According to the Global Peace Index 2021, Portugal is ranked as the 13th most peaceful country in the world and it is considered to be a low crime rate country. Additionally, the World Economic Forum's Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2021 ranked Portugal as the 8th safest country in the world. This is primarily due to the low crime rate, the political stability, and the strong rule of law in the country.

It's important to note, however, that while Portugal is a safe country overall, no place is completely immune to crime, so it's still important for tourists to take general safety precautions and be aware of their surroundings, as they would when visiting any foreign city.

According to the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, there is a low level of crime in Porto, but tourists should still be aware of pickpocketing and theft, particularly in crowded areas such as the historic city center and on public transportation. Tourists should also take precautions to protect their belongings, such as carrying valuables in a secure location and being aware of their surroundings.


The UK Foreign Office also warns of pickpocketing and bag snatching, especially in tourist areas. They also advise us to be cautious at night in some areas outside the city center and to take care when using ATMs.


The Lonely Planet also says that Porto is a safe destination and that most visitors will never encounter any problems. However, it warns that pickpocketing can be a problem in crowded areas and on public transport, particularly on metro trains and buses.

While overall, Porto is considered a safe destination for tourists, certain areas are considered safer or more dangerous than others. Safer areas in Porto include the historic city center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to many of the city's top tourist attractions. The Ribeira district, which is located along the Douro River, is also considered a safe area, with many restaurants, bars, and shops. The upscale neighborhoods of Foz do Douro and Boavista are also considered safe.

Areas that are considered to be more dangerous in Porto include some areas outside the city center, particularly at night. The Matosinhos and Campanhã districts, located to the north of the city center, have a higher crime rate than other areas of Porto.

It's important to note that crime can happen anywhere and tourists should always take general safety precautions and be aware of their surroundings, regardless of which area of the city they are in.

It's also important to remember that crime statistics can change over time and depend on the time of the day and the day of the week. Tourists should always check the latest travel advice from their country's government before they plan their trip and stay informed while they are traveling.

Overall, tourists need to be aware of their surroundings, protect their belongings, and take general safety precautions, as they would when visiting any foreign city.