How Safe Is Porto for Travel? (2020 Updated) ⋆ Travel Safe

Safety Index:

Portugal : Safety by City

Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city and the capital of the Northern region.

In the middle of coastal Portugal from Porto to Lisbon and further to the south, the landscapes are calmer, and you can meet the extremes – resort towns, which are deserted in the off-season.

Living in Porto is very good but it also depends on your location.

Near the coast the cost of living is high but you get amazing beach or river vibe.

Typically they’re warm people, usually nice to each other and pretty decent in English if you can’t speak Portuguese.

There is a lot of culture, scenery, and tourism to keep you entertained and motivated about living there.

Warnings & Dangers in Porto

OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM

Overall, Porto is mostly safe to travel to. Its crime rates are low as in other major European cities, and pickpockets are the biggest concern you'll have to deal with while on a holiday there. Have your wits with you and be vigilant at all times.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW

Transportation and taxi services are very reliable and safe in Porto. Watch out for pickpockets in public transportation and avoid entering empty metro carriages.

PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM

There is a high risk of encountering a pickpocket since this is a top tourist destination. You should be extremely careful when it comes to your valuables, keep them safe in your accommodation or at least don't carry them all in one place. Be especially vigilant on public transportation.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : LOW

There are no serious threats when it comes to natural disasters in Porto. Occasional floods have been a recurring natural disaster in the last century, followed by earthquakes, but those are unlikely to happen.

MUGGING RISK : LOW

When it comes to mugging, it is not common, though there is a certain degree of risk when it comes to this issue. You should avoid empty, deserted or poorly lit streets, and in such an occasion, hand over your possessions immediately and never resist.

TERRORISM RISK : LOW

Although there haven't been any terrorist attacks in Porto's recent history, they shouldn't be ruled out, so be aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM

As in any tourist destination, and especially a top tourist destination such as Porto, there is a heightened risk of getting scammed. Check every change twice, negotiate everything beforehand and never give your money before you receive the service you're paying for.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW

Porto is, in general, very safe for women traveling solo. Apart from a few precaution rules you should apply to minimize your chances of something going wrong, if you avoid poorly lit and deserted streets and follow your common sense, your trip should go smoothly.

So... How Safe Is Porto Really?

Porto is very safe to visit, and though it’s not without its dangers, some basic precaution rules might save your trip.

Violent crime rates are pretty low, including conflicts, gang-related crime, or drug issues, and all violent crime is generally related to particular neighborhoods.

In Porto, there is a general lack of drunken people stumbling around the streets after a boozing party in the city.

As everywhere, there are some areas in Porto that are best avoided at night.

Such is Bairro Pinheiro Torres – which ha become the “newest” drug infected problem neighborhood of Porto.

In 2008 there were some homicides there due to drug trafficking.

You want to stay out of this area.

Also, bear in mind that Portugal is not a pickpockets-free country and that they tend to roam around the city and tourist-frequented areas.

Be careful with your valuables and keep them in a safe place.

The most usual places where they operate are crowded train stations, airports, and shopping areas.

If you’re using the subway, make sure you sit next to someone and avoid empty carriages.

Pickpockets trying to steal any type of purse, luggage, or shopping bag is a serious issue, and there is even a voice message reminding people of this in most metro and train stations.

Useful Information

Visas - For many countries, visas are not required for any stays shorter than 90 days. Any longer than that, you might have to obtain a visa. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your planned date of return. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Portuguese embassy for further information.
Currency - Europe is the official currency in Porto. ATMs are widely available and credit cards accepted in most establishments throughout the city.
Weather - Porto has a mild, oceanic climate and is colder than Lisbon and the Algarve. The average temperature in winter is about 14ºC and in summer it's around 25ºC.
Airports - Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport is an international airport near Porto. It is located 11 km, northwest of the Clérigos Tower in the center of Porto.
Travel Insurance - Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Porto, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

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