Lisbon Travel Guide
Here is my quick Travel Guide for People Visiting Lisbon
I often get requests from people visiting Lisbon—family, friends, associates, and those with hardly any connection. So, instead of advising one-on-one, I thought I needed to provide an overview that many can follow to have a good start to their fun vacation.
Portugal is a beautiful country. As many of you know, I moved here to have a calmer, healthier life and even wrote a workbook on my experience to help others who also have Portugal on their list of places to move to.
So, naturally, many people I know are curious and want to visit. I have prepared my quick tips for vacation planning in Portugal.
Remember, pace yourself. I live here and have not seen everything there is to see, so you can't do it in a few days. Decide on a few things, and be flexible. Slowing down and savoring the food, the views, and the people are essential to having fun.
Note that the * are places and services I have used or have had friends or family use, and I can, therefore, attest to their high fun score on the fun-o-meter.
If you need more personalized help, don't hesitate to book a video call with me here.
Where to Stay
In Lisbon (Central City):
- Residencial Florescente: +351 21 342 2182
- Hilton DoubleTree: +351 21 041 0600
- Toctoctoc Lisboa: +351 21 802 2222
- Memmo Alfama Hotel: +351 21 049 5660
- Lisboa Pessoa Hotel: +351 21 342 2312
In Parede/Carcavelos (Quieter areas near a beach, café and restaurants):
- *Chic Studios: +351 21 345 6789
- *Riviera Hotel Carcavelos: +351 21 456 7890
In Cascais (also near a beach):
- Hotel Baia: +351 21 484 5140
- The Albatroz Hotel: +351 21 484 7380
- Senhora da Guia Boutique Hotel: +351 21 486 9290
In Oeiras (A quiet area close to Lisbon):
- Lagoas Park Hotel: +351 21 440 6600
- INATEL Oeiras: +351 21 441 6700
Things to Do in Lisbon
Historic Neighborhoods:
- *Alfama: Wander the narrow streets of old Lisbon, visit São Jorge Castle, and enjoy Fado music at night.
- *Belém: One of my favorites: Walk through Belém, see the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and Padrão dos Descobrimentos, sit in the park, and people-watch.
- Breakfast: *Pasteis de Belém for their famous egg custard tarts and much more.
- *Bairro Alto & Chiado: Vibrant areas for dining and nightlife.
Museums & Palaces:
- *Museu Nacional do Azulejo (Tile Museum): Stunning tilework spanning centuries.
- *MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology): Modern design and exhibitions.
- Sintra:
- *Palácio Nacional da Pena: A fairy tale palace.
- *Castelo dos Mouros: A hilltop fortress. (Plan a full day for Sintra.)
- Mafra:
- *Palácio Nacional de Mafra: An enormous baroque palace-monastery. (Also requires a day.)
Hidden Gems:
- *Livraria Bertrand: The oldest operating bookstore in the world.
- Feira da Ladra: Lisbon’s flea market (Tuesdays & Saturdays).
- Tapada das Necessidades: A peaceful garden away from the crowds.
- Mercado de Campo de Ourique: A local food market.
Where to Eat (Variety of Diets)
For All Diets:
- *Honest Greens (Cascais): Farm-to-table healthy meals.
- *Time Out Market: A variety of cuisines under one roof.
Traditional Portuguese:
- Cervejaria Ramiro: Seafood heaven.
- Taberna Sal Grosso: Modern takes on Portuguese classics.
- O Velho Eurico: A cozy, traditional tasca.
- *Casa do Alentejo: former 17th C. Moorish Palace
Vegetarian/Vegan Options:
- The Green Affair: Gourmet vegan dining.
- Seagull Method Café: Excellent for brunch.
Casual:
- Manteigaria: Best pasteis de nata in Lisbon (arguably).
- There are endless cafés, so most will have great snacks. Try a Pastel de Bacalhua.
How to Get Around
Public Transport:
- *Trains: Use Comboios de Portugal. Great for day trips to Sintra, Cascais, and Porto.
- *Metro: Easy to use and connects key Lisbon areas. Get a Viva Viagem card at any station.
- *Buses/Trams: Iconic Tram 28: A tourist favorite, but be wary of crowds.
Taxi & Rideshare:
*Bolt and *Uber are widely available. Bolt is cheaper. Uber is more reliable when it rains or during rush hour. If you are a taxi kind of person, see this link.
Quick Day Trip Suggestions
Cascais & Estoril:
- Relax on the beaches, explore *Boca do Inferno, and stroll the charming streets of Cascais.
- Have lunch at a seaside restaurant like Mar do Inferno.
- *O Segredo, Brazilian, all-you-can-eat.
*Algarve:
- Known for its stunning beaches and coastal cliffs. Rent a car or take *Flexibus to reach towns like Lagos and Albufeira. There is lots to see, but if you have time, a few more miles/kilometers east, and you could be in Seville, Spain.
*Porto:
- Visit Ribeira, taste Francesinha sandwiches, and enjoy Port wine tours. (A 3-hour train ride from Lisbon.)
- Kind Kitchen, for vegan francesinha.
Local Tips
- Basic Portuguese Phrases:
- Hello: Olá
- Thank you: Obrigado/a (gendered male and female)
- Please: Por favor
- How much? Quanto custa?
- Meals: Look for “prato do dia” signs for affordable, local dishes. Sometimes, it includes appetizer and coffee.
- Reservations: Recommended for popular or high-end restaurants.
- Cash: Many smaller local establishments prefer cash.
- Free Views: Skip the Elevador de Santa Justa fee; access its top via Largo do Carmo.
Use the Expedia search tool below to make your bookings (flights and hotels or short-term rentals)
Enjoy your stay in Portugal! This guide covers a lot, but please ask if you need further details. Boa viagem!
If you want more personalized services, please book a one-on-one session with me here. I'll gladly help you tailor your travel plans to suit your needs.
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