Are you thinking about visiting Lisbon for your next vacation?
A great idea: Portugal’s capital boasts exceptional cultural heritage, lively hills, and hearty cuisine.
Before you go, here are all the details to answer your question: Is Lisbon a safe city?
Check out all our practical tips for a worry-free trip.
Is Lisbon a safe city? Quick response
Yes, Lisbon is one of the safest capital cities in Europe. Portugal consistently ranks in the top 10 of the Global Peace Index, and violent crime remains extremely rare there. We’ve always felt at home there. The few things to watch out for mainly include pickpocketing on crowded public transportation, a few common tourist scams, slippery cobblestones on steep streets, and the heat in the summer. We consider Lisbon to be an easily accessible destination for both families and solo travelers. In short, it’s a very pleasant city with plenty to do!
Lisbon is a city in Portugal where Portuguese laws and European regulations apply, as the country has been a member of the European Union since 1986.
WHERE TO STAY IN lisbon
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
The Baixa neighborhood in the heart of Lisbon –
Hotel da Baixa – See prices, photos and availability
Dare Lisbon House Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
The Alfama neighborhood, the oldest and most charming –
Hotel Poussada Alfama – See prices, photos and availability
The Chiado neighborhood, the most elegant—
Art Legacy Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Pickpocketing on public transportation and at tourist sites
The biggest concern in Lisbon is pickpocketing, which is particularly common along tram line 28, in the metro, and around Praça do Rossio. The sharp increase in tourist numbers in recent years—driven in particular by cruise ship traffic—has automatically led to a rise in this type of petty crime in the most densely populated areas. We always carry our bag in front of us to protect ourselves from this kind of incident.
Advice:
- Crowded conditions on the No. 28 tram and the subway; stay alert in crowds
- Do not leave your belongings unattended on the patio
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Portugal
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Don’t take a car that’s too wide, as old towns have narrow streets and small parking spaces.
- For more choice, book early.
Tourist scams
Lisbon is home to several classic scams common to major tourist destinations—nothing serious, but sometimes annoying. A stranger might tie a bracelet around your wrist before demanding money, or hand you a fake petition to sign while an accomplice reaches for your bag. We politely decline any solicitations on the street. Finally, we check the bill at very touristy restaurants, as some of them add unsolicited cover charges or appetizers to the final bill.
Advice:
- Politely decline solicitations on the street, whether for bracelets, petitions, or anything else
- Check the bill at tourist restaurants before paying
- Agree on the price before getting into a tuk-tuk
Neighborhoods to Be Aware Of: Be a Little More Careful in the Evening
Some neighborhoods in Lisbon warrant a little more caution after dark, though this does not call into question the city’s overall safety. Intendente, Martim Moniz, and Anjos are working-class neighborhoods that have since been gentrified and are pleasant to explore during the day, but the narrow streets of the nearby Mouraria neighborhood remain quieter and less well-lit in the evening. Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré, hotspots for nightlife, pose a different kind of risk: the lively atmosphere and alcohol there sometimes lead to altercations late at night. We recommend taking a taxi or using a ride-hailing app rather than walking a long distance if you’re returning late to these neighborhoods.
Advice:
During the day, you can explore these neighborhoods without any particular concerns. In the evening, stick to the main streets, avoid the deserted alleys of Mouraria, and take a taxi or ride-hailing service if you’re leaving Bairro Alto or Cais do Sodré late at night.
Steep streets and slippery cobblestones
Lisbon is spread across seven hills, and many of its streets have steep slopes, some of which have been converted into stairways. The typical calçada cobblestones—the black-and-white paving that adorns sidewalks and squares—become particularly slippery when wet. We’ve seen several people slip on these cobblestones after a rain shower, especially when wearing shoes with smooth soles. We therefore recommend wearing closed-toe shoes with good traction when exploring Alfama, Bairro Alto, or Graça, where the elevation changes are the most significant.
Advice:
- Wear closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles
- Be extra careful on cobblestones after it rains
- Take the tram, the funicular, or a tuk-tuk to avoid the steepest hills
- Take your time on the narrow stairways of Alfama and Bairro Alto
Dangers of sun and heat
Lisbon has hot, dry summers, and the city’s hilly terrain makes walking tours more physically demanding. The miradouros—these sun-drenched viewpoints—offer little shade in the middle of the day. We always bring water with us on our walks through the neighborhoods and prefer to explore the hills early in the morning or in the late afternoon.
Advice:
- Be sure to bring water, a hat, and sunscreen
- Take outdoor tours in the morning or late in the day
- Take breaks in the shade between neighborhoods
Safety for women travelers
Lisbon is a safe destination for women traveling alone. Street harassment remains rare there, and many solo female travelers describe it as a welcoming city, both in hostels and in the central neighborhoods. We explored the city on our own, day and night, without feeling particularly uncomfortable. We still recommend taking the usual precautions at night: stick to well-lit, busy streets, and take a taxi rather than walking a long distance alone.
Traffic and Parking in Lisbon
Driving in Lisbon isn’t really recommended for tourists, due to the hilly terrain, heavy traffic, and the fact that parking is particularly difficult in the historic center. A car parked illegally on a narrow street may be fined or towed. We opted to use public transportation—the tram, metro, and bus, which are very well developed in the city—and chose the Lisboa Card, which provides unlimited access to public transportation as well as free admission or discounts to dozens of museums. We recommend renting a car to get to Sintra, Cascais, or Sesimbra! Alternatively, you can book tours that include transportation, which saves you the trouble of arranging logistics.
Advice:
- Use public transportation and the Lisboa Card to get around the city center
- Park in a public parking lot rather than on a narrow street
- Make sure your lodging has parking if you’re renting a car
DISCOVER Lisbon
Is the water safe to drink in Lisbon?
Yes, tap water is safe to drink throughout Lisbon and meets European standards. Its taste, which is slightly different due to its minerality, leads some visitors to prefer bottled water, even though there is no health risk.
Emergency Numbers in Lisbon
Keep this number handy during your stay:
- European emergency number: 112
To file a report following a theft or scam, go to the tourist police station, located at Praça dos Restauradores, where the staff speaks several languages, including English and French.
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Safety in Tourist Areas
Here are some useful tips based on the main neighborhoods visited by travelers.
Are the Baixa and Chiado neighborhoods safe?
The Baixa and Chiado districts make up the bustling commercial heart of Lisbon and remain safe at all hours of the day. The large squares, shops, and cafés ensure a steady stream of passersby. We especially enjoy this area in the late afternoon, when the terraces shaded by the jacaranda trees fill up. Nevertheless, we remain vigilant when out and about in the busiest shopping districts, where petty theft can occur just as it does anywhere else.
Is Alfama safe?
Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, remains safe both day and night along its main, bustling streets, particularly around the cathedral and São Jorge Castle.
Are Belém and Parque das Nações safe?
Belém, known for its iconic landmarks, and Parque das Nações, a modern neighborhood built for the 1998 World’s Fair, are two safe and pleasant areas to explore. Their wide avenues and green spaces make these areas particularly well-suited for families traveling with children.
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