Updated September 19, 2023

Generally, Porto is a safe place to travel. Portugal’s beautiful second-largest city is a delightful destination! Locals helped us put together this guide to safety in Porto, which covers everything from the coronavirus to tips for solo travelers. 

COVID in Porto, Portugal

“When can I travel to Porto?” This is a common question about Portugal these days. Given the coronavirus pandemic, when will Portugal be safe to visit? Can travelers even go to Portugal right now?

Here's the latest: 

Yes - Americans can visit Portugal! It’s a popular destination right now because there are no special entry requirements and the country has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world (87% of people are fully vaccinated as of September 2022). Add those two things to Portugal’s endless list of charms and you’ve got a recipe for a dream trip.  

Safety in Porto

Porto is a wonderful place to visit in Portugal. The city offers gorgeous strolls along the river Douro, pops of color around every corner, and tons of fantastic Portuguese cuisine. Plus, it’s considered to be a safe destination. 

Locals note that Portugal is very safe on the whole. Learn about a few safety issues and use common sense—you should be fine! 

Common scams in Porto 

Although Portugal is a safe destination, locals say you should keep aware of a few common scams that target travelers. These include: 

• Wrong change: Some merchants may take advantage of your unfamiliarity with euros and give you back the wrong change. Be sure to count it!
• Taxis with broken meters: Although transportation in Portugal is generally safe, use caution while taking a taxi. If the driver says the meter is broken, it’s likely a scam—you’ll end up overpaying for the ride. 
• Restaurant scams: Beware if your menu has no prices. This is a common scam, and you may be overcharged. However, some travelers report being charged for “free” bread —this is not a scam. If you don’t want the bread, tell the waiter when he brings it to your table.

All in all, Porto is a very safe place for travelers. As long as you keep aware of your surroundings and use some common sense, you should be fine. 

Is Porto safe for solo travelers? 

Portugal is a safe destination for solo travel. And so is Porto! Locals note that anyone traveling alone in Porto should:

• Keep an eye on your belongings: Exercise caution in crowded areas like tourist hubs or train stations. Keep an eye on your bag!
• Don’t drink too much port wine: Definitely indulge in this iconic drink while in its birthplace—but be careful to not overindulge. 
• Watch your drinks made: If someone offers to buy you a drink, be sure you see how it's made. Just like you would at home!
• Know how you’re getting home at night: Once the party ends, be sure you have a game plan for getting home. Stick to well-lit, populated areas of Porto at night. 

Important Portuguese phrases 

No matter where you stay in Portugal, whether Lisbon, Porto, or a small town, it’s good to know a few words in Portuguese. Locals tell us that these basics are a good start: 

• Por favor - Please
• Obrigado - Thank you
• De nada - You’re welcome
• Bom Dia - Good morning
• Com licença - Excuse me
• Onde está- Where is the…

Emergency information to know

Although you likely won’t need it, here’s some information to keep on hand in case of an emergency:

Emergency number- 112

The U.S. Embassy - +351 21 727 3300

The U.S. Embassy Website: https://pt.usembassy.gov/

If you run into issues during your trip, you can always reach out to your local for help via phone.

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