Practical tips for visiting Lisbon
Airport transfers
Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is unusually close to the city, about 7 kilometres from the centre. The red metro line runs from the airport to Saldanha and Alameda, with connections to the rest of the network; the journey to Baixa-Chiado takes around 25 to 30 minutes with one or two changes. Aerobus shuttles go to the centre and Cais do Sodré. Taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt are inexpensive, typically €15 to €20 to the centre.
Transport
Lisbon's metro has four colour-coded lines. Buy a rechargeable Navegante occasional card for €0.50 and load single trips, zapping credit, or a 24-hour Carris/Metro pass that also covers trams, buses and the historic funiculars (elevadores). The Lisboa Card bundles transport with free entry to many museums. The Santa Justa Lift is a beautiful neo-Gothic iron lift but has long queues; you can reach its upper viewing platform from the Carmo area instead. The Glória funicular was closed after a fatal accident in September 2025; check current status. Trains for Sintra leave from Rossio and those for Cascais from Cais do Sodré.
Best time to visit
Lisbon has one of the mildest climates of any European capital, with around 2,800 hours of sunshine a year. March to June and September to October are ideal. June brings the Santos Populares festivals, especially the night of 12 to 13 June for Saint Anthony. July and August are hot, around 28°C or higher, and busy, though the Atlantic breeze helps. Winter is mild, about 14 to 15°C by day, but rainy spells are common and houses can feel chilly.
Budget
Lisbon has become more expensive, but remains cheaper than most Western European capitals. Hostel beds cost €25 to €45, mid-range doubles €100 to €180 and luxury hotels €300 upward. A bica (espresso) costs around €1, a pastel de nata €1.30 to €1.60, and a prato do dia (dish of the day) in a local tasca €9 to €13. Restaurants often bring unrequested bread, olives or cheese (couvert); you are charged only if you eat them.
Walking and footwear
Lisbon's hills and polished limestone pavements demand shoes with grip. Plan routes downhill where possible: take the tram or a taxi up to Graça or the castle, then walk down through Alfama.
Safety
Lisbon is one of Europe's safer capitals. Pickpocketing occurs on tram 28, at Rossio and in crowded viewpoints. In Bairro Alto and the Baixa, people may whisper offers of "hashish" or "cocaine"; ignore them, as what they sell is usually fake.
Language and manners
Portuguese is the language; don't greet people in Spanish. Many Lisboetas speak excellent English. "Obrigado" (if you are male) or "obrigada" (if female) means thank you. Lunch runs from about 12:30 to 15:00 and dinner from 19:30 or 20:00, earlier than in Spain.
Sea and swimming
The Tagus is not for swimming within the city, but trains reach Carcavelos and Cascais beaches. The Atlantic is cool, around 17 to 20°C even in summer, and some beaches have strong currents; respect the lifeguard flags.
Money and tipping
Cards are widely accepted, though some small cafés prefer cash. Tipping 5 to 10 percent is appreciated in restaurants but not obligatory.
Lisboa Card
The Lisboa Card includes unlimited public transport, including the trams, funiculars and Santa Justa lift, the train to Sintra and Cascais, and free entry to sites such as the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower.
Navegante and Viva Viagem
For pay-as-you-go travel, buy a Viva Viagem or Navegante card and load it with zapping credit, which is cheaper than paying the driver on trams and buses.
Sintra logistics
Sintra is busy, especially in summer, and the roads are narrow. Take the train from Rossio station, then the local bus or walk. Book Pena Palace tickets in advance with a time slot.
Sunday and holidays
Many museums close on Mondays, and Lisbon's Feast of Saint Anthony on 12 to 13 June brings street parties and grilled sardines.
Airport
Lisbon Airport is close to the city. The red metro line reaches Saldanha and connects to other lines; taxis and ride-hailing cost about €15 to €20 to the centre.
Hills and trams
The historic trams and funiculars are charming but crowded and expensive with a single ticket. Use a transport card, and watch for pickpockets on Tram 28.
Shoes
Lisbon's polished limestone pavements (calçada) are slippery, especially when wet. Wear shoes with good grip.
Sintra trains
Trains to Sintra leave from Rossio station roughly every 20 minutes and take about 40 minutes.
Emergencies
The emergency number is 112. The Tourism Police (PSP) station at Restauradores, in the Palácio Foz, assists visitors. Tap water is safe to drink.
More Lisbon guides
Where to stay in Lisbon · Things to do in Lisbon · Search Lisbon hotels