Lisbon, Portugalโs charming capital, is a city of colorful streets, historic trams, stunning viewpoints, and delicious food.
Whether youโre here for a weekend or an extended stay, these travel tips will help you explore Lisbon efficiently while keeping costs low
Getting From the Airport to Lisbon City Center
Lisbonโs Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is well-connected to the city:
- Metro:ย The cheapest and most convenient way to reach the city center. The Red Line connects the airport to key locations for around โฌ1.50.
- Bus:ย The Aerobus costs around โฌ4 and connects the airport to major stops.
- Taxi/Uber:ย A taxi costs about โฌ15-โฌ20, while Uber is slightly cheaper.
- Private Transfer:ย A good option for groups or those with luggage.
Our tip:ย Get a Viva Viagem card for discounted metro and tram rides during your stay.
Getting Around Lisbon
Lisbon is a walkable city but has many hills, so transport options can be useful:
- Trams:ย The iconic Tram 28 takes you through the cityโs most scenic areas (โฌ3 per ride).
- Metro & Buses:ย Affordable and well-connected. A 24-hour public transport pass costs around โฌ6.50.
- Electric Scooters & Bikes:ย Available for rent throughout the city.
- Tuk-Tuks:ย Fun but pricey; negotiate fares before hopping in.
Our tip: Avoid peak hours on Tram 28; it gets crowded with tourists.
Where to Eat on a Budget
Lisbon is known for its seafood, pastries, and local taverns:
- Pastรฉis de Nata:ย Try these custard tarts at Pastรฉis de Belรฉm or Manteigaria.
- Tascas:ย Local eateries serving cheap and delicious meals.
- Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market):ย A great place to sample different foods at decent prices.
- Menu do Dia:ย Many restaurants offer lunch menus for โฌ8-โฌ12.
Our tip: Avoid eating in tourist-heavy areas like Praรงa do Comรฉrcio; prices are inflated.
Where to Stay Without Breaking the Bank
Lisbon offers budget-friendly stays across different neighborhoods:
- Alfama & Mouraria:ย Charming, historic, and full of affordable guesthouses.
- Bairro Alto:ย Ideal for nightlife lovers, but can be noisy.
- Principe Real:ย Trendy and centrally located.
- Hostels & Airbnbs:ย Great options for budget travelers.
Our tip: Stay near a metro station for easy access to all parts of the city.
Best Time to Visit Lisbon
Hereโs a breakdown of each season in Lisbon, to give you an idea of the best time to visit:
- Spring (March-May):ย Pleasant weather, fewer crowds.
- Summer (June-August):ย Hot and busy, but vibrant festivals.
- Fall (September-October):ย Mild weather, fewer tourists.
- Winter (November-February):ย Chilly but cheaper accommodations.
Our tip: Visit in spring or fall to enjoy great weather without peak-season prices.
Affordable & Free Things to Do
Lisbon is jam-packed with free and affordable activities:
- Miradouros (Viewpoints):ย Free panoramic views of the city.
- Belem Tower & Jerรณnimos Monastery:ย Free entry on Sundays.
- LX Factory:ย A cool cultural and shopping hub.
- Tram 28 Ride:ย A budget-friendly way to see the cityโs highlights.
- Beaches:ย Take a short train ride to Cascais or Estoril for a beach day.
Our tip: Get tickets online for major attractions to skip long queues.
Nightlife & Entertainment on a Budget
Looking to spend a night on the town? Here are some tips:
- Fado Music in Alfama:ย Some bars offer free live Fado music.
- Sunset at Miradouros:ย Free and magical.
- Happy Hours:ย Many bars have drink specials before 8 PM.
- Cais do Sodrรฉ:ย Lively nightlife with affordable spots.
Our tip: Buy drinks at local kiosks and enjoy them by the waterfront.
Packing Tips for Lisbon
Packing for Lisbon is super simple. Hereโs what you need to know:
- Comfortable Shoes:ย Lisbon is hilly and has cobblestone streets.
- Light Layers:ย Weather changes throughout the day.
- Reusable Water Bottle:ย Free public water fountains are available.
Our tip: Bring sunscreen; itโs expensive in Portugal.
Safety & Health in Lisbon
Lastly, you should be aware of these points before you head off:
- Pickpockets:ย Be cautious in busy areas and on trams.
- Emergency Numbers:ย Dial 112 for medical assistance.
- Pharmacies:ย Marked with a green cross and offer basic medication.
Our tip: Use the Air Doctor app to find English-speaking doctors if needed.
About the Air Doctor App
With the Air Doctor app in your pocket, you can easily access medical care anywhere else you travel.
Air Doctor offers a wide range of benefits, including:
- A global network of over 20,000 multi-lingual doctors and specialists
- Choice of clinic, at-home (hotel), and video consultations
- Active in 91 countries
- 24/7 multi-lingual support
- Transparent pricing and reviews
- Most common medical specialties, including pediatricians
Lisbon is a stunning destination with endless charm, and you donโt need a big budget to enjoy it. Use these practical tips to maximize your experience while keeping expenses low. Happy travels!
