The short answer to whether Portugal is safe for a solo female traveler is yes. Portugal is definitely safe for a solo female traveler! Portugal is rated the 3rd safest country in the world, so go and enjoy. But here are a few tips and advice for how to stay safe.
To start, what does it mean to be safe? For me, feeling safe is being able to walk alone without being approached, followed, or catcalled.
Now, common sense is ALWAYS to be taken into consideration. If you wander the streets alone and drunk at 3am, then the odds of encountering an unwanted situation increase in ANY country.
I generally try to be home by dark OR by a reasonable hour in any country I visit.
And always listen to your gut!
Suggested Reading: Travel mistakes and how to avoid them
Is the public system safe to use for a solo female traveller?
I like to use the app Citymappers while traveling. It is very easy to use, and helps me navigate a new city like a pro!
When I traveled to Portugal, I took the subway, buses, trains, Ubers, taxis, and walked around all by myself and felt safe. However, there was one instance on the subway in Lisbon when a man stared at me. He didn’t talk to me or approach me. The carriage had a few people in it too, but his staring made me feel uncomfortable so I got off on the next stop and quickly moved into another carriage. But that was the ONLY instance that occurred.
If someone does approach you (in any country!), just say a brief and firm “no” and keep walking confidently.
Where is the safest place for a solo female traveller to stay in Lisbon, Portugal?
In Lisbon, there are many districts. The Alfama district has narrow alleyways and is filled with Fado music at night. It is so charming and it is a joy to stay in, or visit, during the day so make sure it is in your itinerary. The alleyways can feel like a maze though, which may feel a bit unsettling if you become lost at night, but it is not unsafe. During the night Fado music can be heard from everywhere, just follow your ears if you become lost. During the day? No problem! Get lost and enjoy. This is my favourite area to stay in.
The Baixo and Rossio districts are the main centre and very busy. There are no narrow streets, so it is quite open and will feel safe.
The train stop to get to the LX Factory is a spot where homeless people sleep at night. As a solo female traveler, I would avoid this train stop at night. I am sure it is fine, but it can feel intimidating to walk alone at night. During the day it is ok because it’s busy.
Where is the safest place to stay in Porto, Portugal for a solo female traveller?
The Ribeiria district is close to the river and is a lively spot.
Baixa is another central district which is close to a lot of the main attractions (like the Lello Bookstore, a Harry Potter inspiration location!)
Is the Algarve in Portugal safe for a solo female traveller?
The Algarve is another gorgeous area in the south of Portugal, and also safe for solo female travellers. It is easy to take a train from Lisbon (or drive if you feel comfortable doing this). There are many towns throughout the Algarve to stay in (like Faro, Lagos, Albufeira, and Tavira), and they are all connected by train.
Can I speak English in Portugal?
The people in Portugal are so friendly. It is easy to get by speaking English most of the time, but it is always helpful to learn a few words like “Bom Dia! (hello)” and “Obrigado (thank you)”
Summary
One misconception I heard before traveling to Portugal was that it felt “gritty.” I thought Portugal was breathtakingly beautiful with the tiled buildings and architecture. There is graffiti marked on a few buildings which could be why that person thought it felt “gritty” but they aren’t related to anything dangerous.
Even when I acted like an obvious tourist (taking pictures of attractions by myself), no one approached me.
In summary, Portugal is so incredibly safe for solo female travellers. I would recommend visiting Portugal if it is your first or hundredth time traveling solo. I hope this encourages you to visit if you have any doubts or if it is your first time.
Have you traveled to Portugal as a solo female traveller? Let me know where you stayed and about your experiences in the comments below!
Like this post? Save it for later!
