Is Coimbra Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Coimbra is often known for its welcoming and friendly locals. The city is generally safe for travelers, including solo female ones, as long as common sense precautions are taken. Street crime like pickpocketing can be an issue in crowded areas, so it's advisable to pay attention to your belongings at all times. In terms of personal safety, Portuguese citizens are usually respectful and most areas around the city centre are safe to navigate, even at night. However, just like in any other city, some neighborhoods can be less safe, so it's crucial to remain alert and avoid unfamiliar areas after dark. Useful services like reliable public transportation and relatively safe taxis are widely available around the city, making it easier for solo female travelers to get around safely.

Safety rating

3.9 /5

Based on 2 experiences

4.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

Safety at night:Safe

Coimbra is generally a safe city for solo female travelers even during the night hours. As a university town, it has an active nightlife and the areas where most of the bars and clubs are located are well-lit and people are usually around. However, like anywhere else, it's always smart to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, particularly in quiet or poorly lit areas.

Public transportation: Safe

Public transportation in Coimbra, is generally safe and reliable. The buses are operated by a mild number of companies that ensure their vehicles are in proper condition. Also, they are frequently used by a wide variety of locals, including students from the university. The train service is also safe and punctual, which is a good option for longer distances in and around the city. Few rare incidents of pick-pocketing have been reported in the past, especially during peak hours. However, if you stay vigilant about your belongings, you will likely have a safe and pleasant journey.

Street harassment: Low

Coimbra is generally a safe city for solo female travelers. Street harassment is relatively low, with most locals exhibiting respect and politeness towards visitors. However, like any place in the world, it is always important to be mindful of your surroundings, especially late at night or in less crowded areas. Always follow your instincts and prioritise your safety.

Petty crimes:Low

Coimbra is generally safe, with a low rate of petty crimes. However, minimal risks such as pickpocketing and bag snatching still exist, particularly in touristic areas, so it’s wise to keep your belongings closely monitored and not display valuable items openly. Public transportation and busy public plazas are where these crimes are most common, but they are still relatively rare compared to other European cities.

Tap water:Very safe

The tap water in Coimbra is potable and of high quality. It goes through rigorous testing and treatment to ensure it meets European standards for drinking water. Therefore, it's perfectly safe to drink straight from the tap. However, you may find the taste slightly different due to the minerals and treatment process, which is completely normal.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

3.9 /5

based on 2 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

2.7/5

Safety

3.9/5

Food

3.9/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5

Solo travel experience

I loved Coimbra. It's a university town. At river level, there's a wonderful pedestrian street with great cafes and street music. Up the hill is the beautiful university. I saw Fado music at an ancient cafe in a chapel and took a guided ancient boat ride. Stayed in a very affordable boutique hotel right on the pedestrian street.

Posted: November 5, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Hannah

Hannah

United States

Solo travel experience

I felt very safe here! I visited the Joanina Library and fell in love with it. Aside from the library, there’s not much else to see, but it’s a very relaxing little town, and in my opinion, still definitely worth a visit. The entire little city is very walkable distance-wise; I didn’t need public transportation for anything. That said, a lot of it is very hilly! There is a botanical garden that’s beautiful and a mall with a cinema to provide entertainment. I really loved it here. As a solo female traveler, I felt very safe.

Posted: May 18, 2023
Things to do: 3/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Coimbra

Beatriz

Beatriz

Speaking

About Me

hi! i’m bea, a student in portugal! i would love to be able to know the world more in terms of culture, cuisine and nature

Countries I’ve Visited

🇩🇴 Dominican Republic, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

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İlayda

İlayda

Speaking

About Me

I’m from Turkey. But now I stay Coimbra/Portugal. I am a Erasmus student in here. I want travel, meeting new people and getting yo know different culture in this time. I love take a picture. I’m interested books, playing kalimba etc.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇵🇹 Portugal

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Carolina

Carolina

Speaking

About Me

Hello, My name is Carolina and I'm interested in art, architecture, books, cinema, culture, languages, history, events & social, food & cuisine, nature, nightlife, dancing, sunbathing, swimming and photography

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇴 Bolivia, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇵🇾 Paraguay

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Stay with locals in Coimbra

Akmaral

Akmaral

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

I am Akmaral. I was born in Kazakhstan live currently in Coimbra, Portugal. I lived and studied in France, Italy, USA. I am a scientist, fan of fashion and cats :)

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Safety in Portugal