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I have always been intrigued by the Portuguese capital. It felt like an unknown quantity in many aspects. I knew very little about the city and was eager to change that. Based on what I had seen prior to going, I expected a city rich in culture, picturesque in many diverse ways and somewhere unlike anywhere I had ever been before. This was certainly the case and more. I loved Lisbon. Every day, every hour I spent there I found something new and unique I liked about it. Hopefully, this Lisbon Travel Guide will go some way to helping you when planning your trip there.
Getting In
Most people who travel to Lisbon will do so by air. Lisbon has one airport, Humberto Delgado Airport. Even though the airport is over 10kms from the city centre, the red metro line begins from there. This line goes as far as San Sebastiao. It is likely you will have to change lines at some stage. The Lisbon metro system is not the best. Lines don’t tend to cross over as much as in other major cities. For those needing to transfer to the red line, they must travel all the way to San Sebastiao. If you are aiming for Rossio Station, Lisbon’s central train station, it is possible to change onto the green line a couple of stops before the train terminates. The journey from the airport to the city centre will take you approximately thirty-five minutes.
If you are travelling by land from either Porto or Spain, it is likely your train will arrive at Estacao Do Oriente. This station is just a couple of metro stops from Lisbon Airport so all who arrive there will need to take the subway into the city itself.
Where To Stay
Rua Augusta and the bustling streets which surround it are considered to be the centre of Lisbon. It is also worth bearing in mind that in a city with many steep hills, this is one of the flattest parts of the city. I recommend using this as an indicator before booking a hotel or hostel. Staying close to this specific area makes everything more convenient. The best restaurants are nearby, it is connected by public transport and most attractions are within walking distance. Whilst not necessary, staying in an area with significantly fewer hills than in other parts of the city undoubtedly makes for a much less strenuous visit to the Portuguese capital. In the summer heat of Lisbon, nobody wants to scale hills every time they leave their accommodation.
During my visit to Lisbon, I stayed in Travellers House Hostel. It was located on Rua Augusta, making it the perfect base for my visit. It rapidly became my favourite hostel in western Europe, with their nightly activities and a delicious complimentary breakfast. If you are planning on staying in a hostel, I cannot recommend it more. You can read my full review for Travellers House Hostel by clicking here.
When To Go
It is only reasonable to expect good weather for your visit to Lisbon. The summer months of June to August promise to be the hottest, with average temperatures of 24 °c, almost no rainfall and an intense level of humidity. The only problem with travelling to Lisbon during these months is that prices are slightly raised and there are substantially more crowds. For this key reason, I recommend travelling either between March and May or September and October. During this time, temperatures are still high, but there are fewer tourists in the city. The main attractions in Lisbon can get quite crowded, so spending time queuing in the peak summer heat is unideal.
What To Do
Tram 28
It is not very often that public transport is an attraction. However, when it comes to Tram Number 28, this is certainly the case. You will inevitably see the trams as you walk through Lisbon. They look like they are from a bygone era. They are worn and rickety looking, most in need of a repaint. That being said, Tram 28 provides tourists with a fantastic way to appreciate the city. The tram journey starts at Martin Moniz Square before taking to the hills. It goes through the Alfama district, hurtling down the narrow streets and taking the sharp corners without any consideration for public safety. Tram number 28 makes for a very fun and alternative way to see parts of the city that other modes of transport would be unable to handle.
Tram number 28, although still used by locals, is extremely popular amongst tourists. This is why it is virtually certain that each and every tram is packed to capacity. To ensure a seat, I suggest commencing your journey at Martim Moniz Square. This way, you can hope to reach the top of the queue at the right time. Maybe a seat will still be available, or you can wait until the next tram and be one of the first to hop on. If you decide to take the tram from another stop along the way, the chances of obtaining a seat are very, very slim.
Take A Trip To Belem
The coastal district of Belem is an absolute must when visiting Lisbon. Belem possesses not one but two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As well as some of the best Pasteis de Nata in all of Portugal, it is the ideal place to spend at least half a day. Belem is located on the banks of the Tagus River, and with the sun beating down, there will be no place you would rather be. To read more about Belem, check out my post here.
Get Lost in the Alfama
The Alfama is the oldest district in all of Lisbon. Once you take to the steep hill between Tejo Estuary and the castle it may well feel like you have left the city behind. You may think you have stumbled into a historic village. It was once recognized as a place where sailors and dock workers lived and possessed a reputation for being a poor and disadvantaged neighbourhood. Today, it is very different. The Alfama is now a much more fashionable part of Lisbon but has managed to maintain much of its old character. Whilst taking tram number 28 is an excellent introduction into the Alfama, there is no better way to explore it than on foot. Losing the map there will give you a genuine appreciation for just how charming this district is. Time is certain to get away from you as you wander the streets for hours. However, it is absolutely time well spent.
Lisbon Castle
Lisbon Castle or to grant it its proper title, Castelo de Sao Jorge stands proudly above central Lisbon. The most popular attraction in Lisbon provides visitors with fantastic views of the city as well as a citadel packed with history. The castle was constructed during the fifth century and has undergone major construction work since then on a few separate occasions. Most recently in 1938 when the castle was completely restored. The castle is split into two parts. The Moorish Castle from the pre-12th century and the Royal Palace, built between the 13th and 14th centuries. Also, be sure to look out for a huge drawing of how Lisbon looked before the 1755 earthquake. Entrance to the castle costs €8.50 and I recommend visiting as early as possible because most crowds arrive closer to midday.
Party on ‘Pink Street’
Rua Nova do Carvalho, affectionately known as ‘Pink Street’ is the nightlife epicentre of Lisbon. Once the city’s red light district, the street possessed somewhat of a dubious and rough reputation. After undergoing a major facelift back in 2011, it became the place to go on nights out in the city. Full of bars, nightclubs and restaurants, the street is heaving with people almost every night. It is almost certain that every night out on the town ends up there. The street is instantly recognizable by the fact the floor has been painted, you guessed it, pink.
Spend A Day in Sintra
Sintra is the most popular day-trip for visitors to Lisbon by some distance. Every day thousands of tourists make their way up to Sintra, eagerly hoping to visit the various magnificent sights the region has to offer. Whilst one day might not be enough to see everything there is to see, it is more than enough time to fall in love with Sintra. Pena Palace, Castelo dos Mouros and Sintra National Palace are the main attractions that almost all who visit wish to see. For those with time to spend more than one day in Sintra won’t be short of things to see and do either. Getting into and around Sintra is easy, and you can read more about this day trip here.
Elevador de Santa Justa
It is inevitable that at some point during your time in Lisbon that you will stumble upon Elevador de Santa Justa. This colossal vertical gothic structure can really capture your attention. Inside the tower is an elevator to a viewpoint that offers fantastic views of both the city and the Tagus River. To use the elevator and the viewpoint, it will cost you €5.30. However, for those more budget conscious travellers, make your way to the nearby Bellalisa restaurant next to Carmo Convent. From there you can walk across the bridge to the tower free of charge. Should you wish to climb slightly higher to the viewpoint, it will cost you €1.50. In my opinion, the view was more than good enough from the lower level.
Other Sights That Lisbon Has To Offer
- Praca do Comercio
- Carmo Convent
- Lisbon Cathedral
- National Pantheon
- Take In A Fado Show
- Parc Eduardo VII
- Ascensor Da Bica
Where To Eat
To discover the best food in Lisbon, you must take to the little side streets. This is where you will find locals dining on delicious food throughout the day. It is in the classic, modest restaurants that you manage to taste the real Lisbon and all it has to offer. To read all about the most authentic local restaurants in Lisbon, click here.
What To Avoid
Eating or Spending Too Much Time on Rua Augusta
It is not uncommon for visitors to concentrate far too much of their time on streets like Rua Augusta. This pedestrian street is the epicentre of Lisbon. Far too often, tourists perceive this as a reason to eat and focus their attention too much on this area. If you want to consume overpriced, very average food whilst being hassled by vendors then this is the place for you. However, should you wish to escape this, do not invest more time than is necessary there. There are significantly better restaurants and bars across the city. Whilst I recommend staying as close to there as possible as it is a stable base, this is all the street should be used for. This street is also notorious for drug dealers. I got hassled every time I walked the street.
Avoiding the Hills
I found Lisbon to be relatively similar to cities like Barcelona and Amsterdam. In Barcelona, the quicker you get away from La Rambla the better. The same could be said for the centre of Amsterdam. Alternatively, enjoy the outskirts where fewer people tend to visit and you will see a far more beautiful and serene city. In Lisbon’s case, this inevitably means walking some extremely steep hills. Don’t allow that to put you off. Up in these hills, you are certain to stumble upon some incredible viewpoints and find many small, extremely picturesque streets. Lisbon was one of my favourite cities to get lost in.
I fell in love with Lisbon almost instantly. It is hard not to. Both gritty and glamorous at the same time, Lisbon captivated me. With such a relaxed nature, so much to see and do and great food, it makes for a perfect city break. I have never left a city feeling like I had so much still to do like I did with Lisbon. Every walk through the city I discovered something new that I liked. There was consistently another breathtaking panoramic view to stumble upon or another cobbled street to explore. Lisbon is a city I will most definitely return to over and over again, each time having my tastebuds satisfied and my spirit lifted, purely by just being there.
If you enjoyed this Lisbon Travel Guide, check out my other posts on the city by clicking here.
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