Is Lisbon safe to visit? A comprehensive safety guide

Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, has an amazing culture and countless beautiful sights. The city is a maze of narrow alleys and colorful buildings with hidden gems around every corner just waiting for the next adventurous traveler to discover them. Some of the main reasons that people visit Lisbon is to taste the delicious food and experience the local music and nightlife. Don't miss Mosteiro dos Jerónimos or the Church of Santa Maria while here. And of course, you've got to try the tasty bifanas or the incredible francesinha.

As one of the oldest Western European cities, Lisbon also has a rich history that dates back about 2,700 years. It is a popular tourist destination and pre-pandemic, the city received an average of about 4.5 million foreign visitors in a year. This is very impressive considering that the city is home to a bit over 500,000 people, meaning that for every local there were about 9 tourists. Lisbon is aiming to get back to those levels, and in 2022, over 1 million stays were booked in the city. This lovely locale is exceptionally busy between the months of June and August when tourism peaks.

There are so many good reasons to travel to Lisbon, one of which is that it is an extremely safe city and a fantastic choice for new vacationers who want an easy introduction to traveling. But no matter how safe a city is said to be you should always do your research since crime exists everywhere. This guide is full of Lisbon safety tips and the first one concerns your bags. While sightseeing, stow your bags in Lisbon with Bounce; with the BounceShield guarantee and a 24/7 customer support team, you won't find a better place to keep your valuables safe.

Is Lisbon safe to visit right now?

You can visit Portugal at any time without worrying about safety since it is listed 4th on the Global Peace Index. That means that it is ranked as the 4th safest country in the world. That being said, sometimes things can change and it is always wise to check for travel restrictions before heading out to your destination. There are currently no active advisories, but before your vacation, check in with your own government to make sure that they deem Portugal safe for travel.

Despite being one of the safest cities, the popular areas around Lisbon may still see pickpockets and scammers who might target tourists. Our guide will help teach you what to look out for so that you can avoid any petty crime, but as a responsible tourist seasoned or not, you should also do some additional research before visiting Portugal.

Top petty crimes and scams in Lisbon affecting tourists

Portugal stays true to its reputation of being a very safe city, but the truth is that all countries around the world have some form of crime. Here are a few things to watch out for while exploring the tourist areas in Lisbon.

Pickpocketing

Petty theft is in every city, especially the ones that bring in lots of tourists. This will be your biggest threat while in Lisbon and is most likely to occur in crowded tourist areas, metro stations, train stations and other places that have lots of people. Be aware while in these places and keep a close eye on your bags. There are also some extra precautions that you can take, like leaving any unneeded items in a Bounce luggage facility or in your hotel room.

Scams

The risk of being scammed increases when a city is popular, and Lisbon has just as much of a risk as other European cities.

The best way to not be a victim of scammers is to double-check the change that you're given after a transaction and to not pay for something, like a service before you receive it. Some street vendors may overcharge if they know that you're a tourist, so don't be afraid to negotiate if it is appropriate and firmly decline if need be. Some European countries experience fake taxis as well, although these aren't very common in Lisbon.

Mugging

When it comes to violent crimes, they really don't happen here and especially not in central Lisbon where there are lots of people.

Take the normal precautions when walking around at night, like sticking to well lit roads and avoiding deserted streets. There are also certain areas that you can skip, sticking to the popular sights like Sao Jorge Castle and Lisbon Cathedral. Praça do Comercio is a wonderful place to grab a bite to eat and admire Lisbon's architecture. By following these safety tips you'll be absolutely safe in Lisbon.

Is Lisbon safe to travel alone

Are you wondering if it is safe to explore Lisbon on your own? The answer is, yes. Lisbon is a perfectly safe destination, even if you're not traveling in a group.

Lisbon is a friendly and welcoming place for everyone, and solo female travelers are safe here as well. Portugal is ranked 7th on the Bounce Women Travel Safety Index, making it one of the top safest countries for women. As always, you should be cautious when traveling in a foreign country. If ever needed, the local authorities are there to help you.

Safest neighborhoods in Lisbon

Overall, the crime rates are low in every Lisbon neighborhood. Below are just a few that are known to be extra safe; check them out while you're in the area.

Chiado

This neighborhood is very secure. Enjoy the outdoor cafes, Michelin star restaurants and shopping in beautiful stores. You'll find the National Museum of Contemporary Art of Chiado here.

Avenida da Liberdade

This is a lovely neighborhood that you might want to add to the itinerary of your Lisbon trip. Marvel at the Portuguese architecture and take advantage of three metro stations in the area: Avenida, Marques de Pombal and Restauradores.

Baixa & Rossio

This area, right next to the historic city center of Lisbon, has lots to offer tourists. Make a stop here while you're visiting Lisbon to take a fun ride on a funicular.

There aren't really any unsafe places in Lisbon, but there are certain areas that are less safe than others. You may not need to avoid places like Martim Moniz or Cais do Sodre altogether, but visit the cafes and markets during the day as opposed to at night.

Is Lisbon public transportation safe?

Because of the one-way streets, you'll be better off using public transport in Lisbon as opposed to driving yourself. Plus, public transportation is so convenient and reliable that you won't need to drive. There are buses that can bring you from the airport to the railway and tram stations to take you anywhere else that you need to go. Overall the services are clean, well-cared for, and pleasant to use.

The only thing that you'll have to look out for on public transit is pickpocketing since it is easier for pickpockets to work in crowded areas. Most establishments accept credit cards, but if you're carrying cash, consider having a money belt where you can keep a close eye on it.

Important emergency numbers in Lisbon

If you ever need help from the local authorities to either file a police report or get medical assistance all that you have to do is to call an emergency telephone number. Make a point to know your embassy number whenever you leave your home country.

• Emergency Services, Medical, Fire and Police: 112
• Health Line 24: 808-242-424
• Traffic Police (Guarda Nacional Republicana): 219 223 000
• Public Security Police (PSP) 218-444-530

Traveling safely in Lisbon

Portugal is a very safe country that does not experience much crime or natural disasters which makes it a fantastic place to travel. Whether you want to go sightseeing around all of the tourist spots or spend the day relaxing on the Portuguese beaches.

Take note of the safety tips and emergency information that we've introduced to you and get ready for a marvelous time in Lisbon. Now you're almost ready to explore the city. First, read up on Where to Stay in Lisbon: The Ultimate Guide for more neighborhood information and How to Get Around Lisbon for public transportation tips.