Travel Tips for Lisbon

Lisbon is a vibrant, charming, and historic city with a laid-back atmosphere, beautiful views, and great food. Here are some top travel tips for visiting Lisbon:

🇵🇹 General Tips

1. Wear Comfortable Shoes
   Lisbon is built on seven hills and many streets are steep and cobbled. You’ll walk a lot, and it’s often uphill.
2. Get a Viva Viagem Card
   Buy this rechargeable card for public transport (metro, buses, trams, even ferries). It’s much cheaper than buying single tickets.
3. Avoid Tram 28 Midday
   Tram 28 is iconic, but also packed with tourists. Ride it early morning or late evening for a better experience — or try a less popular tram line.
4. Watch for Pickpockets
   Especially in crowded trams or tourist areas like Alfama, Baixa, and near the Santa Justa Lift.

🌆 Neighborhoods to Explore

• Alfama – Oldest district, Fado music, great for wandering.
• Bairro Alto – Nightlife and bars.
• Baixa & Chiado – Main downtown shopping and cafes.
• Belém – Monastery, Tower of Belém, and pastéis de nata!

🍽️ Food & Drink

• Try Pastéis de Nata (custard tarts) – Best from Pastéis de Belém.
• Enjoy seafood like grilled sardines, bacalhau (salt cod), and arroz de marisco (seafood rice).
• Order a bica (Portuguese espresso) at a café.
• Sample Ginjinha – a cherry liqueur often served in a chocolate cup.

📸 Must-See Attractions

• Jerónimos Monastery & Belém Tower
• LX Factory – Trendy shops and restaurants in an old factory complex.
• Miradouros – Scenic viewpoints (e.g., Miradouro da Senhora do Monte).
• São Jorge Castle – Panoramic views over the city.
• MAAT & Calouste Gulbenkian Museum – Great for art lovers.

🚍 Day Trips Worth Taking

• Sintra – Fairy-tale palaces & mountain views.
• Cascais – Beach town with great seafood.
• Évora – Ancient Roman ruins and a bone chapel.

💡 Extra Tips

• Tipping isn’t obligatory but is appreciated (~5-10% at restaurants).
• Lisbon is generally safe, even at night.
• English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
• Sunset at Miradouro de Santa Catarina is a vibe—often with live music.