Lisbon, the alluring capital of Portugal, brims with a colourful charm that attracts visitors from across the world. With intricate cobbled streets, mesmerising vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, and a lively cultural scene, Lisbon promises an unforgettable experience.
Renowned for its rich history, bustling nightlife, and affordability, Lisbon welcomes travellers seeking to delve into the city’s rich history and vibrant energy. From its sun-kissed summers to its picturesque hilly landscapes, Lisbon offers an exciting European city break.
Begin your journey with this informative guide, where we share everything you need to know before heading to Lisbon.
Learn some basic Portuguese
The local language is Portuguese, and although Lisbon is a multicultural international city, learning some basic Portuguese phrases will be appreciated. Some easy phrases include olá (hello), obrigado (thank you), and a conta, por favor (check, please).
Dining out in Lisbon
Lisbon is known for its excellent cuisine however there are many tourist trap restaurants in the downtown area. Avoid the overpriced restaurants and head to some of these great Lisbon restaurants instead:
- Taberna Moderna, is a modern tavern serving authentic Portuguese and Spanish dishes with a fantastic gin bar.
- Tiffen Cafe serves delicious organic vegan and vegetarian dishes.
- Bifanas of Alfonso located in the Baixa district serves freshly made Portuguese pork sandwiches and great coffee.
Good to know about eating out:
- Locals typically eat dinner between 8pm – 10pm and many places don’t open until 7pm.
- Restaurants often put out plates of olives and bread when you sit down which are not complementary. If you are happy to pay then no problem or ask for them to be removed.
Discover Lisbon’s incredible Street Art
Street art and graffiti are everywhere in Lisbon, with impressive murals decorating the sides of buildings everywhere you look. Check out art from artists such as Diogo Machado and Bordallo II on a Lisbon street art tour.
Navigating Lisbon
- Lisbon is very hilly so bring comfortable walking shoes to tackle the inclines.
- When you arrive in Lisbon, get a Lisboa Viva Viagem card to save money on public transport.
- Save your feet by using the Lisbon Trams with routes throughout the city.
- Tram 28E is known for its route through the Alfama district, however, this route does not loop and is a popular tourist attraction.
Taxis, Uber and Tuk tuks
- Local taxi drivers offer a greater knowledge of the city but charge tourists more, whereas ride-sharing apps offer cheaper fares and are more likely to speak English.
- Download the ride-sharing app Bolt, which is preferred in Lisbon and cheaper than Uber.
- Alternatively take a tuk-tuk, a motorized three-wheel vehicle, to whizz you up and down those Lisbon hills.
Cash, cards and tipping
- Cash is preferred, although credit and debit cards are accepted throughout the city. However, check if the restaurant accepts cards before sitting down to eat.
- Tipping is appreciated although not always expected. If you wish to add a tip you may need to tell your server to add this to the bill.
Where to stay in Lisbon
With beautiful cobbled streets and stunning panoramic views, there are some amazing places to stay around the city. Here is a breakdown of which district to stay in Lisbon.
- Alfama – the picturesque district is located high up offering spectacular vantage points, although the buildings here are older and it is very hilly. It is also where the 11th-century São Jorge Castle can be found.
- Baixa – is a central area, popular with tourists known for its overpriced tourist trap shops and restaurants.
- Chiado – the historic quarter of Lisbon, Chiado is filled with boutique stores, excellent theatres and historic landmarks.
- Bairro Alto – located west of the city centre this area is known for its party atmosphere and its fantastic foodie scene.
- Cais do Sodre – located on the waterside, this area has a vibrant nightlife with plenty of traditional Fado music bars along its infamous “Pink Street” (Rua Nova do Carvalho).
Final tips for Lisbon:
- Sardines are a traditional dish in Portugal available in many Lisbon restaurants.
- Lisbon has a reputation for being an affordable city with beer costing between €1,50 for a small and €4 for a pint, and an Americano coffee costing as little as €1.
- Look out for the colourful Azulejo Tiles which decorate the exteriors of many buildings throughout Lisbon.
Written by Becki Chu: Freelance Travel Writer
Becki currently lives in London, UK with her family, and has travelled across the world, including Japan, Hong Kong and throughout Europe.