Is Lisbon Safe to Travel to? The Ultimate Guide For 2024

LOOKING FOR THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO STAY SAFE IN LISBON?

You are in the perfect place, as this guide covers everything from personal opinions, scams, safety travel tips, the safest neighborhoods and so much more.

So you’re out there planning your trip to Lisbon, looking at the amazing views, drooling over all of the exquisite food and wine. But then you stop to wonder, is Lisbon, Portugal safe? 

It’s a good question, and it’s important to understand all about safety in the capital city before you set out for your trip. So, from petty crime to unsafe areas in Lisbon, let’s look at all there is to know about the question: is Lisbon safe?

Is Lisbon safe: my take

So if you didn’t already know, I am a Canadian by birth. I’ve also traveled the world and lived in cities like Paris, Brussels, Rio de Janeiro, and Toronto. For me personally, Lisbon was one of the safest cities I’ve lived in.

I have lived in Campo de Ourique (Lisbon), Costa da Caparica, and then bought a house in the middle of nowhere in Central Portugal. I’ve traveled from the top of Portugal all the way to the bottom. A lot of people have asked me how safe is Portugal and whether is Portugal a safe place to travel right now, and I have to say that I’ve never felt unsafe in Portugal.

Of course, I never partied until 4 am in Bairro Alto, and I always chose a UBER instead of stumbling down the street back to my apartment (although I did plenty of that in other cities). But for me personally, I’ve never felt uncomfortable or unsafe in any city in Portugal.

So is Lisbon safe? Yes, I think so. But like with any major city, make sure to take extra precautions to make sure nothing bad happens. What kind of extra precautions? Well, read on as this article is chock-full of recommendations.

In 2023 the country of Portugal was ranked as the seventh safest country in the entire world by the Global Peace Index. And that ranking only increased from where it was in 2022. In the city of Lisbon, all reports are only seeing crime rates go down. There is an annual crime report published in Portugal that showed decreases in violent crime and theft in the city.

All of these dense statistics to say: Yes, absolutely, Lisbon is considered to be one of the safest cities in Europe, and it is only getting safer. So the answer to is Lisbon Portugal safe to visit is YES!

The largest share of crimes in Lisbon are domestic violence cases. Home break-ins are also a fairly high portion of crimes committed.

Of course, these are both unfortunate, unnecessary crimes, but they are crimes that do not affect everyday tourists, so we can say again that, yes, Lisbon is safe for tourists to visit.

IS LISBON SAFE?

7 Top Safety Tips for Traveling to Lisbon

The crime rate in Lisbon Portugal is low and since it’s such a safe city, most of the top safety tips for traveling to Lisbon mirror precautions you should take in any major city.

1. Be Aware of Pickpockets

Unfortunately, they do exist here and will especially target crowded tourist destinations. For example, pickpockets are known to prey on travelers on Tram 28. Other places to be extra vigilant include the Time Out Market and places like Chiado, Cais do Sodré, and Bairro Alto.

Ⓜ️ And, of course, be careful on the metro.

So make sure to keep an eye on your belongings and don’t use any bags with an easily accessible opening. Switch your bag to your front if you’re in a crowded space, and don’t put valuables in your back pocket.

2. Use only licensed taxis, Ubers, or Bolts

Don’t accept rides from strangers no matter how friendly they may seem. Licensed taxis in Lisbon are all black with a teal roof and a taxi emblem. Uber or Bolt cars are required to have a TVDE license which will be displayed clearly on the front (or back) windshield.

🛬 ARRIVING IN LISBON AIRPORT

If you are arriving at Lisbon airport, you can easily catch a UBER or Bolt in P2 parking. Once you arrive, you’ll have to turn left and head all the way to the covered parking space to wait for your car. If it’s busy, it might take a while, so another option is to hail a taxi or walk to the Melia Hotel (a 3-minute walk) and ask for a UBER/Bolt there.

If you do catch a taxi, remember to ask them for an approximate price (so you know what to expect) and then make sure that they turn the meter on. There have been reports of people randomly walking up to people and saying they are UBER or taxi drivers and asking for exorbitant prices once they take you to your final destination. So be vigilant 👀.

3. Stay Away from Drug Pushers

If you are walking in a popular area in Lisbon, especially during the night, you’ll probably be approached by someone who might whisper drugs? as you walk by.

Yes, Portugal has a more liberal view on drugs — they decriminalized all drug use — but it’s best to just avoid these people. Most of them sell fake drugs and/or are gang-affiliated. It’s not worth reporting them to the police. Instead, just decline and walk away.

3. Stay cautious when out at night

Mind your drink, don’t leave it unattended. Don’t allow yourself to get so drunk that you are out of control or can’t find your way back to your accommodation. Fights happen when people are drunk, especially in popular drinking areas like Bairro Alto. If a fight breaks out near you, don’t try to be a hero — get out and move along.

4. Leave Your Valuables At Home

Yes, you can wear your wedding ring or your favorite pair of gold earrings out for a night on the town— those aren’t the valuables that you should be left at home. Instead, leave your passport and large sums of money back in your accommodation.

Also, remember to spread things around so that if you are robbed, you don’t lose everything all at once. What does this mean? If you have 5 credit cards, have 1 or 2 cards in your wallet, 2 cards safely hidden in your luggage or safe, and that last credit card stashed somewhere else. Always have a photocopy of your passport handy as well.

5. Be Careful About Airbnbs & Guesthouses

Speaking of accommodations, let’s talk about Airbnb and short-term rental properties in Lisbon. There has been a small uptick of Airbnbs being robbed in Lisbon. There have been mentions on forums like Reddit that these types of break-ins seem like inside jobs.

When checking in to your accommodation ask yourself a couple of questions. Is it close to the ground floor? Is it easy for someone to scale a wall to get onto the balcony or access a window? Once you’ve checked everything, make sure to lock up (and double-check) when you go out and try to hide your valuables or place them in a safe.

If you are checking into a hotel, it isn’t uncommon for them to ask for your room key when you leave to explore for the day. In cases like these, make sure to also be extra vigilant in terms of where you stash your passport and valuables.

6. Don’t Use Euronet ATMs

Euronet ATMs are increasingly common across Portugal, including areas like Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and the Azores. They’re known for charging high transaction fees, often between 7.5% and 20%. For example, taking out €20 could cost an additional €3.95.

Instead, make sure to go to a reputable bank and always use the ATMS located INSIDE the bank as the one’s outside might have been tampered with and attachments may have been added.

7. Keep an eye out for scams

Many of the scams in Lisbon are common stories — a friendly person asks you to take their picture then drops the camera as you’re handing it back to them and demands you pay for it. Or you get tricked into playing the classic game where you have to guess which cup the ball goes under.

The Portuguese are friendly, this is a good thing, but watch out for people who are too friendly — they may be trying to get some cash off of you.

IS LISBON SAFE?

5 Travel Safety Products To Pack 

There are a few items you might consider packing to make your trip to Lisbon safer and help put your mind at ease.

1. A travel-safe purse.

Travel-safe purses come in many different shapes and sizes with differing features, but the goal is always to deter theft. This might be a sling pack (fanny pack) which you wear crossbody around your front, or it could be a money belt which you wear underneath your clothing.

You might also find a bag that has a thin strip of metal in the strap so it can’t be cut off of you or one that has RFID-blocking technology to keep card readers from capturing your details.

My favorite? Travelon. Whether you are looking for a purse, fanny pack, or backpack, they have a huge selection of anti-theft products. I’ve been using this company for the last ten years, and I 100% recommend them.

2. A portable travel-safe

While many hotels do provide safes, a portable travel safe can be handy because you never have to learn new codes or reset it every time you switch accommodation. It can also be super handy if you plan on staying in an Airbnb or short-term rental accommodation.

You can also keep a portable safe with your other belongings making it less likely you’ll leave items behind. Your portable safe also allows you to leave your valuables locked up while you’re on the move as well.

3. A Portable Door Lock Or Door Stopper

For an extra layer of security, especially if you are traveling solo as a female, why not invest in a portable door lock or door stopper? These devices are simple to use and can significantly enhance your safety by adding an additional barrier to your accommodation’s door.

A portable door lock can prevent unauthorized entry, giving you peace of mind while you sleep or are inside the room. Similarly, a door stopper can act as a physical and audible alarm if someone tries to open the door, ensuring that you’re alerted to any potential intruders immediately.

This small investment can make a big difference in your personal security, allowing you to relax more and enjoy your stay in Lisbon. But I do want to add here that for anyone questioning is Lisbon safe for solo female travellers, I would say that it is.

4. A VPN

 Using a VPN on your phone or other electronic device is really important, especially when joining public wifi networks. This safety feature keeps hackers from getting into your device and stealing personal details like passwords or bank codes.

5. A Copy Of Your Passport & Other ID

While it is required that you carry ID at all times while in Portugal, this does not need to be a passport. Instead, it can be a locally issued ID. You can then leave your passport safely behind in your accommodation and carry just a photocopy with you.

Having photocopies of all of your important documents will make your life infinitely easier should they get stolen and you need to prove your identity and get them replaced.

✨ ✨ Check out a complete packing list for your trip to Portugal here✨ ✨

Is Lisbon Safe?

Is Lisbon Safe: 5 Common Scams

As with anywhere, there are scammers in Portugal too. Here are a few common scams to keep an eye out for:

1. Extra charges at a restaurant

First of all, restaurants are required to give you tap water for free. By default, almost every restaurant will bring you bottled water. You need to ask specifically for tap water if that’s what you want (and yes, it is safe to drink). If they say no, I recommend moving on to a different restaurant rather than wasting energy arguing with them.

The other thing to watch out for is couvert which often arrives at your table without you ordering it. It may be olives, bread, butter, spreads, cheese, and more. These are all charged individually. The prices should be on the menu, but they aren’t always; if you don’t see a price, ask for one before digging in as you may end up with a huge surprise at the end of your meal if you don’t.

Once the bill double check it. Sometimes there are things that are added. One time we got the wrong bill altogether and my friend who was visiting intended to pay the price. But the number seemed super high, so I checked the bill before realizing it was the wrong one.

2. Fake Tickets

Buy your tickets from the attraction you are visiting, that’s it. Whether that be in person or online doesn’t matter, but don’t buy them from a random person on the street, even if the price they are offering is a serious discount.

The chances those tickets are going to be fake are extremely high.

3. Inflated Taxi Fares

Ask for the meter to be turned on every single time. Don’t go for a cheaper option offered by the driver. It won’t truly be any cheaper. If you have a phone, track the journey to make sure you’re not going out of the way or in a different direction.

4. Petitions

In Lisbon and other European cities, including the Algarve, you might encounter the petitions scam. Typically, individuals, often pretending to be deaf and mute will approach you for signatures on a petition.

Signing seems harmless, but there’s a catch: a column for donations, sometimes even suggesting a minimum amount. This scam aims to pressure you into donating, playing on sympathy, but remember, legitimate petitions don’t require donations

5. Parking “Attendants”

It’s more hassle than it’s worth to drive your car in Lisbon — and this is another reason why. You may notice people flagging you into empty parking spaces as you drive by. These are not officials by any means, but they do expect you to tip them a euro or two for the help they are providing. While it’s not always the case, a lack of tip may lead to your car getting keyed.

Is Lisbon Safe?

Safest neighborhoods in Lisbon

Generally speaking, the more central you are, and the closer to the river, the more upscale and therefore safer the neighborhoods in Lisbon are going to be. 

• Baixa – Chiado. The Baixa-Chiado neighborhood is central and located down towards the river. It is an upscale area with a lot of great bars, restaurants, and cafes. Because it is such a popular area with visitors, it is well-lit and well-maintained, making sure it is very safe both day and night. 
• Parque das Nações. This neighborhood is farther to Lisbon’s northeast, slightly outside of the city center, making it a great option for places to stay if you want to retreat somewhere quieter. There is a good amount of green space, and the area is popular with local families. 
• Lapa. To the west of the city, Lapa is an upscale neighborhood which houses many of the embassies in the city. You can find really nicely maintained public spaces here, old mansions, and beautiful tree-lined streets. 

Looking for the best neighborhoods to stay in when visiting Lisbon?
Read ▶ Visiting Lisbon? The Best Area To Stay In Lisbon

Is Lisbon Safe?

Areas to Avoid in Lisbon

Again, Lisbon is a very safe city, and even the Lisbon dangerous areas aren’t inherently unsafe. That being said, there are certain areas where some travelers may feel uncomfortable and might want to think about avoiding, especially after dark. Here are a few of them:

• Intendente. Intendente is centrally located in Lisbon. It’s a really interesting area of the city with a large immigrant influence meaning it has great, diverse cuisines to try. However, it faces challenges with higher crime rates and occasional street disturbances, making it less safe for tourists, especially to wander around after dark. 
• Martim Moniz. While this area is central, and only just north of Baixa-Chiado, it has been known to have some issues with safety on the streets. In recent years, more and more people are choosing to move here as the location is great, so safety is only getting better but it is an area to exercise a higher level of caution in. 
• Chelas. This neighborhood is one you likely won’t encounter by accident, but if you do, you should be more careful. The neighborhood has a high level of social (low-income) housing which can cause issues. It is known for having some street issues like pickpocketing or knife violence. 

Is Lisbon Safe? Frequently Asked Questions

If you are coming to Lisbon, you probably have a million and one questions —  many of them are probably safety-related. Is Lisbon safe? We’ve established that it can be, but here are some other answers to common Lisbon travel safety questions to help ease your mind.

So, if you’ve been wondering if is Lisbon safe to travel alone, know that some people actually consider it to be one of the safest destinations in Europe for solo women. 

IS LISBON SAFE?

Pink Street is a favorite among travelers looking for a party, and it gets very, very crowded. You can go here and have loads of fun, but you should pay attention to your surroundings. People may come up to you and offer to sell you drugs. If you say no they are very unlikely to press any harder — otherwise, keep in mind these are sometimes setups with police waiting around the corner. People may also beg and ask for money. Again, a simple no should move them on. 

Unfortunately, as with anywhere, when people get drunk things can turn a bit more dangerous a bit faster. Watch out for your drink and stay away from any fights breaking out. 

Also, look out for drunk drivers and be careful walking next to the street. Many spots around Lisbon have very skinny, if any, sidewalks. This, combined with drinks and cars can be a recipe for a disaster. Be careful where you walk.

In the theme of walking, Lisbon streets are steep and cobbled. No matter how cute the outfit might be, I can’t stress enough how much you’re going to regret wearing stilettos in this city. Blisters will ruin your night at best, a slip on the cobbled streets could ruin your entire trip at worst.

IS LISBON SAFE?

What’s more, Portuguese culture is very age-inclusive. You’ll see kids out at bars and restaurants at all hours of the day and night. Your family, along with your kids, will feel very welcome and comfortable everywhere you go.

IS LISBON SAFE?

I don’t know if unsafe is the right word for driving in Lisbon, but it is not an activity I’d recommend.

First of all, the Lisbon streets are narrow, they are steep, and they are full of parked cars and pedestrians. Nothing about driving in the city of LIsbon is for the faint of heart. And it’s also really unnecessary to have a car in the city — you can easily get around Lisbon on public transportation.

If you come by car, plan either to park it for the duration of your stay or return it once you arrive in Lisbon. Now, if you’ll be taking any day trips from Lisbon, a car can be really handy and a much calmer experience once you’re out of the city. Here are some general tips for driving around the rest of Portugal.

IS LISBON SAFE?

Of course, when using these rideshare apps, make sure the information on your screen matches the car — the make, the color, the license plate.

If it doesn’t, refuse to get in and cancel the ride immediately. You can also increase your safety settings on your app by adding a PIN that your driver has to enter before the ride can start. This is to ensure you get into the right car.

⚠️ The one thing I will warn you about with Ubers or Bolts is a money scam rather than a safety issue. While it has never happened to me, I have heard of people who get dropped off at their destination, but the driver never ends the ride and continues to drive around while charging more and more money. So, make sure your ride is marked as finished as soon (or before) you get out of the car. And if you do see these fraudulent charges, report them to the company immediately.

IS LISBON SAFE?

The metro runs from 6:30 am – 1:00 am. Stations are well-lit and usually quite busy. Most buses run from 5:00 am – 11:00 pm, but there are also night buses and hours depend on the bus line.

The trams generally run from 7:00 am – 11:00 pm. Unfortunately, bus and tram stops are not always very well-lit. If you find you need to wait at a darker stop, you might try to find a better-lit shop nearby where you can keep an eye out for your bus or tram. 

Trams, while generally safe, are known as a tourist attraction so are often targeted by pickpockets. Keep a close eye on your belongings when riding, and don’t leave pockets open or bags on your back if the car gets crowded. 

IS LISBON SAFE?

This makes Lisbon, and Portugal overall, which ranks seventh globally in safety according to the 2023 Global Peace Index, a safer choice compared to other European capitals.

IS LISBON SAFE?

IS LISBON SAFE?

Portuguese are friendly people, and though Lisbon is very international, it is a friendly city too. People look out for each other and have each other’s backs.

IS LISBON SAFE?

Tourism Police Station

The tourist police station in Lisbon is located at Praça dos Restauradores 22, 1250-187, near the Rossio metro station.

The officers at this station are specifically trained to deal with tourist issues. That means help is available in multiple languages including English. No matter how safe is Lisbon, things can still happen, so if you need to go to the police for any reason during your time in Lisbon, this is the best spot to head to. 

IS LISBON SAFE?

Emergency Information to Know

For a safe stay Lisbon experience, memorize this emergency number. If you have an emergency, you can call 112 — the equivalent of the US’s 911.

If you need to get health advice but do not have an emergency, you can call Saúde 24 at 0808 24 24 24. Keep in mind that the operators on this line may not speak English. It never hurts to ask though, and they might be able to transfer you to a colleague who does.

Final Thoughts: Is Lisbon safe?

Hopefully, this guide on safety in Lisbon was helpful in answering your questions about is Lisbon a safe city. Now you should understand a lot more about Lisbon safety so you can continue with booking that vacation to one of the safest countries in the world.

So is Lisbon safe? I would say so.

Of course, keep in mind that, like with any trip or time spent in tourist areas, taking regular precautions and traveling with the right tools such as good travel insurance, can make all the difference to combat any worries and help you out should anything go wrong. So get out there and enjoy all the hidden gems Lisbon has to offer. 

If you have other questions, like areas to avoid in Porto, Is Lagos a Safe City or Is Lisbon expensive, What to avoid in Portugal or anything else, then don’t miss browsing the rest of Now in Portugal’s articles here.