Lisbon has quickly become a magnet for tourists from all over the world. It’s a must-visit because of its charming streets and neighborhoods, history, culture, and amazing food. While the Portuguese capital is becoming increasingly popular, is Lisbon safe for travel?
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IS LISBON A SAFE CITY?
Yes, Lisbon is a safe city. According to official data, Lisbon has a low crime rate especially when compared to other major European cities. Violent crime is quite rare, especially among tourists.
The city has an excellent police force that responds well to citizens and tourists alike. Lisbon’s tourism industry has carefully crafted a welcoming atmosphere that caters to tourists.
This infrastructure includes well-lit streets, practical signage, tourist police stations, and dedicated helplines to ensure the safety of those visiting this lovely city.
The city of Lisbon has made sure to prioritize the safety of all who visit.
The locals also help to foster a safe atmosphere as they are almost always kind and helpful to tourists.
NEIGHBORHOODS IN LISBON
While Lisbon is considered to be a safe city, like any major city, it has certain areas that need a bit extra caution. These areas though aren’t usually frequented by tourists.
Neighborhoods such as Alfama, Baixa, Belem, and Chiado are quite popular and are safe day and night. It helps that there are often people out and about in these areas at all times. They are also some of the best areas to stay in Lisbon.
SAFETY TIPS FOR LISBON
To make sure that you have a safe and fun experience in Lisbon, consider these tips:
Stay vigilant – Always be aware of your surroundings and use the same common sense behaviors that you would in any major city.
Secure valuables – Keep an eye on your bags and valuables, especially in busy public spaces and public transportation. Tram 28 is notorious for pickpockets and theft.
Use licensed transportation – Only use licensed taxis or well-known ride-sharing apps, especially at night.
Respect local customs – Get to know local customs to avoid needlessly offending or drawing unwanted attention to yourself.
Always have emergency information available – Have emergency numbers stored locally, including police, medical services, and your country’s embassy or consulate.
OUR FAMILY’S EXPERIENCE IN LISBON
Our family of four visited Lisbon for parts of four days and loved it. Throughout our visit, we always felt safe and there was never a cause for alarm. We did a lot of walking and used public transportation to get around.
Our apartment was in the Baixa neighborhood so several times we would return in the evening or even at night. We felt safe walking in that area whether it was to return to our apartment or walking around the neighborhood looking for a place to eat in the evening.
Our visit mostly included popular tourist spots like Baixa, Alfama, Chiado, and Belem and there were always crowds around and it was always safe there as well.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
General Emergency Number
- Dial 112
This is the Europe-wide emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services. It’s free to call and operates 24/7. Operators typically speak multiple languages, including English, and can connect you to the appropriate service.
Police Contacts
- Tourist Police Station
- Location: Palácio Foz, Praça dos Restauradores
- Contact Number: +351 213 421 623
- The Tourist Police specializes in assisting tourists and handling issues such as lost documents or theft reports. Officers are often fluent in English, making it easier for visitors to communicate their needs.
- Regular Police (PolÃcia de Segurança Pública – PSP)
- For non-urgent matters, you can contact the nearest police station. The PSP is responsible for maintaining public order and safety.
Consulates and Embassies
In case of a lost passport or other legal concerns, your country’s embassy or consulate can provide support.
- United States Embassy
- Address: Avenida das Forças Armadas 1649-044, Lisbon
- Contact: +351 21 727 3300
- United Kingdom Embassy
- Address: Rua de São Bernardo 33, 1249-082 Lisbon
- Contact: +351 21 392 4000
For other nationalities, consult a complete list of embassies in Lisbon online or inquire at your accommodation.
BE SAFE AND ENJOY LISBON
Lisbon is now one of our favorite cities to visit. It’s an amazing location that’s become quite popular in recent years. It helps that it’s safe, which makes for peace of mind when visiting. While you’re planning your trip to Lisbon, be sure to check out our essential planning guide for families, a fun itinerary for your family as well as money-saving tips for booking flights to Lisbon. Safe travels!
