If you plan on visiting Portugal, various things you can have in mind, the architecture, food, climate, and beaches. As the capital and the larger city, Lisbon is one of the favorite destinations in Europe.
A great town for a short break in the winter – it never freezes in Lisbon. I visit in November and recently went back in February. The temperature was still high at 22-23 Celsius. I have been to many cities in Europe. If I have to choose a town, Lisbon will be my top list to go back again and again.
In the summer months, you can combine cultural and beach holiday — just a short train ride you have seaside resorts. Hmm, don’t forget the specialty – Pasteis de Belem.
Lisbon Airport
Lisbon has two terminals 1 and 2. Terminal 1 – is the prominent building used for more significant carrier and the base for TAP Air Portugal. As well in the same terminal you’ll find public transportation. The metro station situated underground.
Terminal 2 serves for low-cost airlines, which is a separate building. So if you arrived here, you’d be transferred to T1 where public transports are available.
Moreover, both terminals offer passenger facilities such as duty-free and restaurants, but not so much as the T1. If you have time to spare you can go and back between terminals as there is a free shuttle service.
The cheapest way to the city center
There are different ways to reach the city center, but the most economical and fastest way is the metro. The red line starts at Lisbon airport; it depends on the location of your hotel; you’ll need interchange to another line.
The subway runs till 1:00 am between the airport and Lisbon center. One-way ticket price cost 2€, which are available in the vending machines – you can pay with a credit card or cash. If you need some assistance, there is an attendant who can help you out.
Where to stay in Lisbon?
Lisbon is a big sprawling city and can be overwhelming when choosing a place to stay. The same as any other European city, how more you want to be close to everything, how expensive the hotel rooms are.
However, take the time when searching for a hotel room. Any neighborhoods are an excellent place to stay. As we had a late-night arrival in Lisbon, we choose Baixa at HOTEL INN ROSSIO in the heart of the city near to the metro station. An excellent location close to everything.
It may worth compare different website bookings online, as they had different prices. Booking straight to the hotel is expensive. I booked the room through Booking.com as they’re cheaper than the others. Their Trustpilot may contain negative reviews, but it went well with us.
Warnings and Annoyances!
We just came out of the metro station at night on our way to the hotel; we were acclaim by a guy offer us hashish. Moreover, the second time in broad daylight while wandering to a crowded street we’re approaching again by one of the sellers.
I reckon they are only approaching the male companion. On my last visit 20 years ago as a female traveler, I haven’t heard of a drug vendor, or it wasn’t like that before. Lisbon is a safe city nothing to worry about wandering around at night.
However, I heard from the others to avoid walking alone at night in the area around Martim Moniz and Cais do Sodre. In the day time is no problem, but when the lights fall, it looks like a desolated area.
Where to dine in Lisbon
Meal prices in Lisbon are reasonably low; Abundance of restaurants, but we evade places where most tourists go.
Lunch is always cheaper than dinner. Most of the restaurants have menu do dia (list of the day) and less expensive than ala carte — a complete dish: soup, main, dessert, and coffee for 12 euro. A decent place for lunch is Tasco do Vigario, not far from Castelo de São Jorge.
In the evening, an entirely different story than in the daytime, prices are a bit more. It can be overwhelming where to eat — so many places to dine. There are choices of international and Portuguese cuisine. Why not try Portuguese food! Rosa da Rua is a buffet restaurant for 14.50€, located near the historic center of the city. I found this restaurant when searching for food in Lisbon. A highly recommended place! Be there early as it is a small restaurant.
Getting around in Lisbon
The best way to see the city is by walking. Lisbon is built on seven hills and can be tiresome during exploration. However, trams are running on tourist sites and are great ways of exploring the city.
The metro in Lisbon had four lines and served 55 stations in the city. Purchasing a 24-hour card can save you money than buying single tickets. METRO LISBOA
Things to do in Lisbon
The famous Tram 28
One of the essential things to do in Lisbon if you don’t mind squeezing inside the wagon together with other tourists, but something can’t be miss in Lisbon. The tram wends to districts of Graca, Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela. The main stop is at Praca Martim Moniz, but you can hop on and off at any time.
Ticket price onboard cost 3€ oneway- save some money and buy the 24-hour ticket if planned to hop-off hop on the tram. Moreover, the pass gives unlimited access to other public transport in the city.
Chao do Loureiro viewpoint
There are officially 16 viewpoints around the city according to the visitor information, which is incredibly a lot. We only have two full days, so it is not the potential for us to see all of them.
We are coincidentally passing through the place while on the way down. This area was a (Mercado) market before, is now transformed into a modern building with a terrace. Indeed, you have a panoramic view of the city. You can also take the lift down here.
Lisbon street art
I loved street art, fantastic work from artistic people. When we went to Valparaiso Chile, I’m so deluged by the city’s arts. The street art in Lisbon cannot compare to elsewhere.
However, they can be eye-catching, and you can found them in several places. The one in Patio de Dom Fradique has various styles of murals, as well in the newly painted wall in Avenida 24 de Julho.
Get a View from Alfama
Get on the tram 28 to Largo da Graca where you have views over the roofs from the Portas do Sol. Everyone wants to have photographs from this point — Alfama, also known as an essential tourist attraction, even the oldest district of Lisbon. Getting lost to narrow alleys is a beautiful thing to do, and walk up on your way to Sao Jorge Castle.
Belem and surroundings
Belem is the icon of the city. A trip to Lisbon will not be complete without seeing the surroundings. It is best to book a ticket online to avoid long lines. Organizing the itinerary before going it makes a difference, by purchasing tickets online. Furthermore, it saves not only time but also gives a discount.
Nearby you can’t miss the monastery – one of the most prominent buildings in the city. As mentioned, book your entrance ticket online if you want to visit inside.
Tips of Getting there: The area location is entirely out of the center, but reachable by bus or tram. Take bus number 728, a ticket price of 2€. With tram, take the one with signboard linea de Cascais number 15E cost 3€.
Tickets are available inside the bus/tram in the vending machine but only accept cash. If you own a 24-hour card is much better. You only need to insert the card in the device machine. The main stops for public transport in Belem are in Praca do Comercio.
Mercado da Ribeira and Time Out Market
There are nine markets in Lisbon, but the largest is Mercado da Ribeira, next to Time Out Market. The opening of Mercado da Ribeira only till 2:00 pm. Don’t worry if you miss the opening hour, stroll next door at Time Out Market. It is like a food court, another right place to seek some local food.
Cabo Ruivo
You can easily spend the whole day in this area if you want to get away from the city crowds. There you’ll find modern buildings — an utterly different look-out than the city itself. It is also ideal for people with children. Here you’ll find the Lisbon Aquarium, Cable Car, and Jardins D’ Agua.
How to get there: There are two ways of how to get there economically: The metro – take the red line direction airport and get off in Cabo Ruivo. The metro station is quite far away to walk. The most convenient is bus number 728; the stop is close by the entrance to the Water Garden.
Pasteis de Belem
Never leave the city without tasting the specialty. Although I’m not indulgence in sweets, I ardently want to try the pastry. The traditional bakery Pasteis de Belem situated next to Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, this is the place to be.
If you see lines outside, that’s it, join the queue and wait for your turn.
You will find the pastry overall in Lisbon, and there’s one best place to go for it. The famous bakery in Belem. The small round form egg tart cost 1.15€ each.