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

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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 221 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5
Clarisse

Clarisse

France

Porto, Couple travel

We felt safe in Porto. We did it in two and a half days. And honestly, that's enough. We ate very well for not too expensive, especially the brunches which were very nice. A very nice little city for a couple, we had booked accommodation on Airbnb for a low price.

Posted: February 15, 2025
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Kristina

Kristina

Lithuania

Lagos, Couple travel

Lagos was a very nice town with a beautiful hiking trail going through it. We visited out of season so there were not so many activities available. We stayed for 2 days and it was just enough to go through the beautiful views in the city and around it.

Posted: February 14, 2025
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Rumeysa

Rumeysa

Turkey

Lisbon, Solo travel

Lisbon was one of the safest cities among those I’ve traveled to. The only slightly unsettling part was the homeless people under the bridges at night, but that’s something you see in almost every European city. There weren’t any disturbing people in this city. During this solo trip, I stayed at Lost Inn Lisbon hostel, which is usually preferred by backpackers. It was incredibly clean, safe, and centrally located—a warm welcome, so to speak. I spent around 300-400 euros in a week, but I can confidently say that I tried all kinds of food and visited every place I wanted.

Posted: February 12, 2025
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Lisbon, Solo travel

I didn't feel very safe in Lisbon, Portugal. Personally, nothing happened to me, but I heard about what happened to others, and because of those stories, I didn’t feel 100% secure. Accommodation is expensive, but transportation is cheap, and you can get anywhere by metro, as everything is well connected. It’s not too expensive, the prices are okay, but there are a lot of tourists all year round. Lisbon is a beautiful city with a lot to offer, and despite feeling uneasy at times, it's generally safe if you stay alert and follow common-sense precautions. Aside from the great public transportation, which is a bonus for getting around easily, you should definitely visit the following places: Belém – Here you can visit the Tower of Belém, Jerónimos Monastery, and the Monument to the Discoveries. Don’t forget to try the famous pastéis de nata (custard tarts), which are especially popular in Belém. Alfama – One of the oldest neighborhoods in Lisbon, with narrow streets and picturesque views. Also, be sure to visit São Jorge Castle, where you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city. Baixa and Chiado – The central districts of Lisbon are full of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Baixa is great for shopping, and Chiado is known for its bookstores and galleries. Parque das Nações – A modern district with a beautiful park, an aquarium, and one of the most famous buildings, the Gare do Oriente (train station). Miradouros (viewpoints) – Lisbon has many spots offering spectacular views of the city and the Tagus River. Miradouro de Santa Catarina and Miradouro da Senhora do Monte are some of the most popular. LX Factory – This creative complex is located in an old industrial area, full of restaurants, bars, shops, and galleries. It’s a great place to relax and soak up the local atmosphere.

Posted: February 12, 2025Experienced: December, 2024
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Kalina

Kalina

Poland

Porto, Couple travel

I felt safe in Porto, I loved the city and lifestyle I had there. It's very cozy, but modern as well. You can do a bunch of stuff- I, myself usually went surfing or cycling arounf the city. Highly recommend!

Posted: February 12, 2025
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Portugal, Solo travel

It is one of the best countries for solo travelling! I visited 8 cities/towns, and will definitely come back. People are amazing, food is delicious, it is very safe (especially compared to Spain), not super expensive.

Posted: February 9, 2025
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Raychh

Raychh

Germany

Portugal, Couple travel

Absolutely stunning with such weather!!!! The people were kind and respectful, the weather is warm for December and the food is really something that I want to eat again!!! Definitely will coming back for visiting!!

Posted: February 3, 2025
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Funchal, Solo travel

I fell in love with the city. The people are very nice and the food is amazing. The city is very safe but be prepared for a climb cause everything is up the hill☺️ I come back often and it became the ultimate vacation destination

Posted: February 3, 2025
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Lynzie

Lynzie

United States

Lisbon, Solo travel

Love Lisbon, great city to travel solo! So many markets and great shopping. Of course there are so many places to visit from Lisbon within Portugal. Headed to Porto next month so I can’t yet compare but strongly recommend Lisbon to any solo traveler! 💯

Posted: January 31, 2025
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Lisbon, Solo travel

I’ve been to Lisbon before, this time for a surf retreat and it was awesome! I stayed at Lisbon Surf Hostel, which is in Carcavelos, slightly outside of town, but has a good connection with the metro. It takes only 20 Minutes to be downtown. Lisbon is pretty safe, people are super friendly and almost everyone speaks perfect English, even elderly people!

Posted: January 30, 2025
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Is Portugal safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 133 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 133 local experiences

stina

stina

Lisbon

At day it’s really safe but at night you need to be careful alone as a girl bcs sometimes they are strange men in the streets that try to follow you or talk to you :)))

Posted: February 15, 2025
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Porto

It’s a safe city if you stay in the center, but of course, it depends on the area. I live right in the center, so I’ve always felt safe walking around at night. However, I would recommend that solo travelers stay around people at night

Posted: February 10, 2025
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Meet locals in Portugal

Paula

Paula

About Me

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

Speaking

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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.

Speaking

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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.

Speaking

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Bia

Bia

Viseu

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Hi! I am Bia :) i am an artist ?? and I usually work with kids and teenagers, playing a lot. Really interested in new ways to look at nature, agriculture, performance and dance !

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Portugal

Sakshi

Sakshi

About Me

An international student in Particle Physics who loves to travel and meet new people. Love new experiences, Museum crawls, hiking, or crafting, I am up for everything.

Speaking

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Safety in Portugal