Is Portugal safe for solo female travellers?

Portugal is generally safe for solo female travellers. The country is known for its friendly locals and low crime rate, making it a great destination for solo female travellers. Women should still take the usual precautions when travelling alone, such as avoiding walking alone at night and being aware of their surroundings. Additionally, it is recommended to research the area before travelling and to stay in well-lit and populated areas.

Safety reviews from Portugal

Overall rating

5 /5

based on 8 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

5/5

Safety

5/5

Food

5/5

Budget-friendly

4.9/5
Andrea

Andrea

Brazil

Family travel experience

we felt safe, however we maintained care with the devices and circulation schedules. We used public transport services, Uber and on foot. Even with the city busy and crowded with tourists, we had no incidents.

Posted: May 30, 2023
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Solo travel experience

When I visited Portugal I rented a car and drove from Porto to Lisbon. I did B&Bs and boutique hotels to get more of a local flavor. For Porto, I did a wine-tasting bus & boat tour. My next stop was Coimbra for the University and the Roman village. After that, I did Sintra. I ended up in Lisbon. My trip was only 7 days, but it was great.

Posted: May 29, 2023
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Solo travel experience

Portugal is a great solo destination. I was there last September. I went to Lisbon and did day tours to Peña Palace, Sintra, and Fatima. Then took the fast train to Porto. Felt very safe.

Posted: April 28, 2023
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Safety tips for solo female travellers in Portugal

Portugal can be a safe destination for solo female travelers, but it's important to take some precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some safety tips for solo female travelers in Portugal:

Be aware of your surroundings

As with any destination, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Be aware of any suspicious activity and trust your instincts.

Stay in well-lit areas

When travelling alone, it is important to stay in well-lit areas, especially at night. Avoid dark alleys and deserted streets.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash

Carrying large amounts of cash can make you a target for theft. Consider using a credit or debit card instead.

Don’t display expensive items

Avoid wearing or carrying expensive items such as jewellery or electronics that could make you a target for theft.

Don’t accept rides from strangers

Never accept rides from strangers, even if they seem friendly.

Don’t leave your drinks unattended

When out at bars or clubs, never leave your drinks unattended. This could leave you vulnerable to being drugged.

Let someone know where you are going

Before you leave for your destination, let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.

Carry a whistle

Carrying a whistle can be a great way to draw attention to yourself if you find yourself in a dangerous situation.

Carry a mobile phone

Make sure you have a mobile phone with you at all times. This can be used to call for help if needed.

Research the area

Before you travel, research the area you are visiting. This will help you to be aware of any potential dangers and plan accordingly.

Useful phrases for your trip to Portugal

If you are planning a solo trip to Portugal, learning some basic phrases can be very helpful. Here are some useful phrases to know:

  1. "Bom dia!" (Good morning!)
  2. "Obrigado/a!" (Thank you!)
  3. "Com licença!" (Excuse me!)
  4. "Onde fica o banheiro?" (Where is the bathroom?)
  5. "Quanto custa isso?" (How much does this cost?)
  6. "Eu gostaria de reservar um quarto." (I would like to book a room.)
  7. "Eu gostaria de comprar um bilhete." (I would like to buy a ticket.)
  8. "Eu gostaria de alugar um carro." (I would like to rent a car.)
  9. "Eu gostaria de saber como chegar ao meu destino." (I would like to know how to get to my destination.)
  10. "Eu gostaria de saber quais são as atrações turísticas mais populares." (I would like to know what the most popular tourist attractions are.)

Safety discussions

Ask locals about safety in Portugal

Anna

Anna

Hello! My name is Anna, I’m a girl from Brazil who loves travel and know new people from everywhere! I’m doing a exchange in Lisbon and planning to visit another countries before come back to Brazil! Im very curious and I love to listen new stories, visit nature places and hanging out for drinks and dance. My biggest passion it’s the sea and the sun so I love go to the beach and summer days :) I like to travel alone and stay calm and quiet sometimes but also love stay with another people to discover new things!
Lívia

Lívia

Hey, My name is Lívia and I'm interested in animals, architecture, art, camping, cinema, dancing, health, food & cuisine, nature, live music, photography, backpacking, fashion, business, culture, nightlife and events & social
Joana

Joana

Hello, I'm Joana and I'm interested in animals, art, books, cinema, culture, diving, nature, rafting, photography, sightseeing, surfing, skiing, swimming, trekking and writing

Stay safe with trusted locals in Portugal

Carolina

Carolina

Can host for 3 days

Hi!, My name is Carolina and I live in Lisbon
Shadi

Shadi

Can host for 2 days

I'm literally half Venezuelan half portuguese (in my ♥) 🇻🇪 🇵🇹 Hi girls !! I'm easy going, fun, happy person. Obsessed with sunsets and travelling to new places. I started travelling at 16 and I’ve been addicted ever since! I’m always up for a spontaneous trip somewhere.
Carlota

Carlota

Can host for 3 days

I am a person who loves to travel the world and meet new people. I am entering in this app to find places to stay during my interrail experience, spending the less as possible :)

Upcoming visitors to Portugal

Perla

Perla

Hello! My name is Perla, I’m looking to connect with more likeminded individuals who love to travel and feel the fullness of life in every moment. I’m super open minded, easy to talk to, and my personality is good balance of silliness and meaningful conversations. Would also love to be your main hype-man by liking all your travel photos on IG too. Send me a message and let’s be friends! @praga_saga
Nadi

Nadi

Adventurer and explorer, always seeking new experiences and discovering hidden gems around the world. Passionate about solo travel, cultural immersion, and outdoor adventures. I love meeting new people, sharing stories, and learning about different cultures. I believe in living life to the fullest and embracing the unknown. Follow along for travel inspiration, tips, and stories from my journeys, and who knows, maybe we'll cross paths on the road!
Malin

Malin

Hi! I am Malin, a Swedish woman who are currently taking some time off my engineering job to travel and spend time on my interests which include exploring new cities and cultures, hiking, mindfulness, games and musicals.

Frequently asked questions

Is Portugal safe to visit?

Yes, Portugal is generally considered a safe place to visit. The country has a low crime rate and is generally considered safe for tourists. However, as with any destination, it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Is Portugal safe for LGBTQ?

Yes, Portugal is generally considered to be a safe destination for LGBTQ travelers. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal in Portugal since 1982, and the country has been increasingly progressive in its attitude towards LGBTQ rights. In 2010, Portugal became the sixth country in Europe to legalize same-sex marriage. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal in Portugal, and the country has a number of LGBTQ-friendly bars, clubs, and other venues.

Is Portugal safe at night?

Yes, Portugal is generally safe at night. However, as with any destination, it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone at night, and be sure to keep your valuables secure.

Is Portugal safe for women?

Yes, Portugal is generally considered to be a safe destination for women. However, as with any destination, it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Is Portugal safe to travel alone?

Yes, Portugal is generally considered to be a safe destination for solo travelers. However, as with any destination, it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and keep your valuables secure.

Safe travel in Portugal