Last Updated on September 20, 2022 by JaimeSays
Practical Tips for Visiting LisbonIt seems like U.S. tourists discovered Portugal in the last few years. No matter what social media platform you use, you probably saw an explosion of coverage for this majestic land. The capital city of Lisbon provides a great introduction to the country, with a manageable population of 600,000 people in the city proper. Beautifully tiled buildings, rolling hills, and delicious custard tarts are on every corner. The people are warm and friendly, and often speak many languages, including English. You will, however, need some tips for visiting Lisbon.
If you are planning a visit, you’ll want to spend at least three days in Lisbon. Truly, though, you’ll get a real taste of the land with a 10-day Portugal itinerary. These tips for visiting Lisbon will help make your trip much more pleasurable. You may have picked out a few guidebooks, and perhaps practiced your Portuguese phrases. As is customary, however, you can’t learn everything from guidebooks. Here are five practical tips for visiting Lisbon to help make the most of your trip.
Tips for Visiting Lisbon That You Won’t Find in A Guidebook
1. Transit Kiosks Only Accept Portuguese Credit Cards
If you’ve read your guidebook, you are aware of the Viva Viagem reloadable transit card. This pass allows you to ride trains, trolleys, subways, and buses, and is incredibly useful. Surprisingly, the kiosk machines only accept Portuguese credit cards. Armed with this knowledge, make sure to bring small bills when you head to the transit station. Fumbling at the kiosk with only a 50 euro note can lead to overloading your card, a waste of money if you are only visiting for a few days. Arm yourself with a few 10 euro bills and reload your card as needed.
2. Forget what you Learned from your Brazilian Podcast
Portuguese from Brazil and Portuguese from Portugal are two very different beasts. If you’ve never taken a Portuguese class before, studying with a Portuguese podcast is a great idea. Unfortunately, the Portuguese podcasts available in the summer of 2016 seem to all be based on the Brazilian dialect. “Di” sounds are pronounced as “dji” and mainland Portuguese people get irked by what they deem is a bastardization of their language. One of my tips for visiting Lisbon is to practice the phrases from your Portugal guidebook rather than to attempt the Brazilian dialect. The phonetic descriptions are accurate for Portuguese pronunciations, and the Portuguese people will appreciate your consideration.
A standard, beautifully tiled building in Lisbon, Portugal.
3. Avoid the White Cobblestones
For example, if you encounter them while walking down hills, you won’t fall too hard, but you will wind up on your rear. Stumble upon them while walking uphill and good luck. If you’re fortunate, you’ll land on your hands and walk away with a sore wrist. If if you’re not, be prepared for skinned knees and bloody palms.
4. Don’t trust Google Maps Time Estimates
When picturing Lisbon, imagine the steep climbs of San Francisco. Triple the number of hills and descents, and add slippery tiles to the street. If you make reservations or are trying to reach a sight before it closes, do not rely on Google Maps to give you an accurate estimated time of arrival. Whether it is by foot or by car, Google will always underestimate the time it takes to get from one place to another. With the narrow one way streets, the steep grades of ascent, and those darn white tiles, consider adding 10-15 minutes onto any duration of travel. By heeding this, you will be on time and courteous for any tours, reservations, or appointments. Of all tips for visiting Lisbon, this fact will be the most important for any timed activities.
5. Listen for Trolley Bells
Trolleys are the most whimsical and fun way to get around Lisbon. Seen as part of the heritage of this great city, the #12E, #28E, and #15E are frequents sights, with the former two using vintage cars to get between stops. Since streets in Lisbon are often one way or just large enough for two lanes of traffic, cars and trolleys operate on the same roadways. With sidewalks often too narrow for more than one person to pass you will most likely find yourself walking into the street when approaching other pedestrians. It is imperative that you familiarize yourself with the sound of the trolley bell. Unlike a car horn, this alarm sounds more like a rotary dial telephone. Traffic gets thick in this bustling metropolitan, so if you hear this sound, jump back on the sidewalk.
These five tips will be of great use to you as you explore the wonderful city of Lisbon. As always, be a courteous and respectful traveler and you will have a great time. When in doubt, try to talk about Cristiano Ronaldo. Looking for more places to explore in Portugal? Consider the Azores!
Lisbon, Portugal Skyline*A version of this post originally appeared on Dave’s Travel Corner*
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These are great tips, Jaime! Lisbon has been my home base for the past year now, and I can relate to all of your five points. If you’re still looking for podcasts that teach European Portuguese, there’s one called “Practice Portuguese”. And if you’re at a level where you can benefit from listening to real conversations in Portuguese, I recommend “Portugueses no Mundo”.
Thank you for the podcast recommendations, Wendy! Lisbon is so great, I miss it!
Lisbon is beautiful city, with great beaches! Recommend to visit, Portugal has very good condition for that prices.
I agree. Lisbon is great.