Living in or staying in Mercês, Lisbon

Scores

Safety and quiet come from researched sources about the whole neighborhood; walkability, transport and nightlife from the places and stops around its center.

About Mercês

Mercês is a classic historic quarter bordering Príncipe Real and Bairro Alto, defined by hilly cobblestone lanes, pastel-hued pombaline buildings, and corner tascas. The neighborhood maintains a residential village atmosphere mixed with trendy cafes, design shops, and a cosmopolitan blend of long-time Portuguese residents, expatriates, and travelers.

Good for

• couples
• solo travelers
• digital nomads
• foodies
• culture lovers

Less suited to

• people with limited mobility
• drivers
• quiet seekers

Watch out for

• Pickpocketing occurs along crowded transit routes and borders near Bairro Alto, particularly near tram stops along Calçada do Combro.
• Steep cobblestone pavements can become very slick when wet and are uneven to navigate after dark.
• Nighttime spillover noise and intoxicated revelers occasionally wander in from bordering nightlife districts like Bairro Alto and Santos.

Sources

• Portugal Country Security Report
• Quality of life in European cities: feeling safe walking alone at night (Lisboa, 2023)
• Foreign travel advice: safety and security
• Travel advisory: level 1
• Homicide rate per 100,000 people (2022)