SAFETY IN LISBON

Published April 2026

One of the main concerns about moving anywhere new is always safety. “Danger” may look different depending on what you level you’ve been used to but you’ll be pleased to learn that by most official metrics, Lisbon is considered a very safe city and is often ranked among the safest capitals in Europe and the world. As a country, Portugal consistently appears as one of the most peaceful globally.

According to the Portuguese Government’s Annual Internal Security Report (RASI) in 2025, violent crime remains relatively low with a decreasing trend, sitting at under 5% of total recorded crime across the country. Petty crime like theft and pickpockets are increasing, especially in Lisbon, but the low incidents of physical violence means that for the most part, tourists and residents alike can wander Lisbon without fear.

Bestie Tip: THE EMERGENCY NUMBER FOR PORTUGAL IS 112 (This is the number for the EU). PLEASE GO TO MY EMERGENCY SERVICES PAGE TO SAVE POLICE AND OTHER EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS.

Female Safety

I can tell you that I personally feel safe. I walk home alone in the darkness of night without concern, earbuds in and all. Often that walk takes me the through the westside city park Jardim da Estrela and it has never once occured to me that someone might be hiding in a bush ready to pounce. Yes, it is an absolute priviledge to live like this. (I am of course still aware of my surroundings, I am just comfortable in them.)

But as with any popular city, there will always be men making themselves an unwanted nuisance and street harassment is on the rise. In the drinking hotspots like Pink Street & Barrio Alto, catcalling and unwelcome interactions with drunk tourists are pretty common. Yes, the lad groups here for the weekend to smash as many cheap drinks as possible are the biggest problem. Unfortunately, there’s no way to keep gross or predatory dudes from travelling or relocating here.

The same tips apply in Lisbon as they do elsewhere - always keep an eye on your drink and don’t entertain creeps just to be polite. And no matter what anyone (including myself) says, always trust your gut.

My emergency page has police details, but I would highly recommend the Victim Support Services channels, and of course anything serious should also be reported to your local embassy.

Bestie Note: It would be remiss of me to not mention that statistics for domestic violence in the country continues to be high and on the rise. If you need support, the Spousal Abuse Helpline (SOS Mulher) is 800 202 148

LGBTI+ Safety

Portuguese society has come a long way from their ultra conservative roots. Gay marriage was legalised in 2010, adoption and transgender since 2016, and has the full range of anti-discrimination laws including protection against hate crimes. In fact, Portugal has been reported to be the country with the fewest LGBTI attacks in the EU.

In Lisbon, there are plenty of Queer spaces including clubs, bars, saunas and even a gay beach and a classy gay-only hotel. We also have Pride in June and it’s a fabulous celebration.

Though there’s no specific “gay neighbourhood” like in Soho in London, Príncipe Real and Bairro Alto attract the LGBTI community for nightlife though you should find that you will be welcomed everywhere as part of the community. Honestly, for the most part, people here just don’t care what colour your flag is.

Having said that, I give the same advice to everybody - always trust your gut. If you like to party, I would probably stay away from the rowdy Stag Do lads in Pink Street.

My emergency page has police details, but if you have been a victim of LGBTI violence you should also use the ILGA support channels and of course anything serious should also be reported to your local embassy.

For more resources, see the ILGA Website and Queer Without Borders.

Pickpockets

The problem here isn’t as prevelant as some major European cities such as Milan or Barcelona, but with Lisbon now a hot-spot for tourists, it’s defintely on the rise. Thankfully I’ve not had any problems myself. The perps are absolute a-holes but are not usually dangerous. Being held up by a weapon is not a thing here.

Hotspots for pickpockets are:

When in these areas the usual precautions apply. A secure cross-body bag with zippers and wear it in front of you. Avoid carrying large sums of cash or all valuables together. Do not leave phones or wallets in back pockets or open coat pockets. Thieves often work in small groups or couples, be aware of anyone too close to you with a jacket over their arm (it helps to hide what they’re doing with their hands), especially young women.

For reporting lost or stolen property please refer to the bottom of the Emergency Services page.

Phone Snatching

Thankfully, it’s not a thing here like in London. Phones can be subject to typical pick pocketing though. I know someone who’s iPhone was stolen from her coat at Arroios metro station.

Gun Crime

There has never been a school shooting anywhere in Portugal. There has never been a mass public shooting in Portugal.

I’ll just leave it at that.

The “Drug Dealers”

If you’re wondering why those pesky men around Rossio & Pink Street offering you “hashish” and “cocaine” only semi-discreetly aren’t being arrested, it’s because what they’re selling is fake. The loophole is, it’s not a crime to sell herbs or talcum powder. They’re more scammers, than dealers. Like buzzy flies that won’t go away, they can suck the joy of hanging out in those areas, especially at night. These guys may be persistent but generally harmless. Do not engage, flat out ignoring them or a sharp “NO” is best. Do NOT be a hero and try and film them unless you do want a real hassle on your hands.

Bestie Note: If you’ve asked yourself “who’d be dumb enough to buy from these guys?” Obviously, enough to keep it going. People make silly decisions after too many beers, but hey, at least there’s no fear of an overdose.

Safest Neighbourhoods

Lisbon isn’t all that large and the city as a whole is considered safe. Declaring one neighbourhood safer than another is the type of thing that will get me hatemail. No one likes to hear someone thinks their neighbourhood isn’t as good as another. But I am sure you clicked on this page wanting some idea and so I shall give you my opinion (which falls in line with the general concensus).

  • Príncipe Real

  • Saldahna / Picoas

  • Estrela / Lapa

  • Campo de Ourique

  • Graça

The Martim Moniz Conundrum.

You may hear that Martim Moniz is a “problem area”. The reality is more nuanced and the statistics don’t fully support its reputation.

This is a multicultural neighbourhood, with the majority of residents being from South Asia & Africa. In my opinion it’s worth considering if the dissaproval is entirely factual or partly shaped by racism.

According to the RASI, the area does see higher reports of petty crime than quieter residential neighbourhoods but on the same level as any dense, high traffic areas and transport hubs. Not exactly not something unique to Martim Moniz.

It’s also not as polished as other parts of Lisbon and can often be very busy and noisy. Feeling chaotic is not the same as actually being dangerous. I will say, catcalling is prevelant in this area, but that also applies to all the “party” areas at night.

Personally, I’ve only come across one real incident of robbery here. A woman I know in her late 70’s who was approached by a guy at about 11pm at night asking directions, but looking at her necklace. A few minutes later a second guy on a bicycle zipped past and yanked the necklace clean off her. She told me she thinks she was an easy target being a female alone, visibly older and small (she is infact, tiny). Though she reported the crime she never got that precious heirloom of her mother’s back. This was several years ago and I haven’t heard of similar incidents since, either directly or anecdotally.

My final thoughts are, thousands of people pass through Martim Moniz daily without any issues. Petty crime can happen as in any crowded city centre. Normal awareness, especially at night, should be enough. Don’t let it deter you from patroning great restaurants in the area, such as The Food Temple & Zé da Mouraria.

Idealista, the real estate website, has a page on areas to avoid should you wish to read more covering various neighbourhoods.