Is Lisbon safe? An honest guide for visitors
Short answer
Lisbon is a safe city with low levels of violent crime, and Portugal is regularly ranked among Europe's safest countries. The realistic risks are pickpocketing on Tram 28 and in crowded downtown areas, persistent fake drug sellers, and slippery, steep pavements. Walking around at night in the centre is normal.
The real risks
Pickpocketing
Most common on Tram 28, at the Martim Moniz and Praça da Figueira tram stops, on the Santa Justa lift queue, in Rossio and Baixa and on the metro. Keep bags in front and zipped, and board trams early or at intermediate stops.
Fake drug sellers
Men on Rua Augusta, in Rossio and Bairro Alto offering 'hashish' or 'cocaine', which is usually bay leaves or crushed aspirin. Ignore them and keep walking; buying anything is illegal.
Couvert and seafood bills
Bread, olives and cheese placed on the table are charged if eaten, and seafood priced by weight can produce a large bill. Refuse what you do not want and ask prices first.
Slippery cobbles and steep hills
The polished limestone pavement (calçada) is slippery when wet and on slopes. Wear shoes with grip and take care on hills, especially after rain.
Restaurant touts
On Rua das Portas de Santo Antão and around Rua Augusta, selling set menus with photos. Walk two or three streets away.
Areas and times to take care
Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré get very busy, noisy and drunk on weekend nights; they are generally safe, but watch for pickpockets and fake drug sellers. Martim Moniz and the Intendente area are lively and multicultural and fine to visit, though some side streets are quiet late at night. Tram 28 and the Baixa grid are where petty theft is most common during the day.
Getting around safely
Taxis are cream or black-and-green and metered; Uber, Bolt and FreeNow are widely used and usually cheap, roughly €12–20 from the airport to the centre. The metro runs until about 01:00, and night buses cover the rest of the night. Trams and funiculars are crowded in the day; keep bags in front.
Solo and women travellers
Lisbon is generally easy and relaxed for women travelling alone. Catcalling can happen, and the fake drug sellers downtown can be persistent; a firm no and walking on is enough. In Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré late at night, keep your drink in sight and use a ride-hailing car to get back rather than walking alone up quiet, steep lanes.
Health, water and heat
Tap water is safe to drink. July and August highs average about 29°C but heatwaves can go above 35°C, so carry water and sunscreen; the Atlantic is cold for swimming even in summer and beaches west of the city can have strong currents (swim where lifeguards are present). Pharmacies (green cross) are common. EU visitors should carry an EHIC; others should have travel insurance.
Official travel advice
Check your government's advice before you travel — it is updated when things change.
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Common questions
Is Lisbon safe for tourists?
Yes. Violent crime is low; the main risks are pickpocketing on Tram 28 and downtown, fake drug sellers and slippery pavements.
Is Bairro Alto safe at night?
Generally yes, though it is crowded and noisy on weekend nights. Watch your belongings and your drink, and ignore street drug sellers.
Can you drink the tap water in Lisbon?
Yes, tap water is safe to drink.