Top 5 Travel Tips for Lisbon, Portugal
Are you planning a trip to Lisbon, Portugal???
Well, first of all, let me just congratulate you on a great choice of destination. Lisbon is a beautiful Portuguese city with lots of rich history, and it’s located on the coast!
I got the chance to travel to Lisbon in spring of 2023. And though I spent just one day in the city, I made it a busy day of sightseeing to take full advantage of my time in Portugal.
Based on my experiences during my travels, I’ve written up a list of my top five recommendations for a trip to Lisbon, Portugal.
Sure, I wasn’t there long, so this list of recommendations is faaaaaaar from offering a local’s perspective. Instead, my list of Lisbon travel tips is based on my experience as a first-time visitor to the city. In other words, my travel recommendations for Lisbon include things I’m glad I did and things I wish I would have done.
If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon yourself, I hope this list of tips for traveling to Lisbon helps you as you coordinate your itinerary and pack your suitcase.
1. Spend some time admiring Lisbon’s coastal views.
One of my favorite things to do in Lisbon during my trip was admire coastal views from the city.
Lisbon’s historic center is located directly on the coast, so it’s easy to find seaside views in the city. There are even public areas to sit and enjoy the views in front of Praça do Comércio, a massive central square in Lisbon.
You can also get views of the sea by getting to areas of higher elevation in Lisbon. Check out one of the city’s many miradouros, or lookout points.
If you’re down to go a little farther from the city center, I recommend heading to Miradouro Parque Eduardo VII, an observation deck with views of the Lisbon cityscape and the water in front of it.
2. Wear comfortable shoes for walking—and be prepared to walk uphill!
Lisbon is a lot hillier than I expected. So a short walk in the city can quickly turn into a little hike.
If you plan to walk around the city, make sure to wear some comfortable shoes!
3. Try pasteis de nata!
If you’re traveling to Lisbon, you’ve got to try pasteis de nata, a custard tart for which Portugal is famous.
In addition to being delicious, pasteis de nata are also a great budget-friendly option for a snack in Lisbon.
4. Take advantage of student pricing at museums and other attractions.
If you’re traveling on a budget, like me, you’ll be looking to cut costs wherever possible. Fortunately, Lisbon, like many other European cities, offers student (and other) discounts at many of the attractions in the city.
When I visited the Botanical Garden of Lisbon, for example, the student discount cut the ticket price in half!
If you plan to take advantage of reduced-price tickets in Lisbon, just be sure to bring your passport and student ID.
5. Spend more than one day in Lisbon to explore sights on the outskirts of the city.
For visiting the city of Lisbon, I felt that one day sufficed. But I do wish I would have spent one more day in the area to travel to tourist destinations just outside the city.
I didn’t have time to explore beyond the city limits, but I’ve heard there are some great things to do and things to see around Lisbon.
If you’re planning a trip, I’d recommend you consider spending more than one day in Lisbon so that you’ll have time to visit the sights a little farther out.
There you have it! My top five travel tips for Lisbon, Portugal. Enjoy your trip!
Safe travels!
