Porto Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Porto.
Healthcare System
Portugal has a comprehensive National Health Service (SNS - Serviço Nacional de Saúde) that provides healthcare to residents and emergency care to visitors. EU/EEA citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can access public healthcare at reduced or no cost. Non-EU visitors will need to pay for services or use private healthcare facilities.
Hospitals
Major hospitals include Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João (public, comprehensive services), Hospital de Santo António (public, central location), and Hospital da CUF Porto (private, English-speaking staff). Emergency rooms (Urgências) are available 24/7. Private hospitals generally have shorter wait times and more English-speaking staff but higher costs.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (Farmácias) are widely available throughout Porto, marked with green crosses. Many common medications available over-the-counter elsewhere may require prescriptions in Portugal. At least one pharmacy in each area operates on a rotating 24-hour schedule (farmácia de serviço). Pharmacists are knowledgeable and can provide advice for minor ailments.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all non-EU visitors and advisable even for EU citizens to cover repatriation, private healthcare, and services not covered by EHIC. Insurance should cover medical treatment, hospital stays, and emergency evacuation.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications in original packaging with prescriptions, as specific brands may not be available
- EU citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to public healthcare
- Save the location of the nearest pharmacy and hospital to your accommodation
- Tap water in Porto is safe to drink and meets EU standards
- For minor issues, visit a pharmacy first - pharmacists can often help without needing a doctor visit
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing is the most common crime affecting tourists in Porto, particularly in crowded areas, on public transportation, and at popular tourist sites. Thieves often work in pairs or groups and target distracted visitors.
Rental cars and vehicles with foreign plates are frequently targeted for break-ins, especially when luggage or valuables are visible inside. GPS devices and personal items are commonly stolen.
Porto's historic center features steep hills, uneven cobblestone streets (calçada portuguesa), and worn stone steps that become very slippery when wet. This presents a significant risk of falls and injuries.
While relatively uncommon, there have been occasional reports of drinks being spiked in bars and nightclubs, particularly in areas with heavy nightlife activity.
The Atlantic Ocean along Porto's coast has strong currents, cold water temperatures, and can have dangerous waves. Drowning incidents occur, particularly with inexperienced swimmers who underestimate ocean conditions.
Porto drivers can be aggressive, and traffic rules may not always be followed. Pedestrians need to be cautious as vehicles don't always yield at crosswalks. Narrow streets and trams create additional hazards.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some tourist-oriented restaurants automatically bring bread, olives, cheese, or other appetizers to your table without asking. These are not complimentary and will be added to your bill, sometimes at inflated prices. You may also be charged for items you didn't order.
Some taxi drivers may take longer routes, claim the meter is broken, add fake surcharges, or refuse to use the meter altogether, especially from the airport or cruise terminal. They may also claim they don't have change for large bills.
Some unauthorized 'guides' or touts in Vila Nova de Gaia offer cheap port wine tastings but take tourists to establishments that charge excessive prices or sell inferior products. They may also pressure visitors into buying expensive bottles.
Individuals approach tourists offering to tie a 'friendship bracelet' or hand them a small gift like a sprig of rosemary. Once accepted or tied on, they demand payment and can become aggressive if refused.
Scammers approach tourists with clipboards asking them to sign petitions for charitable causes or social issues. While the victim is distracted reading or signing, accomplices pickpocket them or the clipboard is used to conceal theft from bags.
Card skimming devices may be placed on ATMs to capture card data, or someone may offer to 'help' when your card is retained by the machine. Distraction techniques are also used while victims are withdrawing money.
Unlicensed individuals approach tourists offering cheap walking tours or historical information but provide inaccurate information and may lead visitors to shops or restaurants where they receive commission, or demand high tips at the end.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuable items you don't need daily
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave expensive jewelry at home
- Distribute money and cards in different pockets or bags
- Keep a photocopy or digital copy of your passport and important documents separate from originals
- Use ATMs during daylight hours and inside banks when possible
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Carry some cash as smaller establishments may not accept cards
Transportation Safety
- Validate your metro/bus ticket before boarding to avoid fines
- Keep belongings secure and in sight on public transportation
- Use official taxi ranks or reputable apps like Uber, Bolt, or Free Now
- If renting a car, familiarize yourself with local driving laws and parking restrictions
- Be aware that historic trams (Line 1) are popular with pickpockets due to crowding
- Download the offline map of Porto for navigation without data
- Keep your metro Andante card topped up to avoid delays
Accommodation Safety
- Choose accommodations in well-reviewed, central areas for first-time visitors
- Ensure your room has a working lock and use it, along with any security chain
- Don't leave valuables visible in your room; use the safe if provided
- Know the emergency exits and procedures of your accommodation
- Keep the address and contact information of your hotel with you at all times
- Be cautious when answering the door; verify identity of hotel staff
- Check reviews for mentions of security issues before booking
Night Safety
- Stick to well-lit, populated streets when walking at night
- Travel in groups when possible, especially in nightlife areas
- Pre-arrange transportation home before going out; avoid unlicensed taxis late at night
- Keep your phone charged and accessible for emergencies
- Be aware of your alcohol consumption and never leave drinks unattended
- Avoid displaying intoxication as it makes you a target
- Trust your instincts; if an area feels unsafe, leave
Communication and Connectivity
- Save emergency numbers in your phone before arrival
- Consider purchasing a local SIM card or activating international roaming
- Learn basic Portuguese phrases; locals appreciate the effort ('Ajuda!' means 'Help!')
- Share your itinerary with someone back home
- Take photos of important documents and email them to yourself
- Download offline maps and translation apps
- Know your accommodation address in Portuguese for taxi drivers
Food and Drink Safety
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Porto
- Choose restaurants with good hygiene standards; look for busy places with locals
- Be aware that seafood should be consumed fresh, especially in summer heat
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
- Be cautious with ice in drinks at questionable establishments
- If you have food allergies, learn how to communicate them in Portuguese
- Pace yourself with port wine and local alcohol; it's stronger than it tastes
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Porto is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Portugal ranks well in global safety indexes for women. Most women report feeling comfortable walking around during the day and in well-populated areas at night. However, standard precautions should be taken, and some unwanted attention (catcalling) may occur, though it's less common than in some other Southern European destinations.
- Dress as you wish; Porto is a modern, liberal city with no specific dress code, though modest dress may reduce unwanted attention
- Be confident and purposeful in your movements; avoid appearing lost or uncertain
- If staying in hostels, consider female-only dormitories if available
- Be cautious when accepting drinks from strangers in bars and nightclubs
- Use well-lit, populated routes when walking at night; avoid shortcuts through dark alleys
- Keep your phone charged and accessible; consider sharing your location with friends or family
- If experiencing harassment, enter a shop or restaurant and ask for help; Portuguese people are generally helpful
- Consider joining group tours or activities to meet other travelers
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Book accommodations in safe, central neighborhoods like Baixa, Ribeira, or Cedofeita
- Be aware that some men may be persistent in nightlife areas; a firm 'não' (no) is usually respected
- Save the contact information for your country's embassy or consulate
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Portugal is one of Europe's most LGBTQ+-friendly countries. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010, discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal, and Portugal has comprehensive anti-discrimination laws. Porto specifically has strong legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Porto's main LGBTQ+ nightlife is concentrated in areas like Galerias de Paris and Ribeira, with several gay-friendly bars and clubs
- The city hosts Porto Pride (Marcha do Orgulho) annually, usually in June or July
- Public displays of affection are generally safe in central Porto, though discretion may be wise in more conservative neighborhoods
- Most hotels and accommodations are LGBTQ+-friendly; major chains and boutique hotels are particularly welcoming
- Visit the Plano B bar, Pride Coffee, or Zoom clubs, which are popular LGBTQ+ venues
- Download local LGBTQ+ apps to connect with the community and find events
- Portugal's national LGBTQ+ organization, ILGA Portugal, has resources and can provide support if needed
- Same-sex couples can book double beds without issue at virtually all accommodations
- Healthcare providers are professional and non-discriminatory; LGBTQ+ health concerns are handled respectfully
- While generally safe, use the same precautions you would anywhere when meeting people through apps
- Trans travelers should know that Portugal has progressive gender recognition laws, though carrying documentation matching your gender presentation may avoid confusion
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for all visitors to Porto, even though it's a safe destination with good healthcare. While EU citizens can access public healthcare with an EHIC, it doesn't cover everything, and non-EU visitors will pay full price for medical care. Insurance provides crucial protection against medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost belongings, and unexpected situations that could otherwise result in significant financial loss.
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