A yellow tram next to a white building on a street in Lisbon, Portugal.

March 29, 2026

15 Important Things to Know Before Visiting Lisbon.

Planning a trip to Lisbon, Portugal? This vibrant city is packed with charm and character and offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and unforgettable experiences. From the iconic yellow trams to the colorful streets of Alfama, and stunning views from hilltop miradouros (viewpoints), Lisbon has something for everyone.

But it can also present a few challenges, especially if you’re visiting for the first time.

In this article, I’ll share the essential Lisbon travel tips and practical things to know to make your visit a memorable experience, without making the mistakes I’ve made as a first-time visitor to Lisbon!

So – learn from my experience, follow this handy list, and plan a great trip to the “City of Seven Hills”!

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Table Of Contents

15 Important Things to Know Before Visiting Lisbon.

1. Avoid bringing a car to Lisbon.

While Lisbon is – in my humble opinion – not the most walkable city I’ve been to, bringing a car there is not a great option. Streets are narrow and winding, parking garages are scarce, street parking is often restricted, and open spaces are tough to find, not to mention that parking meters only take coins and – from my experience – actually don’t work!!!

A narrow street with a bus, a car and a tuk tuk on the right side in Lisbon, Portugal.

A tall blue parking meter on the side of a street in Lisbon, Portugal.

Even hotels rarely offer parking onsite and if they do, it’s rather expensive. Not to mention that driving in the city is not easy.

Plus, walking the streets of Lisbon is part of the sightseeing experience – the cobblestone and tile-lined streets are beautiful and a huge part of Lisbon’s character.

2. Pack comfortable shoes.

There is a reason why Lisbon is called the “City of Seven Hills” – it’s hilly! And, as I just mentioned, the streets are not flat and smooth – you’ll be walking on cobblestones and gorgeous street tiles. Both can get slippery when wet (like after the rain), so bring a pair of broken-in walking shoes and your feet will thank you at the end of the long day.

corber of a winding cobblestoned street in Lisbon, Portugal, with a cream-colored building in the middle.

This is not a city for high heels and fancy footwear!

A black and grey cobblestone star pattern on a street in Lisbon, Portugal.

A brown and beige pattern of tiles on a street in Lisbon, Portugal.

Note: Lisbon is a large city and a lot to take in on foot. If that’s not your style, you may want to consider a tuk–tuk tour – one of the most popular forms of sightseeing in Lisbon, besides walking.

A tuk-tuk in the middle of a hilly street in Lisbon, Porugal.

3. Beware of pickpockets!

Sadly, it’s a real thing! You’ll even see warning signs in some places.

You’ll mostly be exposed to the danger of having your money and/or documents stolen in public transport and crowded places, even outdoor.

So make sure you pay attention to your belongings – carry your bags/backpacks in front of you and hold on to them at all times.

4. Don’t ride Tram 28

Yes, I know – what??? But hear me out.

A yellow tram on a narrow street in Lisbon, Portugal.

Riding that iconic tram was at the top of my list for Lisbon. But as we were walking around, a few of them passed by and they were PACKED with people! (see my advice about the pickpockets above!)

Then I remembered someone’s advice to catch it at the first stop, at Praça Martim Moniz. So we went there and…. the line was unbelievable!

A long line of people waiting for a tram in Lisbon, Portugal. — *Yes – this is the line for Tram 28 at the first stop of its route!*

That’s when I decided that it is much better to see it from the outside than to spend my limited time in Lisbon waiting in line to get into a crowded tram and possibly become a pickpocket’s victim.

5. Don’t pay single fares for public transportation – buy a metro card instead!

Three yellow metro Navegante cards for public transportation in Lisbon , Portugal

If you’re going to take public transportation in Lisbon (and I do recommend that for things that are too far to walk to), get a metro card.

Do not pay single fares for buses, metro, funiculars and lifts – it will cost you more than a 24-hour Navegante occasional transportation card and all these things are included! Even the rides on suburban trains (CP) to Sintra or Cascais!

You can get it from a self-serve kiosk at any metro station. The 24 hours are counted from the first scan/first use and it’s reloadable!

Learn more here.

6. Consider getting a Lisbon Card

4 Lisbon Cards held by hand in a fan-like way.

If you’re going to spend some time in Lisbon – even just a day or two – depending on your itinerary and what you plan to see, the Lisbon Card (Lisboa Card) may be a great money-saving option!

In addition to public transportation, it gives you free access to over 50 museums and monuments in Lisbon, including some popular tourist attractions, like the Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa), Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) or St. George Castle (Castelo de São Jorge).

It also provides discounts for other attractions, like Sintra Palaces.

Learn more about the Lisbon Card benefits and buy it online!

7. Buy attraction tickets in advance

If you don’t have a Lisbon Card, make sure to buy your entrance tickets in advance. You’ll most likely spend time in line waiting to enter, especially the iconic attractions like the Belém Tower or Jeronimo’s Monastery.

A long line of people waiting to enter the Belem Tower in Lisbon, Portugal. — *The line to enter Belém Tower*.

A long line of people waiting to enter the Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon, Portugal. — The line to enter *Jerónimos Monastery*.

But having a pre-purchased ticket will save you from waiting in another line to pay the entrance fee.

A yellow booth to purchase attraction tickets in Lisbon, Portugal.

Helpful tip: allow time to wait in some lines to enter anyway!

8. Avoid taxis

Since we are on the topic of transportation, I have one more recommendation for you – if possible, avoid using taxis! Unfortunately, in Lisbon, and generally in Portugal, they are known for not being kind to tourists, taking them on unnecessarily long drives and overcharging…

It is safer to use Uber of Bolt, as they provide quick and reliable service with transparent prices.

9. Check Lisbon’s museums’ opening days!

When planning your time in Lisbon, pay close attention to the opening days and times of the museums and monuments. Most of them are closed on Mondays, and for the rest of the week, they are typically open only till 5-7 pm.

Helpful hint: Sintra is open on Mondays!

10. Allow enough time for meals

In Portugal, the pace is generally slower and forces you to relax a bit, but meals here are celebrated. Be prepared for a quick lunch break to take at least an hour… There were times when we waited 45 just to get our food, then quite a while to get a check afterward.

a photo of a plate with a cod cake at a restaurant in Lisbon, Portugal.

A photo of a plate with sardines at a restaurant in Lisbon, Portugal.

It’s not incompetence or lack of customer service, just the Portuguese way of life!

Dining is an experience, and it takes time. So we had to slow down our schedule and really work those meal breaks in as an added experience!

By the way – the food is delicious!

11. Your pre-meal appetizer is NOT FREE in restaurants

Before you get your ordered meal at a restaurant you may be offered something to snack on while you wait – some bread with dipping oil, cheese, olives etc. Just keep in mind that it is NOT free in Portugal! While the price is not huge, it is an extra add-on.

If you don’t want to pay for it, leave it untouched or decline it right away.

12. Tipping in restaurants

Tips in Portuguese restaurants are most welcome in cash, and you can either just round the bill or add 5-10 % to the total.

13. Observe proper dress code in churches

A view of the top half of the front of Lisbon Catherdral.

It is a general rule in Europe, also accepted in Portugal. When you enter churches and cathedrals, wear modest clothing and take your hat off as a sign of respect.

14. Souvenir stores close earlier than you think!

If you’re used to browsing souvenir stores till the late hours of the night, you may be in for a disappointment. Souvenir stores in Lisbon close early, some as early as 7-8 pm, so plan your shopping wisely!

15. Bring cash!

Make sure to have some Euros (€) with you.

Some smaller stores don’t accept credit cards, and your hotel may also ask you to pay your Tourist Tax in cash when you check in.

I hope this article gave you some helpful travel tips for what NOT to do in Lisbon! To learn more about WHAT TO DO read my guide to planning a perfect day in Lisbon!

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