Yes, Lisbon is safe, but I advise avoiding shady neighborhoods like any other city.
Lisbon is my home away from home 😊, both while living and visiting. I stayed in a few places and explored most of the neighborhoods.
The good news is that Lisbon is nowhere near any other city’s crime level.
How Safe is Lisbon? Questions Answered
A question I’m always asked: Is Lisbon safe for tourists? Are there crimes or dangers? Is Lisbon safe for solo female travelers?
In all my travels, Lisbon is one of the safest European cities. You will experience no dangers or difficulties during your stay as a tourist.
It is safe for anyone, but as I mentioned, it has its share of odd and shady spots. But a bit on that later.
I recommend using the same common sense you would back home. So, let me answer all those burning questions you have on your mind.
1. Is Lisbon Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Yes, Lisbon is one of the safest European cities for female travelers, actually for any solo traveler.
There is no violent crime, and no odd or scary men loiter around the city at night or hang around the metro station.
As in any other European or American country, you must be aware of your surroundings and take safety precautions.
3 Safety Tips For Female Travelers
- Remain in Well-Lit Areas: I recommend sticking to illuminated and well-trafficked streets while walking at night.
- Be Wary of Pickpockets: Never put your phone in your back pocket, and always be cautious in overcrowded tourist places, even on the famous Tram 28. The best is to wear a crossbody bag or money belt to keep what you need in front of you.
- Always trust your instincts, especially if you feel unsafe in an area, and best to leave.
Lisbon is the safest major city to move around alone, and the same applies to the other smaller towns in Portugal. Even for the brave souls embarking on solo adventures?
2. Is Lisbon Safe at Night?
Yes, Lisbon is safe to walk around at night and has no major violent crime rates.
One thing I noticed when living in Lisbon is the streets are well-lit, and many restaurants and bars are open until late.
There are always people out and about; even if you walk into a dark alley to climb stairs, it feels okay.
To make things even better, many international tourists and locals walk around during the day and at night.
You see people outside bars chatting, and there is always someone around. Lisbon is one of the safest cities to visit.
Planning On Going To Lisbon?
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3. Is Lisbon Friendly to Tourists?
Yes, there are many tourists from different countries, and it is one of the safest destinations in Europe.
Lisbon is one of the safest countries for Americans to visit. The locals love the friendliness and American spirit.
Still, I must agree that toxic tourism has hiked up the city’s food, services, and lodging prices.
Housing prices in Lisbon, like Airbnbs, can get high during peak tourist seasons like summer.
Yet, you can still find affordable accommodation and only need to know where to look.
4. What is The Crime Rate in Lisbon?
Lisbon is one of the safest destinations to travel to in the world. This is not only my opinion but also that of the Global Peace Index.
They are the world’s leader in measures of safety and peace. Still, one question keeps coming up, especially regarding muggings and scams.
These occur as in any other place and are not uncommon in areas like Martim Moniz and Intendente, Lisbon’s red light districts.
So, always be alert when you decide to party there. Yet, crimes like murder, assault, and robbery are rare in Lisbon.
The most reported incident is domestic violence in Portugal.
Areas to Avoid in Lisbon
For safety reasons, I recommend avoiding Anjos, Intendente, and Mouraria. These districts are northwest of the city and are lower-income areas.
I want to highlight these areas to avoid at night, even if Portugal is one of the safest countries.
Lastly, check your pockets and bags at train stations at night, especially at Rossio and Santa Apolonia.
Martim Moniz and Intendente are a bit of a red-light district, and even if the situation has improved, I would still be wary here at night.
Another place that can become shady at night is Cais de Sodre, as it is a huge, very loud nightclub hub.
7 Important Lisbon Safety Tips
Here are some essential safety tips and numbers to keep handy in an emergency.
1. Emergency Services
- Police: 112 (General Emergency Number)
- Medical Emergencies: 112
- Fire Brigade: 112
2. Watch Out For These Common Scams
- Pickpockets are when you get on busy public transportation like buses and trams or are asked to sign a petition on the streets.
- Look out for broken taxi meters, as they are an excuse to get you to pay a bit more.
- Look out for people trying to help you find a spot to park a car. They will expect you to pay a few Euros to help. Instead, look for a parking garage in the area.
Hot Tip🔥: Check out my guide related to parking in Lisbon.
3. Avoid Certain Lisbon Neighborhoods at Night
While Lisbon is one of the safest European capitals, you must avoid places at night.
Avoid the metro stations in Intendente and Anjos, especially at night. Both have a reputation for having more pickpockets.
The same applies to the Cais de Sodre region, a hot tourist spot for nightlife. Be on guard.
4. Learn Some Portuguese Phrases
Another safety tip is to know the basics of the Portuguese language.
- Bom Dia (Good Morning)
- Por favor (Please)
- Obrigado (Thank you)
- Com licença (Excuse me)
- De nada (You’re welcome)
- Onde está (Where is the…)
5. Watch Your Steps
While not a safety tip but a cautious one, I recommend watching your steps on the cobbled streets. These charming streets can get slippery when wet, and you can easily slip on them.
6. Use Licensed Ubers/Bolts or Taxis
Never accept a ride from a stranger, even if they are friendly. A worthy note is that the licensed taxis in Lisbon are primarily black with a taxi emblem and teal roof. When using Uber or Bolt, they must have a TVDE license displayed clearly on the front/back windshield.
7. Additional Tips to Stay Safe in Lisbon
- Document Safety: Keep your passport and other essential documents in a secure location. Consider carrying a digital copy stored securely online.
- Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs to avoid unintentional legal issues.
- Stay Informed: Monitor local news and weather updates, especially if you’re visiting during peak tourist seasons or events.
Remember, while staying informed and vigilant is essential, millions of tourists visit Lisbon safely each year. With basic precautions and awareness, you can enjoy this beautiful city.
Here are the best things to do in Lisbon In September 2024
I’ll send you a list of the best things to do in September and every month moving forward from today.
It’ll be based on my personal experience of living and traveling around Lisbon for years. I’m sharing a lot of hidden gems. 🇵🇹
Safest Areas to Stay in Lisbon
When it comes to the safest neighborhoods to stay, I always recommend the following:
Avenida da Liberdade
Avenida de Liberdate has locals with warm hospitality, and when you stay here, you get a mix of convenience, history, and luxury.
You find roads lined with trees, small fountains, and decorative pavements here. There are luxury brand stores with boutique hotels and Michelin restaurants.
It is one of the central residential neighborhoods and an ideal destination for families and solo travelers who want to be close to tourist attractions.
Avenida da Liberdade is one of the safest areas in this friendly city.
Chiado
Chiado is also close to the tourist attractions and is the cultural hub of Lisbon. It is a trendy neighborhood made for professionals.
The district is inviting, with cobbled streets lined with buildings, modern boutiques, and cafes.
During the day, it is busy, and at night, it comes to life with the restaurants, theaters, and bars. The area is well-lit, safe, and close to public transportation from the metro, bus, and trams.
Check out some great hotels to book your solo or family vacation in Chiado.
Bairro Alto
Yes, I know you will ask if Bairro Alto is safe. Yes! It used to be a working-class district but is now a hipster neighborhood in Lisbon.
But be warned, it has a lively nightlife. During the day, it is a charming place with colorful cobblestone streets and facades, including traditional Portuguese tiles.
The streets are dotted with art galleries, boutiques, and cozy cafes. But they transform into a lively hub at night with people spilling into the streets.
How Safe is The Public Transportation in Lisbon?
Lisbon’s public transportation is safe, and I have used it a lot to get around this hilly city.
Like any other city, however, there are risks of pickpocketing, and it is best to hold on tight to your valuable items on crowded trains, buses, trams, and metro stations.
Wrap-Up: Is Lisbon a Safe City
Yes, Lisbon is a safe city to visit whether you’re traveling solo or as a family. Lisbon remains a popular tourist destination and is a beautiful city.
As in most major cities, when traveling, it helps to be a responsible tourist when exploring the streets, using streetside ATMs, and riding the buys public transportation system.
When walking around this beautiful city, always be aware of pickpockets and dodgy scams.
