Is Lisbon Safe in January 2026?
January is winter / low season in Lisbon. Winter low season in the northern hemisphere means fewer tourists and reduced scam pressure — though year-round operators remain active at major indoor attractions and transport hubs.
Lower
January risk
15
Scams documented
Lower
Crowd level
Season
Low Season
Crowd level
Lower
January scam risk
Lower
Year-round scams
15
Safety tips for Lisbon in January
Season-specific guidance based on winter / low season conditions and how they interact with documented scam patterns.
January is low season in Lisbon — you will encounter fewer tourists, but scam operators who work year-round may use more aggressive approaches with fewer targets.
Lower demand means better accommodation deals, but verify listings carefully — low-season closures and bait-and-switch tactics increase when competition drops.
Transport operators have fewer customers in January. Negotiate fares in advance or use app-based services to avoid inflated pricing on quiet routes.
Some attractions and services reduce hours or close entirely during low season. Verify operating schedules before travelling to avoid finding closed sites.
Regardless of season, the documented scams for Lisbon remain the same — review the full list of 15 warnings before you travel.
Travel insurance is recommended for any trip to Lisbon. Policies covering theft, medical emergencies, and trip disruption are essential regardless of when you visit.
Top scams in Lisbon (active in January)
These scams operate year-round and remain active during January. Lower tourist numbers may reduce frequency but operators remain active.
Tram 28 Pickpocket Gangs
mediumThe famous Tram 28 route through Alfama and Bairro Alto is one of Europe's most notorious pickpocket corridors. Organised gangs board the trams and systematically steal from distracted tourists enjoying the views.
How to avoid: Keep your bag zipped and held in front of you at all times on Tram 28. Consider walking the route instead — the streets are equally scenic and far safer.
Friendship Bracelet Ambush
mediumNear Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, at the entrance to Alfama, and around Praça do Comércio, individuals approach tourists and quickly tie a coloured string bracelet onto their wrist without asking permission. Once the bracelet is secured, they demand payment — typically €5–20 — claiming it is a traditional gift or good luck charm. Refusing to pay can lead to aggressive confrontation. Victims who pull away may find the bracelet is deliberately knotted tightly to make removal difficult.
How to avoid: Keep your hands in your pockets or crossed when walking through tourist areas. If someone starts to touch your arm or wrist, pull away immediately and say "Não, obrigado" firmly. Do not make eye contact or engage with individuals holding bracelets or string.
Fake Plainclothes Police Wallet Inspection
highIndividuals posing as plainclothes police officers approach tourists in Baixa-Chiado, near Rossio Square, and along Avenida da Liberdade, flashing unofficial-looking badges and claiming to be conducting an anti-drug or anti-counterfeit money operation. They insist on inspecting the victim's wallet and cash, then return it with notes removed. A common variant involves two "officers" — one distracts while the other skims cash. Portuguese national police (PSP) do not conduct random wallet checks on the street and will never ask a tourist to hand over their wallet.
How to avoid: Never hand your wallet to anyone claiming to be a plainclothes officer. Ask to be taken to the nearest police station (esquadra) to verify their identity. Real PSP officers will comply. If you feel unsafe, walk into any shop or cafe.
Fake Ride-Hail App Driver at Airport
highAt Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport arrivals, drivers present themselves as legitimate Uber or Bolt drivers, displaying phone screens showing a trip assignment that is fabricated or belongs to another booking. They charge flat cash rates of €40–70 for a journey that costs €10–18 on the official app. A secondary variant involves "helpers" in the arrivals hall who offer to book a ride on your behalf, taking your phone to log you into a fake driver account. Portuguese consumer protection authority DECO has issued specific warnings about this scam at Humberto Delgado.
How to avoid: Only accept rides confirmed inside the official Uber or Bolt app, which shows the driver's name, photo, plate number, and current GPS location approaching you. Meet your driver at the designated app pick-up zone, not the kerb. Never hand your phone to a stranger to help you book a ride.
Rossio Square Shell Game
mediumThe three-card monte and shell-and-ball game operates in and around Rossio and Praça do Comércio. A ring of shills creates the appearance of a winnable game. Every tourist who bets loses.
How to avoid: Ignore all street betting games. Walk away without engaging.
What types of scams occur in Lisbon?
Street Scams
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas.
3
Restaurant Scams
Inflated bills, hidden charges, tourist menus, and food service tricks.
3
Taxi & Transport
Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists.
2
Tour & Activities
Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping.
2
Other Scams
Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors.
2
Is Lisbon safe in other months?
Lisbon in January — answered
Is Lisbon safe to visit in January?
Lisbon is lower risk for tourists in January. This is winter / low season for the Europe region. Our database documents 15 scams year-round — during January, winter low season in the northern hemisphere means fewer tourists and reduced scam pressure — though year-round operators remain active at major indoor attractions and transport hubs. The most common risks are street scams, restaurant scams, taxi & transport.
Is January a good time to visit Lisbon?
January is the quietest period for tourists in Lisbon. Fewer tourists mean lower prices and shorter queues, but some services may be reduced. Scam operators remain active year-round.
What scams are most common in Lisbon during January?
The documented scam types in Lisbon are consistent year-round: Street Scams, Restaurant Scams, Taxi & Transport, Tour & Activities. During January (winter / low season), frequency drops but remaining operators may be more persistent. The specific scams and their locations remain the same regardless of season.
Is it crowded in Lisbon in January?
Tourist crowd levels in Lisbon during January are lower. You will have more space at attractions and easier access to accommodation and transport. Some services may operate on reduced schedules.
Should I get travel insurance for Lisbon in January?
Travel insurance is recommended for Lisbon regardless of when you visit. Low season brings weather-related risks and potential service disruptions from closures. Look for policies covering medical emergencies, theft/mugging, trip cancellation, and 24/7 emergency assistance.
What should I pack for Lisbon in January?
Beyond weather-appropriate clothing for January in Europe, pack with scam prevention in mind: a cross-body bag with RFID-blocking (pickpocketing is documented in Lisbon), photocopies of your passport stored separately from the original, a phone case with a wrist strap (phone theft is reported), and a portable charger to maintain access to transport apps and maps. Avoid visibly expensive jewelry or electronics in high-risk areas.
Editorial note: Seasonal risk assessments for Lisbon are based on 15 year-round scam reports cross-referenced with regional travel patterns. Scam data is compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Conditions change — always check current advisories before travel. Read our methodology →
January summary
Lower Risk
Winter / low season
Quick stats