Is Lisbon Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Lisbon is generally safe for solo female travelers. The city maintains a low crime rate, and the locals are usually friendly and helpful. Daytime travel is especially safe, but it's advised to stick to well-lit areas and be cautious at night. Beware of pickpockets in crowded places and maintain basic cautious behavior.

Safety rating

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How safe is Lisbon?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Safe

Lisbon is generally a safe city, even at night. Like any other city, it has its areas of concern; however, the central and tourist areas are well lit and very active, making it safer to go around. Vigilance is still advised, particularly in less-traveled areas and the city's outskirts, just like in any other city worldwide. Nonetheless, instances of serious crime are relatively low. Hotels, restaurants, and bars are also usually open late into the night which can contribute to overall safety. Public transport services like trams, buses, and the metro also operate until late, providing safe transit options. It’s always helpful to plan your returns at night and be cautious of your surroundings to maintain your safety.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Lisbon including trams, buses, and metros, is generally safe and reliable. It is used frequently by both locals and tourists. However, during peak hours or in crowded conditions, be aware of pickpockets. Late at night, consider using taxis or rideshares for an extra level of safety.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Lisbon is generally known for its friendly and respectful locals. Harassment on the streets is not common. However, like any other big city, it's always advised to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially while walking alone at night or in less crowded areas.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Lisbon is generally a safe city for solo female travelers with a relatively low occurrence of petty crimes. Crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching are occasionally reported, primarily in crowded, tourist-filled areas and on public transportation. However, by being cautious, mindful of your belongings, and avoiding less populated areas at night, the risk of experiencing petty crime can be diminished significantly.

Is Lisbon worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 96 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5
Mel

Mel

Portugal

Solo travel

I felt super safe as a solo traveller. Lisbon is a charming city stepped in culture and arts, especially architecture. A wide range of food options from cheap to Michelin star. Many galleries and historic attractions to keep you occupied.

Posted: February 21, 2025Experienced: February, 2025
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Rumeysa

Rumeysa

Turkey

Solo travel

Lisbon was one of the safest cities among those I’ve traveled to. The only slightly unsettling part was the homeless people under the bridges at night, but that’s something you see in almost every European city. There weren’t any disturbing people in this city. During this solo trip, I stayed at Lost Inn Lisbon hostel, which is usually preferred by backpackers. It was incredibly clean, safe, and centrally located—a warm welcome, so to speak. I spent around 300-400 euros in a week, but I can confidently say that I tried all kinds of food and visited every place I wanted.

Posted: February 12, 2025
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Solo travel

I didn't feel very safe in Lisbon, Portugal. Personally, nothing happened to me, but I heard about what happened to others, and because of those stories, I didn’t feel 100% secure. Accommodation is expensive, but transportation is cheap, and you can get anywhere by metro, as everything is well connected. It’s not too expensive, the prices are okay, but there are a lot of tourists all year round. Lisbon is a beautiful city with a lot to offer, and despite feeling uneasy at times, it's generally safe if you stay alert and follow common-sense precautions. Aside from the great public transportation, which is a bonus for getting around easily, you should definitely visit the following places: Belém – Here you can visit the Tower of Belém, Jerónimos Monastery, and the Monument to the Discoveries. Don’t forget to try the famous pastéis de nata (custard tarts), which are especially popular in Belém. Alfama – One of the oldest neighborhoods in Lisbon, with narrow streets and picturesque views. Also, be sure to visit São Jorge Castle, where you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city. Baixa and Chiado – The central districts of Lisbon are full of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Baixa is great for shopping, and Chiado is known for its bookstores and galleries. Parque das Nações – A modern district with a beautiful park, an aquarium, and one of the most famous buildings, the Gare do Oriente (train station). Miradouros (viewpoints) – Lisbon has many spots offering spectacular views of the city and the Tagus River. Miradouro de Santa Catarina and Miradouro da Senhora do Monte are some of the most popular. LX Factory – This creative complex is located in an old industrial area, full of restaurants, bars, shops, and galleries. It’s a great place to relax and soak up the local atmosphere.

Posted: February 12, 2025Experienced: December, 2024
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Lynzie

Lynzie

United States

Solo travel

Love Lisbon, great city to travel solo! So many markets and great shopping. Of course there are so many places to visit from Lisbon within Portugal. Headed to Porto next month so I can’t yet compare but strongly recommend Lisbon to any solo traveler! 💯

Posted: January 31, 2025
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Solo travel

I’ve been to Lisbon before, this time for a surf retreat and it was awesome! I stayed at Lisbon Surf Hostel, which is in Carcavelos, slightly outside of town, but has a good connection with the metro. It takes only 20 Minutes to be downtown. Lisbon is pretty safe, people are super friendly and almost everyone speaks perfect English, even elderly people!

Posted: January 30, 2025
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Solo travel

I felt safe walking in the evening, in well lit areas. Walk with purpose and keep your valuables close to your body, preferably under your clothes in a fanny pack. If possible, walk with other people you know. Ignore and avoid eye contact with the street vendors, unless you want to buy from them. They are safe to buy from or go to restaurants by yourself, but do not be a pushover.

Posted: January 19, 2025
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Solo travel

I have already been in Lisbon before, but this time I went alone, it was nice especially walk near the river and cafes. I tried pastel de nata at the Time Out Market for 1,40 (i highly recommend) and i tried the cherry alcohol ( A Ginjinha) the only negative thing was the fact that many people on the streets try to sell you drugs and i dont recommend waking alone in the night

Posted: January 16, 2025
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Diana

Diana

United States

Solo travel

Every time I go to Lisbon I feel great, I never had problems and never felt unsafe. This time I stayed at Hygge House and their breakfast is really amazing :) (it's in their cafe so you can also try only the food, which is worth it :) ) Some times before I stayed in hostels and also had a great time. Lisbon is perfect for solo travel :)

Posted: January 7, 2025Experienced: July, 2024
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Group travel

I feel that Lisboa people are really upset against turists, you can read « f*** airbnb » on many walls which is understandable, but the people Who sold the train tickets for example were very unfriendly because we spoke spanish and not portuguese. Anyway there are a Lot to see, fado shows, monasteries, palaces, beaches, and all very afordable! I recommend this capital

Posted: December 29, 2024
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Carol

Carol

United States

Solo travel

As a solo female traveler, I felt so safe here. Walking home alone at night from the pubs, strolling through the markets, meeting locals, I felt safe the whole time. I was only supposed to spend 1 week in Lisbon but I ended up spending 3 because the people are so lovely. Everything is inexpensive and I felt very welcomed by locals.

Posted: December 15, 2024
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Is Lisbon safe for women?

Safety index

4.2 /5

Based on 53 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 53 local experiences

Mel

Mel

Generally safe, I did not feel like I had to worry much. As with all travel, general travel sensibilities apply. Keep your belongings safe, beware of pickpockets. Avoid wandering dark alleys at night as a solo female traveller. Do not purchase goods from strangers who approach you from the streets or alleys.

Posted: February 20, 2025
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Overall I feel safe in Lisbon and I've never had bad experiences with uber drivers, in public transportation, walking alone at night or walking in busy touristic areas. I'd still advise cautiousness for pickpocketers and drug dealers.

Posted: February 18, 2025
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Meet locals in Lisbon

Debora

Debora

About Me

Hi I'm Debora, I love to travel and discover new cultures, languages and food. I'm originally from Switzerland but I lived in Ireland, Germany, Puerto Rico, UK and currently living in Portugal. I can host but also just meet up to take you around Lisbon. I love to visit places where I know locals that can show me what's real and beautiful. I also love to solo travel via hostels or co-living spaces where I can meet many cultures and make friends.

Speaking

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Paula

Paula

About Me

I’m 22 years old Polish girl that loves traveling:)

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Lisbon

Francisca

Francisca

Lisbon

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi :) ! My name is Francisca Lisboa (yes just like the city) i am 22 yo and i live in paço de arcos, it's a small village close to lisbon, oeiras and cascais. I love partying, meeting new people, music, animals and most of all i love being a tourist even in my own country. I am currently taking a masters degree in data driven marketing :)

Speaking

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Maria

Maria

Lisbon

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Under deconstruction. Will be sweeter when we are all free. Almost never say no to a good glass of wine or conversation. Queer. Free Palestine. IG @marianono

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Lisbon

Mel

Mel

About Me

Coffee, culture and design enthusiast. Travelling till mid March, looking for like minded souls to hang out while I’m in Lisbon and Barcelona.

Speaking

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Safety in Portugal