Guide to Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon Unfolded: A Slightly Witty, Mostly Useful Guide to Portugal’s Capital

For the curious traveler who likes castles, custard, and cobblestones

Chapter 1: Getting There Without Losing Your Sanity

Lisbon is perched on the western edge of Europe, gazing wistfully across the Atlantic like a poet with a glass of vinho verde. Getting there is refreshingly straightforward.

By Plane

Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) is the city’s main gateway, located just 7 km from the center. It’s served by:

• Traditional carriers: TAP Air Portugal, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, KLM, Emirates, United Airlines
• Budget airlines: Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling, Transavia, Wizz Air

Direct flights connect Lisbon to most European capitals, North America, and even Brazil. The airport has a metro station (Red Line) that whisks you downtown in under 30 minutes.

By Train

If you’re feeling romantic (or just avoiding airport security), trains from Spain are an option:

• Madrid to Lisbon: Overnight sleeper or daytime combo via Badajoz
• Porto to Lisbon: Alfa Pendular high-speed trains (2.5–3 hours)
• Coimbra, Faro, and Évora: Easy domestic connections

Pro Tip: Book train tickets via CP.pt or use Omio for multi-modal options. First class isn’t wildly expensive and includes legroom, silence, and occasional snacks.

Chapter 2: Getting Around Without Breaking a Sweat

Lisbon is a city of hills. Glorious, photogenic, calf-burning hills. But don’t worry—there’s a transport system designed by someone who clearly hated walking.

Metro: Four lines (Red, Blue, Yellow, Green). Clean, safe, and efficient. The Red Line connects the airport to downtown.

Trams: The iconic yellow Tram 28 is both charming and chaotic. Ride early or late to avoid becoming a sardine.

Funiculars: Elevador da Glória and Elevador da Bica are scenic shortcuts up steep slopes.

Trains: For day trips to Sintra, Cascais, or Estoril, hop on suburban trains from Cais do Sodré or Rossio stations.

Buses: Reliable, but less romantic. Use the Carris app or Google Maps for routes.

Tickets: Get a Viva Viagem card (€0.50) and load it with zapping credit or a 24-hour pass. Available at metro stations.

Chapter 3: Major Sights and How to Conquer Them

Lisbon is a city that rewards wanderers, but here’s a cheat sheet for the must-sees:

Alfama & Mouraria Winding alleys, Fado music, and laundry lines. Free to explore, priceless in charm.

Castelo de São Jorge Hilltop fortress with panoramic views. Buy tickets online to skip the queue.

Belém District

• Jerónimos Monastery: Gothic grandeur. Combo tickets available with nearby museums.
• Belém Tower: Instagram gold. Arrive early.
• Padrão dos Descobrimentos: Monument to explorers. Climb for views.
• Pastéis de Belém: Custard tarts that deserve their own religion.

Baixa & Chiado Elegant squares, shopping, and literary cafés. No ticket needed—just good shoes.

LX Factory Hipster heaven in a former factory. Art, food, and rooftop bars.

Museums Worth Your Time

• MAAT: Art, architecture, and tech. Futuristic and photogenic.
• National Tile Museum: Yes, tiles. Surprisingly fascinating.
• Calouste Gulbenkian Museum: World-class collection, serene gardens.

Pro Tip: Consider the Lisboa Card for free transport and discounted entry to major sights. Available for 24, 48, or 72 hours.

Chapter 4: How to Behave Like a Local (Without Getting Side-Eyed)

Lisboetas are warm, stylish, and quietly proud. Blend in with these tips:

• Don’t shout. Volume control is appreciated.
• Greet with “Bom dia” or “Boa tarde”. Smiles go far.
• Wait to be seated in cafés. Don’t storm the counter.
• Don’t tip excessively. Round up or leave small change.
• Don’t complain about hills. They’re part of the charm. And the workout.

Chapter 5: Eating Your Way Through Lisbon

Breakfast

• Locals keep it light: espresso (bica) and a pastry.
• Try tosta mista (ham and cheese toast) or pão com manteiga (bread with butter).

Cafés

• Order at the counter unless table service is obvious.
• Say “um café” for espresso, “galão” for milky coffee.

Cheap Eats

• Zé dos Cornos: Grilled meat, no frills.
• Casa da Índia: Local, lively, and affordable.
• Time Out Market: Gourmet food hall with options for every budget.

Splurge Spots

• Belcanto: Michelin-starred magic.
• Cervejaria Ramiro: Seafood and steak, legendary.
• Feitoria: Fine dining with a view.

Pro Tip: Book dinner reservations, especially on weekends. And yes, you’ll pay for bread and olives unless you refuse them.

Chapter 6: Staying Connected (Digitally, Not Emotionally)

Travel SIM Cards

• Vodafone, NOS, MEO: Available at airport kiosks and shops.
• Prepaid SIMs with data start around €10–15.
• Bring ID (passport) to register.
• If your phone supports eSIM, get one before your travel from our partner Yesim
  

Wi-Fi

• Cafés, hotels, and public spaces offer decent coverage.
• Lisbon is friendly to digital nomads—just don’t hog the table all day.

Chapter 7: The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Classic Lisbon

• Morning: Alfama stroll, São Jorge Castle
• Afternoon: Baixa & Chiado, Elevador de Santa Justa
• Evening: Fado dinner in Alfama

Day 2: Belém & Beyond

• Morning: Jerónimos Monastery, Pastéis de Belém
• Afternoon: Belém Tower, MAAT, riverside walk
• Evening: Rooftop drinks at LX Factory

Day 3: Parks & Palaces

• Morning: Eduardo VII Park, Estufa Fria
• Afternoon: Príncipe Real, Jardim da Estrela
• Evening: Bairro Alto nightlife

Day 4: Sintra Day Trip

• Morning: Pena Palace, Moorish Castle
• Afternoon: Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra town
• Evening: Return to Lisbon, quiet dinner

Day 5: Coastal Escape

• Morning: Train to Cascais, beach walk
• Afternoon: Cabo da Roca, lunch in Ericeira
• Evening: Back to Lisbon, farewell feast