After welcoming thousands of guests to Lisbon over the past decade, we’ve noticed the same questions and surprises come up again and again. Here are our top tips to help you have the best possible trip.
Getting Around
1. Get a Viva Viagem card
Buy one at any metro station for €0.50. Load it with a 24-hour pass (around €7) and you’ll have unlimited rides on the metro, buses, trams, and the iconic Elevador de Santa Justa. It’s the cheapest way to explore.
2. Skip the tram 28
Yes, it’s iconic. But it’s also incredibly crowded and a hotspot for pickpockets. Instead, walk the same route through Alfama and Graça — the views are better on foot, and you’ll discover hidden gems along the way.
3. Use the metro
Lisbon’s metro is clean, efficient, and affordable. Most tourist areas are within a short walk of a station. Our apartments are chosen specifically for their proximity to metro stops.
Food & Drink
4. Eat where locals eat
If a restaurant has photos on the menu and someone standing outside trying to pull you in, keep walking. The best meals in Lisbon are found in simple, unassuming tascas (taverns) on side streets.
5. Try a pastel de nata — but not at Belém
The famous Pastéis de Belém bakery has a long queue and tourist pricing. Every neighbourhood bakery in Lisbon makes excellent natas — often better and always cheaper. Ask us for our favourites near your apartment!
6. Lunch is the best value
Many restaurants offer a prato do dia (dish of the day) at lunchtime for €8–12, including bread, a drink, and sometimes dessert. It’s a full, home-cooked Portuguese meal at a fraction of dinner prices.
7. Drink ginjinha
This cherry liqueur is Lisbon’s signature drink. You’ll find tiny bars selling it for €1.50 a shot near Rossio square. It’s sweet, strong, and the perfect way to start an evening.
When to Visit
8. September and October are the sweet spot
The weather is still warm, the summer crowds have thinned, and prices drop. It’s genuinely our favourite time of year in the city.
9. Avoid August
Many local restaurants close for the owner’s holiday, it can be scorching hot (35°C+), and the city feels like it’s been handed over to tourists.
10. Spring is beautiful
March to May brings mild temperatures, blooming jacaranda trees, and a lively atmosphere without the summer heat.
Practical Tips
11. Carry cash for small purchases
While most restaurants and shops accept cards, some traditional bakeries, tascas, and market stalls are cash-only. A €20 note in your pocket saves awkward moments.
12. Wear comfortable shoes
Lisbon is the city of seven hills, and the cobblestone pavements (calçada) can be slippery. Leave the heels at home and bring shoes with good grip.
13. Learn a few Portuguese words
A simple obrigado/obrigada (thank you) and bom dia (good morning) goes a long way. The Portuguese are warm and welcoming, especially when you make the effort.
14. Book direct when you can
This one’s from the heart — when you book directly with hosts like us rather than through platforms, you get better prices, direct communication, and a more personalised experience. We can offer tips, arrange early check-ins, and make your stay special in ways that platform bookings can’t.
15. Don’t try to do everything
Lisbon is best enjoyed slowly. Pick 2-3 things per day, leave time for wandering, and let the city surprise you. Some of the best moments are unplanned — a sunset viewpoint you stumble upon, a neighbourhood café where you end up chatting with the owner.
Planning your trip? Check availability at our Lisbon apartments and book direct for the best rates.