First Time in Lisbon: Everything You Need to Know

You’ve either booked your trip to Lisbon or you’re thinking about it, and I know you’re excited.

Before my first time in Lisbon, I couldn’t wait to land at Humberto Delgado Airport(Lisbon’s airport) and explore this beautiful city.

However, there are many things I wish I had known before visiting Lisbon for the first time.

That’s why I made this guide: to educate you before you visit this beautiful city. Once you’ve got the basics down, check out my Lisbon itineraries to plan your perfect trip.

For even more practical advice, check out my 21 travel tips for Lisbon as well.

Feel free to jump between the sections.

The Basics for First-Timers in Lisbon

• Lisbon is located in Portugal, in Europe.
• They speak Portuguese but are also good at English.
• The currency is Euros.
• The average temperature during the summer is 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Carry a little cash with you everywhere, as some smaller shops only take cash; the same goes for flea markets.
• Tipping in Lisbon is not expected, but if you had a great experience, you can tip 5-10%. Be aware that some restaurants are starting to add a 5% service fee by default; if you don’t want to pay it, just let them know.

When is The Best Time To Visit Lisbon?

The best time to visit Lisbon is in spring and late summer/fall.

I love to visit Lisbon in September. It’s my absolute favorite time because it’s still warm without being too hot, and there are fewer tourists than in May through August.

Some are forced to go in the summer months because of school vacations, and this year I actually went to Lisbon in June because I wanted to experience Rock in Rio, and it was great.

There weren’t many people, and the temperatures were nice.

Is Lisbon Safe?

Yes, Lisbon is very safe. I’ve never had any unsafe experience in Lisbon, and I’ve lived there for a year, and travel there multiple times a year.

Solo travelers, families, and couples all feel safe in Lisbon.

However, still use common sense and be careful. There are still pickpockets in Lisbon, and they blend in. So be aware if you take the tram or are in other crowded situations.

When I’m in Lisbon, I always carry a tote bag, but around my shoulder, and it’s closed and within my sight at all times.

How to Get to Lisbon

I recommend getting to Lisbon by plane. Lisbon has a great airport(Humberto Delgado Airport), and even though I’ve heard bad things about it, I’ve only had good experiences.

A little pro tip: add an AirTag to your suitcase. That way, you always know where your luggage is.

Portugal’s primary airline is TAP, and I always choose to fly with them from Copenhagen; they’re reliable and price their tickets fairly.

I have flown with Brussels Airlines and Norwegian Air once, but I prefer TAP.

When you arrive at Lisbon airport, you can take the metro or an Uber to the center. I don’t recommend taking a taxi, as Uber or Metro is much easier and cheaper.

You can also get to Portugal via train, where Lisbon has 2 main train stations: Estação do Oriente and Santa Apolónia.

Lastly, the cheapest option to get to Lisbon is by bus. Here I can recommend Flixbus. It’s super cheap and fairly easy to book your tickets.

How to Get Around Lisbon

The absolute best way of getting around Lisbon is by walking; it’s just the best and easiest way to explore Lisbon.

The city is not so big that you have to drive around in a car, and finding parking spots in Lisbon can be a nightmare.

If you’ve planned a couple of day trips from Lisbon, then I recommend renting a car, but otherwise stick to walking and using public transportation.

Metro

Lisbon’s metro system is efficient, clean, and popular, which is perfect for locals and tourists.

With four lines connecting key areas of the city, the metro offers a quick and convenient way to get around Lisbon.

Consider purchasing a rechargeable Navegante card for hassle-free access to the metro, buses, Tram 28, and even ferries.

Trams and Buses

For a more scenic journey, hop aboard Lisbon’s iconic trams, especially Tram 28, which drives through the city’s historic neighborhoods.

However, Tram 28 is often packed because it’s so popular, so take it early in the day and be careful of pickpockets.

Buses are another reliable option, with routes covering areas not serviced by the metro. You can use a prepaid Navegante card for ease, as you then just scan the card when you enter trams or buses.

Funiculars and Elevators

Lisbon’s hilly terrain is why they introduced their network of funiculars and elevators.

My favorite Funicular is Elevador da Bica; it’s such a beautiful view over the Tagus River while it’s still transporting you from the bottom of the hill to the tip.

This is just one of many; keep your eyes open when walking through Lisbon, there are more, and sometimes they’re a bit hidden.

Where to Stay in Lisbon First Time

Lisbon has many distinct areas, each with a completely different personality. For a full breakdown of every area, see my guide to Lisbon’s neighborhoods.

The best areas to stay in Lisbon are near the center, but it really depends on your values. Some neighborhoods might be in the center, but very noisy.

Chiado: You don’t get to stay more in the center than this, and Chiado is a great area to stay. You have everything just at your feet, and you don’t have to walk far. It’s not as noisy as Bairro Alto, but it can get a little noisy sometimes.

Principe Real: This is my new favorite neighborhood in which to stay. It’s a 10-minute walk from the center, but still far enough away that you get quiet nights to get some good sleep. I really recommend this.

Alfama: This is great if you want to experience the romantic old side of Lisbon, but it’s a 22-minute walk to the center, which can feel like a lot sometimes. That said, you have so much to explore in Alfama by itself.

Bairro Alto: If you’re in Lisbon to vibe in the nightlife, this is the neighborhood you want to stay in. The majority of bars and clubs are in this neighborhood, so you can imagine it’s a bit noisy at night as well.

6 Tips Before Visiting Lisbon

1. Lisboa Card: If you plan to visit a lot of monuments and culinary experiences, then get this card. You get to travel for free via public transportation, free access to many museums and monuments, and much more. Buy it here.
2. Navegante Card: If you expect to use public transportation, then this card will make it so easy for you, as you prepay it, and then you just scan it every time you take the metro or bus.
3. Free Museum Entry: On the first Sunday of every month, you get free access to museums and some attractions.
4. Transportation: I prefer to use Uber to transport myself around when I need to go outside the center, but you can use the metro as well. Stick to those 2 transportation methods.
5. Costa da Caparica: If you choose to go to my favorite beach, Costa da Caparica, then go early via Uber, or take the ferry and then an Uber to the beach. The 25th Abril Bridge gets so crowded during rush hour.
6. Pastel de Nata: No Lisbon trip without trying the famous pastry. My favorite place is Manteigaria, but if you go to Belem to try the Pastéis de Belém, a little tip is to ask for a table, because then you skip the queue of people who want to take away.

I also have a full list of things to know before visiting Lisbon, covering currency, language, business hours, and more.

8 Things to Do in Lisbon Visiting for The First Time

There are an endless number of things to do in Lisbon, but as it’s your first time visiting, there are some must-see sights. It’s almost like a bucket list for your trip to Lisbon.

1. Viewpoints

You have to experience this, but don’t plan a day just to see viewpoints unless you’re really into it, of course.

Lisbon is filled with so many beautiful viewpoints, so wherever you go and explore, you’re always close to a viewpoint; that’s why I like to combine them.

Officially, there are sevenviewpoints, but you’ll experience as you walk through the city, there are so many places where if you stop and look up, you have a beautiful view.

1. Castelo de São Jorge
2. Miradouro das Portas do Sol
3. Miradouro de Santa Luzia
4. Miradouro de Alcantara
5. Miradouro da Graça
6. Miradouro Terraços do Carmo
7. Rua Augusta Arch Viewpoint

2. Visit Chiado

Chiado is my favorite area to stroll around, because there is so much energy, stores, great restaurants, and monuments as well.

If you’ve heard about Santa Justa, then this elevator is also to be found in Chiado, as one of many things.

You can also experience Pink Street in Chiado, which is an entirely pink street with restaurants and bars.

My favorite dessert store in Chiado is Arcadia, where you get some of the best ice cream and macarons you’ll ever try. It’s a Portuguese store.

So, if you’re into shopping, good food, and vibing with people, then take a day and explore Chiado.

3. Visit Belem

Belem is all about monuments and the famous Pastéis de Belem, a crunchy custard tart.

Some of the things you have to see if you go to Belem are:

• Belem Tower
• Jeronimos Monastery
• Padrão dos Descobrimentos

After that, you can wrap it all up with a Pastéis de Belém, which is delicious.

4. Flea Markets

Lisbon has 12 flea markets as I’m aware of; they might have more, but I strongly recommend visiting these.

You can really find some beautiful pieces of old Portuguese history, but also just great prices on clothing and other interesting things.

My favorite flea markets are Feira da Ladra and Avenida da Liberdade Flea Market.

Feira da Ladra is by far the biggest, and it’s every Tuesday and Saturday. You should really try it, and then you’re in Alfama as well, to explore this old part of Lisbon.

5. Day Trips from Lisbon

If you’re in Lisbon for a longer time, you might want to go and explore the cities surrounding Lisbon, and here some day trips are perfect.

Depending on where you go, you can either take public transportation or rent a car, as parking is easier when you’re not in the city center of Lisbon.

There are 4 places I really recommend you visit, but I also have a full list of 15 day trips.

• Cascais: This is a beautiful coastal city where you have some magical beaches, and it’s great for surfing as well.
• Sintra: If you’re into history and want to see the famous Pena Palace, then Sintra is where you want to go.
• Evora: If you’re into wine, then Evora is an incredible area with regions like Alentejo. I’m all-in on Portuguese wine, by the way, it’s dry and delicious.
• Costa da Caparica: If you likethe beach, then you have to visit Costa da Caparica. They have 30+ km of unobstructed beach with restaurants, surfing schools, and much more. A cozy city in the summer as well.

6. LxFactory

In Alcantara, you find LxFactory, which is a bit outside the city center, but is worth a visit and spending a couple of hours.

LxFactory consists of multiple old factory buildings that have been transformed into cozy shops, small offices, and, of course, restaurants.

The vibe is very hipster, and it’s difficult to really explain it fully. You just have to experience it.

7. Alfama

Alfama is an old part of Lisbon, and it’s a neighborhood known for its narrow streets.

The hills are super steep in Alfama, so make sure you visit Alfama when you have energy to walk these hills, unless you want to take a tram.

When that’s said, Alfama is all worth it, with its many cozy streets, monuments, and stores.

If you go, you have to see the viewpoint at Castelo de São Jorge, and of course, visit the castle as well.

8. Listen to Fado Music

Lisbon and Portugal are famous for their Fado Music. It’s huge in Lisbon, and that’s also why you see bars, restaurants, and even concerts that feature Fado music.

What is incredible about this experience is that you can enjoy a meal at the restaurant while listening to Fado.

It’s a very unique music genre, and you just have to try it at least once. My recommendation is to try it at Mesa de Frades.

What to Eat in Lisbon

One thing I regret about my Lisbon adventures is not getting into the local cuisine earlier. Lisbon and Portugal, in general, have so much delicious food.

Whether you’re into beef, steak, seafood, or vegetarian, they have delicious dishes, and it’s just so tasteful.

Restaurants to try:

• Pica Pau: Upscale, authentic local Portuguese food. Try their shrimp; it’s delicious.
• Coyo Taco: Best Mexican food with a Portuguese twist, it’s incredible.
• SUD Lisboa: Fine dining with beautiful Instagram-friendly food that tastes amazing. Live music every Friday while dining.

Cafés to try:

• Copenhagen Coffee Lab: It’s everywhere, and they serve great coffee and pastries.
• Dear Breakfast: One of my favorite brunch places in Lisbon.
• Fabrica Coffee Roasters: The best coffee I’ve ever tried. It’s magnificent.

Snacks:

• As Bifanas do Afonso: Best Bifana(Meat sandwich), bring cash and add mustard, it’s so good.
• Pastel de Nata: Go to any Manteigaria and eat a Pastel de Nata. This is a must.
• A Padaria Portuguesa: Local Portuguese bakery. My favorite thing to get is a Croissant Brioche with cheese. So good!

Where to Shop in Lisbon

You need to go to different places depending on what you’re looking to buy.

If you’re looking for luxury shopping, Avenida da Liberdade is the place to go, with stores like Prada, Gucci, and jewel stores.

If you’re looking for local shopping with delights, clothing, and everything you can imagine, head to Chiado.

Lisbon also has many shopping malls, my favorites being Amoreiras Shopping Mall and Colombo, which is the biggest by far.

For groceries, I like to shop at Pingo Doce, Auchan, or Continente. Pingo Doce is a more budget-friendly store, and Auchan has everything you need.

Portugal’s Funny Laws You Should Know

Did you know it’s technically illegal to urinate in the ocean? While enforcement is practically non-existent on Lisbon’s beaches, such as Carcavelos, it’s still officially on the books.

You also can’t name your child anything you want. Portugal maintains an approved list of names, though most international names are accepted nowadays.

Here’s one that might actually affect you: it’s illegal to deface currency, so resist the urge to write on euro notes for that Instagram shot.

More practically, jaywalking can result in fines (though I’ve rarely seen this enforced in central Lisbon), and playing loud music after 10 PM in residential areas like Príncipe Real can get you in trouble with neighbors.

The Portuguese take their quiet evenings seriously, which explains why Bairro Alto’s bars have specific noise regulations that kicked in around 2019.

Wrap-Up

Your first time in Lisbon will be a magical experience. Everything is new, and you’re taking everything in; combine that with all the walking, and I’m sure you’ll sleep well at night.

As it’s the first time visiting Lisbon, I recommend spending at least a week, but if you want more days, I’m completely with you, I can’t get enough of this beautiful city.

If you’re a planner, then plan some days; you could spend one day in Belem and visit the many monuments, another day in Chiado to enjoy some great food and shopping, and then spend a third day in Alfama, the oldest part of Lisbon.

Lisbon is a safe city, so you don’t have to worry about anything in this part. Just stay aware, and then I’m sure you’ll have an incredible trip to Lisbon.

By the way, if you’re into brunch, then you can get some of the best brunch in Lisbon.

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