Lisbon, Portugal
Lisboa
Lisbon sits on seven hills overlooking the Atlantic, with cobblestone streets and azulejo tiles throughout the old neighborhoods. It's generally safe to walk around, with decent public transport and most areas well-lit at night. Portuguese culture is respectful and welcoming to solo female travelers, with locals often going out of their way to help lost tourists. The police presence is good in tourist areas, and the crime rate is relatively low for a European capital. However, the steep hills can be challenging and some narrow streets in older neighborhoods like Alfama get poorly lit after dark. Pickpocketing can happen in crowded tourist areas like Tram 28, so keep belongings secure. You'll hear Fado music in Alfama's narrow streets and find rooftop bars in Chiado. The city mixes historic neighborhoods with modern areas - some touristy, others more local. Like any European capital, you'll deal with crowds in summer and need to watch your belongings in busy areas, but it's manageable for solo travelers.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
LowTransportation
GoodPickpocketing Safety
ModerateScam Safety
GoodPolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
GoodSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
Moderate- Chiado
- Baixa
- Avenida da Liberdade
- Príncipe Real
- Alfama (daytime)
- Cais do Sodré (daytime)
- Parque das Nações
- Belém
- Martim Moniz (especially at night)
- Intendente (at night)
- Arroios (at night)
- Bairro Alto (late night crowds)
- Train stations after dark
Portuguese is the main language. English is common in tourist areas, hotels, and among younger people. Emergency services (112) have English speakers available. Tourist police at Praça dos Restauradores can help in multiple languages.
- English varies a lot - younger people and those in tourist areas usually speak it, but older locals might not. Knowing 'Olá' (hello), 'Obrigada' (thank you), and 'Com licença' (excuse me) helps.
- Cover shoulders and knees in churches. People dress fairly well here, so smart casual works for most places. Definitely bring comfortable shoes - the cobblestones and hills will destroy anything with heels.
- Lunch is around 12:30-2:30 PM, dinner after 7:30 PM. Many restaurants close in the afternoon between lunch and dinner. Tipping 5-10% is normal but not required. Coffee is a big deal here - locals drink espresso (called bica) standing at the counter.
- The metro, trams, and buses work well together. Tram 28 is touristy but useful for getting around - just watch your stuff since it gets crowded. Buy tickets beforehand to avoid paying more on board.
- Uber and Bolt work here and are handy for hills or late nights. Regular taxis are fine but make sure they use the meter. Some take cards, some don't, so have cash ready.
- The central areas are walkable but those hills are no joke. The old elevators and funiculars help, though they're slow. Main streets are well-lit for evening walks, but the narrow side streets in Alfama can get pretty dark.
April to June and September to October have good weather (20-25°C/68-77°F) without the summer crowds. July and August get busy with tourists and can be uncomfortably hot for walking uphill. Winter is mild but rainy - fewer crowds if you don't mind the weather. Keep in mind that Lisbon has serious hills, so the cooler months make walking around much more comfortable.
Help other women explore Lisbon safely
Safe Accommodations in Lisbon
Carefully vetted accommodations trusted by solo female travelers, with female-friendly features and safety amenities.
Safety Features
- Direct metro station access
- 24-hour reception
- Secure keycard entry
- Well-lit and busy location
Walking Distance
Highlights
- Female-only dorms available
- Rooftop swimming pool with ocean views
- Located inside a train/metro station
- Well-reviewed hostel with good reputation
Social Atmosphere
High - daily activities, rooftop bar, tours
Safety Features
- Historic building with secure entry
- Reception and security staff
- Safe neighborhood location
- Guest lounge and garden areas
Walking Distance
Highlights
- Set in historic former palace
- Stylish and modern accommodations
- Located in liveliest neighborhood
- Small, medium, and large shared dorms
Social Atmosphere
Medium - bar, restaurant, guest areas
Safety Features
- Women-only dormitory options
- Secure building access
- Safe central location
- 24-hour front desk
Walking Distance
Highlights
- Female-only dorms for safety
- Great location for solo female travelers
- Clean and secure facilities
- Easy access to main attractions
Social Atmosphere
Medium - decent for meeting travelers
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Neighborhoods in Lisbon
Explore the different areas of Lisbon and find the perfect neighborhood for your stay.
Chiado
Chiado is a safe, central area with good shopping, restaurants, and cultural sites. It's well-connected to other neighborhoods and has a nice balance of local life and tourist amenities without being too chaotic.
Baixa
Baixa is the obvious choice for first-time visitors - central, safe, and well-connected. It's touristy but convenient, with easy access to major sights and transport. You'll pay tourist prices but won't have trouble finding what you need.
Alfama
Alfama is the most atmospheric part of Lisbon with great Fado venues and city views. The narrow streets are part of the charm but can be tricky to navigate, especially at night. Worth visiting for the culture and views, just don't expect to find your way around easily.
Bairro Alto
The nightlife center of Lisbon, but it gets intense. Good for early evening drinks, but the late-night scene can be too much if you're on your own. Stick to busy hours (8-11 PM) rather than the crazy late-night crowds.
Avenida da Liberdade
The safest and most upscale area in Lisbon, but also the most expensive. Good choice if you want luxury shopping and don't mind paying premium prices. Less character than the historic neighborhoods but very comfortable and secure.
Principe Real
A good middle ground between touristy and local - trendy without being overwhelming. The garden square gives it a nice neighborhood feel, and there's plenty to explore without the crowds of central Lisbon.
Cais do Sodré
Great for food lovers thanks to Time Out Market, but the nightlife scene can get rowdy. Perfect for daytime eating and exploring, just be aware it transforms into a party zone after dark.
Belém
Essential for the historic sites and famous pastéis de nata, but it's more of a day trip destination. Safe and interesting for sightseeing, just not practical for staying unless you don't mind being outside the main action.
Alcântara
The alternative side of Lisbon centered around LX Factory. Good for browsing art, vintage shopping, and finding unique restaurants. More effort to reach but offers a different vibe from the historic tourist areas.
Parque das Nações
The safest area in Lisbon with modern facilities, but you'll miss out on the traditional Portuguese atmosphere. Good choice if you prioritize security and convenience over historic charm.
Martim Moniz
Skip this area for staying or evening activities. While it has multicultural interest, the harassment issues make it not worth the risk. Plenty of other neighborhoods offer better experiences without the safety concerns.
Intendente
Worth exploring if you're comfortable with edgier neighborhoods, but do your research first. The creative scene is developing, but safety can be hit-or-miss depending on exactly where you go.
Arroios
Good for budget travelers who want a more local experience, but stick to the main avenues. Cheaper than tourist areas and has authentic neighborhood life, just be smart about where you go at night.