Lisbon — Tour Highlights and Travel Tips
Lisbon Tour Highlights
- The Praça do Comércio was once the gateway to the New World, and you can still feel this powerful presence when standing in the square today. Take a walk around the plaza and bask in Lisbon’s rich history.
- As the coastal capital of Portugal, it is no surprise that Lisbon is known for its seafood dishes. And while you should indulge in 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.
- Take a ride on Lisbon’s iconic yellow tram. Riding the tram is a classic experience and you’ll pass many of the city's key sites along the route.
- Day tours to nearby cities can be a great break from the bustling streets of Lisbon. The charming towns of Sintra and Fatima each offer a unique history and are just a short drive away.
- Lisbon is home to a thriving arts scene, so art lovers will have plenty to keep them busy; be sure to visit the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga and Calouste Gulbenkian Museum.
- Wine is an essential part of Portuguese culture, and a tour from Lisbon to Porto is the perfect way to learn about world-renowned port wine while enjoying Porto’s stunning architecture.
- You’ll get great views of Lisbon by just walking up and down the hilly streets, but if you want to see Lisbon at its best, hike up to St. George’s Castle for a picturesque sunset.
- For a local experience of Lisbon, stroll through the Alfama district, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods.
- The Jerónimos Monastery is an architectural masterpiece steeped in history. It’s worth a visit, but be sure to grab tickets online in advance as the line can get long in peak season.
- Lisbon’s lively atmosphere continues late into the night with parties pouring out onto the streets, so 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.
