Is Portugal Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Portugal is generally a safe country for solo female travelers. It has a lower crime rate compared to other European countries. Portuguese people are known for their hospitality and are always willing to help. As with any travel destination, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow common sense rules such as keeping your belongings secure. Even though the country is safe, I would still recommend you blend in with the locals as much as possible to not draw unnecessary attention to yourself.

Safety rating

4.6 /5

Based on 209 experiences from female travelers

4.3 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.3 /5

Based on 115 experiences from local women

Portugal is currently ranked #28 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.6 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Portugal?

Safety at night:Safe

Portugal, particularly its key cities like Lisbon and Porto, is generally a safe place to be at night. As a solo female traveler, walking alone shouldn't pose a significant issue. Portugal has a low rate of violent crime. However, some areas can be a bit sketchy at night particularly some outskirts and silent alleys, so it's advisable to stay in populated places where lighting is good. Also, be beware of pickpockets in tourist areas and in public transport like in any other major cities.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Portugal, such as buses, trams, metros, and trains, is generally safe for solo female travelers. They are often well-maintained and have clear routes. Nonetheless, as in any public space around the globe, you must stay alert and mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas and major tourist destinations to prevent pickpockets.

Street harassment:Low

Portugal generally offers a safe and welcoming environment for solo female travelers. Street harassment is relatively low, with most locals respectful and helpful. In populated tourist areas, there can be incidents of cat-calling or unwanted attention, but these don't tend to be aggressive or overly intrusive. However, it's still wise to take general safety precautions, particularly after dark, in less crowded neighborhoods or when using public transportation.

Petty crimes:Low

Portugal generally presents a low risk for petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching. Mainly tourist hotspots, public transportation, and crowded areas may be targeted. Still, by maintaining a high level of vigilance and keeping your personal belongings secure, such incidents can often be prevented.

Is Portugal worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 209 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

4/5

Lisbon, Solo travel

I felt safe walking in the evening, in well lit areas. Walk with purpose and keep your valuables close to your body, preferably under your clothes in a fanny pack. If possible, walk with other people you know. Ignore and avoid eye contact with the street vendors, unless you want to buy from them. They are safe to buy from or go to restaurants by yourself, but do not be a pushover.

Posted: January 19, 2025

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arina

France

Porto, Group travel

I went to Porto with friends , it was really cool , the airbnb was cheap and cool , and the center is interesting , there was not too much tourists , but prepare yourself to walk a lot 🤩🤩🤩.

Posted: January 18, 2025

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Cassandra

France

Porto, Solo travel

I stayed in Porto for 6 days ! Its was my first solo experience. I really liked it and felt safe all the time. I stayed in the cheapest hostel of the city center and it was great. I meet a lot of people in pubs. Locals are friendly . But 6 days was too long. 3 days is enough to visit

Posted: January 18, 2025

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Lisbon, Solo travel

I have already been in Lisbon before, but this time I went alone, it was nice especially walk near the river and cafes. I tried pastel de nata at the Time Out Market for 1,40 (i highly recommend) and i tried the cherry alcohol ( A Ginjinha) the only negative thing was the fact that many people on the streets try to sell you drugs and i dont recommend waking alone in the night

Posted: January 16, 2025

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Silves, Group travel

We stayed by host from Workaway. They both were foreigners from Germany and Scottland and not really the best hosts, this is why we had to report them on the website. The rest of Silves was really nice, just boring after some time. The station was kinda outside of the main part of the city but has really good connection to the rest of Algave and cheap hotels, so this was kinda our advantage to escape our hosts haha

Posted: January 8, 2025Experienced: August, 2024

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Diana

United States

Lisbon, Solo travel

Every time I go to Lisbon I feel great, I never had problems and never felt unsafe. This time I stayed at Hygge House and their breakfast is really amazing :) (it's in their cafe so you can also try only the food, which is worth it :) ) Some times before I stayed in hostels and also had a great time. Lisbon is perfect for solo travel :)

Posted: January 7, 2025Experienced: July, 2024

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Claudia

Italy

Portugal, Family travel

I went in August with my parents and sister and it was one of our favorite vacations ever. We felt pretty safe and loved by the locals and the food was amazing. The weather was also great, warm but not too hot and allowing us to walk in the sun for hours.

Posted: January 7, 2025

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Portugal, Solo travel

Portugal was a great place to go for a mix of a chill/sporty experience. Lisbon is great for a hipster let's explore casually kind of vibe and Algarve beach was perfect for kayaking. It's a once in a lifetime experience. It was definetly always on my bucket list. I felt relatively safe during the day. At night, I wasn't sure how safe I would've felt had it not been for my friend/guide. Otherwise, I can recommend it.

Posted: January 5, 2025

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Sabrina

Germany

Porto, Solo travel

Porto is a pretty small city. As a white female I felt safe almost all the day, even walking on a Saturday night alone. I meet there another solo traveler from uk and we became friends! The city is very cheap, coming from Italy and very welcoming!

Posted: January 4, 2025

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Lisbon, Group travel

I feel that Lisboa people are really upset against turists, you can read « f*** airbnb » on many walls which is understandable, but the people Who sold the train tickets for example were very unfriendly because we spoke spanish and not portuguese. Anyway there are a Lot to see, fado shows, monasteries, palaces, beaches, and all very afordable! I recommend this capital

Posted: December 29, 2024

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Is Portugal safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 115 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 115 local experiences

Ana

Porto

Really safe to walk around alone at night, go to parties and with short clothes. Sometimes the homeless people can ask you for money but it’s not dangerous at all I really love this city Enjoy it!!

Posted: January 17, 2025

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Lisbon

Lisbon feels like a pretty safe city for a capital. There are both in day and night people that will try to sell you drugs, but I think it’s just part of Lisbon and I just ignore them. Apart from that nobody has ever approached me for any other reason.

Posted: January 17, 2025

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Meet locals in Portugal

Noga

About Me

I moved recently to the area of Ericeira to join a housing cooperative. I love dancing, cooking, nature and growing as a human in love and compassion. Im an activist in social and environmental change, mediator in NVC method and facilitator in the area of community building.

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Paula

About Me

I’m 22 years old Polish girl that loves traveling:)

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Stay with locals in Portugal

Paula

Lisbon

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I’m 22 years old Polish girl that loves traveling:)

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Noga

Portugal

Can host for:

3 days

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Upcoming visitors to Portugal

Gabriela

About Me

Hi I’m Gabriela. I’m Portuguese, born and raised but have lived in Sweden for the last 10 years. Currently doing an internship in Porto for the next 5/6 months and don’t know anyone here yet. I would love to get to know some new people :))

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Clara

About Me

Hello I'm Clara, 19 and from Marburg (Germany)✨ I just started studying sociology mayor with education as minor, but in the free time that I have I'd love to travel the world. I love going to concerts, open stages, art exhibitions etc. especially with other people. I also really enjoy spending time in nature, just walking around and exploring new places. I'm a very open and spontaneous person and I love getting to know new people and cultures! I love cooking (vegetarian/vegan) and writing poetry. I lived in Madrid for 4 months doing Au-Pair, and I already did some trips to Prague, Slovenia and Italy with my friends. I can't wait to finally travel alone, see lots of new places and get to know lots of new people (hopefully you're gonna be one of them) 🌞

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Safety in Portugal

Lisbon

Madeira

Lagos

Porto

Algarve

Sintra

Azores

Ericeira

Funchal

Coimbra

Ponta Delgada

Faro

Aveiro

Baleal

Loule

Peniche

Check the safest places in Portugal