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

4.6 /5

Based on 241 experiences from female travelers

4.3 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.4 /5

Based on 161 experiences from local women

Portugal is currently ranked #27 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.6 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Portugal?

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.

Is Portugal worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 241 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5

Elisa

Spain

Lisbon, Group travel

lisbon was such a pretty city ! the monasteries were a bit expensive for our budget but we went to miradores, gave à walk in the old city which is really pretty with its little streets. We also went to sintra, accesible in train at 40 min, where there are at least 3 beautiful castles in different architectural styles sooo worth it !! im vegetarian so i didnt try traditional food with fish but pasteis de nata yes and it was such a succulent desert!

Posted: April 13, 2025

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Tuana

Portugal

Porto, Group travel

We went to Porto for a day trip. It is about 3 hours away from Bragança by flixbus. We used the metro as public transportation. I found the metro ticket a bit expensive. The atmosphere was very nice. You can see street musicians in some places and they are really good. There were a lot of tourists. This makes the place more fun.

Posted: April 10, 2025

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Elora

Bulgaria

Lisbon, Family travel

I don’t think I’ve fell in love with a city faster than falling in love with Lisbon and Portugal in general. I loved the city, the people, the views, the architecture… I was mostly walking alone and I remember feeling safe. There’s a lot to see and a lot to do.

Posted: April 10, 2025

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Portugal, Couple travel

We travelled to Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais and Porto and had a good trip there! we were with two more friends and we feel safe, we had a car tho! I highly recommend to go to the little towns Sintra and Cascais, there are like a fairytale and it’s clean, safe and beautiful

Posted: April 8, 2025Experienced: April, 2025

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Lisbon, Solo travel

I felt quite safe most of the time, although I came back home quite early (around 9 pm) every night. The city and attractions around it were fantastic, I advise to visit Sintra, a short train ride away.

Posted: March 30, 2025Experienced: January, 2025

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Porto, Solo travel

Just strolling around the city was amazing. Especially the sunset spot where breathtaking event though it was kind of crowded. I booked the cheapest hostel due to my tight budget, which was absolutely fine and right in the city center. I really recommend using public transport to get anywhere.

Posted: March 15, 2025

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Jas

Germany

Lisbon, Couple travel

Lisbon had been on my bucket list for approximately 14 years because so many people kept telling me that it was their favourite city they ever travelled to. And it really did not disappoint. It’s beautiful and historical and people were dancing and singing in the streets at night. Prices were really affordable and there was so much to explore. You could keep on walking and find a new cool location around every corner. Pastel de Nata for the win!

Posted: March 11, 2025Experienced: May, 2024

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Léontine

France

Portugal, Family travel

Budget similar as france Felt pretty safe, i didnt walk at night in city to be fair Really beautiful I really want to go back to Portugal with my grandma now, i was with à friend i met there it was so Nice

Posted: March 7, 2025Experienced: February, 2025

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İrem

Portugal

Coimbra, Solo travel

I went to Coimbra 2 days ago and i can tell that Coimbra is one of the best cities in Portugal. The streets, culture, songs, buildings, and the view of the river were amazing. University is one of the oldest Unis. and did you know J.K Rowling was inspired of this University to write Harry Potter? I had so much fun. Besides it was quite safe. I liked almost every corner of the city.

Posted: March 6, 2025Experienced: March, 2025

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İrem

Portugal

Aveiro, Solo travel

This is one of the most greenest city I've ever seen. The culture and people are really nice and the city is quite safe to travel. Hotels and houses to rent are a bot expensive but food are acceptable. Beaches here are really good especially for friends groups and parties and of course for swimming. In summer is really warm tho..

Posted: March 1, 2025Experienced: February, 2025

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Is Portugal safe for women?

Safety index

4.4 /5

Based on 161 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 161 local experiences

Lisbon

You need to be cautious, by day the only big issue are pickpockets and some scammers, besides that is usually pretty safe, by night it truly deepens on the area but try to never walk alone (men exist) :/

Posted: April 17, 2025

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Sara

Lisbon

It is generally safe if you avoid certain neighborhoods such as "Mouraria" "Bairro Alto" and some suburbs. Never get drunk if you're alone, never get an uber/bolt if you're drunk or unconscious (prefer normal taxi) and always share the ride info with friends or family.

Posted: April 16, 2025

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Meet locals in Portugal

Zehra

About Me

Hello, I'm Zehra! I'm 19 years old, an art student. I'm currently doing Erasmus in Caldas da Rainha, Portugal. I originally live in Eskişehir, Turkey and I'm Turkish! My favorite thing in life is drawing and singing and dancing. Since I came to Erasmus, it's been my dream to go to many European countries, I've been to a few of them, you can check out the details on my profile!!!

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Sofia

About Me

21 year old aerospace engineering student passionate about knowing more about what our beautiful world has to offer us :) in addition to that, music is a really important part of my life and i live getting new music recommendations 👀

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Portugal

Zehra

Caldas Da Rainha

Can host for:

3 days

About me

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Domingas

Águeda

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hey my name is Domingas, I'm from Angola but now I'm living in Portugal, I've been here for about 6 years. I like listening to music, reading, drawing (almost never) watching series and watching horror movies (I love horror movies) I'm 18 and always I wanted to travel the world, like, see what's around me, you know? 🥹

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Upcoming visitors to Portugal

Slavka

About Me

Hi! I am Slávka, currently ending my master studies in electrical power engineering in Bratislava! Live here almost my whole life and I can give you advice about visiting Bratislava or Slovakia! I have a gluten-free diet with some other alergies, so I can help with advising where to eat or buy gluten-free meals! I like to do sport - soccer, bike, hiking and much more.

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Priscila

About Me

Psychologist, solo traveller, Brazilian living in the most beautiful city in Rio de Janeiro: Armação dos Búzios, also known as “Brazilian Saint-Tropez” (honestly, I prefer Búzios!). ☺️ I love to travel abroad and I’ve been in some European countries, as France, Germany, Belgium, Malta, Netherlands and Czech Republic. I also like to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds. Currently planning to go to Scotland in May/24 :)

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Safety in Portugal

Lisbon

Madeira

Lagos

Porto

Algarve

Sintra

Azores

Funchal

Coimbra

Ericeira

Ponta Delgada

Faro

Aveiro

Baleal

Loule

Peniche

Check the safest places in Portugal