Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, stole the spotlight as one of the best-valued cities to visit in 2023 as revealed by the UK Post Office Travel Money in their annual City Costs Barometer.
Safety-wise, Lisbon is relatively safe to visit, higher than average amongst European cities. The capital city boasts a tranquil setting with a low-key feel and lots of heritage buildings to take in.
Their sunset is beyond beautiful, casting its glory over the ever-romantic ambiance of the historical city.
Surprisingly, unlike other capitals, the residents in Lisbon have done an excellent job in retaining its authentic feel tinged with a comforting lived-in patina. Despite its rise in reputation, Lisbon has yet to give up its serenity to tourists.
This article will buckle you up with the best cost-effective means of transportation to get around Lisbon and a guide to sightsee, eat, and stay.
What Is The Best Season To Visit Lisbon?
If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon, timing is key for a memorable experience. The sweet spot for your visit is from March to May or September to October.
These shoulder months awaken you with a burst of color and life when the weather is warm and crisp, making it a perfect time to celebrate the great outdoors without breaking a sweat.
During those times, hotel and service prices drop, which is a luxury compared to the peak summer months. Even better, you can hit the beach without battling the sweltering summer heat and hordes of tourists.
If you tend to hit Lisbon in winter, keep in mind that there’s a higher chance of rainy days, often heavy and persistent. So, if you’re not a fan of rainy vacations, stick to the spring and early autumn months.
How To Get From Lisbon Airport To City Center?
Lisbon International Airport (LIS) is seven kilometers away from the city center. You can choose from three different ways to reach the downtown core from LIS Airport.
By Metro
The ‘Aeroporto – Saldanha’ line shuttles between LIS to Lisbon center on a 20-minute ride from 6:30 am. to 1 am the next morning. The frequency is every ten minutes or less.
By Bus
There are 4 bus routes from Lisbon Airport into the city, numbered 708, 722, 744 and 783. Buses are located at various exit terminals at the airport, taking you downtown within 35 to 40 minutes.
By Taxi And Uber
Ride-sharing services such as Uber and airport taxis cost around EUR 12.5 to the city center in approximately 20 minutes.
How To Get Around Lisbon? 4 Best Cost-Effective Public Transports
By Metro
There are four metro lines and 55 stations in Lisbon broken down by colors: blue, yellow, green, and red. Each line serves a different route that covers multiple stops along the way. Click here to download the metro map.
There are five types of metro tickets for occasional journeys, ranging from one hour to 24 hours, as well as Zapping (a prepaid card to be topped up), Viva Go, and ‘Green’ Viva Viagem (a transport card valid for all operators). Viva Viagem Card is available for purchase at ticket vending machines and ticket offices.
By Carris Street Tram
Historic trams conquer the streets of Lisbon, taking you to the sparkling waterfront and lesser-known areas that metro lines do not cover. Tram tickets in Lisbon are for sale directly on the tram but are also included in the Viva Viagem Card. Here are six popular routes for you to choose from:
- Route 12 – Praça da Figueira Square to Miradouro de Santa Luzia Observation Deck
- Route 15 – Praça da Figueira Square to Belém and Algés
- Route 18 – Cais do Sodré Metro Station to Cemitério da Ajuda Cemetery
- Route 24 – Praça Luís de Camões Square to Campolide District
- Route 25 – Rua Alfândega Street to Campo de Ourique Neighborhood
- Route 28 – Praça Martim Moniz Square to Graça, Estrela and Campo de Ourique Neighborhood
By Telecabine Lisboa
On the lesser-known side, riding a Telecabine is a fun thing to try at least once. Telecabine Lisboa is split into two stations: North and South. The South Station is closest to the Aquarium with a better connection with other means of public transport.
The Telecabine boasts a jaw-dropping vista as it soars from the Aquarium to the other side with the duration ranging from 20 to 40 minutes.
Tickets are available for one-way and round-trip. No reservation is needed as it’s available at the ticket booth.
By Transtejo & Soflusa Ferry
If you’re planning to go from Lisbon to Cacilhas to soak up the view of the city at a distance and enjoy seafood, the best way to get there is by hopping on one of the ferries operated by Transtejo Ferry Lines. They’ve got you covered with five different routes and three terminals.
These ferries run pretty much all day and night, starting at 5 am and going until 1 am the next morning. So, whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, you’re covered.
The ferry ride lasts for 15 minutes across the water.
Lisbon Viva Viagem Card: Is It Worth Buying?
Viva Viagem card is your golden ticket if you’re thinking of covering much of Lisbon, Sintra, and the surrounding area with public transport. It’s like your all-access pass to the city’s fantastic public transportation system.
The Lisbon Viva Viagem Card is available for sale at any metro station and you can load up your balance at one of these machines too.
The card is valid for all means of public transport such as metro, buses, trams, ferries, and even urban trains between Sintra and Cascais. However, make sure to opt for the Green Viva Viagem Card. The white one is similar but its coverage is limited.
What Is The Best Area In Lisbon To Stay?
Baixa, the most crowded neighborhood sitting smack dab in the heart of Lisbon, is home to a wide range of budget-friendly and mid-range hotels. This excellent location allows you to cover most attractions on foot.
Barrio Alto is the biggest hook for night owls and nightlife worshippers though it can be a little bit crowded for families with kids.
Last but not least, Avenida da Liberdade, is on the higher end of the price spectrum. This is a forcing house for many high-end hotels and exclusive accommodations.
Must-See Attractions In Lisbon
The best iconic attractions in Lisbon cannot be covered in a day. To help you make the most of your sightseeing, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite places to visit in Lisbon right here to make your bucket list.
But before digging deeper into this curated collection, here’s a quick rundown of Lisbon’s major attractions.
Saint George’s Castle
Perched on a hill, this 11th-century castle is like a time capsule. From its lofty vantage point, you’ll soak in breathtaking views of Lisbon and the serene Tyne River. It’s like stepping back in time while taking in modern Lisbon from above.
Belem Tower
Travel back to the 16th century at Belem Tower, an iconic fortress serving as a symbol of Portugal’s global exploration and colonization.
National Tile Museum
Hands down my favorite place to visit in Lisbon, the museum houses an epic collection of exquisite tile artworks and historical artifacts.
Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Give your trip a fresh spin with a touch of marvelous architecture. The Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a 16th-century monastery that opens a door into the Portuguese Renaissance. It’s also recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
Rossio Square – Praça Dom Pedro IV
At the heart of Lisbon, Rossio Square is a bustling pot of life surrounded by historical buildings and cozy cafes. Sip on your favorite cup of Joe, people-watch, and soak in the Lisbon spirit.
Tram No. 28
Hop on Tram 28 and you’re in for a delightful journey. Despite being a regular mode of public transport, it winds its way through some of Lisbon’s most iconic districts such as Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela.
3 Best Dishes To Try In Lisbon (+ Where To Find Them)
Juicy Fresh Seafood
Skirting the west border of Tagus Estuary and surrounded by the vast Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon’s coastline is a seafood paradise. Fishermen pull in heavy vessels full of fish and fresh seafood before the sun is on, waiting to deliver bags chock full of succulent shrimp, delicate crab, and even the quirky octopus to local dining holes.
In Lisbon, Bacalhau cod, sizzling grilled sardines, and the rich Portuguese seafood rice soup known as Arroz de Marisco announce this intention.
Pastéis de Nata – Egg Tart
Crispy pastry shell cuddling hot, creamy, and rich filling of custard, Portuguese egg tart (Pastéis de Nata) is a world-renowned dessert. Though high in calories, each of these decadent bites promises to inject your weary souls with its ooey-gooey profile.
Bifana Sandwich
Feeling a bit peckish while wandering the streets? Look no further than the Bifana! Traditional Portuguese pork sandwiches make quick bites on the go a lot easier in the morning, with thinly sliced pork chops sautéed to perfection before a medley of spices and seasonings kicks in.
Wondering where to seek out these yummy bites? Lisbon is home to a myriad of incredible restaurants and long-standing food spots, ranging from street food to exquisite high-end cuisine. Here are a few to be named.
Time Out Market Lisboa: No more scratching your chins! This bustling dining hole is flooded with the best vendors of its kind. Simply pick one that catches your attention and you’ll hit the jackpot! Beyond just Portuguese staples, Time Out offers everything from sushi, pizza and egg tarts to seafood and craft beer.
Belcanto: A Michelin-starred restaurant dishing up traditional Portuguese cuisine with a modern spin.
Pinóquio: A casual, invigorating restaurant where seafood dishes are taken seriously. It’s steps away from Rossio Metro Station and well-run by a team of friendly and dedicated people.
Cervejaria Ramiro: Another alternative for seafood connoisseurs established on the skeleton of a heritage building. Cervejaria Ramiro has been going strong since the 50s and still counting.
Final Words
Though crowded, Lisbon is far from being overly controlled by tourists. Everywhere I went, the friendly people made me feel so welcomed. Its rich history and the proud tradition of crafting azulejos (ceramic tiles) had me completely in awe. Overall, you can spend somewhere between two to four days in Lisbon and try to venture out of the tourist areas on the last days before you exit.