Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Lisbon

Count on three nights if you would like to explore Lisbon properly. A full day should be dedicated to the must-see sites and activities, like traveling on tram 28. Go offbeat or on a day trip to one of the nearby UNESCO heritage sites on the second day. On the third day, you can explore the outdoor sites and/or enjoy some culinary delights.

Plan to spend at least 30 EUR (38 USD) on food and another 10-15 EUR (20 USD) on admissions. The cost of public transportation is incidental and low, especially if you prefer walking. Otherwise, it is a one-time cost for a one or two-day ticket.

The easiest way to get local currency, which is Euro in Portugal, is an ATM. Please be aware that banking fees occur when withdrawing cash abroad. Consult your bank about these in advance. Using your credit card in Portugal is convenient. Always ask to get charged in the local currency, as this saves you money. Please note that in Europe, chip and pin technology is in use. EuroPay, Mastercard and Visa cards are generally accepted. In case you have a different payment card, please contact your card issuer before traveling abroad to find out about being able to use it Portugal.

Lisbon's city center and historic quarters are relatively big, but still explorable on foot. You can take a bus, tram, or metro if you wish to explore different parts of the city. Lisbon is a hilly city and funiculars as well as cable cars will indeed be helpful in getting around. The flat fare on buses and metro is around 2 EUR.

Lisbon awaits its visitors with excellent shopping options. This large, cosmopolitan city has some gleaming shopping malls such as Colombo as well as creative and artisan shops and family-run businesses in traditional markets. For a quirky shopping experience, make sure to visit the LxFactory.

The number of cultural venues in Lisbon seems to be endless. Palaces, churches, museums as well as the Alfama and Alto neighborhoods await the city visitors. Once in Lisbon, make sure to visit the lookout towers to see this hilly city from above. Walk through the old town, then climb up to one of the many lookout points. The art-lovers should not miss the National and the Gulbenkian museums.

Portuguese cuisine is rich in vegetables, fish & seafood, meat, and potatoes. People on a gluten-free diet should not struggle with choosing their food at any restaurant and pescatarians will indeed feel spoiled. Vegetarians and vegans might need to ask for options when dining at a traditional restaurant. There also are numerous vegetarian and vegan specialized eateries. Milk is not a typical ingredient in the Portuguese main dishes but is used in sweets and desserts. Lactose and gluten-free baked goods and desserts are available at vegan restaurants and bakeries.

Lisbon is a safe city. As in any other destination, however, one needs to be cautious about petty crimes. Do not leave your belongings unattended in restaurants, shops, and cafes. The Portuguese capital is safe during the day, but there are some parts of it that travelers should stay away from late at night. These include the crowded central or coastal areas where one can become a victim of pickpocketing.