Lisboans are good people, but beware of pickpockets like in any large city. If you’re planning a trip to lovely Lisbon and you should use these tips to make the most of your time. For example, don’t bring those impractical high heels; leave them at home. Also, learn how to skip the lines and bypass restaurants with big photos of food displayed out front; they’re usually tourist traps. By the end of this article, you’ll be an honorary Lisboan!
1. Be mindful of the cost at the end your journey.
If you’re not familiar with the city and hail a taxi at arrivals, you’re more likely to get taken for a ride – quite literally. Taxis in Lisbon have gained notoriety for their scams, such as driving tourists on long and winding routes to inflate the final fare. If it’s your first time here, consider downloading one of many transportation apps available or make sure to only take taxis from departues. In good conditions, the trip from airport into town should cost around 10 euros.
2.We speak English fluently, and we can also communicate in other languages.
Portuguese people are commonly lauded for their linguistic prowess and thoughtfulness. You’ll frequently find citizens who speak English fluently, and maybe even some French (particularly among the older generations), or decently understanding Spanish. However, don’t try your luck by assuming they know Armenian – it’s not a common language in Portugal.
3. Don’t wait in line to top up your transport card, do it in the metro.
The Viva card allows you to take advantage of the “zapping” option, which lets you use nine different modes of public transportation with only one ticket. You can top up your value at any automatic machine in the metro network, even if it’s a train or an elevator. This way, you’ll avoid long lines and get where you need to go faster.
4. No one will be offended if you are late.
Despite the many adjustments that have occurred throughout time, including more attention being paid to schedules, Portuguese punctuality is still far from the British standard. The tolerance is usually half an hour (if not more), so don’t be shocked if you’re the first one there because you came on time according to your schedule, like a Swiss clock.
5. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes if you plan on exploring the seven hills!
Lisbon is one of the most gorgeous cities on Instagram, but what many don’t know before visiting is that it’s hilly and deters pedestrians with its smooth Portuguese pavement. If you’re up for a challenge–and some great photo ops–plan to wear comfortable shoes because there’s no avoiding walking everywhere. And if you value your feet, leave the heels at home.
6. Don’t take risks: Book a Table
Following the recent growth in fashionable settings and activities, particularly in the restaurant sector, Lisbon’s cuisine has gotten even more delicious, with a warning: if you’re not fast enough, you might not be able to get a table at many popular restaurants (and this is a risk every night of the week). Do your homework (meaning, read Time Out) beforehand and make reservations.
7. Very typical? Think again.
To avoid being scammed, do some research before you go to historical landmarks. Just because a shop or restaurant claims to be old, doesn’t mean it is. For example, many places will claim to have been around since 1872–very typical!–but in reality, they were only created recently for the sake of tourists. These traps are most common near city centers.
8. Choose your fado house carefully
Portugal’s traditional music, Fado, has risen to popularity in recent years. However, not every performance is worth your time and money – especially those aimed at tourists. To save you the trouble of finding out which venues are worthwhile, we’ve put together a guide of the best places to listen to fado later on in this edition under Music.
9. The pictures on the menu may not accurately match what you receive.
It’s a timeless and worldwide classic: we believe we can avoid the plague of menus filled with pictures of meals, whether in a list format or posted on the door, but how many times have we been caught when on tourist mode? As a general rule, if the menu is excellent, it does not require to be paraded so much. Remember this while exploring Baixa, Belém and other tourist attractions.
10. Save money by not purchasing pressed bay leaves.
If you’re wandering around Baixa and someone tries to sell you hashish that looks like actual hashish, don’t fall for it. It’s just a seasoning that people use on their steak, at best.
Where to Stay?
If you’re looking for the best of the best when it comes to hotels and hostels in Lisbon, then look no further. We’ve handpickedonlythe most luxurious placesfor youto stay during your visit to Portugal’s stunning capital city. From top-notch amenities tomagnificent settings, these are the 5-star hotelsin Lisbon you won’t want to miss out on!
InterContinental Lisbon
It may not be very helpful to say that the hotel where you stayed in Lisbon was the one with the outstanding panorama. Because there are so many hotels in Portugal’s capital city with spectacular vistas, this is correct. However, few places offer such a broad and unrestricted perspective from their terrace as the Intercontinental.You’ll be able to take in the different faces of Lisbon with just one glance when you’re in the city: its big city skyline, the small-town charm of the historic centre neighbourhoods and the cosmopolitan bustle of a major park are all right in front of you. It is a extraordinary opportunity to stay at a five-star hotel, separated from the restlessness that often plagues large cities.
Memmo Príncipe Real
The Príncipe Real in Lisbon is named after the 19th century Portuguese king D. Pedro V, who was also known as “the Good.” It’s one of the city’s most prestigious areas, and it was chosen by the Memmo Group for its third hotel in Portugal. Is it time for Memmo to make a comeback? In any case, they’ll have to wait a long time before they have real competition in the area. It will be tough to compete with their bar/restaurant’s terrace when it comes to spectacular views.
Pousada de Lisboa
We’re sorry for sounding like know-it-alls, but there’s something we need to clear up before telling you about the Pousada de Lisboa. The Portuguese word “pousada” typically refers to plain lodging for short visits.
However, that is not what you’ll find here. The newest addition to the Pestana Group family is the realization of an old promise made to the city; some naysayers thought Lisbon would never have a Pestanas de Portugal hotel. Last year, “Pousada” realised a long-standing dream by moving into this Pombaline-style building in Terreiro do Paço – which used to be home to Portugal’s Interior Ministry. You’ll find a luxurious, cosmopolitan hotel inside, complete with an art collection that pays homage to traditional Portuguese culture.
