Lisbon is a friendly and welcoming city, but in tourist-heavy areas like Baixa, Alfama, and public trams, pickpockets do operate — discreetly and professionally. The good news? With a few simple precautions, you can outsmart them easily.
🔐 1. Be Extra Aware in Tourist Hotspots
Pickpockets often target:
Tram 28 (especially near Martim Moniz and Alfama)
Baixa-Chiado metro station
Elevador de Santa Justa
Rossio Square and Praça do Comércio
Crowded areas like Belém on weekends
💡 Traveling with a private vehicle and guide (like with Portugal Magik) helps you avoid crowded transport entirely.
🎒 2. Use an Anti-Theft Bag or Backpack
Choose bags that zip securely, with compartments close to your body
Avoid bags that hang loosely behind you
Consider crossbody bags or anti-theft daypacks with hidden zippers
📱 3. Keep Phones and Wallets in Front Pockets
Never keep wallets in your back pocket
Keep your phone out of hand when not using it — pickpockets often snatch from distracted tourists
🧥 4. Use a Money Belt or Inner Pocket for Valuables
Store passports, cards, and larger cash amounts in an inside jacket pocket, neck wallet, or belt pouch
Leave unnecessary items (extra cards, jewelry) in the hotel safe
🤝 5. Ignore Distractions & Street Scams
Common tricks include:
“Petitions” for fake charities
People “dropping” items and asking for help
“Friendly” strangers offering help at ATMs
These are often used to divert your attention while someone else targets your belongings
🚌 6. Be Alert on Trams and Buses
Especially Tram 28 and Tram 15E (to Belém):
Stand away from doors and hold bags close to your chest
Avoid getting distracted by performers or crowds boarding at once
Use your hand or arm to cover bag zippers in tight spaces
📷 7. Don’t Leave Bags on Café Chairs
Always keep your bag on your lap or with a foot through the strap
Do not hang purses or cameras on the back of a chair outdoors
💳 8. Use Credit Cards Where Possible
Limit the amount of cash you carry daily
Portugal widely accepts cards (Visa, Mastercard), especially in cities
For safety, bring two cards and store them separately
🔐 9. Stay Alert at ATMs
Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers, not those on the street
Cover the keypad when entering your PIN
Never accept “help” from strangers at ATMs
✅ 10. Book Private Tours to Avoid Risky Areas
The most effective way to stay secure? Avoid public transport and crowded hotspots altogether by traveling with a private guide.
With Portugal Magik Private Tours, you’ll enjoy:
🚗 Door-to-door travel in a private Mercedes-Benz vehicle
🧭 Personal guide to navigate safer, authentic areas
🕰️ No rushed crowds, no metro chaos, and no tram lines
🧳 Help with your bags and personal belongings throughout your journey
✨ Travel Safely & Comfortably with Portugal Magik
Let us help you explore Lisbon and all of Portugal with peace of mind, personalized attention, and complete comfort — no public transport, no hassle, no pickpocket risks.
