occurrences, particularly in crowded areas. These incidents typically peak in tourist spots, public transportation and beach areas. Staying vigilant in both day and night times is advisable as these crimes can occur at any time. Furthermore, travelling in groups when possible and minimizing the display of high-value items can mitigate such risks.

Is Rio de Janeiro worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 20 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.9/5

Safety

3.3/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5

Solo travel

Rio de Janeiro is a really vibrant and wild city. And also really dangerous at the same time. But when you aware of that and not showing your phone that much in public you will be safe. I really loved the sunsets at ipanema beach that’s totally the best beach in Rio and also the Streetparty on Monday’s at Pedro do Sal.

Posted: January 15, 2025
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Sara

Sara

El Salvador

Solo travel

I loved Rio The culture is really friendly, the food is good and not to expensive and the beaches are just perfect. You can go on hikes or if you like to party you can always go to Lapa. Most people don’t speak english so I would recomendar to learn solo basic words. I would not recommed going to the Chist the Redeemer because it is way too crowded so you don’t get to enjoy the amazing view and you have to do a two hour line (or more). The place is amazing but the amount of people is a little overwhelming.

Posted: January 14, 2025
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Solo travel

I loved Rio, I stayed in Copacabana and adored the restaurants on the beachfront. I went paragliding and it was an incredible experience. The city is lively and for those who like entertainment it is the ideal place, there are parties every day.

Posted: April 21, 2024
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Solo travel

Rio is beautiful, like no other city I have been to because of it being built into the mountains but you need to be careful and aware of your surroundings. Not many people outside tourist areas speak English.

Posted: February 6, 2024
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Zenith

Zenith

South Africa

Family travel

Rio de Janeiro was by far one of the most incredible places I had been to! I went with my family December of 2022 for the New Years (Reveillon). We stayed in Barra de Tijuca, a more upper-class neighbourhood of Rio. This time, Jan 2024, I am going back to Brazil (yes, back so soon) because I loved it so much haha! It has such a special place in my heart.

Posted: January 7, 2024
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Family travel

The best place in the world. Do not go out at dawn or wander alone in desolate places. By doing so, you will be safe and have an incredible journey. Natural passages are so beautiful. Shopping centers are top class. It might be a bit chaotic if you stay in the northern or southern zones, but Barra da Tijuca is incredibly friendly and prepared to welcome foreigners.

Posted: December 11, 2023
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Solo travel

I was in Rio for some time and I liked the tourist places I visited. My advice - take care of your phone's safety and use Uber. Don't walk around the city when it gets dark.

Posted: September 10, 2023
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Solo travel

I stopped in the Copacabana district and loved the place. I didn't go out late at night and always watched my belongings in crowded places, just as I would do in any other large city. I had heard various opinions before leaving, but I was very pleasantly surprised and generally felt safe in Rio. I highly recommend seeing the steak restaurants, Sugarloaf Mountain, and taking the train to Christ the Redeemer.

Posted: June 8, 2023
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Solo travel

I spent 10 days alone in Rio a few months ago and completely fell in love with the city. It's one of the best places I've visited and I never felt too scared or worried about my safety, but I adhered to all of those common safety rules. Brazilians are some of the friendliest and most cheerful people I've met.

Posted: May 31, 2023
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Solo travel

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, 2023
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Is Rio de Janeiro safe for women?

Safety index

2.3 /5

Based on 15 local experiences

Crime index

3 /5

Based on 15 local experiences

Victoria

Victoria

Rio is really not safe for woman alone. But theres some tips you can use if you want to travel here. Stay aware when walking in the streets at night, avoid dark places during this periods and prefer using uber app to locomove at night. Avoid usina you Phone in the streets or outdoor places.

Posted: January 24, 2025
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Kailane

Kailane

Every place is dangerous, especially for us women. In Rio it is not AS DANGEROUS as people say. Of course you are not going to go out at 4 in the morning alone expecting safety. There are places that are really more dangerous than others, but just stay informed and everything will be fine.

Posted: January 19, 2025
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Meet locals in Rio de Janeiro

Luizzy

Luizzy

About Me

Luizzy 23 years old, girl from Rio🇧🇷! I love go to the beach, partys, shows and museums. I study biology and work as a Nail Tech

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fernanda

fernanda

About Me

Im Fernanda, um a sociologyst who loves to travel and i have a bed on my Room where someone can spend a night in Exchange of receive in your house in Europe. I have a trip schedualed for the Summer in europe

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Stay with locals in Rio de Janeiro

fernanda

fernanda

Rio de Janeiro

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Im Fernanda, um a sociologyst who loves to travel and i have a bed on my Room where someone can spend a night in Exchange of receive in your house in Europe. I have a trip schedualed for the Summer in europe

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Iris

Iris

Rio de Janeiro

Can host for:

1 day

About me

Travelling keeps me fulfilled.

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Upcoming visitors to Rio de Janeiro

Tori

Tori

About Me

Hi! I am a digital nomad, who travels around a lot and often needs a couch to crash on. I also have my own place in Szczecin, Poland, and I would be happy to host you and show you around anytime I'm actually home.

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Soleine

Soleine

About Me

Hey, I’m a very sociable, I love meeting people and sharing deep stories and moments with them. I am an architect who loves her job and art in general as well as sport and outdoor marvels. I am feminist and love the concept of this app. Can’t wait to meet you girls!

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Safety in Brazil