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

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Safety index

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.

Tap water:Very safe

In Portugal, the tap water is generally considered safe to drink. The level of efficient water treatment is high and it goes through rigorous testing. So even in smaller towns and rural areas, you can confidently drink from the tap. However, taste may vary from region to region due to different water sources and treatment processes used.

Is Portugal safe to travel?

4.8 /5

Based on 34 experiences

HAZEL

HAZEL

Turkey

Solo travel experience

I stayed in Porto and Lisbon. I liked it very much, I think it is safe. I stayed in hostels, they were very safe too. I think their food is cheaper than other European countries. I stayed in both cities for a total of 3 days. I spent 55 euros in total. I went to the city center and walked to the sightseeing places from there. There were also remote places, but I could not go to them due to my limited time. The people were very friendly. And they were very lively cities. There was entertainment everywhere.

Posted: February 28, 2024
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Kealey

Kealey

United Kingdom

Couple travel experience

As a lesbian couple we felt very safe, sometimes a bit cautious with pda in public but I think that’s just part of being queer as I feel like this even in my home town at times. We went to Portimaõ in the algarve and it was lovely even though weather was a bit rainy. One thing I wish I knew more about before we got there is that public transport is not as easy as some guides say. The schedules are very spread out and you really need to plan what bus or train to get. Also get a bus card, they have ones from 2-7 days and is way cheaper than paying as you go. Another thing is that cash is still very much the primary payment method so keep that in mind. Overall would recommend and we would love to go back!

Posted: February 12, 2024
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Solo travel experience

I spent 9 days in Portugal, including Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, and Lagos, and it was an amazing experience. The people were lovely and I never felt uncomfortable or unsafe travelling alone. I arrived at the perfect time, just before the high season, when the weather just became perfect.

Posted: December 28, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I spent 2 weeks in Portugal visiting Porto, Sintra, Lisbon, and Albufeira. Traveling alone, I felt completely safe wherever I was. I would definitely recommend traveling to Portugal. It's a beautiful country, with friendly people, great food (Pastel de nata is my new favorite dessert), and in my opinion, it's a very safe country.

Posted: December 26, 2023
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SP

SP

Germany

Solo travel experience

Very safe and nice town, lots of young people, surfing city vibe, amazing restaurants and beaches. A rental car would be useful to check out places and beaches, surfing conditions for beginners and pros.

Posted: December 22, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I spent there over 2 weeks in May and felt very safe as a woman traveling alone, and the people were very nice, and everything was very affordable compared to other major European cities. I visited Porto, Lisbon, and Lagos by bus - (really easy transportation between each city) and each city was so beautiful. Portugal has become one of my favorite countries that I have visited.

Posted: December 16, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I felt very safe, public transport was easy to use, and most people spoke English. I traveled by bus from Lisbon to Porto. I participated in several culinary, wine, and historical tours, all led by very enthusiastic and knowledgeable locals.

Posted: December 5, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I spent 2 days in Porto, Lisbon, and Albufeira and felt safe the whole time. I traveled by train from Lisbon to Porto and from Lisbon to Albufeira, which was really easy to do. One thing I loved was that there was free wifi available on the train, although there were occasional interruptions in its functioning. Most people speak English.

Posted: December 5, 2023
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Couple travel experience

I felt very safe, hot around by bus and taxi, nice food restaurant, sorry but can’t remember their names, actually went for the Afro nation festival in Lagos, beaches where extraordinary, lots of sunshine so don’t forget sun cream in the summer 🙂, In general it was a lovely experience for me and my partner

Posted: December 1, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I went to Portugal alone and it was really incredible. I stayed in Porto for a few days, and then went to Lisbon for four days. I felt safe all the time. I met several really cool people, and both locals and other tourists were very nice. I was cautious and tried to avoid any risky situations, but also made sure I had a great time. I tried a few experiences from Airbnb, which I found really cool. I definitely recommend this.

Posted: November 5, 2023Experienced: April, 2023
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Is Portugal safe to live in?

I feel really free and safe all around so far. I have been to Algarve, Lisbon and Castello Branco and although strange strangers blooped in, I felt safe and I never had a bad experience or any boundary croses

Posted: March 28, 2024
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Overall Portugal is very safe, I would just recommend you exercise normal caution when alone at night in certain areas, like being aware of your surroundings and valuables, don’t leave anything behind that can be stolen. If going for drinks and such, be aware of your drink at all times. I’ve lived here my whole life and never had anything close to an incident.

Posted: February 23, 2024
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Is Portugal safe right now?

🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The United States government advises to exercise normal precautions in Portugal. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 26, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Canadian government advises taking normal security precautions in Portugal. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: March 13, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

Exercise normal safety precautions in Portugal. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: March 27, 2024

Is Portugal worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 34 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.9/5

Safety

4.8/5

Food

4.8/5

Budget-friendly

4.6/5
Rebecca

Rebecca (26)

Spain

Solo travel experience

I've been to Oporto and Lisbon in the same trip. This was the first fully solo trip I've done and I never felt lonely. I brought a book with me, Convinced I'd read a lot, especially during the evenings, instead I didn't even open it! Wonderful people, other travellers, population and places, not to talk about the food. If you're looking to do your first solo trip, this is THE place! Enjoy;)

Posted: February 8, 2024Experienced: September, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Family travel experience

It was a great city. Surfing is among the things you can do. There is an awesome beach for miles, which you can watch the ocean with peace. There is a beautiful town center (Lizbon) which you can do shopping, walk in the streets and see the beautiful architecture in here. We tasted pasteisde nata and we absolutely loved it. There was so many nice people, they were so kind and debonair. It was a lovely trip, if you can have any chance, definitely do it💞

Posted: February 5, 2024Experienced: October, 2021
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Portugal

Meet local women in Portugal who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
daniela

daniela

About Me

Hi! I’m 22 years old. I’m from Porto, Portugal. I am in a relationship for 3 years. I’m super fun but very shy, I love having some beers with my friends. Cat person, but I also love dogs. I don’t do so well in crowed places but I love a big city, but nothing beats the peace and quiet of a small village. I don’t remember what I was looking for in my fridge but I do know every line of F.R.I.E.N.D.S

Speaking

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Juliana

Juliana

About Me

My name is Juliana. I’m rider, so I’m passionate about riding my motorcycle. I love traveling and I love new adventures. My dream it’s to go on a ride all over the world with no limit of nothing just live in each place, living their culture as if it was my own.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Portugal

Stay with local women in Portugal who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Juliana

Juliana

Trofa

Can host for:

2 days

About me

My name is Juliana. I’m rider, so I’m passionate about riding my motorcycle. I love traveling and I love new adventures. My dream it’s to go on a ride all over the world with no limit of nothing just live in each place, living their culture as if it was my own.

Speaking

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Mariana

Mariana

Porto

Can host 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!

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Portugal

Connect with upcoming visitors to Portugal who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.
Anni

Anni

About Me

Hello, my name is Annie. I‘m 24 years old and I love to travel. :)

Speaking

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Monica

Monica

About Me

Hello! I’m Monica. My wife and I love visiting new cities, learning about new cultures and making new friends. She’s from Texas and I’m Colombian. We currently live in a small town in France and want to see as much of the world as we can.

Speaking

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Safety in Portugal