Things to Know Before Visiting Lisbon 🇵🇹

Lisbon has that rare ability to make you feel like you’ve just walked into a film set — golden light bouncing off terracotta rooftops, yellow trams rattling up impossibly steep hills, and locals chatting over coffee like time doesn’t exist. It’s a city that dances between tradition and trend — equal parts fado and flat whites, cobblestones and cocktails. Whether you’re here for the food, the views, or the chance to ride Tram 28 just to say you did, Lisbon knows how to captivate you.

Where Is It?

Lisbon sits on Portugal’s western edge, where the Tagus River meets the Atlantic Ocean — the last European capital before the sea. It’s the country’s capital and cultural heart, a hilly wonderland of tiled façades, winding laneways, and lookout points that make you want to pause every five minutes.

How to Get There & Get Around

Getting to Portugal's capital is a breeze. Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is well-connected across Europe, and budget airlines keep prices low.  Alternatively, you can arrive via land (bus/train) from other Portuguese towns — this is the route we took, transferring by bus from Porto; a pleasant 4-hour ride with just enough time for a podcast and a couple of pastel de natas.

Once in Lisbon, walking is the best way to see it (and to justify another tart), but its hills will give your glutes a workout. If walking isn't your style, try one of these transport options instead:

🚌 Buses — cheap, frequent, and part of an easy-to-use public transport system. 

🚆Trains — fast, clean, and an easy way to reach the city centre from the airport.

🚃 Trams: nostalgic and fun, and endlessly photogenic.

🚕 Taxis — handy when you've hit your step count by lunch.

Seasons & Best Time to Go

Lisbon enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. We visited Lisbon in early September and hit the weather sweet spot — warm days, cool nights, and no rain in sight.

Spring (Mar–May): warm days, fewer crowds, and blooming flowers.

Summer (Jun–Aug): long hot days, and plenty of summer events on offer — but also higher prices.

Autumn (Sep–Oct): still warm, but fewer tourists, and cheaper accommodation.

Winter (Nov–Feb): quiet, calm, and perfect for those who don’t mind a bit of rain.

☀Best for weather: May to September.

💸 Best for budget: November to February.

How Long to Stay

We stayed in Lisbon for 6 days, feeling like we had seen enough without jam-packing our itinerary. You'll need at least 3 days here to hit the highlights, 5 days to soak in the atmosphere, and a few more days to explore nearby Sintra, or enjoy a few long lunches without feeling rushed.

Best Area to Stay

Lisbon’s neighbourhoods each have their own flavour — choosing where to base yourself depends on your vibe. Here are some options to help you decide:

Baixa: the downtown core and close to everything.

Alfama: Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood — think winding alleys, tiled facades, and fado echoing at night.

Bairro Alto: buzzing nightlife and energy, but bring earplugs.

Chiado: stylish, central, and full of cafés and boutiques.

Parque das Nações: modern, riverside area with bars and great food options.

We stayed in Almada for a more relaxed feel (we were actually holidaying on this trip after all!). It's just a short ferry ride across the Tagus River from Chiado and is home to some beautiful local restaurants. For first-timers, choose either Baixa or Alfama to be close to the action.

What to Do

Lisbon is built for wandering — every hill hides a viewpoint, every tram ride feels like an adventure, and every alley has something delicious at the end of it. Here are a few must-dos:

Tram 28: jump on and wind through Lisbon with locals and tourists alike.

Miradouros (viewpoints): Lisbon’s viewpoints, such as Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, offer breathtaking views.

Castelo de São Jorge: perched above the city, offering history and incredible panoramas.

Belém Tower & Jerónimos Monastery: two of Lisbon’s most iconic UNESCO sites.

Alfama: get lost in the old town’s maze of streets and stop for a fado performance.

Eat Pastel de Nata: reason enough to visit. Our pick: Pastéis de Belém — the original and, in our opinion, the best.

Time Out Market: a massive food hall where Portugal’s top chefs share a single roof.

Useful Tips

🗣️Three words to learn: Olá = hello || Obrigado/Obrigada = thank you || Por favor = please

💳 Money: Lisbon is very card-friendly, but keep some euros for small cafés and markets.

📱 eSIM: Airalo offers easy-to-use eSIM plans and has worked well for us.

💡 Bonus tip: head to the viewpoint at Miradouro de Santa Luzia at golden hour — pure magic.

Our Real Costs

($AUD based on two people over 6 days — 2025)

🚌Getting there: $25 (one-way from Porto)

🏠 Accommodation: $271 per night (luxury Airbnb)

🍽Food: $102 per day

🚇Transport: $13 per day

🎟️ Activities: $118 total

📱 Data: $5 total (eSIM)

Our Thoughts

Lisbon is that perfect blend of old-world charm and modern energy. It feels grand yet intimate — a capital city with the heart of a village. From its azulejo-covered walls to its friendly locals and endless viewpoints, it’s one of those places that will call you back.

There’s a rhythm to Lisbon — late starts, long lunches, lazy afternoons, and nights that end with live music and laughter spilling onto the streets. It’s a little chaotic, a little romantic, and completely addictive.

Our advice? Take it slow. Ride the tram, eat as many custard tarts as your wallet allows, watch the sunset, and let Lisbon’s easy charm do the rest.