Comments on: Street crime in Lisbon

By: Cristiane

Cristiane — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:10:18 +0000

To Eurotraveller

I couldn’t agree more with you. I travel to Lisbon once a year and walk in there all over my stay. I have NEVER been mugged or seen anything that could be labelled as violence. Lisbon glory days are never over, it is an enchanting city, very different from its European counterparts. I once heard that being mugged or having something stolen has to do with the “energy” the person is sending, like , your energy emanates from you and attracts this sort of situations. Like a magnet. I am from São Paulo and lived in Rio, now living in London. I have NEVER been mugged all my life. lol Maybe when you focus on the negative stuff, that happens to you! Lisbon is a wonderful city!

By: Cristiane

Cristiane — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:03:43 +0000

I am curious to know why on Earth would a criminal who lives in a favela in Brazil spend nearly 1,500 dollars to buy a ticket to Portugal to do in there what he can do in any Brazilian city?
This is absolutely nonsense. lol I do not believe this information not even a bit. lol Next time you go to Lisbon, please, please, find the person who sold you this story and challenge it!

By: Bambi

Bambi — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 14:30:32 +0000

You’re right, Euro traveller, there’s much more to Lisbon than the problems I wrote about. My husband and I are fond enough of Portugal that we used to have a home in the Algarve.

But as you must have noticed, my subject is primarily street crime. I don’t review hotels, point out museums, or track the latest restaurants. I research thievery and, if I find enough to write about, I come out with it.

And for the record, I do not base my conclusions on “narrow alley ways” or out-of-the-way no-go-zones. I’m interested primarily in the tourist trails. Unfortunately, so are the pickpockets and con artists.

Crime-wise, Lisbon is not unique, so don’t be offended. If you dig a little deeper into this blog, you’ll find articles on cities all over the world. I’m sure you know Lisbon in general better than I do, but I know crime and how it compares from city to city. From the visitor’s perspective, a little extra awareness is appropriate.

By: Euro traveller

Euro traveller — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 18:43:41 +0000

I understand that you’re trying to be helpful in warning about the street crimes that can take place in Lisbon, (or anywhere else), but things aren’t as bad as the way you make it sound. Lisbon might have its dangerous areas, but it’s also a beautiful city, with lots to offer, many things to see and do, history, culture, etc. Don’t judge a huge city by some narrow alley ways or old downtown streets that you saw. I’ve spent lots of time in Lisbon over the years, and never once was I pickpocketed, robbed, mugged, etc, nor did anyone ever attempt to do any of these things to me. Maybe you should write such things about your own hometown, or is it perfect and crime free? “Lisbon’s glory days over”??? Unless you’re referring to the time when Portugal was a big empire and Portuguese navigators were discovering the world… aside from that, Lisbon’s glory days are far from over. You’re obviously not a local, and you’re judging the city by a few days, or maybe a week or 2 that you spent there… you obviously don’t know much about this fabulous city. Don’t navigate in waters that you don’t know much about… pun intended.

By: Bambi

Bambi — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 07:53:52 +0000

Thanks, sweet pea. I agree: there’s lots to love about Lisbon.

By: sweet pea

sweet pea — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 06:35:33 +0000

It’s true that the old quarter of Lisbon (mainly the downtown areas) are falling apart… they should really conserve these old buildings, even the locals complain about that. Aside from that, however, the city does want to maintain its old look in the downtown area, it’s part of its quaint charm. Many of the crime that happens in Lisbon is committed by illegal immigrants – not Portuguese people. You do have to be careful, particularly in the downtown area, especially Intendente where most of the drug addicts spend their days and prostitution takes place. Aside from that just be careful like you would in any large city and have fun. There’s lots to see and do in Lisbon. Enjoy!

By: Thiefhunters in ParadiseTheft in Lisbon - Thiefhunters in Paradise

Thiefhunters in ParadiseTheft in Lisbon - Thiefhunters in Paradise — Mon, 02 May 2011 00:02:54 +0000

[...] To quote myself. [...]

By: C2.2 – What’s in a word? Old-fashioned « under (re)construction

C2.2 – What’s in a word? Old-fashioned « under (re)construction — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 12:53:29 +0000

[...] Lisbon description from a website about hunting street thieves, bobarno.com:Â Follow the link to read moreï»¿ï»¿ï»¿. [...]

By: marcia vincent

marcia vincent — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:24:18 +0000

I thought it was Tolstoy.

What is the elevator tower, a view point?

Another city going to hell. How sad. But even so, your writing makes me want to visit again. I’m ready to hit the road!

By: Terry Jones

Terry Jones — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 20:04:02 +0000

I wonder if the TOYSTAY graffiti is a phonetic rendition of TOY STORY.