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 258 experiences from female travelers

4.3 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.4 /5

Based on 190 experiences from local women

Portugal is currently ranked #25 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 258 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5

Léa

France

Lisbon, Solo travel

My first solo trip. I loved it!! The hostel was amazing, i met so many nice people (one from a Facebook group, we went together to sintra). Went out at night and felt super safe. Lots to do and it was really pretty

Posted: May 31, 2025Experienced: January, 2024

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Fernanda

Brazil

Portugal, Solo travel

Portugal was amazing, specially in Braga. Braga is a place i definetely want to leve someday, doesent have pollution, its all calm and the traffic is not crazy. Looks like a small town and i simply love it!!! ❤️

Posted: May 31, 2025

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Constance

Canada

Lisbon, Solo travel

Lisbon was one of my favourite destination, felt very safe all the time, even alone at night as a female solo traveler. It is a really cheap destination with a lot of free things to do, there is always something new to see:)

Posted: May 30, 2025

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Portimao, Solo travel

It was safe in general There is organized trips with private boats and pirate boat the price was around 40€/35€ per person The food was little bit more expensive than in Lisbon Lack of transport I was ordering Bolt all the time the price to move around from hotel to the beach was around 4.56-3.80 € for bolt . The bars are good the drinks . The hotel was clean . But lack of restaurants only near the beach

Posted: May 30, 2025

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Kyp

Finland

Portugal, Solo travel

my first ever solo trip in march. i felt safe. i love all 3 cities i visited, and each feels different. i started in porto, a lovely city with a very unique feeling, the old town made me feel at home for some reason.. could be the narrow streets, old houses and the laundry hanging in the sun.. id really recommend you take a walk early in the morning around 8 before it becomes crowded and enjoy the morning sound of quietness. then i took the train to lisbon. it feels..cute? the tram, the street lamps, the little doors, the trees, everything feels like it has millions of stories. if i were to return to alfama, id bring some mosquito lotion this time and walk around for hoursss. i took a day trip to cascais. you know its good when even the walk along the beach at noon feels good…

Posted: May 29, 2025

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Braga, Solo travel

The main attractions in Braga were pretty accessible by foot, it’s not exactly a big city. The environment was super clean, the people were friendly, I felt very safe and comfortable moving around on my own, and it was a pretty nice city to walk around.

Posted: May 27, 2025

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Is Portugal safe for women?

Safety index

4.4 /5

Based on 190 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 190 local experiences

Tristen

Lisbon

Lisbon is very safe, but the amount of tourists there make it feel like you might be targeted. On the flip side, because there are always so many people, it generally feels quite secure. I wouldn’t wear lots of jewelry or headphones at night, walking alone, but other than that, you should be fine.

Posted: June 4, 2025

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Porto

Porto it’s relatively safe but it’s better to avoid walking alone at night, and there are some areas that can be sketchy like next to campo 24 de agosto metro station. I never feel unsafe walking around at the day time but at night it’s better to be careful

Posted: May 31, 2025

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