Lisbon — Tour Highlights and Travel Tips
Lisbon Tour Highlights
- Take a walk around the Praça do Comércio and bask in Lisbon’s rich history. The plaza was once the gateway to the New World, and you can still feel this powerful presence when standing in the square today.
- Indulge in seafood dishes that this coastal capital of Portugal is known for. And while you should try bacalhau à brás and polvo à lagareiro, it is the pasteis de nata, a Portuguese egg custard tart that you should not miss out on.
- Ride on Lisbon’s iconic yellow tram. It is a classic experience and you’ll pass many of the city's key sites along the route.
- Break away from the bustling streets of Lisbon to nearby cities on day tours. The charming towns of Sintra and Fatima each offer a unique history and are just a short drive away.
- Listen up art lovers! Lisbon is home to a thriving arts scene, so you will have plenty to keep yourself busy; be sure to visit the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga and Calouste Gulbenkian Museum.
- Explore Portuguese wine—an essential part of the country's culture. A tour from Lisbon to Porto is the perfect way to learn about world-renowned port wine while enjoying Porto’s stunning architecture.
- Although just walking up and down the hilly streets is a surefire way to get great views of Lisbon, if you want to see Lisbon at its best, hike up to St. George’s Castle for a picturesque sunset.
- Stroll through the Alfama district, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, for a local experience of Lisbon.
- Visit Jerónimos Monastery, an architectural masterpiece steeped in history. It’s worth it but be sure to grab tickets online in advance as the line can get long in peak season.
- Enjoy Lisbon’s lively atmosphere that can continue late into the night with parties pouring out onto the streets. Our advice is to save some energy during the day to dance the night away in Barrio Alto. Don’t expect the party to start until midnight!
Lisbon Travel Tips
- Be sure to pack comfortable shoes—Lisbon is best explored on foot and is quite hilly. Wearing comfortable footwear on a Lisbon walking tour will give you more energy to explore all the city has to offer.
- Learn a bit of Portuguese. Even if the only word you remember ends up being obrigado (thank you), locals will appreciate it.
- Some restaurants put olives and bread on the table at the start of your meal. If you want to eat it, go ahead, but don’t be surprised if they charge you for it later. Always check the bill before paying. If you don’t touch it, you don’t pay for it.
- Take out some cash in Euros, the local currency. Some cafes and markets still won’t accept credit cards.
- To avoid taxi scams, download ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt. If you do get into a taxi, make sure the driver puts the meter on before starting the ride.
- Leave room in your schedule for spontaneity! There are lots of festivals and events going on in Portugal, and you’ll want to be able to enjoy the local life. In February, the streets come to life during Carnival parades. During the summer, music festivals pop up along beaches and in city centers.