For your trip to Portugal , you want to find out about the safety of the city of Porto and its neighborhoods.
Indeed, given the level of violence in some European cities , it is legitimate to question the safety situation in Porto.
In this article we will check if Porto is a dangerous city or not. We will see which neighborhoods to avoid and which are the most interesting for a tourist stay.
Is Porto a dangerous city?
Porto, the 2nd largest city in Portugal, is renowned for its charm, cobbled streets, bridges and world-famous wine.
But what is the reality of crime in Porto?
According to the latest statistics and the Numbeo ranking , Porto is not considered a dangerous city.
Indeed, the crime rate in Porto is relatively low (32.64), especially for violent crimes.
Just like Lisbon , Porto is among the safest cities in Europe ( European cities crime ranking ).
In fact, some cities like London , Marseille , Rome or Berlin have much higher crime rates than Porto!
Dangerous neighborhoods in Porto
Although Porto is an overall safe city, there are certain neighborhoods that visitors are best advised to avoid. Indeed, certain areas are less recommended in terms of attendance.
And there are some neighborhoods that even have a reputation for being dangerous:
- Neighborhoods Pinheiro Torres, Aleixo, Cerco, for example, experience problems with crime and drug trafficking. Visitors are strongly encouraged to avoid these 3 neighborhoods, especially at night.
- Ermesinde et Campanhã : These neighborhoods north of the city center have a slightly higher crime rate than other areas of Porto.
- Finally, it is also recommended to be careful in the neighborhoods of extension, Pasteleira do Meio, Bonfim where security problems are recurrent.
Porto red light districts
Unfortunately, like many cities, Porto is also home to neighborhoods notorious for illegal activities.
The Cerco do Porto district , for example, is known as a rough area. Visitors are strongly advised to avoid it as it can be dangerous at night.
For the same reasons, in certain areas of the Antas district , it is best to avoid venturing out at night.
Best areas to stay in Porto
Here are the 3 most recommended neighborhoods for a tourist stay:
- Le Ribeira district, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the most touristy district of Porto. Located on the banks of the Douro River, it is a neighborhood with its colorful houses, the Dom Luis I bridge, its bars and restaurants. It is the historic center of Porto where emblematic monuments are located such as the Porto Cathedral, the Church of São Francisco, the Clerigos Tower and the Stock Exchange Palace.
- The center of Porto which is called Union of Freguesias do Centro is also interesting for a tourist stay. Indeed, this large area which brings together several freguesias (Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau and Vitória) is very central for visiting the city. In addition, there are many hotels, restaurants and shops.
- Le Foz do Douro district : This neighborhood is popular for its beaches and lively atmosphere. Although further from the city center, it is perfect for those who want to enjoy the beach while still being within a reasonable distance of Porto's attractions. You can also visit sites like the São Miguel-o-Anjo Lighthouse.
Which hotel to visit the city?
With an ideal location for visiting Porto on foot, I recommend the Pestana Vintage Porto hotel.
This hotel in the Ribeira district is popular for its imposing architecture and panoramic views of the Douro River. It's right next to the main attractions, making it a great choice for exploring the city on foot.
Which hotel for a seaside stay?
For a beach holiday in Porto, the Boa – Vista hotel is a good option.
Located in the Foz do Douro district , it is close to the beaches but also close to buses to get to the historic center of Porto.
This article is a synthesis of the most reliable information published in the Portuguese press, statistics, and AI. Sources: portugalsemfronteiras , reddit.com/r/porto , vortexmag.net , encontreportugal.pt