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Plan Your Lisbon Holiday: Best of Lisbon

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Explore Lisbon

At first glance, Lisbon’s got everything you could want from a centuries-old European city, with its winding cobblestone streets and a skyline dotted with Medieval castles. But it’s more than just its past. Now, the older sights feel right at home within Lisbon’s more modern vibe. So, enjoy the classics: Listening to moody fado music in the historic Alfama district, picking up custard tarts from their namesake shop in Belém, and gawking at the city’s signature tilework everywhere. But leave time for the new(er) stuff: Try fresh takes on traditional Portuguese food, explore the modern art galleries and street art at LX Factory, and catch a DJ set in a former brothel on Pink Street. The city’s super walkable but the tram (those iconic yellow streetcars) will be there when your feet get tired.
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Essential Lisbon

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Travel Advice

4 great walks in Lisbon

Pack your walking shoes and hit the streets
Read on

An LGBTQ+ guide to Lisbon

A historic city that’s also known to be one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in Europe? Sign me up. Lisbon is full of travel experiences that cater to the queer crowd, especially in beloved gayborhoods like Bairro Alto, Chiado, and Príncipe Real. After sobbing to a fado performance (ideally by the queer duo Fado Bicha) and downing all the vinho verde and pastéis de nata you can handle, check out my favourite spots for an LGBTQ+-centric visit to Lisbon.
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  • Pensão Amor
    1,030
    Housed in a former brothel, Pensaõ Amor is an erotic-themed speakeasy with frequent burlesque shows. Sailors may be the original patrons, but now members of the LGBTQ+ pack this historic watering hole every night. We stuck around after the show to check out the quirky decor—a hodgepodge of personal objects and messages left behind by patrons of the brothel—and I recommend you do the same. If you’re feeling especially frisky, you can even stay the night in one of the old rooms.
  • Finalmente Club
    47
    Every Tuesday through Saturday night at 10:30 p.m., Finalmente Club in Bairro Alto hosts a sexy variety show with a touch of drag, some burlesque, and a whole lot of feathers. We headed over right after dinner to snag a seat near the stage and were totally dazzled by the luxurious fantasy that played out on stage.
  • Friends Bairro Alto
    48
    Not every night in Lisbon is all about drag or burlesque. If you can pull yourself away from the performances, head to Friends—a small, indoor-outdoor bar in Bairro Alto. It’s a chill spot for affordable tapas and beers in the early evening and a great place for dancing late at night, when it turns into a nightclub playing pop hits into the wee hours.
  • Bar 106
    15
    One of the oldest gay institutions in the city, Bar 106 hosts its iconic message parties on Sunday nights. When we got to the bar, we were each given a number and told to write a message for another guest. We then had to find the other person in the bar with our same number and deliver our message to them as a great way to meet someone new. Who doesn’t love an impromptu icebreaker?
  • Shelter Bar Lisboa
    33
    Shelter Bar is for the bears, but everyone is welcome at this laid-back gay bar. It’s usually not too crowded, so it’s a good place to grab a drink if you actually want to talk to your friends. You can even take your cocktails out to the street in front and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the surrounding Príncipe Real neighbourhood. (Lisbon doesn’t have laws against open containers.)
  • Calle Rosa de Lisboa
    233
    It’s a bit kitschy, but I couldn’t pass up a photo opp on Lisbon’s Insta-famous Pink Street. Painted a bright shade of bubblegum, Rua Nova do Carvalho used to run through Lisbon’s red-light district but is now lined with fun bars and clubs. It can be a bit of a stinky mess in the early morning hours, but that’s when you’ll have your best chance at snapping a crowd-free picture under the rainbow umbrella canopy.
  • Costa da Caparica: Beach & History
    7
    We visited Lisbon in the summer, so a day trip to a nearby beach was an absolute must. In Costa da Caparica, just an hour-long train ride from Lisbon, Beach 19 is a popular nude beach among the LGBTQ+ crowd. Spend the day on this rugged stretch of sand, nestled within a nature reserve, and you’re sure to find other queer travellers soaking up the sun in their birthday suits.
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Lisbon Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Lisbon

Skye Coote

Many major attractions have rooftop access for those who like to get up and look out. Be aware, though, that reaching the roof generally involves tight, narrow circular staircases.

Shankar C

While Alfama is easily accessible through public transportation, walking is the best way to get a true flavor of the character of the district, especially of its interior sections.

Gasparca

When in restaurants, remember that Portuguese like their food well done. If you don't, make sure to specify your meat and fish as "mal passado": rare.

TSchenk

Lisbon is a wonderful, ancient city with roots that date to Roman times. My wife and I spent a week here recently on a business trip to the area. We are both avid hikers, and we really enjoyed exploring this historic city mostly on foot. The food, especially the seafood, is unbelievable.

Shankar C

Alfama is Lisbon at its best, where past and present intersect in perfect harmony. A visit to Alfama is an ethereal experience and a discovery of Lisbon's eclectic soul.

Chris O

A lively city evocatively set on the mouth of the Tagus River, with world-class beaches, wild forests and loads of "fresca" activities to enjoy, Lisbon is a dream location for outdoor lovers.

What is the best way to get there?

flying

Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), aka Lisbon International Airport, is the primary airport in Lisbon. It is served by most major airlines to/from many major cities across the world.

train

Lisbon has two major train stations, Santa Apolónia and Estação do Oriente. Both offer service to/from many European destinations via Eurostar and other regional train lines.

bus

Estação do Oriente is also Lisbon’s bus terminal with service to/from many international and regional bus lines.

For more info on getting to Lisbon, visit here.

Do I need a visa?

Since Portugal is one of the 26 Shengen Area countries, tourists from those countries do not need a visa for visits less than 90 days, but passports must be valid for at least six months after departure dates. The same goes for Americans. For more information, see here.

When is the best time to visit?

Come June, the city of Lisbon is transformed by a carnival atmosphere for Festas de Lisboa, a two-month-long celebration of Portuguese culture, food, art and music. Average daily temperatures this time of year are highs of 25°C with lows of 16°C.

For a slightly sleepier time without summer’s peak prices and crowds, early fall boasts still-warm weather and cheaper hotel rates. Average daily temperatures then are highs of 26°C with lows around 17.

Get around

public transit

Be sure to get a Lisboa Card, available for 24-, 48- or 72-hour increments. It includes free transportation on Lisbon Metro buses, subways, trams and lifts, as well as discounts and free entry to 35 attractions.

trains

Lisbon Metro offers four lines to 55 stations across the city.

For more info on fares, routes and schedules to get around Lisbon, visit here.

buses

Lisbon has 78 bus lines that are operated by Carris.

For routes, fares and schedules, visit here.

trams

Carris also runs Lisbon’s six tram lines. They are an iconic tourist experience that can also save you from hoofing it up some of the city’s hills.

For more info, visit here.

elevators

Another unique way to get up Lisbon’s steep slopes are the four Carris-run elevators. For more info, visit here.

taxis

Taxis are widely available in Lisbon, and can be hailed or booked via Cooptáxis.

For more info, visit here.

bikes

Gira is the city’s bikeshare program, offering dozens of stations across the city. You can also rent bikes (including e-bikes to do the heavy lifting up those hills!) and take tours through bikeiberia.

For more info about Gira bikeshare, visit here. For more info about bikeiberia, visit here.

rideshares

Uber operates in Lisbon and can be booked via its app on your smartphone.

On the ground

What is the timezone?

Western European.

What are the voltage/plug types?

230/400 volts, on a 50 Hz frequency. Electric sockets adhere to European standards. Blade plugs (US standard) must be used in conjunction with a 230 volts transformer, as well as an adaptor.

What is the currency?

Euro.

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Yes.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Yes.

Is it easy to find a bank?

Yes.

How much do I tip?

Unlike in the U.S., tipping in Lisbon is discretionary for most services and rarely expected.

Restaurants

Most locals round tabs up to the nearest euro, but if you were extremely happy, leaving 10 percent of your bill is common.

Taxis

Give at least 10 percent of your fare.

Hotels

Give a euro or two to bellhops who help with your bags or a doorman who gets you a taxi. You can also leave a euro or two per day of your stay for the housekeeping staff as you would in any other city.

Tour guides

At least 10 percent of the tour cost is a common tip for Lisbon tour guides, more if they were extra fun or interesting. If you take a bus tour, a euro or two per person would suffice.

Are there local customs I should know?

Drinking

The legal drinking age in Lisbon is 18.

Drugs

Portugal decriminalized all drugs in 2001, but getting them can be sketchy and dangerous, especially if “dealers” approach you on the street in certain areas.

Carry cash

Some small mom-and-pop shops don’t accept major credit cards.

Plan ahead

Many trendy restaurants only take reservations, not walk-ins.

Sensible shoes

Given its hilly layout and cobblestone streets, sneakers are the footwear of choice for Lisboetas — and smart tourists.

Lisbon travel advice

Powered by AI
These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Overview

According to forum posts, Lisbon offers a robust public transportation system that includes metros, trams, buses, and trains, suitable for both short and long-distance journeys.

Metro and Tram Services

Travelers have highlighted that Lisbon's metro and tram services are efficient and cost-effective. A one-day pass for metro, trams, and buses costs approximately €7.10, with subsequent days costing slightly less when using the same rechargeable card. Single metro rides are priced around €1.65 to €2.15, while tram fares can be as high as €3 if paid in cash on board.

Bus Services

Some users noted that bus routes cover extensive areas of Lisbon, with electronic boards at stops providing real-time tracking of buses. Bus 736, for example, was mentioned as a direct route to central areas like Rossio from various starting points.

Train Services

For regional travel, trains connect Lisbon to nearby towns like Cascais and Sintra. The Viva Viagem card, which is used across various transport modes, was frequently recommended. This rechargeable card costs €0.50 and can be loaded with amounts suitable for multiple trips, making it convenient for both metro and regional train travels.

Additional Tips

Forum contributors often advise against driving in Lisbon due to challenging navigation and parking issues, suggesting public transport as a preferable option. For travel flexibility, the zapping fare mode on the Viva Viagem card allows for easy transition between different transport services without needing multiple tickets.

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Central Accessibility

According to forum posts, the Baixa area is highly recommended for its central location and flat terrain, making it suitable for those who prefer less walking on steep hills. It has easy access to Rossio Square, Rossio train station, the Metro, trams, and buses, making it convenient for mobility.

Proximity to Attractions

Some travelers have mentioned the Alfama district as a desirable area due to its medieval, old-world charm and availability of trams and buses. Although it lacks metro stations, its quaint ambience attracts many visitors.

Quiet yet Central Options

For visitors looking for a quieter yet centrally-located area, the Pousada da Lisboa on Praça do Comércio has been praised. This location offers proximity to major attractions and minimal noise disturbance at night, according to some users.

Recommendations for First-Time Visitors

Travelers have suggested that areas within 1.5 miles of Praça do Comércio are best for first-time visitors, as they are central and have fewer hills. This includes neighborhoods like Baixa, Bairro Alto, and Rossio, known for their lively evening atmospheres and proximity to cafes and restaurants.

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Viva Viagem Card Basics

The Viva Viagem card is a rechargeable card used for public transport in Lisbon, costing €0.50. It can be loaded with credit for buses, metro, trams, and trains to Sintra and Cascais. The card cannot have different ticket types loaded simultaneously if it still has credit.

Loading and Usage

Travelers can load the card with a specific amount, known as zapping, which deducts a set fare per journey, making it cheaper than single tickets. For example, tram rides cost €1.61 instead of €3.10 with zapping. The card is physical, not available online, and must be purchased and recharged at stations.

Card Types and Validity

There are two types of Viva Viagem cards—green and white. Both function similarly but may have specific differences in usage across various transport modes. The cards' validity extends for one year from the date of the last recharge.

Additional Considerations

Tourist-specific options like the Lisboa Card, which includes public transport and entry to several tourist spots, might be preferable for heavy sightseeing. However, for regular public transport, the Viva Viagem card suffices. Some machines accept cash for loading the card, beneficial for travelers preferring not to use cards.

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Credit Cards and Contactless Payments

According to forum posts, many establishments in Lisbon accept Visa and Mastercard, especially in restaurants and larger stores. However, smaller venues in areas like Cascais might only accept cash. Recently, Lisbon's metro started accepting direct contactless payments, but buses and most trams still require a pre-paid card.

Cash Usage

Travelers have noted that cash is necessary for smaller transactions such as coffee and pastries, and in places where signs indicate Não há Multibanco (no card accepted). It's also essential for taxis and small purchases in local diners and corner stores.

ATM and Currency Exchange

Some users mentioned the convenience of withdrawing euros from Multibanco ATMs, which are widespread and do not charge local fees. However, they advised against accepting the ATMs' conversion rates and suggested letting one's home bank handle the conversion for better rates.

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Customs Opening Hours

According to forum posts, travelers inquiring about early morning flights are concerned about the customs opening hours at Lisbon Airport for VAT refund processes. However, specific opening times are not detailed in the posts.

Passport and Customs Control

Some travelers reported that upon arriving in Lisbon from non-Schengen countries, they had to go through passport and customs control. For those arriving from Schengen areas like Frankfurt and Zurich, there was no need for passport control in Lisbon, and they proceeded directly to baggage claim and exited via the nothing to declare route without their luggage being inspected.

Customs Process for Pets

A traveler mentioned arriving with a dog from the US, focusing on the smoothness of the process and the attention to required documentation and vaccinations without detailing the exact steps involved at customs.

VAT Refund Concerns

Travelers have raised questions about how easy it is to get shopping invoices validated at Lisbon Airport for VAT refunds, particularly at different terminals, but specific experiences regarding ease or difficulty were not detailed.

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Ticket Purchase Timing and Location

According to forum posts, tickets for football matches in Lisbon are typically available about a week or two before the game on the official club websites like www.sporting.pt for Sporting Lisbon and www.slbenfica.pt for Benfica. Some travelers mentioned that tickets might not be on general sale until close to the event date, especially for high-demand games like derbies.

Member Priority and Third-Party Sellers

Travelers have called out that club members often get priority access to tickets, and remaining tickets are then sold to the general public. It's advised to avoid third-party sellers like Viagogo or StubHub, as these tickets are often overpriced or potentially invalid.

Local Purchase Options

For many users, purchasing tickets directly at the clubs' official store in Lisbon is a viable option. This can be particularly useful if online purchases are challenging due to payment method restrictions or if tickets are sold out online.

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