If you’re looking for a beautiful and historic European city to explore, look no further than Lisbon. This vibrant coastal city is home to stunning architecture, delicious food, and a friendly atmosphere that will make you feel right at home. This capital city of Portugal is quickly becoming one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. I recently finished an entire month long stay in Lisbon and loved it. The beautiful architecture, amazing food, ease of getting around, and more make this is a fantastic city to visit. In this travel guide to Lisbon, you will learn everything you need to know for your visit. Everything from things to see in Lisbon Portugal, where to stay, how to get around, how long to stay, and much more will be answered in this guide for traveling to Lisbon. So, let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
Brief History of Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal, with a rich history dating back to the 11th century. Lisbon was first settled by the Moors and then later conquered by the Christians. The history of Lisbon is marked by a major earthquake in 1755 that destroyed much of the city and killed thousands of people. You can still see signs of the destruction from the earthquake around the city today. Despite this tragedy, Lisbon rebounded and became an even more beautiful city.
After the devastating 1755 earthquake, Lisbon was largely rebuilt according to the plans of Marquis of Pombal. He is responsible for the wide, perpendicular streets that characterize much of the city center. Pombal also oversaw the construction of several iconic buildings, including the São Carlos Opera House and the Basilica da Estrela. The city’s reconstruction took nearly two decades to complete, and it emerged as a one of Europe’s leading centers of culture and commerce. Today, Lisbon is a thriving metropolis with a rich history and vibrant culture. Visitors can explore its winding streets, enjoy its many cafes and shops, and marvel at its stunning architecture.
Travel Guide to Lisbon-Why Visit Lisbon?
Why visit Lisbon? Well let me tell you why! Lisbon is a beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors. The weather is mild, the people are friendly and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. Lisbon is also a very affordable city, which makes it an ideal destination for budget-minded travelers. The city is filled with historic monuments, world-class museums, and stunning views. There’s something for everyone in Lisbon, whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s rich culture or simply soaking up the Mediterranean atmosphere. I hope this travel guide to Lisbon provides you with all the information you will need for your visit and why visit Lisbon!
Best Things to See in Lisbon Portugal
If you take anything away from this travel guide to Lisbon, it should be these amazing things to see in Lisbon Portugal. There are so many great things to see in Lisbon, Portugal. The city is rich in history with plenty of modern things to see as well. This city is history buffs paradise, being one of the oldest cities in Europe. With such a rich history, there are plenty of things to see in Lisbon, Portugal. While some things may be more touristy than the others, it is up to you to decide which of these things to see in Lisbon Portugal you’d like to make time for. I have written an entire blog post about the best things to see in Lisbon, Portugal which goes into detail. But here are just a few highlights:
- The Best Things to See in Lisbon Portugal
- Castle of Sao Jorge
- Praça do Comércio
- Lisbon Cathedral
- Tram 28
- Belem Tower
- Alfama Neighborhood
For my full blog post on the best things to see in Lisbon, Portugal, follow this link.
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Where to Stay
Choosing where to stay in Lisbon is very important for your trip. If you choose the wrong area, you might not be as close to the things you really want to see. The best area to stay in is different for everybody depending on what you hope to get out of it. There are so many different neighborhoods in Lisbon, each offering something different and special. Some areas are very touristy and crowded, while others have a more local vibe. It depends entirely on what kind of experience you want when you travel. Aside from this travel guide to Lisbon, I have to written an entire comprehensive blog post on where to stay and the best neighborhoods in Lisbon. To read more, check out that full blog post below.
- Where to Stay on Your Trip to Lisbon
- Principe Real
- Avenida da Liberdade
- Chiado
- Bairro Alto
- Alfama
- Cais do Sodré
- Baixa
Read more about where to stay in Lisbon here.
Get a great deal on a hotel in Lisbon, Portugal on Expedia!
How to Get Around Lisbon-Transportation and Uber in Lisbon
Whether you’re visiting Lisbon for business or pleasure, getting around the city is very easy. Lisbon has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and trams. Visitors can purchase a day pass to use all of the public transportation options. You can reload this card to use for the duration of your stay. I have taken the metro several times and it is super easy and efficient. I never took any of the buses but I hear they are just as efficient.
If you prefer taking a car around, you’ll be happy to know that Uber in Lisbon is available. The popular ride sharing app is super easy to use in Lisbon, and gets you where you need to go quickly. As in most cities, Uber in Lisbon is very affordable compared to taxis. There are even electric scooter and bike rentals all over the city if you prefer that. And if you prefer walking like me, you’ll be glad to know that Lisbon is a super walkable city. Although the hills with be a real workout, the city is sometimes best discovered by foot. But if you are in a hurry, then there are plenty of great ways to get around Lisbon. Whether you’re taking public transportation or ride-sharing, you’ll be happy to know that getting around Lisbon is a breeze.
Best Day Trips from Lisbon
Lisbon is a vibrant and historic place, with plenty to see and do. However, there are also many great day trips to be taken from Lisbon. To make the most of these day trips, it is usually best to rent a car. This way, you can explore at your own pace and make sure that you see everything that you want to see. Some of these are reachable by metro, but I suggest renting a car for ease of getting around. Some of the most popular day trips from Lisbon include Sintra, Estoril, and Cascais. Each of these destinations has its own unique attractions, making for a fun and memorable day trip. So, whether you’re looking to explore Portugal’s history or simply enjoy the scenic views, renting a car is the best way to take day trips from Lisbon.
One of the best day trips from Lisbon is to visit the nearby town of Sintra. With beautiful palaces and old castles, Sintra is a must-visit. I wrote an entire blog post on Sintra that you can find here. It certainly was one of my favorite day trips from Lisbon.
Rent a car to take one of these day trips from Lisbon on DiscoverCars!
Renting a Car in Lisbon Portugal
Renting a car in Lisbon can be a great way to see the city and its surroundings, but it is not a necessity. While public transport is fantastic, renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Parking in Lisbon can be difficult though. There are plenty of parking garages and street parking is usually easy to find, but the streets are very narrow in areas. I only recommend renting a car in Lisbon if you plan to explore the surrounding areas as well. I personally only chose renting a car in Lisbon to make day trips. But renting a car in Lisbon is not even required. The public transportation is wonderful and the city Is very walkable if you are young like me. Overall, renting a car in Lisbon is a great option if you want to explore Lisbon and its surroundings at your own pace with ease.
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Finding the Cheapest Flights to Lisbon Portugal
If you’re looking for the cheapest flights to Lisbon, Portugal, there are a few things you can do to ensure you get the best deal. First, be flexible with your travel dates. Flying during the week is usually cheaper than flying on weekends. Second, compare prices from different airlines. Some airlines offer deals or discounts that others don’t. Finally, book your flight in advance. The closer you get to your travel date, the more expensive flights tend to be. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to find the cheapest flights to Lisbon, Portugal.
Find the cheapest flights to Lisbon, Portugal on Expedia!
Traveling to Lisbon General Information
Best Time to Visit Lisbon
Lisbon is a wonderful city to visit year-round, but the best time to visit Lisbon is during the shoulder months of April-May and September-October. During these months, the weather is mild and sunny, without the extreme heat of the summer or the cold and wet of winter. The city is also less crowded during shoulder season, so you can enjoy all that Lisbon has to offer without battling large crowds. And, shoulder season travelers can often find good deals on airfare and lodging. I stayed during the month of March and while it was great, it did get pretty cold some nights. I think coming one month later in April would’ve seen better temperatures. So if you’re looking for the best time to visit Lisbon, plan your trip for April-May or September-October. You’ll be glad you did!
However, the best time to visit Lisbon depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re interested in experiencing the city’s nightlife and cultural scene, the best time to visit Lisbon is during the summer months. This is when the city is most lively, with outdoor concerts and festivals taking place throughout the city. If you’re looking for quieter streets and fewer crowds, autumn or spring are ideal times to visit Lisbon. The weather is still pleasant at this time of year, but there are fewer tourists.
How Many Days In Lisbon Do You Need
For most visitors, three to four days is the perfect amount of time to visit Lisbon. Depending on your interests, you could easily spend a week or more exploring the city. How many days in Lisbon you’ll need depends on how much you want to see each day. Lisbon is a vibrant city with a lot to offer visitors. From its quaint cobbled streets and beautiful tile-clad buildings to its sunny Mediterranean climate and rich history, Lisbon has something for everyone. Three to four days gives you enough time to see the main sights and get a taste of the city without feeling rushed. And if you find yourself falling in love with Lisbon, there’s always room for a return trip! Be sure to refer to this travel guide to Lisbon in the future as well.
Currency of Lisbon
The currency of Lisbon is the Euro. Lisbon is a great place to visit, and one of the things that makes it so convenient is that the currency is the Euro. This means that if you’re coming from another country in the eurozone, you won’t have to worry about exchanging your currency. If you’re coming from outside the eurozone, you will need to exchange your currency for Euros. You can do this at any currency exchange office, or at some banks. It’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand when you’re travelling, in case of emergencies. In Lisbon, you can use cash or credit cards for most purchases. Credit cards are widely accepted, and there are plenty of ATMs where you can get cash out if you need it. When using credit or debit cards, it is important to be aware of transaction fees that may apply. Overall, Lisbon is a very convenient place to visit when it comes to currency. Just be sure to have some Euros on hand before exploring all that this amazing city has to offer!
Etiquette for Tipping in Portugal
Tipping in Portugal is not as common as it is in other parts of the world, but there are still a few situations where it is appropriate to give a tip. For instance, restaurants usually add a service charge to the bill, but it is still customary to leave a small tip if the service was good. Leaving around 5-10% is customary if you have received good service. When you are dining at a high-end restaurant, it is often expected to leave a higher percentage tip. But again it is optional. For instances such as coffee shops, bars, or other counter service situations, tipping is never expected but leaving a few extra euro is always a nice gesture. When it comes to hotel staff, it is not necessary to tip unless you receive exceptional service. In general, tipping in Portugal is not expected but always appreciated.
Is Lisbon Expensive?-Cost of Living in Lisbon
Lisbon is not an expensive city to live in. In fact, the cost of living in Lisbon is quite reasonable, especially when compared to other European capitals. Rent is relatively affordable, and food and transportation costs are also relatively low. “Is lisbon expensive” is a relative question. If you are used to living in New York City, then Lisbon will appear to be very inexpensive. But compared to most of western Europe, Lisbon is very affordable. Being the capital, Lisbon is more expensive than the rest of the country though. That said, there are some things that can be expensive in Lisbon, such as going out to eat or drink. But overall, the city is a great value for money. So if you’re looking for a reasonably priced place to live in Europe, Lisbon is definitely worth considering.
Lisbon Digital Nomad Scene
Lisbon has become one of the most popular cities in the world for digital nomads in recent years. The Lisbon digital nomad scene is very huge, with lots of great meetup events and opportunities to network. The city offers an appealing combination of fast internet, affordable living costs, and a vibrant coffee shop culture. In addition, Lisbon is within easy reach of some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches. All of these factors make it an ideal location for digital nomads who want to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle while still being able to get work done. Fast internet is another important consideration for digital nomads, and Lisbon doesn’t disappoint in this department either. With speeds of up to 100Mbps, you’ll be able to get your work done quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re looking for a city with good coffee, fast internet, or both, Lisbon should definitely be at the top of your list.
Is Lisbon safe?
Lisbon is considered to be a very safe city. There is a low crime rate, and the city is well-lit and well-populated, so there is always someone around if you need help. Additionally, the police are visible and responsive, so you can feel confident that help is always close at hand. In comparison to other cities, Lisbon is definitely on the safer side. However, as with any city, there are always areas that are more dangerous than others. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and to not leave your belongings unguarded in busy areas. As a tourist, it is always important to not look like an easy target for petty crime. Overall, though, Lisbon is a safe place to visit and live.
Common Phrases in Portuguese
It is always a good idea to learn some common phrases in Portuguese from this travel guide to Lisbon for your visit. While most people in Lisbon speak English, learning a few words of the local language before visiting will be helpful. Not only will this help you get around easier, it is a polite thing to do. Everyone I have met in Lisbon has been willing to speak English with me, but seem to appreciate a greeting in Portuguese. There are a number of common phrases in Portuguese that you will hear used frequently. Here are some of the most common ones:
“Obrigado/a” – Thank you
“Desculpe” – Excuse me/I’m sorry
“Por favor” – Please
“Como vai?” – How are you?
“Bom dia” – Good morning
“Boa tarde” – Good afternoon
“Boa noite” – Good evening/night
“Até logo” – See you later
“Tchau” – Bye
Travel Guide to Lisbon Guide Conclusion
As you can see, there is lots to love about the beautiful city of Lisbon. Whether you are planning a long visit for just a quick trip, I hope that this travel guide to Lisbon has helped you planning your visit. During my month long stay in the city, I truly loved so many of my experiences here. Lisbon has so much history, while also having fantastic modern amenities. The food scene in Lisbon is so much better than I ever would have expected. There are also a lot of amazing bars and cocktail lounges in Lisbon. There truly is something for everyone when traveling to Lisbon.
I hope that you found this travel guide to Lisbon to be useful. If you did, please consider sharing it with your friends and fellow travelers. I have much more content on Lisbon that you can find here. If you enjoyed this content, please join my e-mail list to be notified any time I post new content. Also, be sure to follow me on social media to stay up to date with all of my travels and travel content. Thank you so much for visiting my blog and this travel guide to Lisbon!
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