Why visit Lisbon?
Lisbon is Portugal’s capital, known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. Located along the Tagus River, Lisbon is the European Capital with more sunny days per year and many hills; let’s not forget the hills!
While the one-of-a-kind Jerónimos Monastery and the stunning São Jorge Castle remind you of the city’s rich past, its blossoming modern culture equally defines today’s Lisbon.
The city’s new culinary scene is thriving, with several Michelin-starred restaurants making Lisbon a must-visit for food lovers. Innovative chefs are reinventing Portuguese cuisine, blending traditional flavors with cutting-edge techniques, offering food experiences that are as memorable as the views from Lisbon’s famous hilltop Miradouros.
Lisbon’s rhythm is slow but captivating – from the soulful sounds of Fado, which you can listen to in the Alfama district, to the laid-back café culture in Chiado. And let’s not forget Lisbon’s sweetest treasure: the beloved Pastel de Nata, which is best enjoyed warm and fresh.
One of the highlights of Lisbon is the National Tile Museum, which is a must-see while you are in the city, even though the city itself is an open-air Tile Museum.
Marked by the event of a tragical earthquake, Lisbon gained a new light in the late 1700s, and the must-visit area of Baixa is proof of that. You can find old Roman Ruins on banks and climb atop an arch for a fantastic view of the brightest city in Europe!
Bairro Alto is home to the beginning of Lisbon’s nightlife, where you can find excellent local restaurants. Local tip: avoid anything that says “typical”!
Lisbon’s famous yellow trams are a must-see during your visit. They will take you to different parts of the city.
For art lovers, a visit to the National Museum of Ancient Art is mandatory, and you will also find the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum worth a visit. Both museums have spectacular collections from artists like Albrecht Dürer, Hieronymus Bosch, Rembrandt, and more.
Lisbon is about sights, sounds, and feelings. It’s also about sipping a glass of green wine in a rooftop bar at sunset as the golden light washes over the city. It’s about the warmth of the locals, who greet you with a smile. And it’s the feeling of discovery in a town that feels like a hidden gem waiting just for you.
Our Tours to Lisbon
Walk & Taste Lisbon
Private Lisbon City Tour
Private Belém Walking Tour
Local Tips For Visiting Lisbon
Prepare For The Hills
Lisbon is built on seven hills, so be ready for some steep climbs!
If you’re heading uphill, try looking for funiculars or public elevators, usually located on the city’s steepest hills. Some of the elevators are Elevador do Castelo, Elevador do Chiado, Glória Funicular, and Bica Funicular.
When walking on the beautiful cobblestone sidewalks, if you find them slippery, cross to the other side of the road because, on the steepest hills, the sidewalks have different types of stone to help with traction.
Avoid Eating In Tourist Areas
We know this is easier said than done, but restaurants in tourist areas tend to be overpriced and lack authenticity. Some restaurants in Rossio, Rua Augusta, or even Bairro Alto can be pretty touristic, and even reviews can be misleading.
Search for reviews written in Portuguese (translate them to your language), and you will get an idea of how the locals feel. Look for places that serve local food instead of the non-typical paellas or pizzas. Local food can be codfish, pork, beef, and chicken.
Usually, restaurants with pictures of the dishes on the menus can be disappointing. If you want to know more about local cuisine, read our article.
Explore Beyond The City Center
While downtown Lisbon is beautiful and Belém is a must-visit, try to get a bit away from the center.
Visit places like Campo de Ourique, where you can go to the local market, or even Graça, where you can walk at the flea market.
Opt to visit the National Palace of Ajuda and walk from Ajuda to Belém, passing by the Presidential Palace.
Visit Belém At The Best Time
Lisbon grew as a destination, and we have more visitors nowadays. Although the crowds can’t be compared to the ones in Barcelona or Rome, it is advised that you visit the main attractions at certain times of the day.
Larger groups will go to Belém in the morning, so you can either be there as soon as the monuments open or you might be better off going around 3:00 PM when the biggest crowds leave.
Lisbon Has No Siestas
No, in Portugal, we don’t have siestas. You can occasionally find a small shop closed for lunch, but not for a siesta.
In Lisbon, it is less common for shops to close at lunchtime, but if they are small businesses, they will most likely be closed between 1 PM and 3 PM.
Most shops have a Google business page or Facebook page where you can check their opening hours.
Transportation's Tips in Lisbon
Lisbon is known for its hilly terrain, so comfortable shoes are necessary!
The city’s iconic Tram 28 is a fantastic way to explore, but it can get crowded with tourists. Lisboans often opt for the metro, buses, or trams outside peak hours.
Pro tips: If you’re staying longer, get a Viva Viagem card for unlimited daily travel on public transport. It’s a more affordable, convenient option.
Uber and Bolt are convenient options for longer trips but can add to the city’s traffic for shorter distances. If you get on a UBER or Bolt, ensure the license number matches your request and that the driver is the same. If you can, opt for comfort/black options to guarantee better drivers and cars.
Local Life vs Tourist Life
The Portuguese are famous for being extremely welcoming to visitors. But Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, and not everybody is on vacation. When visiting Lisbon, ensure you understand local life and the city’s dynamics.
Locals are often going to work or running errands, so don’t try to cut a line in front of a local and try not to disrupt everyday life. You are on vacation, and locals are working, so you can get that shirt in five minutes.
You will be surprised by how kind and helpful everyone is if you are as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
LISBON
Welcome to our Lisbon FAQ! Here, we’ve gathered answers to some of the most common questions about this enchanting medieval town. If you have questions that are not addressed here, feel free to contact us directly.
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) are typical for the mild temperatures and more relaxed atmosphere than the busy summer months. You can read more about the weather in Portugal in our blog.
On average, 3 to 4 days is suggested to explore the city’s top attractions, such as Belém Tower, Alfama, and Chiado, with enough time to enjoy the local culture and food.
The answer is yes but be prepared for steep streets and lots of walking. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended. Alternatively, Lisbon’s trams, buses, and metro provide easy ways to navigate the city.
Lisbon is relatively affordable compared to other European destinations, especially regarding food, accommodation, and transportation. Budget options and luxury experiences are available, making it a flexible destination for different travelers. To understand costs, read our complete Lisbon travel guide.
The most common options include the affordable and quick metro, which takes about 20-30 minutes. Taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber are also available, and there’s the Aerobus service for direct transfers to central areas. You can read our blog for detailed information on how to get from Lisbon Airport to the city center.
Lisbon is a safe city for tourists, with low violent crime rates. However, like in many popular destinations, pickpocketing can be an issue, especially in crowded tourist areas or on public transportation. Stay alert and take standard precautions!
Lisbon has a well-connected and efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, and a metro. A Viva Viagem card allows for unlimited travel on public transport, making it a cost-effective and convenient option.
The city is known for its seafood, particularly bacalhau (salt cod), sardines, and octopus. The Pastel de Nata (custard tart) is a must-try, and Lisbon’s Michelin-starred restaurants are gaining global recognition. To learn more, read our guide to Portuguese food!
Booking a tour with Portuguese For a Day is easy! We offer a variety of tours to suit your needs, including:
- Private Group Lisbon Walking Food Tour (up to 8 people): This tour is perfect for foodie lovers! It lets you explore Lisbon’s rich culinary scene while walking through the city’s historic streets. Book the Lisbon Walking Food Tour here.
- Private City Lisbon Tour (up to 7 people): This is the perfect tour to discover Lisbon’s iconic landmarks with a dedicated local guide for your group. Book the Private City Lisbon Tour here.
- Private Belém Walking Tour (up to 6 people): Dive into the history of Belém on this exclusive private walking tour, exploring landmarks like the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower with a knowledgeable guide. Book the Private Belém Walking Tour here.
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