Things To Know Before Visiting Lisbon

Are you dreaming of a Lisbon adventure? Embark on a captivating journey to Lisbon, Portugal’s sun-kissed capital, and dive into its vibrant city life with our essential guide! 

Lisbon is a city where ancient charm seamlessly intertwines with urban vibrancy and this beckons travelers from all walks of life. But before you pack your bags and hop on a plane, there are a few things you should know to make visiting Lisbon even better.

If you want to explore charming cobblestone streets, discover hidden gems, and uncover the mystery behind the City of Seven Hills – you have come to the right spot! Dive in to navigate Portugal’s capital like a local – just like we did!  

This post offers insights into the essential tips, transportation details, top hostels in Lisbon and local favorites to make your Lisbon adventure unforgettable. Especially if you are a beginner visiting Lisbon, these tips will help you have the best time in this magical city. 

Which is the Best Time to Visit Lisbon?

Lisbon attracts travelers with its unique blend of historic charm, culinary delights, and scenic beauty all throughout the year. But when exactly should you be visiting Lisbon?

Spring & Autumn  

April, May, and the months from September to November are prime. You can expect moderate temperatures, averaging between 20-25°C, making it ideal for strolling through the city’s iconic seven hills. 

We hiked up to the renowned miradouros in this temperate weather and we can tell you with confidence that this is the best time to visit and spend at one of the city’s abundant terraces.

Summer  

July and August usher in the warmth. Daytime temperatures hover around 28°C, and nights remain warm. 

While the city is vibrant during these peak tourist months, the heightened heat can be challenging for some. If heatwaves aren’t your preference, it might be best to plan your trip outside these months.

Winter  

During our winter sojourn, we were greeted with mild temperatures, averaging around 15°C. Tourist crowds thin out, making it a serene time to explore, sans the long lines at popular attractions. 

Plus, Lisbon’s reputation for consistent sunshine holds, making it an appealing winter destination in Europe.

What are the Best Hostels in Lisbon? 

Most hostels are strategically situated near key transport hubs. For instance, Safestay Lisbon in Bairro Alto – our personal favorite, is located very close to the Rossio train station, making it a top choice among travelers. 

Moreover, the Lisbon Destination Hostel, another contender for the title of the best hostel in Lisbon, is also situated near Rossio. Moving further, we also stayed at Sunset Destination Hostel which boasts a prime location inside the Cais do Sodre train station. 

The convenience of these best hostels in Lisbon with private rooms or shared dorms ensures that travelers have easy access to trains, trams, and buses. 

Whether you’re heading out to explore the historic streets, heading to Sintra, or just hopping across neighborhoods, the hostels Lisbon best offers are sure to make your commute hassle-free.

What is the Transportation Scene in Lisbon?

Lisbon boasts an extensive and diverse transportation system. We have listed some of the modes of travel below. You should be keeping them in mind before visiting Lisbon.

Lisbon Airport

Lisbon Airport or Humberto Delgado Airport, is conveniently located just 7 km from the city center. A short 20-35 minute commute via metro, bus, or taxi, and you’re set to explore the city.

Arriving by Cruise

For those visiting Lisbon by cruise, the journey is a scenic experience in itself, taking you past iconic landmarks and under the impressive 25 de Abril Bridge. Conveniently, the port’s proximity to the city means you can delve into Lisbon’s wonders almost immediately.

Historic Yellow Trams

Since 1914, the iconic yellow trams, especially Line 28, have been a go-to for tourists. But if you’re seeking a less crowded alternative like we did, try Tram 12. We were given a delightful tour of central Lisbon, showcasing districts like Alfama and Baixa.

Tuk-Tuks

If you’re an explorer with an adventurous streak like us, you might enjoy the city’s abundant tuk-tuks. These quirky vehicles and their informative drivers ensured that we experienced Lisbon’s intricate alleyways in the most fun way possible.

Metro

Metro services are efficient, covering vast city stretches, even extending to the airport. Just remember that while visiting Lisbon, you should retain your ticket throughout your journey due to periodic checks.

Lisbon Card

The Lisbon Card offers a two-fold benefit – unlimited transport and numerous city discounts. We opted for a 72-hour card and enjoyed multiple benefits but you also have the option of taking a 24 or 48-hour card.

Uber v. Taxi 

For a hassle-free experience, we recommend Uber over traditional taxis due to better pricing transparency and overall reliability. 

Pickpocketing Alert

Also, while exploring, be wary of pickpockets in crowded areas. Ensure your belongings are securely placed and stay vigilant.

Car Rentals: Think Twice

While Lisbon’s public transport is commendable, navigating its traffic in a car isn’t. Do not make the mistake we did – parking woes and high costs make it better to avoid cars unless you’re heading outside the city. 

Exploring Beyond Lisbon

If your plans include venturing to Cascais, Sintra, Alentejo, or other regions, consider renting a car for those specific excursions.

Conclusion

By now you should have a pretty good idea of what experience visiting Lisbon will give you. Lisbon is a city filled with history, charm, and friendly faces ready to share their culture with you. 

So, all that you need to keep in mind while visiting Lisbon is to wear those comfy shoes, be respectful to the locals, and most importantly, have fun exploring the city!