Lisbon Travel Blog: Table of Contents
Where, How?
Lisbon on C&C
Best Time To Visit Lisbon
Personal Notes
Where to Sleep
Let’s Eat!
Let’s Go For a Drink
What to See and Do
Tipping in Lisbon
Common Scams & What to Avoid
C&C’s Google Map of the City
Lisbon Travel Blog: Where, How?
Lisbon, South Central Portugal, Portugal, Iberia, Europe
Population: 545,245 (2011)
Currency: Euro (€)
Airport(s)
Airport Notes: The airport is 7km north of the capital city of Lisbon and handled 22.4 million passengers in 2016. A second terminal was added in 2007. Terminal 1 is the main terminal and where you will find the buses and taxis. Terminal 2 has the low-cost carriers and is much smaller.
Transportation to-and-from the airport: Uber is an option in this area if you have luggage as you are not allowed to take a big suitcase on the bus. Taxis are known to be dishonest. Aerobus operates two routes to main areas of the city. You can also take the Metro to the city center and transfer to the city bus.
Intra-City Transportation
The city of Lisbon is a bit hilly, getting around the city your best options are; the metro system, buses, cars (Uber operates there), bicycle, ferry, scooter/motorbike or walking. Public transportation is very efficient and covers the entire city and surrounding areas. Riding a scooter or motorbike is a great way to get around Lisbon and is a “must do”, it is said to be the only way to cross over the bridges in Lisbon.
A Note on Taxis:
Make sure you have your GPS to track the shortest distance to your destination. Agree to the fare (its posted on the rear window) before entering the car. Make sure the meter is working, as it is illegal to operate the car without a working meter, but not running until departure. In general, taxi cab drivers are known to be dishonest.
Just like anywhere, Uber is cheaper and safer. If you don’t already have an account, use this link and get 15 dollars off your first ride!
Neighborhoods
- Rossio – great way to experience the city life of Lisbon
- Principe Real – a trendy district with lots of fancy shops
- Chiado – stroll through historic streets on your way up to Bairro Alto for stunning views of the city
- Downtown (Baixa) – rebuilt after a 1755 earthquake
- Alfama – great place to wander around, the streets are irregular and buildings are close to each other
- Praca do Comercio – glorious plaza facing the river
- Belem – this neighborhood is packed with memorable monuments and is a must see
Navigation tips: Lisbon is built upon hills, and the water can’t be used as a reference either. Keep your GPS handy!
More About Lisbon on C&C
- THE HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS OF LISBON, WHERE THE PAST AND THE PRESENT INTERSECT
- THINGS TO SEE IN LISBON AND AROUND: DAY TRIPS
- LISBON RESTAURANTS, PORTUGAL: 8 BEST THINGS – AND WHERE TO GET THEM
- PORTO DESIGN ATTRACTIONS: ARCHITECTURE, FASHION AND ART
Best Time To Visit Lisbon
Average Monthly Minimum And Maximum Temperatures
Average Monthly Hours Of Sunshine
Average Monthly Rainfall Or Snowfall
Lisbon Travel Blog: Personal Notes
What’s This Place About?
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and an absolutely gorgeous city. It has amazing food. There are many fantastic beaches nearby, as well as very nice, small, historic towns. It is the City of Seven Hills, which means you will be walking up and down a lot. Lisbon has great nightlife, and with its sandy brown streetlights, it is stunning at night.
What’s Great and Fun?
People don’t go out for dinner until around 11:00 pm. You will not see anyone in the streets before then, even on weekdays. This means that the nightlife goes on and on very late into the early morning hours. This should be taken into consideration when you want to see the city at night.
The history of Lisbon is exceedingly important and the architecture plays a very integral part. It is worth taking a walk pretty much anywhere to see the numerous landmarks.
Because Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, it showcases the different foods of every place in the country. There is a lot of seafood, pork, and rustic food and it is all delicious.
Personal Anecdotes
The thing I remember most about Lisbon is walking around the city, getting lost, discovering and seeing the city with my own eyes, and taking photos. There are numerous different neighborhoods and hole-in-the-wall places to explore.
Lisbon Travel Blog: Lisbon Travel Blog
There are many excellent locations to choose from throughout the city, however I recommend staying near the Baixa-Chiado station.
If you are in a hurry and don’t want to waste much time on searching Lisbon travel blog, go here straight.
Lisbon is chock full of some of the best hostels in the world. If you combine location, price and amenities, Travellers House – Hostel has to be the best. It’s on one of the most picturesque streets in the city!
But the amount of quality hostels in Lisbon is impressive. Goodmorning Lisbon Hostel, Goodnight Lisbon Hostel, We Love F Tourists, Lisboa Central Hostel, Lisbon Calling Hostel, Shiado Hostel…
If you are looking for inexpensive options on Lisbon travel blog, you might be interested in this.
Of course, if you’re looking for hotels, there’s plenty to choose from. All of the major chains are there. But the best pickups might be the older apartment that have been transformed to host guests from abroad. Here’s quick list of can’t miss hotel suggestions around Baixa-Chiado only:
The 7 Hotel, My Story Hotel Ouro, Lisbon Downtown Inn, Lisbon Center Modern Art Apartment, Hotel Santa Justa, Pousada de Lisboa – Small Luxury Hotels Of The World. All of them offer different levels of luxury, and have different price points, but are all ideal!
Just like everywhere, Airbnb is a very interesting option. If you’re not already a member, you can use this Airbnb link to get $40 off your first reservation.
Lisbon Travel Blog: Let’s Eat!
Famous Foods and Specialties
- Bacalhau – codfish is said to be the Portuguese “faithful friend” because it was the backbone of the country’s economy
- Caldeirada – this is a famous dish made up of a stew with different selections of fresh fish, other seafood and vegetables
- Queijo da Serra – this is a specialty cheese made from sheep milk infused with thistle flower
- Pasteis de Belem – for those with a sweet tooth try this one of a kind custard tart from Antiga Confeitaria de Belem
The Best Drunk Food
- Cheese Burger with or without fries
- Piri Pri Chicken (served with fries)
- Vege Pizza
Our Suggestions – Dishes And Restaurants
I’ve written an article detailing my favourite dishes and the restaurants where to get them in Lisbon. It’s all in there!
When you a make decision on Lisbon travel blog, check also about the restaurant options.
But if you’re looking for a fine dining experience, here are my favourite addresses.
- Amarra ò Tejo (the view itself is worth it…)
- 100 Maneiras
- Tagide
- Alma
Lisbon Travel Blog: Let’s Go For a Drink
What Do the Locals Drink?
The locals drink wine or port. The most popular beers are regular blonde beers, Super Bock and Sagres.
Drinking in Public
It’s legal.
Our Suggestions – Bars and Pubs
Lisbon loves its clubs, and as regular readers of this column know, I don’t know anything about this type of watering hole. This means that the tips in this guide might not be as comprehensive and complete as some others.
The neighborhoods of Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré are where the best bars are located. Bairro Alto, late at night on a Friday or Saturday, is simply electric.
When you decide on Lisbon travel blog, keep in mind the bar and beverage options available.
Here are a few of my favourite spots:
Delirium Tremens Bar – You know me. I love beer.
Glow Bar Bairro Alto – Paaaartaaayyy!
Unfortunately, this restaurant has since closed its doors.
Tasca Do Chico – Rough late night pub meets live fado
Cave Rock Bar – Put another dime in the jukebox, baby!
Lisbon Travel Blog: What to See and Do
See:-
Gloria Funicular – considered the most visited funicular in Lisbon and was classified as a national monument in 2002, it connects Pombaline downtown with the Bairro Alto. Enjoy the ride and the scenery.
Castelo de São Jorge (St. George’s Castle) – if you are not afraid to walk here, take the walk up to this castle and enjoy the view on your way. Once there you are rewarded with a great view of the city and the river. Ensure you get your ticket first, which is before the entrance, if you do not, you will be sent back to get it.
Ponte Vasco da Gama Bridge – this is said to be the longest bridge in Europe and the ninth longest in the world!
Are you into art? Then visit the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, Portugal’s remarkable national art collection with pieces dating as far back as the 14th century.
Museu Colecção Berardo, Centro Cultural de Belém – this museum showcases both modern and contemporary art and exhibits. Artists like Piet Piet Mondrian, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock are featured here. It is always better to decide on Lisbon travel blog after checking the connectivity to the places that you want to visit in the city.
Ajuda Botanical Gardens – this botanical garden is one of the oldest in Europe and was also the first in Portugal. It was founded in 1798, designed by Italian botanist Domingos Vandelli, he was there to teach King Joseph princes.
Also, check out my FAVOURITE DAY TRIPS FROM LISBON. The beaches of Cascais are a can’t-miss!
Do:-
Go and indulge yourself with this fine, traditional, Portuguese music style called Fado at Cine Theatro Gymnasium. Fado has been named a World Heritage by UNESCO – this type of music is usually a vocalist accompanied by Portuguese guitar.
Alfama is considered Lisbon’s oldest district, “the village within a city” with lots of restaurants, cultural landmarks, cafes, Fado clubs and scenic viewpoints from Santa Luzia. If you are not careful you might get lost because you are enchanted by the maze of history and architecture.
You can enjoy a Jazz concert at Hot Clube de Portugal which is said to be one of the oldest Jazz clubs in the world!
Go on a hiking tour with EcoWanders Free Hiking Tours and take in some of nature’s flourishing forest which rewards you with panoramic views of the coast and the city of Lisbon.
Centro Cultural de Belém provides you with the opportunity to indulge your cultural cravings with musical, dance and theatrical performances.
Discover Walks Lisbon gives you a unique opportunity to get “up close and personal” with native Lisboans. They provide unparalleled insights into local events and festivals, where to shop, where to eat and drink and even places they like to keep to themselves.
Tipping in Lisbon
Just like in most of Europe, tipping is not expected but it is a nice gesture. It is especially common in touristic areas to tip around 7-10% of the total cost of the bill.
Lisbon Travel Blog: Common Scams & What to Avoid
Common Scams
The common scams are the same as pretty much anywhere in Europe. The usual warnings apply.
Pickpockets
There are many and they are well-organized.
Taxis
The taxi scams are the same as pretty much everywhere else in Europe.
Problematic Neighborhoods
There are none of which I am aware.
It is always a good practice to decide on Lisbon travel blog away from
these places.
How to Stay Safe: Tips and Tricks
READ MORE: Travel Canada Advisory for Portugal
Lisbon Travel Blog: C&C’s Map
Lisbon Travel Blog