Safety in Lisbon?
#1
Original Poster
Safety in Lisbon?
I’m usually one of the people posting about how safe it is in Europe. But I just read a truly alarmist paragraph on safety in Lisbon in Frommers, and I could do with a reality check. It reads: “It’s now quite dangerous to walk around at night. Many travelers report being held up at knifepoint.” [Talk about theft, including ATM cards and codes, and day-time pickpockets] “Congested areas are particularly hazardous. Avoid walking at night, especially if you’re alone.”
Well, I (60ish female) travel alone, and I’m accustomed to walking around European cities alone at night (well, until 11:00 or so) without worry. Do I really need to be concerned in Lisbon, or has Frommers gone off the deep end for nothing? Fodors just says to take normal precautions, and to avoid dark, empty (not congested!) streets at night. Lonely Planet says to avoid walking alone only through Bairro Alto, Alfama and Cais do Sodre late at night (presumably after midnight?) and avoid parks and gardens after sunset. I have a reservation at the Florescente, do I really need to eat all my dinners nearby??
Well, I (60ish female) travel alone, and I’m accustomed to walking around European cities alone at night (well, until 11:00 or so) without worry. Do I really need to be concerned in Lisbon, or has Frommers gone off the deep end for nothing? Fodors just says to take normal precautions, and to avoid dark, empty (not congested!) streets at night. Lonely Planet says to avoid walking alone only through Bairro Alto, Alfama and Cais do Sodre late at night (presumably after midnight?) and avoid parks and gardens after sunset. I have a reservation at the Florescente, do I really need to eat all my dinners nearby??
#3
Join Date: Sep 2008
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Don't worry. Although things have changed a little in the past ten years I lived in Lisbon, if you don't ask for it no one will mug you. Only on public transports would I be careful. Otherwise, enjoy your stay.
#5
Join Date: Aug 2006
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I was a woman alone in Lisbon this summer and I asked at the front desk about my safety and was assured by the young lady it was okay except once the sun sets the streets do have lots of prostitues out and about.
During the day there were certain areas-around the downtown -Rossi, near train station where there were groups of men just standing/hanging around.
During the day there were certain areas-around the downtown -Rossi, near train station where there were groups of men just standing/hanging around.
#6
Join Date: Jul 2003
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I was walking around the Cais do Sodre and Ribeira Market area around 8:00ish on a weeknight sometime between Christmas and New Year's. The area was very poorly lit, most shops had already closed for the night, there were few other people out, and I was looking for a restaurant (that I never did find), so I did feel uneasy. Other than a dubious bar -- with pink and purple neon and a mirror for a sign -- I don't recall there being anyone particularly threatening there, but the whole atmosphere, with the darkness and emptiness and feeling lost, was creepy.
Lisboetas walking through the area did give me some weird looks since it was obvious I didn't belong. But I walked through the same exact area a day or two later during the daytime and felt perfectly fine.
Lisboetas walking through the area did give me some weird looks since it was obvious I didn't belong. But I walked through the same exact area a day or two later during the daytime and felt perfectly fine.
#7
Original Poster
Update - I spent seven nights in Lisbon, staying near the Praca dos Restauradores and eating dinner in the Baixa and Bairro Alto districts, and never felt unsafe. Frommers definitely seems way too alarmist!
#9
Join Date: Feb 2008
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We were out walking every night in different areas of Lisbon and felt very safe at all times. Never felt threatened or uncomfortable. Travlers need to be aware of their surroundings and not flash money or credit card as I am sure that pickpockets look for easy marks. Common sense is always needed.