Is Brazil safe to visit? The safest Brazilian cities for security-conscious travellers

Brazil attracts millions of visitors each year with its beaches, culture, and natural landscapes. At the same time, safety is a common concern for international travellers. Crime rates vary widely between regions, and experiences can differ greatly depending on whether visitors choose Brazil's large cities, smaller capitals, or coastal towns.

For those who prioritise security when planning a trip, some cities stand out as safer than others. This post looks at five of the safest Brazilian cities for tourists, based on available crime statistics, government advisories, and traveller reports.

How to decide if a city in Brazil is safe to visit for tourists?

When assessing safety in Brazil, it is important to distinguish between overall crime statistics and the risks that tourists actually face. Many violent incidents occur in favelas or peripheral neighbourhoods that visitors have no reason to go to. For travellers, it is most important to consider whether crime occurs in the areas they are likely to visit, and whether crime is targeted at tourists.

Cities like Rio de Janeiro present greater risk because thefts, robberies, and scams often take place in tourist zones and directly target visitors.  Of course, this doesn't mean you can't visit Rio safely, as millions of tourists do each year, but it does mean that you need to take extra precautions.

In other cities, much of the recorded crime happens between local residents and is not directed at tourists, meaning you might have a more relaxed trip if safety is a big concern for you.

So, is Brazil safe to visit? It depends where you go - consider these 5 tourist-friendly cities.

1. Florianópolis (Santa Catarina)

Florianópolis, often referred to as Floripa, is the capital of Santa Catarina state in southern Brazil. It is regularly ranked among the safest capital cities in Brazil to visit. According to national crime statistics, Florianópolis recorded rates considerably lower than the national Brazilian average and far below levels in cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Fortaleza, or Recife.

Tourism is central to Florianópolis’ economy. The island setting, with more than 40 beaches, attracts large numbers of domestic and international visitors. This tourism-driven environment has led to a concentration of policing in key visitor areas such as Lagoa da Conceição, Canasvieiras, and Campeche. Reports of petty theft do occur, particularly on busy beaches and at night, but violent crime against tourists is rare.

The city also benefits from a reputation for high quality of life. Infrastructure is relatively well maintained, and public services are better than in many other parts of the country. For security-conscious travellers, Florianópolis provides a balance between Brazil’s natural attractions and a safer urban base.

Other safe destinations nearby Florianopolis include Guarda do Embau and Blumenhau.

2. Curitiba (Paraná)

Curitiba, capital of Paraná in the south, is widely recognised for its urban planning and environmental policies. It also ranks as one of Brazil’s safer large cities. While official figures vary, independent studies and safety indices consistently place Curitiba in the upper tier for public security among Brazilian cities.

For tourists, the main risks are typical urban issues such as pickpocketing on buses or in crowded areas. Downtown zones like Praça Tiradentes and Rua XV de Novembro are quite safe during the day, though caution is advised at night. Public transport is well organised compared to other Brazilian cities, which contributes to both ease of movement and security.

Curitiba is not a beach destination but instead offers cultural and architectural sites, such as the Oscar Niemeyer Museum and the Botanical Garden. Its status as a business and cultural hub, combined with relatively lower crime rates, makes it appealing to travellers who want to experience Brazil’s urban side without the higher risks found elsewhere.

Other safe destinations nearby Curitiba include Ilha do Mel.

3. Brasília (Federal District)

Brasília, the federal capital of Brazil, presents a mixed picture when it comes to safety. For visitors, the planned core of Brasília is the main focus. The area containing the government buildings, ministries, and cultural landmarks such as the National Congress and Cathedral is heavily policed. This means tourists tend to face relatively low risks in the central zones. Petty crime does occur, such as pickpocketing in public areas, but violent incidents involving visitors are very uncommon.

However, crime levels vary sharply between the planned central areas and the satellite cities that surround the capital. The wider Federal District outside of the tourist area does experience crime, travellers have no reason to visit these areas.

From a tourism perspective, Brasília’s appeal lies in its modernist architecture designed by Oscar Niemeyer and role as the administrative heart of the country. For safety-focused travellers, it offers a big-city experience with more manageable risk, provided they remain within the main central zones.

Other safe destinations nearby Brasilia include Chapada dos Veadeiros, an incredible national park with towering waterfalls.

4. Belo Horizonte (Minas Gerais)

Belo Horizonte, capital of Minas Gerais, is one of Brazil’s largest cities and often considered safer than Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo. It has a metropolitan population of more than 5 million, making it a significant urban centre.

For tourists, the main risks in Belo Horizonte are non-violent theft such as pickpocketing. Central neighbourhoods like Savassi and Lourdes are comparatively safe, particularly during the day. Caution is required in peripheral areas and at night, and it's best to travel by Uber for greater safety.

Belo Horizonte is less reliant on international tourism but offers cultural and culinary experiences, especially with its bar and restaurant scene. It is also a gateway to Minas Gerais' historic towns and state parks. Visitors concerned with safety will find it easier to manage risks here than in Rio or São Paulo, though vigilance is still necessary.

Other safe destinations nearby Belo Horizonte include the historic towns of Ouro Preto and Tiradentes.

5. João Pessoa (Paraíba)

João Pessoa, the capital of Paraíba in the northeast, is smaller than many state capitals, with a population of just over 800,000. It is often promoted as one of the safer northeastern capitals. Tourist-oriented coastal neighbourhoods such as Tambaú and Cabo Branco are considered relatively safe, with regular police patrols and strong visibility due to the concentration of hotels and restaurants.

As in other Brazilian cities, petty theft is the most common issue for travellers. Visitors are advised to avoid carrying valuables to the beach and to use ride-share services at night. The violent crime that occurs in the city is concentrated in the outskirts and peripheral neighbourhoods rather than in the main tourist zones.

João Pessoa is notable for being one of the greenest cities in Brazil, with large urban parks and an emphasis on sustainable development. It offers a northeastern cultural experience with lower risk levels than Recife, Salvador, or Fortaleza, which have higher rates of violent crime.

Safe destinations nearby Joao Pessoa include Pipa, a popular beach town on the coast between Joao Pessoa and Natal.

Tips to stay safe as a tourist in Brazil

• Use a money belt to carry your passport, bank cards, and emergency cash. Keep it under your clothing so it is not visible, and avoid regularly taking items in and out of it in public. Additionally, consider a recommend anti-theft fanny pack that has lockable zippers and cannot be cut.

• Keep your phone out of sight when it is not in use, particularly in crowded areas, on buses, or at traffic lights. Quick grab-and-run thefts are among the most common crimes affecting tourists.

• At night, avoid walking alone in dark areas. Stick to well-lit and populated areas at night, particularly in city centres or near beach promenades. Empty streets or quiet back alleys are higher-risk environments, even in otherwise safe cities.

• At night, rely on rideshare apps like Uber or 99. These services are considered safer and more reliable than street taxis as they are tracked through the app. Always pay with credit card through the app, and set it up before going out. Drivers rarely carry correct change for cash payments.

• Avoid taking valuables to the beach. Bring only the essentials that you need for the day. If you plan to swim, ask someone you trust nearby to watch your belongings, as unattended bags are the most common target for theft.

• Avoid flashy expensive jewellery. Items that stand out can attract unwanted attention in crowded places, especially in busy tourist zones or on public transport. It's ok to wear regular, inexpensive jewellery.

• Do not take out large amounts of cash, since almost all hotels, restaurants, and shops accept credit or debit cards. When paying by card, always look at the machine and check the value on the screen before tapping.

• Get a Wise Virtual Card - One of the great benefits of using Wise is that you can create virtual debit cards in the app and add them to your Google or Apple Pay, to use like a regular card. It's a great security hack, because if your card gets cloned, you can cancel it and won't have lost a physical card that is hard to replace.

• Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres rather than on the street. These indoor machines are less exposed to card skimming and opportunistic robbery, and they usually have security guards nearby. See my guide to the best ATMs for tourists.

• Listen to local advice from your hotel staff, hosts, or licensed guides about which areas are safe and which to avoid. Locals have up-to-date knowledge about security conditions that may not appear in guidebooks.

More resources for planning your trip to Brazil

• Find cheap bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets on Bookaway, where you can make reservations ahead of time from abroad. Or, rent a car and give yourself the freedom to explore at your own pace.

• Find your perfect accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels

• You're not ready to travel until you have travel insurance. I recommend Safety Wing to my friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. Get a free quote

• Forgetting something? Read my packing check-list for Brazil, and my list of 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil