Is Porto Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Porto is generally safe for solo female travelers. Like any city, certain areas might be more risky especially late at night but overall, locals are friendly and willing to help. Violent crime is rare, but be aware of petty crimes such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and public transport. To bolster your safety, it is recommended to stay alert and maintain standard precautions. Use reputable transportation services and avoid unlit areas during hours of darkness.

Safety index

4.7 /5

Based on 10 experiences

4.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

Safety at night:Safe

Porto is generally very safe to explore at night. The city is well-lit and well-patrolled by local law enforcement, making it safe for solo female travelers. However, like any major city, it's important to remain vigilant, especially while walking alone. Stick to the main streets and avoid dimly lit or deserted areas. Public transportation is reliable and safe to use even at night. There have been very few cases of serious crimes reported in the city.

Public transportation: Safe

Public transportation in Porto, is generally safe, reliable, and convenient. This includes the metro, buses, trams, and trains that operate in the city. Incidences of crime on public transportation are low and the systems are well-maintained and well-used by locals. However, like any city, it's always prudent to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, particularly during off-peak times and at less busy stations.

Street harassment: Low

Porto as a whole, is a serene city with friendly locals. Street harassment is not a common factor here. Most locals are respectful, and while you might occasionally come across some unpleasant individuals, instances of street harassment are generally rare. It is advisable to stay vigilant, specially during night hours or in less crowded places.

Petty crimes:Low

Porto is quite safe for visitors. Petty crime such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or mobile phone theft can occur, especially in crowded tourist areas, on public transportation, or in restaurants and cafes. However, it's far less common compared to major European cities. Applying a common-sense approach such as keeping your belongings secure and staying vigilant of your surroundings, particularly in crowded places, is usually sufficient to ensure a safe trip.

Tap water:Very safe

In Porto, tap water is safe to drink. The country has excellent water quality standards, provided by a well-maintained and efficient public water system. Locals and hordes of tourists drink it without any issues. Regardless, always stay updated with local advisories and if you are unsure or have a sensitive stomach, please consider using a filtered bottle or tablets.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 10 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5
Katty

Katty (34)

United States

Solo travel experience

First solo trip was in Porto for 2 days. Felt safe, food was delicious. Had a free tour guide yesterday and was providing me all the spots to eat and hangout. This morning I visited the Palacio de Bolsa, it was a wonderful experience. Wish I was able to make friends, but probably my fault, got a bit shy.

Posted: September 27, 2023Experienced: August, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Couple travel experience

Such a cozy city, definitely enjoyed it more than Lisbon. There’s so much to do and see, and a lot of day trip opportunities. Also the food is really great, and you can go visit a wine yard. Maybe not the best place to go swimming though.

Posted: May 26, 2023Experienced: November, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Carolina

Carolina (34)

Malta

Group travel experience

Last year, I went with one of my friends to Porto and I during that time I had the best 48 hours of my life like traveler. Porto is a magnificent city, its architecture seems the life during XVI century, I had the opportunity to drink "wine of Oporto" that is special so it contains brandy. Unexpectedly, we had a Harry Potter tour and was amazing to know that its writer took some places of the city like an inspiration to write. I loved its food, the sunset. Definitely I recommend it!

Posted: April 28, 2023Experienced: October, 2022
Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Julia

Julia (21)

Brazil

Solo travel experience

Just go and see! Always carefully, but have fun! Plan your rotine, meet native people to know what they like to do, the families, the food, ways to communicate. It's beautiful and good for your soul. Makes you a better person.

Posted: April 27, 2023Experienced: April, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Went to Porto in March and had a lovely time. It's super cheap apart from the really touristy areas and I highly recommend the free walking tours.

Posted: April 23, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I felt very safe in Porto and walked around at night without any issues. Public transportation was always available and uber/taxis were not so expensive.

Posted: March 3, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I stayed at House of Sandeman Hostel in Gaia. It was stunning. I stayed a week and had an absolute ball. Beautiful city to explore. There was a 24 port festival whilst I was there. The whole town was out with live entertainment, food and wine. I also hired a bicycle and road south to the beaches, lots of fun exploring and very picturesque.

Posted: November 29, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Things to do: - Ride a tram - Take a walking tour - Climb Torre dos Clérigos - Visit Livraria Lello bookstore - Take pictures in São Bento train station - Take a river cruise - Take a Port wine tour and tasting - Walk along the coast Safety: Central Porto is calm and safe pretty much everywhere. Recommendations: Porto is a beautiful place, quite small but very walkable.

Posted: September 17, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Things to do: - Palácio da Bolsa - Cathedral of Porto - Claregos Tower - Wine tasting - Dom Luis Bridge Safety: Felt very safe! Recommendations: Porto is amazing and cheap as well.

Posted: September 10, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Things to do: - Livraria Lello - São Bento Station - Luís I Bridge - Iglesia de los Clérigos - Porto Cathedral - Bolsa Palace - Casa da Música - Monument Church Of St Francis - Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves Safety: I felt very safe. Recommendations: Porto is an incredibly beautiful and the people are so friendly.

Posted: September 3, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Local experiences

I consider Porto is a safe and nice city for women. People are friendly and nice and often, even helpful! If you don’t go to suspicious places and follow common sense - like don’t go alone into dark alleyways or dubious neighbourhoods - you’ll be safe most of the time, both night and day.

Posted: November 2, 2023
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Meet locals in Porto

Mariana

Mariana

Speaking

About Me

Hi Im a 24yo woman just rawdogging life and interested in meeting new people and different ways of thinking! Created this account because being aware of the patriarchial violence we endure I rather help and be helped by other women!

Countries I’ve Visited

🇩🇪 Germany, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg

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Joana

Joana

Speaking

About Me

Hi, I'm Joana and I'm interested in art, books, camping, cinema, dancing, digital nomad, live music, languages, solo travel, fashion, history, photography, culture, education and writing

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇨🇻 Cape Verde, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

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Brenda

Brenda

Speaking

About Me

I’m very friendly, but shy when I don’t know the person. But speak to much when I do. I love have fun, and go out with friends. I love driving around. Love cooking, music, drinks. Just living the best life

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇵🇾 Paraguay, 🇮🇹 Italy

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Stay with locals in Porto

Mariana

Mariana

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

Hi Im a 24yo woman just rawdogging life and interested in meeting new people and different ways of thinking! Created this account because being aware of the patriarchial violence we endure I rather help and be helped by other women!

Countries I’ve Visited

🇩🇪 Germany, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg

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Ana

Ana

Speaking

You can stay for:

2 days

About me

I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. But I don't feel like I belong anywhere until now. What I feel is a great desire to know the world and people. That's why I like to travel slowly.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇲🇦 Morocco

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Ines

Ines

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

I’m a creative person that loves travelling and getting to know other cultures. I also enjoy being in the nature, gardening, music and drawing! I’m an architect and I was born and raised in Porto :) Feel free to contact me!

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Upcoming visitors to Porto

Kim

Kim

Speaking

About Me

Hi!! Trying to spend more traveling this year and found this app, not sure how to use it just yet!

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Stephanie

Stephanie

Speaking

About Me

Hello, I'm Stephanie and I'm interested in books, food & cuisine, culture, history and live music

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇸 Bahamas, 🇧🇲 Bermuda, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇻🇦 Vatican City, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇳🇱 Netherlands

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Local discussions

Solo travelI’m going to Porto and would love some advice.

I’m going to Porto and would love some advice. I have a full 48 hours in Porto and was thinking of doing one day dedicated to sightseeing and book a Douro Valley Wine tour for the other day. In regards to the sightseeing, I’m torn if I should do the hop on hop off bus or just pick a few main sights and walk it/take a walk around the city. If you’ve been what do you suggest? What do I have to ma...

Posted: June 22, 2023
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Safety in Portugal