Whether Porto is safe for remote workers will be an important question to consider for anyone thinking about spending a few months here. For digital nomads and slow travelers, a city’s safety has a significance influence on their ability to enjoy local attractions and work comfortably. Thankfully, Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world and Porto one of the safest in the country.

Indeed, in comparison with Lisbon you are likely to encounter fewer unsafe situations and petty crime in Porto as the city is, in general, much more laid-back and relaxed. Having said that, it is important for all visitors to observe basic safety precautions here as in any major city. A general safety tip is to be confident about getting around the city and always have a plan for getting where you need to be. Learning some Portuguese is also a good way of feeling equipped to handle any potentially difficult situations, as is being aware of some of the main forms of crime around the city.

As with most cities, the most common form of crime in Porto is petty theft. Pick-pocketing and bag-snatching are reported as rare in Porto, but not unheard of. Around busy touristic areas and squares it is always important to be vigilant and on the lookout for suspicious behavior. Having said that, Porto is safe for remote workers in this particular sense and you are much less likely to be a victim of theft here than in Lisbon or any other major European capital. Still, it is important to observe basic precautions like not carrying valuables around the city with you and using ATMs inside banks only. Cases of violent crime are rare around Porto, but it is still important to know about the areas where they may be more common.

While Porto is safe for remote workers, an important way of keeping safe in a new city is knowing which areas of the city to avoid. While safety in Porto is not a huge issue, there are certainly parts of the city where a visitor may feel out of place and become an easy target for criminals. The Cerco do Porto area, in the northwestern edge of the city, has reports of violent crime and robbery, for example. Equally, The Lagarteiro and Bairro de Aleixo areas of the city are known for drug trafficking and this may mean there is potential for higher levels of crime here. Having said that, it is important to note that Portugal takes a public health approach to drug use and possession, which is a departure from the criminal approach taken by most other countries.

Public transport in Porto is also safe for remote workers. The city’s extensive bus and subway network are generally clean, safe and easy to use, although it is important to be vigilant during peak hours as pick-pockets may operate. Additionally, visitors should be aware that the public transportation system may become quite desolate at night, meaning traveling with a group may be preferable. Equally, if you are enjoying a night out then it is always a good plan to take a taxi back home or use public transport with others in your group. In general it is safe to take a taxi or uber here, and it is often the safest and more reliable way to get home if you are unsure about any aspect of your trip. Porto is also generally safe to walk around, even at night in the main central areas.

Some additional tips to ensure your time in Porto is safe include learning some basic Portuguese words in case you need assistance, and to always know the location of your nearest local tourist police station. Joining a community in Porto is also a good way of making sure you are safe in the city and can count with some type of support network here. In general, Portugal is a very progressive and tolerant city where solo female travelers and LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive and feel in community.

For more information about living in Porto as a remote worker, check out our complete Porto guide.