Tips for Travelers- Lisbon, Portugal

What to Expect:

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, known for it’s beautiful architecture and scenery, traditional Fado music, and progressive thinking. The people there are friendly and help you get to your destination. There are many things to do, like walking the beautiful streets of Alfama, enjoying a delicious pastel de nata, and relishing the views of the city from the top of St. Jorge Castle!

Transportation: I mainly used the metro, bus, or trains to get around within the city. Sometimes I took Uber. I recommend using google maps to select bus and train times. I preferred the trams rather than the buses- sometimes the buses were late, and the stops were difficult to find (look for the bus number at each bus stop). I recommend buying them unlimited 24 hour Viva Viagem pass- your pass can include 48 hours of unlimited travel on metro and Carris, including bus, tram, funicular and lift. Check out these websites for more information: https://www.lisbon.net/transport https://www.lisbonguru.com/viva-viagem-card-metro-bus-tram-ferry-train/

Free Elevator rides: The Elevador Baixa is free! The Elevador Baixa is an elevator in Alfama that reaches the St. Jorge Castle! Unfortunately, I figured this out on the way down, but it’s worth taking because the walk from Alfama to St. Jorge Castle is steep. The elevator is located: https://www.weheartlisbon.com/en/sights/elevador-castelo

Weather: I traveled to Lisbon in November; it was low to mid-60s during the day and 50s in the evening. I recommend visiting in October when it’s still considered low season, and typically low to mid-70s; the perfect weather for outdoor activities! This way you get to enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches of Lisbon!

Solo Travelers: I felt utterly safe traveling to Lisbon. People are amiable- for example, at the Alpendre restaurant, the employees make jokes and prank their customers- it felt like home. I had the best time there, and definitely plan to come back! I mainly used public transportation and often walked by myself. I never felt unsafe. Even as I was walking the narrow streets of Lisbon to look for street art, I felt safe. I also crossed paths with many tourists doing the same thing, whether it was looking for a restaurant or finding the St. Jorge Castle. 

Language: Portuguese is the main language in Portugal, but locals speak English and Spanish. Luckily for me, I can speak both. If you are not fluent or know very little, I suggest downloading google translator. Not speaking the language shouldn’t stop you from visiting Lisbon- people are friendly and will help you either way.

Where to stay? I recommend staying by Alfama. That neighborhood is absolutely beautiful! Baixa is also a great location, in the center of Lisbon, you will find many restaurants, shopping centers, transportation services, historical landmarks, street art, and more. The Bairro Alto is also a great location and full of culture!

Itinerary: organized by proximity

Day 1

12pmUber from Airport and Check in
2pmWalk around to Alfama/street art
3pmEat at Restaurant Alpendre
4pmMiradouro de Santa Luzia
5pmSt. Jorge Castle
7pmDinner at Centro Comercio

Day 2

8am Breakfast
9amBus to Rossio, Linha de Sintra Train to Sintra
10amUber to Palacio National de Sintra
1pm Uber to Castelo dos Mouros
2pm Lunch
3pmTake Train to Rossio
4pmExplore Rossio square
5pmCarmo Convent
6pmSanta Justa Lift
7pmDinner + Explore

Day 3

8am Breakfast at praca de comercio
9amArco da Rua Augusta
11amPraca Luis de Camoes
12pmLunch at Time out Market
2pmElevador de Bica
3pmShopping around + street art
5pmParque Eduardo VII
7pm Dinner at Praca de restauradores

Day 4

9am LX Factory + Breakfast at View top
12pmPasteis de Belem (pastel del natas)
12pmVasco de Gama Garden
1pmJeronimos Monastery
2pmLunch
3pmPraca de Impero
3pmBelem Tower
5pmPalace Fronteria
7pmDinner + Explore

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