Portugal was my first big solo trip in Europe. I chose it because everyone I knew described it as friendly, affordable and safe, and after two weeks wandering Lisbon and Porto on my own, I can happily say they were right. I walked home after dinner, sat alone at wine bars without feeling awkward, and made friends on a tram, on a walking tour and in a tiny bakery in Porto that I still dream about.
That said, feeling safe does not mean switching your brain off. Here are my honest, practical tips for solo female travel in Portugal, from where to stay to getting around, plus the little things I would do differently.
Is Portugal safe for solo female travelers?
In my experience, yes, very. Violent crime against tourists is rare, and people were consistently kind and helpful. The main thing to watch for is petty theft, especially pickpocketing in crowded places like Tram 28, busy viewpoints and the main shopping streets in Lisbon. Use the same common sense you would anywhere: keep your bag zipped and in front of you, and be aware of your surroundings.
Where to stay in Lisbon as a solo female traveler
- Baixa and Chiado: Central, well lit, busy until late, and walkable to almost everything. My top pick for a first solo trip.
- Príncipe Real: Elegant, calm and full of lovely cafés, with easy access to the nightlife in Bairro Alto.
- Alfama: Gorgeous and atmospheric, but the steep, winding alleys can feel confusing at night. I loved visiting, but I was glad I stayed elsewhere.
- Bairro Alto: Fun for a night out, but very noisy until the early hours. Not ideal if you want to sleep.
I stayed in a small boutique guesthouse in Chiado with a 24-hour reception, and having someone at the front desk when I came back late was reassuring.
Wendy’s tip: When booking solo, filter for places with a 24-hour front desk or a well-reviewed self check-in system, and read reviews written by other solo women. They usually mention the things that matter, like how the street feels at night.
Getting around Lisbon
Lisbon is famously hilly, so bring comfortable shoes with good grip. The polished stone pavements can be slippery, especially after rain. I slipped twice on my first day and decided my cute sandals would stay in the suitcase.
- Metro and trams: Get a rechargeable Navegante card and top it up for single trips. Tram 28 is charming, but it is packed and a hotspot for pickpockets. Ride it early in the morning for a calmer experience.
- Ride-hailing apps: Uber and Bolt are widely used and affordable. I used them late at night instead of walking up the hills alone.
- Day trips: Trains to Sintra and Cascais leave from central stations and are cheap and easy.
Getting from Lisbon to Porto
The easiest way is by train. The fast Alfa Pendular takes around three hours and is comfortable, with power sockets and a café carriage. Book on the official CP (Comboios de Portugal) website a few days ahead for the best fares. I sat by the window and watched the countryside roll by with a pastel de nata in hand. Perfect solo travel moment.
Porto: smaller, cozier and just as lovely
Porto felt even more relaxed than Lisbon. It is compact, so you can explore most of it on foot. I stayed near São Bento Station, which is central and well connected, and spent my evenings along the Ribeira riverfront watching the light change over the river.
Crossing the upper deck of the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia, where the port wine cellars are, is a must. Many cellars offer guided tastings, which are also a great way to meet other travelers if you are craving a bit of company.
Nights out alone
Dinner alone in Portugal felt completely normal. Many restaurants have counter seating, and petiscos (small plates) are perfect for solo diners because you can try lots of dishes without ordering too much food. I also joined a fado evening in Lisbon, a small, intimate concert of traditional Portuguese music, which was one of the most moving experiences of my trip.
If you are drinking, the usual rules apply: watch your drink, know how you will get home, and share your live location with someone you trust.
Scams and annoyances to watch for
- Street sellers offering “hashish” or sunglasses in Baixa and the tourist areas. A firm “no, obrigada” and walking on is all you need.
- Petition or charity clipboards used as a distraction for pickpocketing.
- Unofficial taxis at the airport. Use the official taxi rank or a ride-hailing app.
- Restaurant couvert: Bread, olives and butter placed on your table are not free. It is not a scam, just a custom, but you can politely send them back if you do not want them.
My solo safety checklist
- Share your itinerary and accommodation details with family or a friend
- Keep a copy of your passport in your email and on your phone
- Carry only the cards and cash you need for the day
- Save the European emergency number, 112
- Download offline maps of Lisbon and Porto
- Trust your gut and leave any situation that feels off
For more official travel information and ideas for other regions, check out Visit Portugal, the country’s official tourism site.
Would I go back solo?
Without hesitation. Portugal gave me confidence as a solo traveler that I have carried to every trip since. If you are nervous about your first solo adventure, this is a wonderful place to start. Pack good shoes, keep your bag close and say yes to that second pastel de nata.
Flying from Asia? I broke up my journey to Portugal with a stopover, and you can read how I did it in my 48-hour Dubai stopover guide.
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