Why go
Treat safety as part of route planning rather than a reason to avoid the city. Pickpocketing and theft are the relevant concerns in crowded transport and visitor-heavy streets, while late-night back streets deserve more care. Keep bags closed, avoid displaying cash, and use an ATM in a busy, well-lit setting.
The full story
Most visitors will spend long stretches walking between hills, viewpoints, transport stops and evening neighbourhoods, so a few simple habits make a practical difference. Keep a phone and wallet out of easy reach in crowded metro carriages, on trams and at busy stops. Carry only what you need for the day, and do not leave bags or visible belongings in a parked car. After dark, choose well-used streets for the walk back rather than taking an unfamiliar shortcut through quiet alleys. If someone approaches with an unsolicited offer or tries to create a distraction, keep moving and decline clearly. These precautions are most useful when the city is crowded or when you are tired after an evening out, especially when navigating after dark.
Useful to know
- Keep phones, wallets and bags secure on crowded public transport and at busy stops.
- Use a busy, well-lit ATM and put cash away before leaving the machine.
- After dark, take well-used streets instead of unfamiliar back-street shortcuts.