Lisbon—like Portugal in general—has one of the lowest violent-crime rates in Europe. However, crime does exist, from pickpockets on the bus to purse snatchers in the street. You can walk about at night, but avoid deserted or badly lit streets. (Be especially mindful in the Bairro Alto and avoid Baixa after dark.) Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid setting them down where they can be stolen. Some areas on the outskirts of town can be dangerous, though there's little reason travelers would want to be there anyway. Parts of the Avenidas Novas turn into an unsecure streetwalker area at night, and the Rua da Palma and lower part of the Avenida Almirante Reis can also be dicey. Also avoid the Avenida Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco and the Rua Joaquim Antonio de Aguiar leading from the popular Centro Comercial das Amoreiras to the Praca Marques de Pombal, as robberies do occur there frequently (the Largo de Rato is safer).
Ask your hotel's concierge or front-desk staff about any area you want to visit. If you need assistance on the street, many Portuguese, particularly younger people, speak English and are willing to help. The nationwide emergency phone number is 112. There's a police station with 24-hour service for tourists (PSP-Esquadra de Turismo) in the Palacio Foz next to the Turismo on Praca dos Restauradores. Phone 21-342-1634.
For the latest information, contact your country's travel-advisory agency.
Dos & Don'ts
Don't talk when a fado singer is performing, as it is considered deeply insulting. Portuguese people will remain absolutely silent during a song.
Do take it slowly. Doing things "devagar" still is an honored Portuguese tradition; doing them "amanha" (tomorrow or the day after), even more so. Never appear impatient.
Don't say "gracias"—that's Spanish. Women should say "obrigada," and men, "obrigado" (I am thankful or obliged).
Do remember the names of some Portuguese soccer players such as Luis Figo, Rui Costa, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nuno Maniche or Miguel Nuno Gomes. The Portuguese are mad about soccer and saying a few nice words about the quality of Portuguese soccer is a great way to start a conversation.
Do say "com licenca" (with your permission) to say "excuse me," but do not expect a reply. A stronger word is "desculpe" or "desculpa."
Don't confuse Portuguese bullfights with those of Spain. The bull is never killed in Portugal.
Don't take opening times literally. They often depend on the discretion of the staff.
Don't give red flowers at business meetings, as they are considered a symbol of the revolution and therefore interpreted as a political statement. White lilies are a symbol of death.
Do try to get a window seat when flying to Lisbon. The landing approach is often spectacular.
