Europe Travel Guides

Health risks overview

Dangers and annoyances

Lisbon has a low crime rate by European standards, but it's on the rise. Most crime against foreigners involves pickpocketing and bag-snatching (especially in rush-hour trains and buses). Use a money belt and keep cameras and other tourist indicators out of sight. Car break-ins are common particularly from rental cars. The best bet is to park your car in a hotel's locked garage or an underground carpark.

Late at night (especially on weekends), it's unwise to wander alone through the streets of Bairro Alto, Alfama and Cais do Sodré or wait in deserted metro stations. Some African clubs can also be the scene of tension, with rivalry between gangs of Cape Verdeans and Angolans. In 2001 three people opened fire after being refused entry to a Lisbon club; however, incidents like this remain the exception and overall the Portuguese club scene is peaceful.

• Buy Lonely Planet Lisbon Guidebook
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