To prepare for your next weekend in the capital of Portugal , you are wondering where to stay in Lisbon: Are there any areas to avoid, which is the best area to visit Lisbon on foot?

Indeed, even though Lisbon is one of the safest capitals in Europe, between the explosion of tourism, the gentrification of certain neighborhoods, and the more "party-oriented" areas, choosing accommodation can become a real headache. Whether you're looking for absolute peace and quiet or the heart of the party, here's the complete guide to choosing the perfect place to stay.

Rise in crime in Lisbon

Portugal as a whole is a very safe country. Furthermore, violent crime decreased by 2,6% in 2025, according to an article published on January 23 , 2026. However, overall crime increased by 2,1%. In March 2026, a series of rather alarming crimes occurred throughout the country. See the Portugal Post article.

Regarding Lisbon in particular, even though it is less safe than before, according to the Numbeo ranking , the capital is still in the lower range at the European level with a very low crime index (32.97).

In fact, Lisbon remains a much less dangerous city than many Italian or French cities such as Montpellier , Nice , Toulouse , Rome or Naples.

Lisbon neighborhoods to avoid in 2026

Safety in central Lisbon has improved considerably over the last 20 years. However, tourists are advised to avoid the following areas (which are less convenient for visitors, have a bad reputation, or are frequented by unsavory characters):

Neighborhood / Area	Risk Level	Nature of the Risk	Travel Advice
Cova da Moura (Amadora)	🔴 High	Drug trafficking, local crime, widespread poverty.	Absolutely avoid this. Non-touristy and isolated area on the outskirts.
Portugal Novo / Picheleira	🔴 High	Squats, street trafficking, altercations between local gangs.	To avoid especially at night. Marked feeling of insecurity between Areeiro and Olaias.
Chelas and Olaias	🟠 Moderate	Heavy nighttime atmosphere, peripheral environment.	Not recommended for accommodation. No tourist appeal despite some improvements.
Monsanto Park / Eduardo VII Park	🟠 Moderate	Isolated areas at night, possible encounters with dangerous people.	Avoid after sunset. Very pleasant during the day, but deserted at night.
Intendente / Anjos / Martim Moniz	🟡 Vigilance	Marginalized populations, street drug use (at night).	Be careful at night. Very trendy during the day, but can be intimidating for solo travelers in the evening.
Cais do Sodré / Pink Street	🟡 Vigilance	Pickpockets, public drunkenness, noise pollution.	Lisbon's red-light district. Be vigilant with your personal belongings during nights out drinking.

A closer look at the sensitive areas on the outskirts

When discussing crime in the Portuguese capital, one often refers to specific social pockets in Greater Lisbon that are not tourist areas:

1. The Northwest area (Amadora / Sintra)

Some neighborhoods in Amadora (like Cova da Moura or Bairro 6 de Maio) retain a reputation as lawless areas due to drug trafficking. These are isolated areas. A visitor has no reason to go there, but it's not advisable to get lost driving there late at night.

2. The south bank (Almada / Seixal)

Neighborhoods like Monte da Caparica or certain areas of Barreiro can seem intimidating at night. Almada recently reinforced its municipal police force to counter a slight increase in juvenile violence.

3. The East zone (Chelas / Marvila)

The Chelas area, like Portugal Novo (between Olaias and Areeiro), remains marked by significant poverty. Although gentrification is progressing in Marvila (with the creation of creative hubs), the adjacent social housing areas remain vulnerable at night.

Key points to remember for your stay

It is important to note that in 2026, crime directly targeting tourists in Lisbon remains essentially non-violent.

• Risk #1: Pickpocketing in crowded areas (Tram 28, Baixa).
• The classic scam: Fake drug dealers in the city center who offer you a substance that turns out to be bay leaves or chalk.
• The noise: Lisbon is a noisy city (cobblestones, partygoers, airplanes). Always check for "double glazing" in the reviews.
• Altitude: The city is built on 7 hills. Check a map to see if your hotel requires climbing 200 steps each evening.
• Transport: Choose accommodation close to the green line The subway is the most convenient way to reach points of interest.
• The golden rule: If you stay in the well-lit and busy areas, Lisbon is one of the most peaceful capital cities in the world.

The 3 best neighborhoods to stay in Lisbon

1. Baixa and Chiado: The beating heart

This is the epicenter of Lisbon. Here, everything is within walking distance.

• Advantage: Close to monuments, luxury boutiques and transport.
• Disadvantages: Very crowded, high hotel prices, lack of "local" authenticity.

2. Alfama: The soul of Lisbon

The oldest part of the city, famous for its maze of alleyways and Fado music.

• Advantage: Absolutely charming, breathtaking views of the Tagus river.
• Disadvantages: Prepare your calves (it's a climb!), difficult to access with a rolling suitcase.

3. Príncipe Real: Casual chic

It's the quintessential "bobo" (bourgeois bohemian) neighborhood, full of parks, concept stores and terraces.

• Advantage: Calm, secure, very elegant.
• Disadvantages: A little out of the way from the metro (but well served by buses).

Where to choose a hotel for visiting the city on foot?

The Baixa district is ideal when you want to visit Lisbon because it is very central. Despite a high population density and a fairly lively and therefore noisy nightlife, it is an area recommended for visitors who want to be as close as possible to the tourist sites. Especially since the area is full of bars, restaurants and shops!

View its location on Google Maps

The hotel I am referring to below (Browns Downtown Hotel) is located in this beautiful area of ​​Lisbon in Baixa-Chiato.

Its location is ideal for tourists as it is in a quiet area yet very close to Lisbon's tourist attractions and restaurants. Furthermore, this neighborhood is also ideal for shopping in Lisbon.

If you are looking for a cheap hotel, here is my recommendation:

Located opposite the Tagus River, next to the train station and close to the metro, this hostel features a swimming pool and a rooftop.

This accommodation is recommended for travellers looking for exceptional value for money while being very well located for visiting Lisbon on foot.