Solo Female Travel in Porto

Porto, also known as Oporto, is a coastal city located in northwest Portugal, known for its rich history, charming cobblestone streets, and scenic views, stretching along the Douro River estuary. Famed for its production of fine port wine, this vibrant metropolitan area is teeming with culturally-rich sites such as the Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with medieval relics, narrow paths, and cafes. Its most renowned icon, the Dom Luís I Bridge, provides a panoramic view of the city and its historic port wine cellars that line the river bank. Additionally, Porto is home to the beautiful Livraria Lello, one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal and a spot that inspired J.K. Rowling's depiction of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series.

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Is Porto good for solo travel?

Safety:

Safety:Very safe

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.
Transport:

Transport:Easy

Porto is quite navigable and traveller-friendly. The city's compact layout makes it convenient to traverse on foot, with many landmarks and attractions close to each other. Additionally, it has an efficient public transport system that includes buses and trams, as well as river taxis. However, the hilly landscape can be somewhat challenging, especially in the older parts of town. It might necessitate a bit of fitness, particularly for those not used to such terrains.
Things to do:

Things to do:Interesting

Porto is a vibrant city brimming with history, magnificent architectures, and impressive landscapes. The city offers a plethora of things to do, from exploring the iconic Ribeira District, browsing through various museums, to indulging in delightful Portuguese cuisine especially the signature dish, Francesinha. Not forgetting, the city is also world-renowned for the production of Port wine, so visiting Port wine cellars for tastings is a popular activity. On top of that, the welcoming locals and the city's relative safety make it a great travel destination for solo female travelers. However, Porto's hilly terrain may be physically challenging for some.
Food:

Food:Excellent

Porto offers a rich gastronomic experience with its diverse and incredibly delicious food options. From the classic Francesinha sandwich, mouthwatering fresh seafood, to heavenly pastries such as the iconic Pastel de Nata, the food in Porto never fails to delight. There's a unique mix of traditional and contemporary cuisine, reflecting the city's heritage and innovative spirit. Vegetarians and vegans can also find an increasing number of options. The quality of the food, the variety of options, and the intriguing blend of flavors would please any food lover.
Budget:

Budget:Affordable

Porto is relatively affordable as compared to many European destinations. You can enjoy local cuisine, accommodations, and attractions at prices that won't break your bank. The city also offers many free sights and low-cost public transportation.

Is Porto worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 30 experiences

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

4.2/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5
Alicia

Alicia

New Zealand

Solo travel

I always felt safe in Porto, both during the day and at night. I did a mountain tour on the outskirts of Porto and it was one of my highlight of my whole Europe trip, the views were incredible and learning about the locals and the history was an amazing experience. I think the best way to explore Porto is just to walk around and turn down as many streets as you can without using maps, then just use maps to find your way back. The metro is great and really cheap in Porto, just get a ticket from the machine at any stop and you can get 24 hour tickets for just a few euros. I stayed at Cats Hostel and it was amazing. I went there twice because I loved it so much. The staff were lovely, it’s cheap, the location is great and I made heaps of friends there.

Posted: August 24, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Couple travel

I felt very safe, experienced no problems. A lot to see, very nice architecture and historical buildings. Interesting culture and nice and friendly people. Food was of course amazing. I think it’s a must city.

Posted: August 3, 2024Experienced: August, 2021
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5
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Rebeca

Rebeca

Brazil

Solo travel

Porto is a beautiful city, but only in the tourist parts. There are some dirtier streets and with some homeless people, which if you are not used to it, can be something that makes you uncomfortable. The part of the port itself is beautiful, many restaurants and beautiful and old alleys to walk around. The parks are wonderful, most are on stairs, so it’s always a big up and down. I stayed in a hostel very close to the bus station (approx 15€), which was great The city is not very big, you can do everything by walking. I recommend going on weekdays when it’s not so crowded. They were making a new subway line, so one of the main tourist attractions in the city was closed and under construction. I loved the experience, I would really like to visit again.

Posted: July 30, 2024
Things to do: 3/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 3/5
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Couple travel

Porto was a beautiful vibrant city with a lot of culture. Going around by metro and foot was fairly easy. I was lucky enough to have locals show me around. As a queer couple I felt quite safe with my partner. Food was not too expensive. I went to eat the famous the francesinha, and the place I went to offered a vegetarian option, which was a rare experience in Portugal over all.

Posted: July 30, 2024Experienced: July, 2024
Things to do: 4/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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Diana

Diana

Czech Republic

Couple travel

I went twice. The food prices were average, actually lower than in Malta where I was living; the expensive restaurants were acceptable; I can say that paying in euros was a good price; it is a nice place to go in the summer and winter; you can walk, drink good wine, eat homemade food, and do activities depending on the season.

Posted: July 19, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel

Porto is a charming city with lots of culture to indulge in! The city itself is much smaller than Lisbon and there is a very friendly and welcoming vibe. Close to Porto is the Douro Valley and Gerês National Park for those who love wine (#1) or nature (#2)!

Posted: July 18, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 1/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel

Porto was a surprise for me. Super cheap transport, amazing people, the sea is super . I just love the city! It has so much to offer. The food and shopping is reasonable . I stayed with a couch surfing host who showed me around the city. I think it's a gem that is often overshadowed by Lisbon.

Posted: July 16, 2024Experienced: September, 2023
Things to do: 3/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel

I felt safe most of the time. The food is good, but not that vegan friendly thought. Downside: The service is not good, and most Portuguese are racists and xenophobic. There are many brazilians and they are super friendly, which made my experience better. I like Portuguese wine and food, so for me that was amazing overall.

Posted: July 1, 2024Experienced: June, 2024
Things to do: 3/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 3/5
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Almendra

Almendra

Australia

Solo travel

Yes I did feel safe to walk around I didn’t get any intinerary It did help me the fact I met some local when I went out my first day to have food and he offered me to show me an around at first I was a bit esepctic to the fact of going around with a strange but we went to public places so was fine

Posted: June 15, 2024
Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5
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Coco

Coco

Denmark

Solo travel

I stayed at So Cool Hostel and the staff there are nice. But I really recommend you buying a data SIM card because the WiFi there is a bit weak. Do try out Portuguese food in the market. If you are a foodie, you will be very excited about the variety of food they offer and the price - it’s really inexpensive compared to other cities. Visit the churches and the Sao Bento station if you like blue and white porcelains. Remember to go to the beach during summer times, it’s breathtaking! Their tourism is rich so you can book day tours everywhere. The tuk tuk ride and the cruise ride is great!

Posted: June 6, 2024
Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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Is Porto safe for women?

Safety rating

3.9 /5

Based on 13 experiences

Crime rates rating

1.5 /5

Based on 13 experiences

I never had really bad experiences but I know they exist and it’s always good to keep an eye There are so sketchy people and some robbery but I’d say it’s mostly at night Try to always be aware and be with company

Posted: August 8, 2024
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Porto is safe during the day, but would not recommend to walk alone at night. I had a man following me a couple months ago, but he stopped after I screamed in Portuguese. Foreigners are usually the target to be robbed.

Posted: July 1, 2024
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Meet locals in Porto

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

Diana

About Me

Hi! Diana here, just finished living abroad for a year and now looking for new places to visit, new friends to make and try a lot more food!

Speaking

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Joana

Joana

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

Speaking

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Local tips

Porto is generally very safe for women. People are welcoming and respectful. At night, I wouldn’t advise walking alone in some parts of the city, as it may be a bit more unsafe and isolated. I’ve never had any big problem besides annoying people, but there are other people that haven’t had the same luck, so it’s better to take so precautions. There are plenty of restaurants here. Portuguese cuisine is very very good, so I would definitely recommend giving it a try. Public transportation works well here and taxis are very safe as well. Definitely visit most monuments and museums, have a Port wine tasting experience, visit the river and our beaches.

Posted: August 3, 2024
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Porto is a great city to visit at any time of the year! Full of life and great weather, you have to try the local gastronomy, for sure! It's super easy to go around just walking since it is also the best way to get to know the city!

Posted: June 27, 2024
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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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Stay with locals in Porto

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

Diane

Porto

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, there! I'm Diane, currently living in Porto, Portugal! I love to run, paint, travel, photography and just enjoy the beauty of life!

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Upcoming visitors to Porto

Connect with upcoming visitors to Porto who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.
Dominika

Dominika

About Me

My name is Dominika. I am a digital nomad, currently living in Spain in Moncofa. I speak slovak, Czech, English and Spanish.

Speaking

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Arie

Arie

About Me

In my mid-30s, a short hair female traveller from Singapore who loves to travel around the world and explore hidden gems! Pretty much excited for my upcoming travel! 👻🐺👽

Speaking

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Explore Portugal