Is Lisbon safe? The areas to avoid in Lisbon

Is Lisbon safe to live in? Find out how safe Portugal’s capital is and if there are any areas to avoid in Lisbon.

Ivandzhelin

3 minute read

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Updated on 9 Jul 2024

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Living

Before you start exploring homes for rent in Lisbon, you need to make sure your new neighborhood is safe. Yet, without having lived in the city, you can’t be sure which areas to avoid in Lisbon. So, to help you choose a safe neighborhood, we’ll go over safety in Lisbon and some areas to be aware of.

With a safety index of 70.21, Lisbon stands out as one of Europe's safest capitals. In terms of crime, Lisbon mostly deals with petty offenses like pickpocketing. Being one of the most popular and best cities to live in Portugal, Lisbon is a popular tourist destination. While Lisbon is safe, we recommend keeping a close eye on your belongings, especially around busy spots like Rossio Square and Alfama is advisable.

Some areas of Lisbon may become lively at night, particularly in downtown neighborhoods like Indendente, Martim Moniz, Anjos, and Bairro Alto, which are known for their vibrant nightlife. While exploring these areas is recommended because of their lively atmosphere, it's essential to be cautious as they can get noisy and chaotic.

Safest neighborhoods in Lisbon

The safest neighborhoods are primarily in central Lisbon, offering convenient amenities such as easy transportation and entertainment options. These areas are favored by both international residents and locals.

1. Chiado is one of the calmer central neighborhoods in Lisbon, known for its shopping streets. If you want to be near the heart of the city but don’t want to run into many partygoers, Chiado is the neighborhood for you.
2. Avenida da Liberdade is Lisbon’s Champs-Élysées. The street, known for its luxury stores and historical buildings, offers a safe environment with pricier housing options.
3. Baixa has one of the best connections to the rest of Lisbon. It’s best for young professionals and students looking for a lively atmosphere.
4. Alfama is one of Lisbon's safest and most upscale areas, ideal for young professionals.
5. Campolide is a hip and calm neighborhood on the outer side of Lisbon. The area is perfect for families or students of the NOVA University Lisbon.

Lisbon is safe to live in, but some busier parts have a higher risk of crime. Since Lisbon is a major tourist destination that attracts many visitors, pickpocketing can be a concern. While central neighborhoods and places with famous attractions are not off-limits, staying vigilant and watching over your belongings is advisable.

1. Some metro stations Exercise caution near metro stations close to lively nightlife or tourist spots, especially at night when things can get rowdy. Be particularly mindful around the Intendente, Martim Moniz, Anjos, Santos, Chelas, and Olaias metro stations.

2. Intendente and Anjos Two of the more central neighborhoods in Lisbon are considered areas to avoid because of their proximity to Lisbon’s Red Light district. Another reason is that they’re popular with students and can get loud at night because of their proximity to Lisbon’s nightlife hotspots. So, if you’re a light sleeper or looking for quieter neighborhoods, it’s better to check out other central neighborhoods like Chiado.

3. Bairro Portugal Novo The Portugal Novo neighborhood is located in Olaias, part of the district of Areeiro in the north of Lisbon. The neighborhood has a reputation as an area to avoid because it has a history of drug— and gun-related crimes. Yet, Lisbon's municipality has several projects underway to regularise and increase the safety in Olaias.

4. Bairro Alto Bairro Alto is a hilly and picturesque neighborhood known for its lively entertainment scene and street parties. The best restaurants, bars, and clubs are here, so it gets busy and loud at night. Like Indendente and Anjos, Bairro Alto is an area to avoid if you’re looking for a more quaint and tranquil neighborhood.

5. Odivelas Odivelas is one of Lisbon’s suburbs, ideal for families. Yet, if you want to live in the city of Lisbon and have easy access to all the capital has to offer, avoid living in Odivelas. While still well-connected, it takes around 30 – 40 minutes via metro to reach the center of Lisbon. Odivelas has plenty of amenities, parks, and good schools, but it’s not for internationals with an active lifestyle who are moving to Lisbon to feel the beat of the city.

Now that you know the safest places and the areas to avoid in Portugal’s capital, you can search for homes for rent in Lisbon without worrying. Don’t forget to check out our guide on the best neighborhoods in Lisbon to kickstart your search. Good luck!