🇵🇹 Lisbon Travel Guide – Things to Know Before You Go

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, was the final destination of my 9-day solo travel adventure from Marrakech. Exploring this charming city was an incredible experience, and I’m excited to share my tips to help you plan your own trip. 😊

Table of Contents

🌤️ Best Time to Travel

The ideal time to visit Lisbon is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) months. During these periods, the weather is mild and pleasant, with fewer crowds and lower costs compared to the peak summer season. Summer (June to August) can also be a great time to visit if you don’t mind the heat and larger crowds, , with plenty of outdoor events and festivals to enjoy.

My Experience: I visited Lisbon in mid-May, and the weather was still cool enough for long pants. I even saw people wearing light jackets during the chilly mornings and evenings. The temperature ranged from 13-21°C (55-70°F), so be sure to pack a few layers to cope with the weather changes. 👖🥻

🕶️ Recommended Length of Stay

Staying for at least 4-5 days will give you enough time to explore the city’s main attractions, enjoy fresh cod and other delicious dishes, and maybe take a day trip to nearby attractions like Sintra or Cascais.

My Experience: I stayed for almost 5 days in Lisbon and I had an incredible time!

🚋 Getting Around

Lisbon’s public transportation system is efficient and affordable, with the metro, trams, and buses covering most areas of the city. I recommend purchasing a Lisbon Card, which gets you unlimited access to public transport and free entry to many attractions.

My Experience: I got the 3-day card, and it was totally worth the money. 💳

🛌 Where To Stay

Lisbon has a wide range of accommodation options. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and Airbnb apartments, you’ll find something that fits your needs. Popular areas to stay include Baixa, Chiado, and Bairro Alto, which are centrally located and offer easy access to major attractions.

My Experience: As a budget solo traveler, I booked a hostel called O Elétrico Guesthouse. It’s budget-friendly and located near the subway in downtown Lisbon, close to Alfama and other popular tourist areas. The hostel provided all the necessary amenities, and the room I stayed in was clean with a private bathroom, which is quite rare for budget accommodations in downtown Lisbon. Overall, I was very happy with my choice. 🏨

📶 Network

To stay connected during my trip, I got an eSIM from eSIM.sm. It had 3GB of data for less than CA $7, which was enough for my 5-day stay. The order process was super easy and convenient – just purchase it online and follow the instructions in the confirmation email. 👍

🧳 Packing Tips

Comfortable Shoes: Lisbon’s cobblestone streets are beautiful but can be tough on your feet, so make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes. 👟
Portable Charger: Keep your phone charged for all those photo ops and navigating the city. 📱
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while exploring Lisbon by bringing a reusable water bottle. Not only is this eco-friendly, but it also saves you money compared to buying bottled water. 💧
Light Jacket: For those cooler mornings and evenings. 🧥

📸 Must-See Attractions

Belém Tower: A UNESCO World Heritage Site offering stunning views over the Tagus River. Don’t miss the nearby Belém Cultural Center and the Monument to the Discoveries. 🏰
Jerónimos Monastery: Another UNESCO Site that showcasing Manueline architecture. Be sure to visit the adjacent Archaeological Museum. ⛪
Alfama District: Known for its narrow streets and colorful houses. The Miradouro de Santa Luzia viewpoint is a must-visit in this area. 🏘️
LX Factory: A creative hub transformed from a former industrial complex, perfect for shopping, dining, and experiencing Lisbon’s artistic side. 🎭
National Tile Museum: A unique museum showcasing Portugal’s rich history of azulejo tile art. 🖼️
Oceanário de Lisboa (Lisbon Oceanarium): Europe’s largest indoor aquarium. 🐠
Tram 28: Take a ride on this iconic tram to see the city’s main sights. 🚋
Fado Show: Districts like Alfama and Bairro Alto have some great restaurants that offer authentic Fado performances. Keep an eye out for signs advertising “Fado Vadio” or “Fado à Noite”, which indicate live Fado performances. Many restaurants and bars in these areas offer Fado shows alongside dinner. 🎵

My Experience: For a detailed view of my 5-day solo travel experience in Lisbon, including my travel itinerary and personal reflections, check out my 🇵🇹 5-Day Solo Travel in Lisbon, Portugal – Part 1 & Part 2.

💡 Other Tips

Enjoy Fado Shows: Fado performances typically start around 8pm and continue late into the night. So make reservations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Enjoy the View: Take your time to enjoy Lisbon’s scenic viewpoints, known as miradouros. They offer breathtaking views of the city and the Tagus River.
Safety First: Lisbon is generally safe, but always be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
Learn a Few Phrases: Knowing basic Portuguese greetings and phrases can enhance your experience.

As a city that thrives on tourism, Lisbon does an amazing job of attracting people from all over the world to come and discover its stories, yet manages to keep its authentic spirit intact. It’s like the city has found the perfect balance between welcoming everyone with open arms and holding onto what makes it truly special.

Hope you find this guide helpful as you plan your own adventure in Lisbon, and enjoy every moment in this charming city! 😊

📚 Related Posts

📍 Plan Your Own Lisbon Adventure!

I’ve created a detailed Notion travel planner template that includes everything you need to explore this charming city! Inside you’ll find:

✈️ Flight tracker
📝 Customizable packing lists
🏰 City must-see spots
🍽️ Local food & restaurant recommendations
💰 Expense tracker (with dirham conversion)
🗺️ Interactive Google Maps with all locations

Get Your Planner Here: 🚃 Lisbon, Portugal 5-Day Travel Itinerary Planner