Search trends often reveal what travelers worry about. “Is Lisbon safe?” or “Dangerous neighborhoods in Lisbon” might pop up on Google, but the reality is this: Lisbon is remarkably safe for a capital city. Like anywhere, you should stay alert—but violent crime is extremely rare, and the majority of neighborhoods are calm and welcoming.
Rather than focusing on where not to stay, let’s look at the areas where you’ll feel completely at ease, whether you’re out walking after dinner, riding the metro, or just strolling to a viewpoint with your camera.
Chiado tops the list for visitors. This is the heart of Lisbon’s downtown elegance, filled with bookstores, coffee houses, and beautiful tiled buildings. It’s clean, lively, and frequently patrolled, making it a safe choice for day or night.
Avenida da Liberdade is another excellent base—home to some of the most exclusive hotels and shopping in the country. The broad tree-lined avenue feels European in the best way, with easy access to taxis, public transport, and consistent security.
Príncipe Real is a leafy, affluent district known for its art galleries and beautiful 19th-century architecture. It’s a favorite among locals, expats, and travelers who want a quieter, upscale experience close to everything.
Marquês de Pombal, a key transport hub, also offers wide sidewalks, modern hotels, and a reliable infrastructure that gives a sense of order and security, especially for business travelers or those new to Portugal.
Even Alfama, while once considered a little edgy, is now home to boutique hotels and trendy bars. The upper streets are especially safe and offer stunning views of the Tagus River.
In short, there’s no reason to worry when choosing the right part of Lisbon. Focus on areas like Chiado, Avenida da Liberdade, or Príncipe Real, and you’ll find safety, sophistication, and charm all in one.
Gonzalo
Founder/Owner of The Lisbon Guide, one of the major blog references in Portugal, established in 2014 and receiving every year 250.000 visitors from all over the world, looking to provide the best experiences in Portugal. In partnership with Portugal Magik for all private tours and transfers across Portugal, Gonzalo loves a good seafood meal at Monte Mar Cascais, and all from Michelin Chef Avillez. Favorite Hotel in Lisbon/Portugal, Penha Longa Resort by Ritz Carlton.
For over 15 years, Gonzalo have been helping thousands of travelers yearly to plan a perfect trip to Portugal. Based in Lisbon/Cascais and working in this field for over 20 years, with multiple ongoing projects. Also an avid TripAdvisor user level 6 with more than 300.000 readers worldwide.
Many years working also as a Private Guide of Lisbon, Sintra, Fatima, Porto, Douro Valley, Evora, and other locations in Portugal.
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