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 263 experiences from female travelers

4.3 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.4 /5

Based on 192 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 263 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5

Bre

United States

Porto, Solo travel

I have been to the city of Porto many times now and it’s beautiful!! The people are very kind, the coffee is EXCELLENT, I felt very safe, and there’s tons to do if you just walk around. I highly recommend it for anyone traveling around Europe!

Posted: June 17, 2025

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Sesimbra, Solo travel

Sesimbra is such a wonderful seaside town, amazing beaches and food. Felt very safe. Recommend kayaking tour, boat tours, swimming and chilling in the sand. There are quite a few fiestas which is always great.

Posted: June 16, 2025Experienced: May, 2025

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Faro, Solo travel

I landed in Faro morning time and spent the whole day discovering it before heading to my next destination. One thing I noticed was google maps was not 💯 percent accurate. So using public transport and finding places was harder than usual but still very safe and convenient as the whole place was very walkable.

Posted: June 16, 2025

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Elena

Spain

Portugal, Solo travel

A country I fell in love with. I've been in Lisbon by myself and in the south and Porto with my friends. Generally it's cheaper then were I live (Milan and now Barcelona) you just need to stay away from the classic tourist traps especially in Lisbon. You can easily find hostels for 20-25€ a night depending if it's high season or not. Go surf if you can and don't just be in big cities or the coast only. Especially in Lisbon you'll have yo walk a lot of stairs and hills, so get ready.

Posted: June 13, 2025Experienced: October, 2023

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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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Is Portugal safe for women?

Safety index

4.4 /5

Based on 192 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 192 local experiences

Porto

Porto is very safe city, there are some places where better not to go alone as girl but this places are more dangerous just at night. I’m living here for 2 years and haven’t expected any dangerous situation

Posted: June 18, 2025

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Rinrin

Porto

Porto is a really safe city, I think these days it’s a getting a bit more dangerous and there’s some areas I would be wary of walking alone at night, however, as long as you’re aware of your surroundings, it’s all good. I’ve lived here for 3 years and have never been assaulted / robbed / harassed on the streets in any way. Cat callers exist though

Posted: June 9, 2025

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