Is Lisbon Safe? 21+ Safety Tips for Portugal’s Capital 2025
Is Lisbon safe? What should I be careful of in Lisbon?
I absolutely love roaming around Lisbon from the popular tourist squares to the low-key dives on hidden cobblestone streets. I’ve enjoyed “1 euro happy hours” that lasted well into the early hours of the morning, ate food off of street carts, and roamed the city streets after dark with everything I owned in a backpack – all in Lisbon!
Though it’s often sought out for its spectacular beaches, budget-friendly family travel, and exciting culture, safety is the number one concern for most travelers looking to visit this European country.
In this post, I’ve provided information on Portugal’s crime index and answered some essential questions regarding safety in Lisbon as well as Portugal as a whole, so you can feel more confident in your decision to visit.
After all, no one wants to go on a vacation where they may not feel safe, so I’m here to help settle your worries so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest!
Is Lisbon Safe?
Absolutely, Lisbon is a safe city to visit! Like any major city, it carries its own set of risks, but overall, Portugal’s capital is relatively low on crime.
The locals are friendly and helpful, often going out of their way to make tourists feel welcome. However, exercising the usual precautions, like minding your belongings, is always wise, especially in crowded tourist areas.
Violent crime remains low and there is a firm police presence in the city. It’s easy to walk around and explore, and you can expect to find plenty of bars, restaurants, and attractions without any trouble.
If you’re visiting Lisbon solo or as a group, don’t forget that it’s important to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings – especially if traveling late at night.
Although Lisbon is generally safe for visitors, it’s always wise to purchase travel insurance before your trip, just in case of unexpected circumstances!
The Crime and Dangers in Lisbon Portugal
If you are really nervous about visiting Lisbon, then don’t go. It’s not worth spending your vacation nervous or feeling like you made a mistake!
Instead, trust your gut instinct and choose a different destination. In my opinion, Lisbon, and Portugal in general, has so many amazing sites and activities to offer, but if you don’t feel safe, then it’s not worth the trip.
Luckily for you, Lisbon and Portugal are rated as generally safe destinations according to the Overseas Security Advisory Council, and you can check out the crime ratings there.
As you can see from the above link, Lisbon has been rated as a medium-threat location owing to non-violent crimes such as pickpockets, carjackings, and petty crimes.
I also always take these websites with a grain of salt since many of the countries that I have visited are labeled as Level 3 or Level 4 on the U.S. Embassy website, and yet, I have never felt safer when visiting most of them.
In fact, I actually often feel more safe visiting foreign countries than I do in many cities across the U.S.! So, use these resources as a guide, but keep in mind that their main priority is to keep you safe. And if you never travel anywhere… you literally couldn’t be safer.
So, do your best to filter through what is true and what is exaggerated. I felt extremely safe in Lisbon the entire time I was there and can’t wait to go back! For reference, when I visited, the U.S. Embassy had a Level 3 warning on traveling to Portugal…
If you do decide to plan a trip to Portugal after taking a look at the statistics, be sure to check out my Ultimate 8 Day Portugal Itinerary!
Best Safety Tips for Traveling Around Lisbon
If you are planning to visit Lisbon and want to know how to stay safe, follow these 21 best safety tips for traveling around Lisbon!
Some of them may seem like common sense, but when your mind gets swept away by the excitement of being in a new country, it’s easy to forget the simplest of preventative measures.
- Don’t use open flap or magnet backpacks or purses
- Wear very comfortable and supportive walking shoes to avoid feet and ankle injuries
- Only walk in well-lit, densely populated areas at night
- Never trust anyone you just met
- Don’t fall for any of the common scams listed below
- Drink lots of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration
- Avoid exploring the outskirts of town in the residential neighborhoods
- Don’t take drinks from anyone you don’t know
- Always watch the bartender make your drink
- Avoid getting into taxis late at night with other people already in them
- Avoid leaving valuable items in hostel dormitories
- Avoid leaving valuable items on restaurant tables or bars
- Always keep your valuables on the front of your person, never in a back or unzipped jacket pocket
- Avoid walking in bike lanes
- Don’t underestimate the number of hills in Lisbon, so plan your route accordingly
- It’s normal if the host at your hotel asks to hold onto your room key while you go out, but don’t leave any valuables in your room if they do
- Don’t buy tickets to any attraction or landmark off someone on the streets
- Never exchange your money for euros on the streets
- Don’t hang around metro or train stations longer than necessary
- Don’t let your guard down on trams, trains, and trolleys as criminals target tired and careless tourists
- Trust your gut – if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t!
Don’t let these tips scare you! Lisbon is an extremely safe city, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful. Do your best to follow these tips and I can practically guarantee you are going to have a safe and wonderful trip to Lisbon!
Areas of Lisbon to Avoid
I wouldn’t say that there are any bad neighborhoods in Lisbon itself, but on the outskirts of town, you will find more of Lisbon’s dangerous areas that are best left unexplored. Every city across Europe has its good and not-so-good spots, but for Lisbon, most of the city is safe day and night.
With the exception of the more dangerous spots that are talked about below like the train stations, there really isn’t anywhere near the city center that you need to be wary of.
And in actuality, there are some seedy areas on the edges of Lisbon, but they contribute a lot of character and personality to the city. There is something charming about having more rundown neighborhoods, and just because they look seedy, doesn’t automatically make them dangerous.
So, if you want a direct answer for some neighborhoods to avoid in Lisbon, I wouldn’t recommend visiting the ones below. That being said, if you do happen to venture there, that doesn’t mean you’re in an absurd amount of danger.
✔️ Portugal Novo
✔️Chelas
✔️ Cova da Moura
These neighborhoods are well known for their low-income housing situations and extreme poverty. Crime rates are significantly higher in these areas, so it is best to avoid them.
Luckily for tourists, they are typically over an hour’s walk from the city center, so it will be difficult to accidentally stumble upon them.
Again, just because you enter these neighborhoods doesn’t mean anything is guaranteed to happen, but I would recommend avoiding these areas after dark.
Is Lisbon Safe to Live?
As long as you follow the advice from above, it is absolutely safe to live in Lisbon. Avoid the more poverty-stricken areas on the outskirts of town, and you’ll be avoiding probably over 90% of the city’s crime.
When moving to Lisbon, you won’t have tons of options. Many people don’t own houses like many Westerners are used to since they’re very expensive and aren’t commonly found in the city.
Owning a car isn’t very common either since many people don’t have driveways, and driving in Lisbon is a daily battle between limited parking spaces, one-way streets, poorly maintained streets, giant hills, enormous amounts of pedestrians, and the like.
If you are throwing around the idea of moving to Lisbon, congratulations!! That is super exciting and you should be very happy about it…
If you know you’re moving, look for apartments in the below areas as these are some of the safest neighborhoods to live in Lisbon!
Baixa
Easily recognized for the popular shopping area of Rossio Square, Baixa lives in the heart of Lisbon. Overflowing with tourist shops, restaurants, and bars, there is always a lot going on in this neighborhood.
Owing to the area’s high tourist population come the summer months, there won’t be much time for peace and quiet. You’ll also experience more inflated pricing on housing and food, so if you’re on a tight budget, perhaps look elsewhere.
Otherwise, this is an incredibly vibrant area to live in Lisbon and if you’re looking to be in the center of the action 24/7, then look no further than the Baixa neighborhood!
Bairro Alto
Single and ready to mingle? Find a cool spot in Bairro Alto! The neighborhood is simply overrun with adventurous part goers and neverending bars and nightclubs.
Known for its close proximity to where the fun never sleeps on Pink Street, you can guarantee a good time in this part of Lisbon. But, if you aren’t really the type to be listening to blaring music at all hours of the night, then you should consider looking elsewhere for accommodation.
Alvalade
Just the opposite of Bairro Alto, the Alvalade district has a far classier and more sophisticated demeanor. Here you’ll find charming boulevards, ivy-covered classic buildings, and quaint little cafes serving up delicious espresso drinks.
It is further from the city center and requires a metro ride if you work in the city itself, so keep that in mind if you plan on commuting. The area is a bit more expensive, as well, owing to its elegance, so be sure to work that into your budget if you plan on living there.
Alfama
If Lisbon’s safety levels are a concern of yours, consider moving to Alfama. It’s Lisbon’s oldest and most quintessential neighborhood that is overflowing with beauty and charm.
While it was once an area of poverty, it is now a bustling and vibrant area of the city where locals and tourists typically reside long-term. You will still find some old, dilapidated buildings, but they give the area its character.
You can score some great deals by living here on housing and food costs, but keep in mind that you’ll be doing a lot of walking uphill owing to the geographic layout of Alfama.
Santo
If you have a bit more room in your budget and are looking for a living accommodation that is a little bit more upscale, then check out the Santo neighborhood!
Well known by the youth of the city for its exciting nightlife and artistic charisma, you can be strolling the hallways of numerous authentic museums by day but showing off your cool moves on the dance floors of exotic nightclubs once the evening hours set in.
Common Scams in Lisbon
No matter where you travel in the world, scams and scam artists will be trying to cheat their way into your wallet. Don’t let them!
Keep a lookout for these popular scams that you’ll see happening on the streets of Lisbon and know how to avoid them.
The Petition
If you see someone walking around with a clipboard, simply walk away. You don’t need to be polite or rude, just a simple head nod saying “no” and a confident walk will do the trick.
Many times, these petitions are fake. They are looking to get personal information to send you scams or someone may be in the corner looking to pickpocket you while you are distracted. Don’t fall for it!
It’s the unfortunate reality of petitions these days and even those looking for a positive change may be overlooked. Since you won’t ever know which ones are honest and which ones are scams, it’s best to avoid them all.
The Picture Taker
If a local comes up and offers to take your picture or asks that you take a picture of them in front of a famous landmark or monument, just politely decline. Many of them are working in a live pickpocketing group, so while the picture is being taken, so are your valuables.
Only ask other tourists for pictures since you all have the same valuables to lose and you’re far less likely to become the victim of petty theft in that situation.
The Street Game
If someone or a group of people are playing with dice or cards on the side of the road, keep walking. 9 out of 10 times the “onlookers” who seem to be winning are all in on the scam.
It’s usually a fixed set of dice or cards that they use in their favor. They’ll never let you play without paying first, and if they do, they may demand payment afterward.
The Streetside ATM
Never, and I mean never, use streetside ATMs that are not attached to a local bank. All across Europe, scam artists attach devices to the outside of these ATMs that you are invisible to us but steal all of your credit card information.
This happened to my mom in London and to several friends all over Europe. Only ever exchange your money or get a withdrawal from an ATM inside of a bank.
You should have to swipe your card for it to let you inside and make sure there are cameras pointed at the ATM before withdrawing.
Preventing Pickpocketing in Lisbon
Unfortunately, pickpockets are extremely prevalent in most cities across Europe, and Lisbon is no exception. Since this is the primary “safety concern” that you’ll need to look out for, it’s important to know how to avoid becoming the target for a pickpocket and what to do if you feel like you are being targeted.
To avoid being pickpocketed in Lisbon, follow these tips:
- Keep all of your belongings in a zipped up bag (no buckles or flaps)
- Keep your belongings on the front of your person (especially purses)
- NEVER leave your belongings on the back of a restaurant chair or the like
- Never store your belongings above or below you on public transportation
- Always bring your belongings with you into a bathroom stall, etc. and never trust someone you don’t know to watch your belongings
- Keep all valuable items (i.e. phones, wallets) away and out of sight
- Keep flashy jewelry to a minimum
- Pay attention to your surroundings
- Avoid loitering around parks, train stations, beaches, and tourist areas
- Avoid looking like a tourist (i.e. don’t wear baseball caps, money belts, big backpacks, etc.)
Now that you know how to prevent becoming the target for a pickpocket, it’s also important to recognize when there is a pick pocketer or a group of pick pocketers in the area.
You’re probably thinking, “how would I ever know if someone around me is capable of pickpocketing?” and the truth is, you don’t. But, it can’t hurt to be vigilant and keep an eye out.
Things to look out for when wandering around any city:
- Locals who talk in private then split up into separate directions. When they split up, they’ll go and talk to tourists individually
- Locals who ask tourists for pictures in front of landmarks
- Locals randomly offering to take pictures for tourists (this is a BIG one!)
- Locals asking for signatures on petitions
- Street performances (many times pick pocketers will make their way through the crowds of people distracted by the performance)
- People loitering around train stations, subways, trolleys, trams, and bus stations
- Locals loitering around tourist landmarks and intermittently talking to tourists
- People offering to exchange your foreign currency on the street
If you feel like you’re being targeted or you think you notice a pick pocketer in action, here’s what you should do:
- Enter a store or business and make the shopkeeper aware that you need to use the phone
- Notify local authorities
- Wait until authorities arrive or make your way out of the area
Emergency Information for Visiting Lisbon
While we hope you never need to use it, it’s a good idea to have these important numbers on hand just in case.
Lisbon Police Number – 112
U.S. Embassy in Lisbon – +351 21 727 3300
If you are an American traveling to Lisbon, I always recommend becoming a member of the S.T.E.P. Program. It stands for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and it’s only for U.S. citizens, but it’s a great way to inform the government of where you’ll be traveling and when you intend to be back.
This way, in the event of civil unrest, political uprisings, or natural disasters, they can track your whereabouts and get you safely home. It’s completely free to use and I always fill it out before I head out on any trip!
FAQ
This section addresses all your concerns, providing useful tips and insights to ensure you have a smooth, enjoyable, and most importantly, safe visit.
What Should I Be Careful of in Lisbon?
While Lisbon is a wonderful city with a lot of safe areas, there are a few areas that visitors might want to avoid and things to be cautious of during your visit.
Certain parts of the city, such as the neighborhoods of Intendente, Mouraria, and parts of Bairro Alto, can get a little sketchy, especially at night. It’s best to stick to the tourist-friendly areas unless you’re with a local or a guided tour.
Avoid accepting unsolicited offers from street vendors and be wary of pickpockets in crowded areas like Baixa and Tram 28. Also, try not to look too much like a tourist to avoid being targeted – it’s always a good idea to blend in with the locals as much as possible.
And while the city’s famous custard tarts, or pasteis de nata, are a must-try, avoid the overpriced ones sold in tourist hotspots. You’ll find equally delicious, and cheaper, versions in local bakeries away from the main attractions.
Lastly, please don’t be one of the tourists that walk in the bike or tram lanes. I’ve seen several close calls during my time in Lisbon, and it usually ends with the person walking getting reamed out by whoever is driving the bike or tram!
Do They Speak English in Lisbon?
Luckily for us tourists, the locals in Lisbon do speak English. You may, however, come across a few people here or there that aren’t as familiar with the language and primarily only speak Portuguese.
But, in most of the tourist spots like restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops, many people will speak English. To be warned, we noticed that even if they did speak pretty good English, their accents, at times, were a little bit difficult to understand.
But, they were very nice and understood what we meant just by pointing and smiling. Again, this was on the more rare occasion, so don’t worry too much about this.
You could always brush up on your language skills before you get there to help! I always do this whenever I travel, and it’s very helpful most of the time.
Is Lisbon a Dangerous City?
Since this isn’t really a “yes” or “no” answer, I’m going to give you some more information.
Every city in the entire world has crime. Every. Single. One. But, that doesn’t stop you from living where you do, does it? It also hasn’t stopped you in the past from traveling to a new city for a job, family, or a vacation, right?
Lisbon is exactly the same. No, Lisbon is not a dangerous city, but that doesn’t mean that nothing bad can happen there either.
Similar to most other European cities, the biggest threats you’ll need to be wary of as a tourist visiting Lisbon include pickpockets and other un-violent crimes.
Violent crimes are rare and typically only occur in residential areas where the victim was targeted by someone they knew. On the very rare occasion, violent crimes such as homicide, sexual assault, muggings, arson, and so forth do occur.
But, this is, again, on the very rare occasion.
Overall, Lisbon is a very safe city that we felt comfortable walking around at any time of the day and never had any issues. We did carry our belongings a certain way to avoid pickpockets, but I’ll explain more on that below.
Is Lisbon Foreigner Friendly?
Lisbon is by far one of the safest cities in Europe for tourists. No matter where you’re traveling from, the people in Lisbon are very open and hospitable.
That being said, there are a few things I don’t recommend doing in order to avoid any unwanted attention that may be lurking around.
Things like looking like a tourist (we’ll touch more on this below when we talk about pickpockets), and acting like the “stereotypical tourist”.
What I mean by “stereotypical tourist” is being rude, impatient, insensitive, demanding… you get it. If you are rude to your waiter at a restaurant, it wouldn’t be surprising to me if they didn’t treat you well for the rest of the meal.
Likewise goes for how you treat other patrons, the locals, shop keepers, street artists – anyone! Just like most places across Europe, the people in Lisbon are very nice, but they aren’t afraid to be themselves.
No one is simply going to ignore you if you’re being rude. Some might, but there’s a good chance you’re going to be put back in your place. Europeans are pretty strong-willed people, so don’t expect to be catered to like you own the place.
So, if you decide to visit Lisbon, whether it be for one day or one week, check out my full guide to spending a day in Lisbon! It’ll tell you everything you need to know about what to see, do, eat, and experience during your time in the Portuguese capital!
Is Lisbon Friendly to American Tourists?
People in Lisbon are typically very friendly to American tourists. The Portuguese are known for their warm hospitality and eagerness to share their culture and traditions with visitors.
From our experiences, we have yet to meet a single local in Lisbon who was rude or off-putting to us. From the waitstaff at restaurants to local tour guides and even complete strangers on the street, everyone has been exceedingly kind to us during our travels in Lisbon and across Portugal.
To be perfectly honest, the only people we’ve found to draw attention in a negative sort of way are other tourists.
Is Lisbon Safe to Visit for Families?
Lisbon is actually one of the best cities in Europe to visit for families. Every time we visit Portugal in general, never mind just Lisbon, we’re always amazed at the seemingly endless number of families walking the neighborhoods and streets.
It certainly reiterates the fact that the country is a very safe place to visit, so if you want to bring your family along for the journey, don’t think twice!
Besides, depending on how old your kids are, you can’t always choose to take a vacation without your kids. So, it’s important to know that you are bringing them somewhere that:
✔️ Is appropriate (no Amsterdam trips for children and teenagers!)
✔️ There are plenty of things and activities for them to do
✔️ Is reliably safe and you won’t spend half of your vacation worrying
These things are of the utmost importance, so I totally get that you want to make sure bringing your kids to Portugal is a good idea!
Luckily for you, not only is Portugal a very safe country to visit in Europe, but it also has seemingly endless things for children, teenagers, and young adults to enjoy!
With endless beaches surrounding the Atlantic coastline, ancient ruins around every corner, dramatic scenery, incredible cuisine, and plentiful activities like windsurfing, hiking, swimming, cooking classes, shopping, sightseeing, there truly is no end in sight to the fun that can be had here.
Portugal is a wonderful destination for people of all ages, so don’t be afraid to bring your kids on a family vacation to Portugal. In fact, it may just be one of their favorite vacations they ever go on!
Is Lisbon Safe for Female Travellers?
No matter which way you look at it, there is always going to be a higher possibility of something happening to solo travelers when compared to travelers in a group of 2 or more. That being said, yes, Lisbon is still safe for female travelers!
The unfortunate reality of the situation is that solo female travelers do have more that they need to look out for than solo male travelers. This is not to say that something bad can’t happen to solo male travelers, but women need to be particularly careful in the world we live in.
Lisbon is designed into many different neighborhoods and districts, large squares, and plenty of very wide-open walking streets. This makes it easy to spot anything happening that may make you uneasy, so it’s actually a very popular solo travel destination because of this.
Again, the biggest danger you’re going to need to watch out for as a solo female traveler is pickpockets. Yes, scarier things like sexual assault, stalkings, and so on do occur… but, they occur in every country around the world!
If you’re a solo female traveler (or you have a friend who is) and you keep wondering “is Lisbon safe?” and you aren’t sure if you should include it in your solo backpacking trip or not, please do.
Lisbon is safe, affordable, and full of kind people and incredible culture. If you are nervous about visiting, here are a few tips to help you feel a little bit more comfortable. And if you’re simply too nervous, then skip it. There is no need to spoil your trip by feeling uneasy constantly!
But, if you are a solo female traveler looking to visit Lisbon, please don’t get discouraged! This is going to be the truth for no matter where you travel in the world; there will always be precautions that you need to take.
That being said, below is a list of safety precautions that I created after backpacking across Europe and I believe it will be helpful for you.
✔️ If you aren’t on a very tight budget, book private hotel rooms instead of shared dormitories in hostels
✔️ If you do stay in a hostel, make friends and travel with a group
✔️ Take advantage of free walking tours or group tours
✔️ Get an international phone plan so you can communicate with your family and friends easily
✔️ Pick up some pepper spray once you arrive if you really feel like you want it
✔️ Avoid taking opened drinks from anyone, including bartenders if you didn’t see them make it
✔️ Avoid taking out maps and wearing obvious tourist clothing (i.e. baseball caps, money belts, big backpacks, etc.)
There are plenty more things you could do, as well, but I recommend trying to relax a little and enjoy your time. Because again… there is no point in traveling somewhere if you are going to make it stressful and feel like you aren’t having a good time!
Is It Safe to Walk at Night in Lisbon?
There are SO many factors that go into this question, so I’m going to break it down for you. Generally speaking, it is safe to walk around Lisbon at night. That being said, there is a lot you should know before you go ahead and do it!
It doesn’t matter if you are male or female, tall or small, a fast runner or not… danger and crime rates increase at night and there is nothing you can do to change that. Sorry to be so blunt, but it’s the truth.
We firmly believe that Lisbon is safe to walk around at night, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to take any precautions.
Many people also believe that dozens of cities like New York and Boston in New England or London and Edinburgh in the U.K. are safe to walk around at night, and yet they have some of the highest crime rates for their regions!
If you want to walk back to your accommodation late at night after spending some time at the pubs or you simply want to enjoy an evening stroll in Lisbon, take the below safety precautions before doing so.
✔️ Avoid walking in poorly lit areas
✔️ Walk only on tourist streets with higher amounts of people
✔️ Avoid taking “shortcuts” or walking through residential neighborhoods
✔️ See if you can walk with a group for at least a portion of your journey
✔️ Know the way to your destination before you start walking
✔️ If it’s very late, consider ordering an Uber or taxi to drive you to your accommodation
✔️ Avoid young men in groups of 2+ (sorry to be stereotypical, but this is a common factor in late-night crimes)
✔️ Avoid drug dealers, alcohol, or prostitution on the streets
Yes, drugs and prostitution exist all over Europe, but that doesn’t make them legal. If you are caught doing drugs, most times you won’t be arrested since it has been decriminalized, but instead brought to a health facility for care.
If you are caught in any process of drug trafficking, however, that is illegal and you will be put up against the local laws.
If you avoid those two major things, though, you’re very unlikely to run into any trouble. These are just basic precautions that many people will do naturally without thinking, so you won’t need to worry about “acting out of the norm”.
Is Public Transportation Safe in Lisbon?
Overall, the public transportation system in Lisbon is very safe. But, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t a few things you should know before you grab a ride.
✔️ Only use public transportation during daylight hours.
Just like every city in Europe, the evening hours bring out a different crowd. This is especially true for public transportation since many locals will try to hitch free rides with the hopes that the conductor won’t see them getting on.
At night, Lisbon crime rates also increase on public transportation with muggings and theft included. This, again, isn’t unique to Lisbon but is true for most major cities around the world.
✔️ Avoid hanging out or loitering near train and trolley stations
If you aren’t looking for trouble, then you shouldn’t be spending any extra time in these places than necessary.
Pickpocketers and thieves typically hang out in metro stations, at the tourist area where you buy tickets for Tram 28 in Lisbon, and target tourists getting on and off trains in busy stations.
✔️ Never buy your tickets from an unofficial seller
Unfortunately, scams also happen in Lisbon. Don’t ever trust anyone on the street offering to sell you tickets to Tram 28 or a metro pass to get you around the city for a day.
If they don’t work for the train station, Tram 28, or metro station, and the ticket isn’t coming out of a kiosk, do NOT buy it!
Are Taxis and Ride Share Apps (Uber) Safe in Lisbon?
If you are traveling from one side of the city of Lisbon, Portugal to the other, then you are going to need some form of transportation. Although it isn’t as big as many other European cities, it is still quite large and walking across it could take you upwards of 3+ hours!
So, knowing which form of transportation is the safest is going to be useful for you. Like we talked about above, your preferred form of transportation is going to depend on if you are traveling during the day or at night.
If it’s the daytime, then public transportation like the metro or trolley will work just fine. But, as I told you before, using public transportation in the evening hours simply is not recommended.
During the day, you can also opt to walk if you aren’t in a hurry as it is perfectly safe to walk across Lisbon during the day, and if you are in a hurry then you can rent a bike.
Just be sure to get a lock for if you need to leave it unattended! Petty theft is common across Europe, unfortunately, and you don’t want to be liable for a stolen bicycle.
But, if you are traveling the city at night, then I highly recommend taking advantage of either a taxi or an Uber. However, there’s a catch.
Don’t just flag down any taxi! Call your hotel, ask a bartender, or walk into another hotel ask the host to call you a taxi. Local businesses will have reputable companies on call for their guests, so you won’t be as at risk of getting scammed or becoming the target of a crime.
Again, the risk of this happening is low in Lisbon anyway, but there is always a chance of something happening anywhere so it’s best to be on the cautious side.
I always recommend using Uber over a taxi since you can pay the cost upfront so there is no haggling with the driver (especially helpful if there is a language barrier) and you can watch the route they are driving on your phone.
For extra safety precautions, you can also match the driver with the vehicle before you get in and send your location to friends, family, and even your hotel while you’re in the car!
So, while both taxis and Uber tend to be safe in Lisbon, I recommend using Uber overall since you have far more safety precautions in place than if you were to just jump into a cab on the side of the road in the middle of the night.
Is the Water Safe to Drink in Lisbon?
Yes, the water is safe to drink in Lisbon. Regardless if you are getting it from the tap in a restaurant, hotel, or shop, the tap water in Lisbon conforms to the European Union’s standards for drinking water.
This standard is made up of minimum and maximum quantities of specific minerals which make up the water’s “hardness”, so to speak. To get a full rundown of these minerals, you can check them out on the Lenntech website.
That being said, I totally understand if you are a little nervous about trying new foods and drinking the water in a foreign country. Especially if you are coming from the U.S. where food and drug cleanliness standards are at an all-time high, we Westerners have a poor ability to deal with food bacteria.
So, if you would prefer to ensure you won’t get sick along your trip, you have a few options.
✔️ You can simply just buy bottled water for everything
I don’t recommend this since it is the least environmentally-friendly option (hello single-use plastic) and it is going to get very expensive. In fact, water in Portugal is most often far more expensive than wine or beer!
✔️ You can buy a water bottle with a built-in 2-step filter
If you want to filter your water before you drink it, you can easily just purchase the water bottle that I personally use (and have used across numerous 3rd and 4th world countries such as Ecuador and Kyrgyzstan).
It’s called the LifeStraw bottle, and it has been an absolute game-changer. It has a 2-step filtering process that filters out bacteria, viruses, and other physical debris.
I no longer have to waste time finding stores to buy water and I save SO much money in airports and while I’m out sightseeing.
✔️ You can buy water purification tablets
This is definitely the most cost-effective option, but it isn’t always the easiest. Sure, you can throw the tablets into your cup of water that a waiter brings you, but most of them take upwards of 30 minutes before the water is actually purified!
So, unless you’re throwing them into your personal reusable water bottle in the morning so that you can walk around all day with it, it’s not really a viable option.
However, they are a great option if you don’t mind waiting to drink your beverage! I brought these water purification tablets to Kyrgyzstan where the water is never drank straight out of the tap, and they worked like gold!
But, to be honest, none of these steps are actually necessary. Like I said before, the water in Lisbon is very safe to drink so you really don’t have to worry.
If you’re nervous, these are good precautions to take (I would purchase the water bottle even if you aren’t nervous since it is great for traveling anywhere), but don’t let it stress you out too much!
Is Porto Safe?
Porto, Portugal is a very safe city. Similar to Lisbon in many ways, but on a smaller scale, Porto is a wonderful destination worth including on your itinerary.
In fact, Porto actually has even less crime than that of Lisbon owing to its smaller size and fewer tourists. So, if visiting the capital is still making you feel uneasy, opt for a trip to Porto instead!
Even if you only have one day in the city, I promise it’ll be well worth your time. Situated along the Douro River, Porto is full of beautiful sights, amazing, fresh seafood, and very kind locals.
Porto also just so happens to be the starting point for most tours heading to the infamous Douro Valley! If you’re a wine connoisseur looking to taste some of the world’s most famous wines, check out these incredible, top-rated wine tours from Porto or these 11 BEST Porto Boat Tours!
Did you know that the Douro Valley is actually the only place in the entire world that is legally allowed to produce Port (or Porto – get the connection?) wines? That’s how famous these wines are… so, if you even just like wine, it’s a spectacular day trip to include on your trip to Portugal.
And even if you aren’t a fan of wine, go simply to eat the good food and relish in the amazing scenery along the Douro River as it winds its way into the Douro Valley! I mean, just take a peek at the picture above… if that doesn’t scream “wanderlust”, nothing does!
If you’re planning a trip up to Porto from Lisbon, be sure to read about the Lisbon to Porto train! It’ll tell you all about the scenic journey, how much the ride costs, and why we recommend it over flying.
Is Portugal Safe?
If you haven’t picked up on it by now, I’ll fill you in again… Portugal is very safe. Especially when compared to many other countries across Europe, Portugal has one of the best safety ratings in the entire world!
Did you know that Portugal continues to hold spot #3 on the safest countries in the world list? It’s true!
Its neighboring countries of France and Spain are nowhere near it according to the World Population Review. In fact, they don’t even make the top 10!
Of course, a country’s global peace index is going to vary from year to year based on crime averages and which resource you look at, however, it still goes to show that Portugal is always listed as a very safe country.
And like I said, while many tourists don’t stress about visiting Marseille, Glasgow, London, Naples, Dublin, or Paris, these cities have made numerous “most dangerous cities in Europe” lists year after year!
Before you go judging a book by its cover, be sure to do the research. Yes, Paris and London seem magical and dreamy, but they have much higher occurrences of violent crime, including terrorist attacks, than most other cities on the continent.
Portugal is beat out only by Iceland and New Zealand year after year (and occasionally Denmark), so like I said before, Portugal is an extremely safe country that you can feel good about traveling to whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with your family, etc.
Is Lisbon Safe to Visit in 2025?
In light of all that has happened between 2019 and 2022, Lisbon is still a safe place to visit. If you want to keep an eye on current entry requirements you can do so by consistently checking the website for the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Portugal.
This is a good way to get updated information on all of the documents you will need prior to entry, but it is always best to confirm this with your airline before getting to the airport.
Do I Need Travel Insurance for Lisbon?
Yes! You absolutely should get travel insurance for Lisbon, Portugal.
For the longest time, I always traveled without travel medical insurance and I have lost countless suitcases, missed endless flight connections due to delays and cancellations, and more, because of it.
No matter where you travel, you should always purchase travel insurance because you truly never know what could happen. It’s unfortunate to think about, but you could easily trip and break your leg or get into a boating accident when you go out on a fishing trip.
Whether you’re taking a Lisbon boat tour or even just walking around the city, so much can go wrong that it’s very silly to travel without insurance. Now, I know exactly what you’re thinking.
“But, isn’t travel insurance seriously expensive?” and I would tell you that I used to think the exact same thing. But, luckily for you, I found an incredible travel medical insurance company that benefits every traveler on every type of budget!
They’re called SafetyWing! It’s a company that offers extremely affordable travel medical insurance that can be booked in less than 10 minutes. Seriously!
I recently returned from a 3-week trip to Kyrgyzstan and the UAE and I got my insurance for just $42 – no, I’m not making that up. It covered everything from emergency evacuation to baggage loss and flight cancellations, and more!
Seriously, don’t go on another trip without travel insurance because the risk is simply not worth it. Whether you’re traveling to Lisbon, Portugal or New England in the U.S., travel insurance is a must!
If you are planning a trip, be sure to fill out the form above so I can send you a complete Portugal packing list.
Overall, Lisbon is a very safe city and you should not be deterred from visiting! The people are very kind, the food is incredible, and with the use of just a few of my simple tips and tricks, you’re practically guaranteed to have an incredible time.
