Where not to stay in Lisbon?

Areas to Avoid in Lisbon There aren't any no-go areas in Lisbon, but the neighborhoods around Intendente, Martim Moniz and Anjos are best avoided at night.



Lisbon is one of Europe's safest capitals, but for the best tourist experience in 2026, many experts suggest avoiding certain neighborhoods for lodging. Intendente, Anjos, and Martim Moniz have historically been "grittier" areas; while they are gentrifying and have a trendy arts scene, they can still feel shady at night and have a higher concentration of street-level drug solicitation. Additionally, staying directly in the heart of Bairro Alto can be a mistake for light sleepers; the area is a massive nightclub hub where bars stay open until 4:00 AM, and the narrow streets act as an echo chamber for rowdy crowds. For a first-time visitor, areas like Chelas or Olaias are generally avoided simply because they are residential "concrete jungles" with little charm and a higher perception of petty crime. Instead, most travelers find much more "magic" in safer, well-lit districts like Chiado, Príncipe Real, or Avenida da Liberdade, which offer a perfect balance of central access and safety.

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Best Areas To Stay in Lisbon Highly coveted districts for a Lisbon stay include Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto, and to some extent, Avenida da Liberdade. These are sought-after locations due to their central positioning. Scoring a reasonably priced lodging here requires some early planning.

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Be mindful of petty crime Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are the main concerns to keep in mind, especially when traveling on the trams and metro in Lisbon or Porto. Avoid moving around during the crowded peak times, and don't zone out on your phone.

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While there's no obligation to tip in Portugal, it's also important to remember that when you do leave a tip, it's essential to use cash euros (the European currency), so the recipient of your tip can easily use the money without having to make a special trip to a bank (and then pay a transfer fee).

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Red zone: it is in the streets of Baixa, Chiado and in some main avenues, such as Liberdade, Berna, Joao XXI and part of Republica. It has a maximum time of 2 hours and is €1.60 per hour.

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Like any city, walking alone at night in Lisbon can pose some safety risks, including crime such as pickpocketing and theft, as well as the potential for violence or harassment. However, Lisbon is generally considered a safe city, and the risks can be mitigated by taking some precautions.

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Uber/Bolt are plentiful in Lisbon and are often a fraction of the cost of taking a regular taxi. Uber/Bolt is more reliable and the drivers are generally very friendly, speak English and can give you some great local advice.

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Alfama is undoubtedly one of Lisbon's most picturesque districts. Nestled on a steep hill, this medieval quarter has endured the ravages of time and still retains many of these typical narrow streets, white houses with red roofs and traditional tiled facades.

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So, how many days to explore Lisbon? We always recommend that it takes three days to fully explore Lisbon. This is sufficient to visit all of the characterful districts, experience the nightlife and join a couple of unique activities.

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Bonus tips for not looking like a tourist
  1. Don't do all-white or all-caqui. Even in summer, Portuguese people don't do the jungle-explorer look. ...
  2. Don't do rain capes, but don't walk in the rain unprotected. Rain capes give any tourist away anywhere, but Portuguese people don't usually wear impermeable clothes. ...
  3. Be bland.


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As the capital of Portugal, Lisbon has a possibility of a little higher crime rate than the rest of the country, but it is still a very safe and calm location to live in. Plus, people in Lisbon are very friendly and welcoming, so you will always feel safe as an immigrant living among the locals.

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The problem with pickpockets in Lisbon. It's a fact, there are many of them and they slip through the net all the time. The police arrest them and let them go if they don't do anything serious.

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Officially called Rua Nova do Carvalho, this small pedestrian street is better known as “Pink Street” since 2013, when an urban renewal project painted the pavement between the terraces, bars and clubs in pink. It has become Lisbon's hottest destination at night, and is also often used as an open-air art gallery.

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Where to Go in Lisbon to Avoid the Crowds
  1. The Mercado de Santa Clara, aka Feria da Ladra.
  2. Rock-climbing the cliffs of Cascais.
  3. LX Factory in Lisbon.
  4. E-biking to Lisbon's Belém district.
  5. Cabo da Roca's secluded gem, Praia da Ursa.


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Lisbon: The capital city of Portugal, Lisbon, is a major hub for expatriates, including Americans. Neighborhoods such as Chiado, Bairro Alto, and the historic Alfama district are particularly attractive due to their vibrant atmosphere and urban amenities. Porto: Portugal's second-largest city, Porto, also draws expats.

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