According to Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection’s 2026 traveller safety survey, Lisbon is in the top ten safest cities in the world. Noted as a secure, less congested alternative to other European cities, it has been recognised as one of the top ten safest cities to visit in 2026.
The 2026 safety ranking explained
The BHTP report integrates insurance‑industry insight with external datasets and traveller surveys to score destinations on risks that actually affect tourists on the ground. They look at recorded crime, healthcare accessibility, emergency response and broader urban safety indicators. It combines sources such as GeoSure Global, Numbeo and The Economist with traveller sentiment.
Why Lisboa is in the top 10 for 2026
The safety ranking puts Lisbon in 8th place, describing it as a “safe and less visited (for now) city than Barcelona”.
The score reflects a mix of consistently low serious‑crime exposure for visitors, visible policing in tourist cores, straightforward city layout, and strong healthcare and emergency response in the centre. Traveller sentiment also leans positive, with steady improvements to lighting, CCTV and wayfinding around major hubs.
It's important to note that the ranking focuses on broad, ongoing safety indicators and does not explicitly account for the tragic Glória funicular crash that occurred in September. Remember, recorded incidents, summer crowding and cruise days can skew risks, and neighbourhood conditions vary within any capital.
How safe is Lisbon compared with other safest cities in 2026
Among the top‑ranked cities, Lisbon’s day‑to‑day risk profile centres on opportunistic theft in crowded areas rather than more serious incidents, with central districts feeling calm and well managed even at peak times. It's a good idea to be aware of areas to avoid in Lisbon so you don't have a nasty surprise during your travels.
Natural risks are moderate: Atlantic weather brings blustery spells, the odd heat spike in high summer and stronger ocean swell on exposed beaches, so timing and route choices help. Recognition as one of the top cities in the world for quality of life aligns with this safety picture, and the city’s hills and shiny calçada add more slip‑and‑trip considerations than security worries.
Neighbourhood safety snapshot in Lisboa
The busiest tourist corridors see more opportunistic pickpocketing, while residential streets a block away tend to feel calmer. Hills and shiny tiled alleys reward slower steps after dark, and riverside areas are well lit with quick exits to the metro.
If you want quieter corners and low‑key viewpoints, explore the secret places in Lisbon for a handy way to sidestep the crowds. The many non‑touristy things to do in Lisbon will also point you towards local hangouts and easy eats without the chaos.
Baixa/Chiado
- Central, elegant and busy, with the densest footfall around Rua Augusta and Elevador de Santa Justa.
- Feels easy-going by day and well-patrolled after dark; watch for distraction theft in queues and on terraces.
Alfama/Mouraria
- Historic, hilly and atmospheric, with narrow lanes, steps and scenic viewpoints.
- Evenings can be quiet in parts; keep bags zipped at miradouros and take care on steep calçada.
Bairro Alto/Cais do Sodré
- Nightlife heart with late crowds and street drinking; noise and revelry over menace.
- Arrange rides on main roads after midnight; avoid weaving through tight alleys if you’re tired.
Belém/Ajuda
- Daytime museum-and-monument district with wide, open spaces and riverside paths.
- Calmer at night; keep an eye on bikes and e‑scooters on shared promenades.
Parque das Nações
- Modern, flat waterfront with long promenades, parks and family-friendly public spaces.
- New-build security and good lighting; easy access to Oriente station and the airport.
Living or moving to Lisbon
Top‑tier safety filters into daily life: getting home late on the metro feels straightforward, central districts are well lit, and access to clinics and pharmacies is reliable. This is part of why demand keeps holding up across the city.
Investor confidence mirrors that picture, with Lisbon among the most attractive cities for property investment and strong interest at the upper end, including the city’s recent nod as the most popular city in Europe among high‑net‑worth buyers.
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