Is Rio de Janeiro Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Family travel experience

The best place in the world. Do not go out at dawn or wander alone in desolate places. By doing so, you will be safe and have an incredible journey. Natural passages are so beautiful. Shopping centers are top class. It might be a bit chaotic if you stay in the northern or southern zones, but Barra da Tijuca is incredibly friendly and prepared to welcome foreigners.

Solo travel experience

I was in Rio for some time and I liked the tourist places I visited. My advice - take care of your phone's safety and use Uber. Don't walk around the city when it gets dark.

Solo travel experience

I stopped in the Copacabana district and loved the place. I didn't go out late at night and always watched my belongings in crowded places, just as I would do in any other large city. I had heard various opinions before leaving, but I was very pleasantly surprised and generally felt safe in Rio. I highly recommend seeing the steak restaurants, Sugarloaf Mountain, and taking the train to Christ the Redeemer.

Solo travel experience

I spent 10 days alone in Rio a few months ago and completely fell in love with the city. It's one of the best places I've visited and I never felt too scared or worried about my safety, but I adhered to all of those common safety rules. Brazilians are some of the friendliest and most cheerful people I've met.

Group travel experience

Rio is such an amazing city! But can get very unsafe, even in Copacabana. We went for carnival and had such an amazing time.

Solo travel experience

I went to Carnaval and I really enjoyed it. I stayed in tourist areas and the whole time I was there, I felt quite safe. It can be quite cheap or as expensive as you want. I also really enjoyed the free walk around the city center.

Solo travel experience

I sensed some suspicion in the city center or when I was returning home after dinner. Besides that, I felt completely safe. Brazilians are so friendly and hospitable - they totally made my experience worthwhile.

Couple travel experience

My favourite city in the world! You can hike and see the native animals and breathtaking views in the morning, go to a beach and see the sunset in the afternoon and then hit the amazing bars which offer a taste of Brazil’s awesome Cousine and music. Recommend staying in Zona Sul (specially Copacabana) as it is closer to most interesting locations and quite safe.

Solo travel experience

Rio de Janeiro was the first place I ever traveled to alone when I was 18 years old. I spent 3 months there and I admit, I was young and probably naive at the time, but honestly, I felt safe and nothing was stolen from me, I even worked as a volunteer in the favelas.

Rio is my home town and even though I know my way around and I’m not a concerned person, I do feel quite unsafe here. I know where to go and where to walk but still feels very sketchy, especially late at night. I don’t feel in danger all the time but it sure is uncomfortable walking alone as a woman in the city of Rio de Janeiro

Rio is a beautiful city but its very dangerous. You can't use your cell phone in street bc you'll be stolen. The same about using professional cameras of photos and cash (dolars or euros). Keep your eyes open and don't accept food or drinks offered by strangers, mainly if a hot guy offers a special drink.

Rio is famous for not being safe. But if you stick to the parts of town where tourists are expected and avoid using your phone on the streets, you should be fine. Always get information from locals you can trust, and use uber if it’s after 10pm. It’s a beautiful city and I love it, but it is important to stay alert.

Solo travel experience

Rio is beautiful, like no other city I have been to because of it being built into the mountains but you need to be careful and aware of your surroundings. Not many people outside tourist areas speak English.

Family travel experience

Rio de Janeiro was by far one of the most incredible places I had been to! I went with my family December of 2022 for the New Years (Reveillon). We stayed in Barra de Tijuca, a more upper-class neighbourhood of Rio. This time, Jan 2024, I am going back to Brazil (yes, back so soon) because I loved it so much haha! It has such a special place in my heart.