Lisbon at night for couples: 112, SNS 24, drinks and drugs according to the FCDO

Lisbon is a welcoming city after dark, but a good trip starts with knowing what the authorities say. This guide is informative and educational for travellers: it does not recommend venues and contains no explicit content. It is based on the UK government's (FCDO) travel advice for Portugal, consulted on 7 November 2026; the health and safety pages apply to the whole country, not only Lisbon, and the advice does not cover taxis or specific scams, so we do not discuss them.

Theft and street crime

The FCDO says street crime is a risk, especially on public transport and at crowded bus and tram stops. Thieves use distraction techniques and often work in teams. It recommends not keeping all valuables in one place and keeping a copy of the photo pages of your passport.

Nights out, assaults and drinks

According to the advice, attacks, including sexual assaults, are rare but do occur, and the risk is highest late at night around popular nightlife locations. The tips are to stay with your group, not leave with strangers and save your accommodation's address on your maps app. It warns about drugs such as GHB and liquid ecstasy: buy your own drinks and keep them in sight. It adds that drinks in Portuguese bars are often stronger than in the UK, so know your limit. In an emergency the advice says to call 112.

Drugs, ID and gambling

Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties, also in transit at airports. You must show photo ID if a police officer asks and police can hold you at a station until your identity is confirmed. Gambling is legal only at government-licensed venues.

Health

For a medical emergency the FCDO says to call 112 for an ambulance. For a non-emergency illness there is the SNS 24 line, +351 808 24 24 24 on the mainland, with an English option by pressing 9. You need a GHIC or EHIC for medically necessary state healthcare, but the FCDO stresses it is not a substitute for travel insurance: it does not cover repatriation or private clinics. UK prescriptions are not recognised in Portugal; bring enough medication in its original containers. The FCDO health page contains no sexual health or HIV information, so we do not cover it here.

Before you go

Take out insurance with repatriation, save 112 and SNS 24, and read BarSwinger's guide to travelling in Brazil and Portugal. Advice changes: confirm on gov.uk before travelling.