What is the best way to get around Lisbon Portugal?

For a change of pace (and to catch your breath), consider using buses, trams, the metro and elevators. One word of caution: Lisbon's Tram 28 and the Santa Justa Elevator double as attractions, so expect crowds. For a quicker journey, consider a taxi.



The best way to navigate Lisbon is through a combination of its iconic yellow trams, the modern Metro system, and walking. For long distances or getting to and from the airport, the Metro is the fastest and most cost-effective method. For the historic, hilly districts like Alfama and Bairro Alto, the historic Tram 28 is famous, though often crowded with tourists; the "elevadores" (funiculars) are also essential for tackling the city's steep inclines. To save money, you should purchase a reusable Viva Viagem card and load it with "Zapping" credit, which works across all modes of transport. Walking remains the best way to soak in the atmosphere, provided you have sturdy shoes for the slick cobblestones.

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There are many options for getting around Portugal without renting a car. Here is a short list. Public Transportation. Public transport is a great way to travel in Portugal, as it is very reliable and the options are plentiful: trains, buses, metro, trams, funiculars, elevators, and even - ferries!

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Uber/Bolt are plentiful in Lisbon and are often a fraction of the cost of taking a regular taxi. Uber/Bolt is more reliable and the drivers are generally very friendly, speak English and can give you some great local advice.

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The Lisboa Card is ideal for Lisbon visitors looking to get the most out of their Portuguese romp. Lisboa Card holders can take advantage of: Free unlimited travel by public transport (bus, tram, metro, elevators and funiculars) Free travel on CP train lines to Sintra and Cascais (popular daytrip destinations)

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1. Baixa, best area to stay in Lisbon for tourists. Baixa, with its pulsating heart in the very center of Lisbon, is a prime choice for visitors seeking the quintessential Lisbon experience.

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Bonus tips for not looking like a tourist
  1. Don't do all-white or all-caqui. Even in summer, Portuguese people don't do the jungle-explorer look. ...
  2. Don't do rain capes, but don't walk in the rain unprotected. Rain capes give any tourist away anywhere, but Portuguese people don't usually wear impermeable clothes. ...
  3. Be bland.


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Cash, card and ATMs When travelling to big cities like Lisbon and Porto, you can usually use a card in most places. However, be prepared to come across smaller shops and restaurants that do not accept cards. Especially in smaller towns, you are expected to pay with cash for small purchases.

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Cards are by far the most popular cashless payment method in Portugal, including international cards from Visa and Mastercard. Both credit and debit cards are used, but debit cards are much more common. It's worth noting that Multibanco cards – which we'll explain below – can be used as both debit and credit cards.

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Sintra is part of the Lisboa Card coverage network. However, the card does not allow you to access the monuments. It is also possible to go to Cascais by taking the train from Cais do Sodré in the city center.

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Tipping is not mandatory, and you should only do so if you feel comfortable about it and if you want to reward truly exceptional service. Tipping for great service is very much appreciated.

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Tipping in Portugal is just as important as in other parts of the world. All waiting staff, attendants and clerks earn a wage, but wages are low and many do rely on tips to supplement their income.

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Lisbon Taxis: Payment Methods Although your taxi driver will likely accept payment via debit or credit card, this is not a rule. Hence, you should always carry some euros with you, as many taxis aren't equipped with a POS machine. In that case, bank card payments are out of the question.

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In Portugal pumping gas is a self-service affair. It is important to pay in cash, as some gas stations may not accept the magnetic swipe cards common in the U.S. (The ones that do accept these cards will encounter a surcharge of 50 Euro cents.)

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If you prefer dealing in cash, then by all means get some euros out before your trip. But there are alternatives available, such as debit and credit cards. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in most European cities. American Express is too, but perhaps less widely.

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The best bet is to use an ATM/Cashpoint to obtain Euros from your home bank account, or use a non-fee credit card where possible. To read more about fees associated with exchanging currency, using credit cards, etc. take a look at this extensive information posted on the Flyerguide wiki.

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Which Credit Card is Accepted in Portugal? While there are plenty of places that accept credit cards throughout Portugal, it's always a safe bet to carry cash money. That said, Mastercard and Visa are the most widely accepted cards throughout Portugal and Europe.

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While Lisbon is the most expensive city to live in Portugal, it is quite affordable when compared to other countries in western Europe, although, what once was a cheap city has seen its prices creeping up. This said, the cost of living in Lisbon for international students and expats is usually still very affordable.

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Casual attire (e.g. barefoot, beachwear) is inappropriate in public and can make one seem unsophisticated. Similarly, it is important to speak respectfully and politely. Portuguese place high importance on being polite. Reciprocating this politeness will be appreciated by your Portuguese counterpart.

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The Dining Experience In Portugal In Portugal, restaurants open for lunch starting at 12:00 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. but don't usually fill up until around 1:00 p.m. Dinner is most commonly taken at 9:00 p.m. or 9:30 p.m., but restaurants do open as early as 7:00 p.m.

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Areas to Avoid in Lisbon There aren't any no-go areas in Lisbon, but the neighborhoods around Intendente, Martim Moniz and Anjos are best avoided at night.

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