Visiting Lisbon for the first time? Here are some tips to help you begin your planning!

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon: First Time Visitor Guide

Lisbon is a beautiful city with a rich history and vibrant culture. Here's a first-time visitor guide to make the most of your trip:

The downtown area where you'll find shops and restaurants, as well as bars, historic cafés, and theaters.

A historic district with narrow streets, Fado music, and the São Jorge Castle.

Known for the iconic Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and the delicious Pastéis de Belém (custard tarts).

Famous for its nightlife, bars, and traditional Fado houses.

A popular spot for bars and clubs, as well as trendy markets.

Exquisite examples of traditional architecture.

 Central squares that offer a great starting point for exploration.

Former convent ruins in the heart of the city.

Pastéis de Nata: The national sweet of Portugal! There are many places to try them, but the most famous is Pastéis de Belém.

Seafood: Portugal is famous for its fresh seafood, so make sure to indulge in it.

Bacalhau: The Portuguese love their salted cod; try one of the many traditional bacalhau dishes, including pastel de bacalhau, bacalhau à brás, bacalhau com natas, and bacalhau à lagareiro.

Bifanas: One of Portugal's most famous sandwiches!

Trams: Take Lisbon's iconic tram system for a scenic tour through the historic neighborhoods. Tram 28 is the most popular route, however, please remember that this is public transportation for locals, so please consider riding off-peak hours. Also, you could try another Tram route instead if Tram 28 is busy! Tram 12, 15e, 18, 24, and 25 all use the iconic wooden tram, just like the ones used for Tram 28.

Metro: Efficient and easy to navigate. You can even take this to and from the airport! If you ride more than once, keep the card you get when you first purchase your ticket, as it is reloadable.

Tuk-tuks: Fun and convenient for exploring narrow streets. Some offer tours as well.

Sintra: Known for its palaces, castles, and beautiful landscapes.

Cascais: A charming coastal town with beautiful beaches.

Óbidos: An enchanting medieval town with great bookstores and ceramics.

Language: While many people speak English, locals appreciate it if you try a few words in Portuguese.

Feel free to use my Óbidos guide for this!

Local Customs: Embrace the relaxed pace of life and enjoy a coffee or a meal slowly. You may need to ask for the bill at most restaurants if you are ready to settle up! It's not customary to bring a bill at the end of a meal, as that is seen as trying to rush customers out.

"Miradouros": Lisbon is a city full of viewpoints, or what is know there as "miradouros". Keep an eye out for these as you walk around the city, for the absolutes best views!

Weather: Lisbon has mild winters and warm summers, so pack accordingly. It can get chilly in the evenings in summer, so be sure to pack an extra layer or two just in case.

Comfortable Shoes: Many areas have cobbled streets, so comfortable shoes are essential.

Safety: Lisbon is generally safe, but like any city, be aware of your surroundings and belongings.

Don’t rush—immerse yourself in the city's charm and take in the stunning views. Lisbon is a city to be felt and experienced. Enjoy your trip!

Uber: Uber is fairly affordable and reliable in this city if you find yourself needing a ride. 

Fado Music: Experience the melancholic and soulful music in Alfama or Bairro Alto.

You can do both of these as a self-guided day trip, however you can purchase tours that include both in one day!

Guided Day Tour of Sintra, Pena, Regaleira & Cascais

Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Day Trip

I would recommend booking a tour for this, as the guides are helpful with navigating the ferries and give some insight of the history of the island,

Berlengas Island Trip, Hiking and Cave Tour

You can do this as a self-guided trip, but if you are interested in learning a bit more of the history, I would suggest booking a tour!

Óbidos: Medieval Tales and Secrets Spots Walking Tour

Or opt for a tour with some extra spots on the itinerary!

From Lisbon: Fatima, Obidos, Batalha and Nazaré Group Tour

Berlengas Island: A pristine nature reserve off the Portuguese coast, with rugged cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life, offering a serene escape for nature enthusiasts.

Tipping: It is generally acceptable to tip around 5-10%, especially at upscale restaurants. Rule of thumb that most people use is to just "round up". If you are paying with a credit card machine, there will not be a prompt to tip directly on the machine at most places, so it's handy to have a bit of cash on you if you wish to leave tips after meals.

Because of Lisbon's many diverse neighborhoods, accommodations can really cater to different preferences and budgets. Here are a few areas you might consider staying in when visiting Lisbon:

Located in the heart of Lisbon, these areas offer a mix of historic architecture, great shopping, and dining options. It's centrally located, making it convenient for exploring the city. You'll find a variety of options when it comes to accommodation, from luxury to budget.

This is Lisbon's oldest district and offers a more traditional and authentic Lisbon experience.

Famous for its historic monuments and pastries. It's a bit further from the city center but has a more tranquil atmosphere.

A stylish area with high-end shops, hotels, and restaurants. It's well connected and offers a luxurious stay. There are affordable hostels in the area as well!

Check out my guide on where to find some other great places to get a pastel de nata!

Spend three perfect days in Portugal’s capital!

Lisbon: 3 Day Guide

If you went to Portugal, and didn't have a pastel de nata...did you even go to Portugal? Here are some of the best of the best when it comes to trying the national sweet of Portugal in Lisbon.

Lisbon: Pastéis de Nata Tour

Explore this medieval town for a day and feel like royalty! Visiting Óbidos can either be done as a day trip, or as a one nights stay, but regardless, it’s incredible charm and well kept history is worth the trip from Lisbon!

Óbidos: Spend a day like a Queen!

Alfama

Castelo de S. Jorge

Carmo Convent

Belém Tower

Jerónimos Monastery

Pastéis de Belém

LX Factory

Sintra

Bairro Alto

Green Street Lisbon

Óbidos

Baixa-Chiado

Belém

Cais do Sodre

Rossio Square

Praça do Comércio

O Trevo

Cascais

Berlengas

Rossio Plaza Hotel

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Lisbon: First Time Visitor Guide

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