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

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.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

How safe is Portugal?

Safety at night:

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:

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:

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:

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 236 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5

Porto, Solo travel

Just strolling around the city was amazing. Especially the sunset spot where breathtaking event though it was kind of crowded. I booked the cheapest hostel due to my tight budget, which was absolutely fine and right in the city center. I really recommend using public transport to get anywhere.

Posted: March 15, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Jas

Jas

Germany

Lisbon, Couple travel

Lisbon had been on my bucket list for approximately 14 years because so many people kept telling me that it was their favourite city they ever travelled to. And it really did not disappoint. It’s beautiful and historical and people were dancing and singing in the streets at night. Prices were really affordable and there was so much to explore. You could keep on walking and find a new cool location around every corner. Pastel de Nata for the win!

Posted: March 11, 2025Experienced: May, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Léontine

Léontine

France

Portugal, Family travel

Budget similar as france Felt pretty safe, i didnt walk at night in city to be fair Really beautiful I really want to go back to Portugal with my grandma now, i was with à friend i met there it was so Nice

Posted: March 7, 2025Experienced: February, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
İrem

İrem

Portugal

Coimbra, Solo travel

I went to Coimbra 2 days ago and i can tell that Coimbra is one of the best cities in Portugal. The streets, culture, songs, buildings, and the view of the river were amazing. University is one of the oldest Unis. and did you know J.K Rowling was inspired of this University to write Harry Potter? I had so much fun. Besides it was quite safe. I liked almost every corner of the city.

Posted: March 6, 2025Experienced: March, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
İrem

İrem

Portugal

Aveiro, Solo travel

This is one of the most greenest city I've ever seen. The culture and people are really nice and the city is quite safe to travel. Hotels and houses to rent are a bot expensive but food are acceptable. Beaches here are really good especially for friends groups and parties and of course for swimming. In summer is really warm tho..

Posted: March 1, 2025Experienced: February, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Thisvi

Thisvi

Greece

Lisbon, Solo travel

One of the most beautiful European cities in my opinion! A small gem 💎 So colorful You can travel and navigate Portugal solo easily! Had an amazing time! People seem so happy there. You can get lost safely and explore the streets of Lisbon. Each one of them has a unique surprise! So many beautiful cool hipster style places to eat and coffee shops to chill or even work! 100% recommended.

Posted: February 26, 2025
favorite_border 7
mode_comment 1

Lisbon, Family travel

Yes I felt safe, but that’s because I was with someone from my family. As a solo traveler I would recommend going with a group from a hostel or something. It isn’t dangerous, but if you travel alone at night it gets a little weird. There are lots of people who offer dr*gs or something else so be careful. There are a few famous streets, be careful there at night. Otherwise I felt great, even with one more person and I felt totally okay. Daytime is perfect I felt great all the time, just at night women should be a little bit more careful. Stay safe girlies <3

Posted: February 24, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Porto, Family travel

Porto is a very nice city. The city is striving to become more modern and is currently constructing new metro stations. Porto is generally safe, but some areas have issues with intoxicated individuals on the streets. The residents are quite poor, and many houses are in poor condition. However, Porto is working to resolve these issues. It is very easy to reach Porto from the airport using the metro or a cheap taxi.

Posted: February 22, 2025Experienced: January, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Mel

Mel

Singapore

Lisbon, Solo travel

I felt super safe as a solo traveller. Lisbon is a charming city stepped in culture and arts, especially architecture. A wide range of food options from cheap to Michelin star. Many galleries and historic attractions to keep you occupied.

Posted: February 21, 2025Experienced: February, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Anastasiia

Anastasiia

Poland

Continental Portugal, Group travel

I stayed in Portugal for over two months volunteering, during which I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the local culture as well as explore the touristic side of the country. I absolutely loved my time there, as every corner of Portugal is beautiful. If you're unsure where to go, I highly recommend heading to the coast. The beaches and cliffs are breathtakingly beautiful, and if you're into hiking, the Fisherman's Trail and the 7 Suspended Valleys are must-dos. I stayed there during the winter, and during this season, there are barely any tourists, although you may still encounter a few. I primarily traveled by hitchhiking and buses, taking short weekend trips. My friend and I slept in hostels, hammocks outdoors, and were even hosted by a lovely Travel Lady in Lisbon. In my experience, Portugal is a very safe country, but I was traveling with a female friend, so your experience as a solo traveler may differ.

Posted: February 20, 2025
favorite_border 7
mode_comment 0

Is Portugal safe for women?

Safety index

4.4 /5

Based on 151 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 151 local experiences

Leticia

Leticia

Lisbon

I’ve been living there since 2020, nothing bad ever happened to me there! The crime is going up everywhere, but the only thing u find the most are pickpockets. Being a woman, anywhere in the world you will go you will get catcalled and stuff like that, but at least no one ever came up to me!

Posted: March 20, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Coimbra

Coimbra it’s a pretty safe city. You can walk alone in the dark with no problem, phone in hand. The most dangerous thing in the city are drunk straight students and old perverts that sometimes show up (has happened before).

Posted: March 20, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in Portugal

Noga

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. I'm growing in my skills and experience in alternative and forest school ( and un-schooling for children) And have passion and experience in Permaculture and organic gardening

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Paula

Paula

About Me

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

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Portugal

Noga

Noga

Portugal

Can host for:

3 days

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. I'm growing in my skills and experience in alternative and forest school ( and un-schooling for children) And have passion and experience in Permaculture and organic gardening

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Maria

Maria

Lisbon

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Under deconstruction. Will be sweeter when we are all free. Almost never say no to a good glass of wine or conversation. Queer. Free Palestine. IG @marianono

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Upcoming visitors to Portugal

Boglárka

Boglárka

About Me

I’m a 25 year old student/worker from Budapest. New to this app, but I’m looking forward to it. I can’t host yet, but hoping to find the way soon. If you want to talk, just give me a message 😄

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Mali

Mali

About Me

hii ladies, i‘m mali, i love to travel, meeting new people, bring in nature, having beautiful conversation. i‘m really looking formard to travel and bring inspiried by new locations and people✨

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Safety in Portugal