48 Tips I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Lisbon, Portugal

These 48 tips to know before visiting Lisbon are what I wish I knew before my trip to Lisbon, Portugal.

Hopefully these travel tips will help you from making some of my mistakes when traveling through Lisbon!

DISCLAIMER: I only express my opinion based on my experience. Your experience may be different. Links above may include affiliate commission or referrals. I'm part of an affiliate network and I receive compensation from partnering websites. This video is accurate as of the posting date but may not be accurate in the future.

[octaviosa]

Tips are not expected in Portugal, much less 10%. You can tip if you want, but a typical Portuguese would only tip if the service is exceptional and nothing close to 10%, it's more like 2%. This tip culture has been messing up the experience for locals recently.

[francoisemond]

For someone like me who have been to Portugal more than 10 times, your tips are useful even if some feel like for people who never travelled before :-)

[eszsttk]

Your comment about using tram 28 is so true. I had to help a local old woman get on as each time one came by the tourists would shove their way on. We didn’t understand each other’s language but she understood what I was doing for her and started calming down. Finally got her on board and she thanked me. Felt good. So thank you!

[FilipeNeto]

Local here, you hit everything with the exception of tipping. It works the way you described, but we don't tip 10%. Probably not even 5%, but for sure the restaurant staff is expecting around 10% from tourists :)

[MrRugbyprop]

As Americans, we're used to being picky when choosing a restaurant. So, we have that attitude in Portugal when it's not necessary because most restaurants serve fresh, tasty food.

[justinwickee]

You've got the perfect attitude for someone who can get the most out their of travelling. Well done.

[RhickeJennings]

Another tip, do not use cash at the train station to buy tickets in person. I bought tickets to Sintra and paid cash €20 for two €1.80 tickets and later realized the ticket agent had ripped me off and conveniently did not give me a receipt. If I had used a credit card this ripoff would have been avoided. One more tip, my sister-in-law was charged €67 for a €10 taxi ride because she didn´t know and didn´t use Bolt or Uber. Local taxis are best avoided.

[kathieahptravel]

Thank you. This is the exact information that every tourist or traveler should know. I watched several boring or annoying videos before I found yours and i'm so happy that I found this.🎉

[galinabondareva]

Totally agree about splitting Cascais and Sintra

[juliethramosrivera]

Thank you so much for all these tips!. I'm planning to visit Lisbon this April and I'm little nervous/ overwhelmed since it'll be my fist time in Portugal. I appreciate you've taken the time to recommend places that are less crowded and still will allow people to live the experience.

[piedaderudman]

Great tips! I'm portuguese, from Sintra and living in UK, and still found some of these tips useful. Thank you! 😊

[fnuno]

Another tip for tram 28
Most tourists start the ride in the Martim Moniz stop and then go all the way, that is one of the longest lines you'll ever find
Instead of Martim Moniz start your trip at the other end of the ride in Prazeres near the cemetery
The line to get in will be half the size, the ride is the same it will finish in Martim Moniz where you can experience the "Chinatown" of Lisbon
And before you get in the 28 at Prazeres you can go in to the Cemetery for free and honestly the cemetery it's a beautiful hidden gem

[InsanityGarden]

This is honestly so helpful- incredibly professional editing and you get straight to the point. Thank you and best of luck in your future travels!

[grizfan]

As an American who has lived i Lisbon for about 1.5 years, this is one of the better videos for visiting Lisbon. Great tips on day trips, tipping, and how to enjoy the city. I actually like Time Out Market, but mostly for the experience. You are right, though, for the best food, there tons of better options. Also, there are actually several very good and reasonably priced hotels in the Baixa area, but you're right, lots of tourist trap restaurants and shops. I would still go and definitely spend some time there, but just do so with open eyes. Looking forward to your Porto video, as we now live nearby in Braga :)

[curtstrick]

This is probably one of the best travel videos I've ever watched. Great job Sir!

[anredanagram]

2:50 That statement couldn't be more true. Some of the greatest portuguese writers are often embracing that wandering spirit that feels so magical. Often portrayed as a moment for pondering about oneself and the world that surrounds them, also the incredible ambience thoughout the dawn, dusk and night all have their unique charms.

[lisalau]

I didn't see poops while I was there. Also, the sigjts I have visited didn't seem to have much graffiti. Streets are clean, and people keep to themselves. But I will say I wish I dress warmer for early March. The best part is the food! I will return soon!

[ericwilcox]

We're heading to Portugal in May for 23 days. When it comes to Lisbon and Sintra, we have opted to stay in Sinatra four days and spend two of them taking a train (or Uber/Bolt) into Lisbon (instead of the other way around). We figure we'll be traveling with less of a crowd each way. I sure hope it's a good idea.

[SevillaStorytime]

Lisbon is incredible - I was there again recently and loved seeing so many references to our Sevillana Saints Justa y Rufina - who defended the iconic Giralda during the Lisbon Earthquake in 1755! Such a great connection between two beautiful cities

[andreaeisenberg]

I think you did great! You nailed it. Yes to BOLT! TimeOut Market is crap!! The calçadas are actually stone, not tiles. I've never heard that the white are more slippery, but even in dry weather, be careful. It's best to wear gummy-bottomed shoes here. I don't think Lisbon is. so dirty, but yes sadly the dog poo can be a problem. (I came from Tel Aviv though, which is even worse!) I don't actually recommend randomly walking around so much because of the hills, your calves will be burning soon! Cascais is indeed bougie as hell, I love the beaches of Estoril. People should absolutely go to Belem, it's really special, beautiful and so so much to do. Ciao!