Is Lisbon worth visiting? Is Lisbon safe? And everything else you have wanted to know

Are you planning a trip to Lisbon, and wanting to know ‘Is Lisbon worth visiting?’ or ‘Is Lisbon Safe’? Well you have come to the right place. In this guide we tell you everything you need to know about visiting Lisbon, from when to visit, to what to do when you get here.

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Before we answer the question ‘Is Lisbon worth visiting’ here is some background

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, although it is worth noting that it was never declared the capital in terms of official documents. Apparently it all goes back to 1255 when Alfonso III decided to up and move his court to Lisbon. In doing so Lisbon became the most important city in Portugal and thus the city became the de facto capital.

And speaking of history, the entire city was destroyed by an earthquake in 1755. The centre, Praça do Comércio was destroyed, and you can still see the effects of the earthquake to this day. If you get the chance to visit Carmo Convent you will see that it is roofless as a result.

Some other interesting facts about Lisbon are that, it is actually the oldest city in Western Europe. It was was founded by the Phoenicians in 1200 BC, and was an ideal location due to its location along the Tagus river and the Atlantic coast.

The city itslef is built on 7 hills, although the exact about of hills it is actually built on is debatable. Apparently, it is actually 8. No matter how many hills though if you spend just 5 minutes walking around in the heat you will think the city is built on 100 hills!

Also you know those yellow trams that are synonymous with Lisbon? Apparently they were inspired by American trams, like in California, and they were called Carros Americanos back in the day.

So now that we have covered some facts about Lisbon, let’s move on to answer all your burning questions, including ‘is Lisbon worth visiting’.

Is Lisbon expensive?

If you are wondering is Lisbon worth visiting, when it comes to the cost, then our answer is yes. Lisbon is the most expensive city in Portugal, but despite that it is probably one of the cheapest cities in Western Europe that we have visited. That’s not to say that the cost cannot add up very quickly, but if you are wanting a more budget holiday, Lisbon is doable.

We spent about €100 per person per day, and that was factoring in tourist attractions, lots of food and drink, and getting around the city. Food is generally really good quality, at lowish prices. For instance you can get a meal for 2 with wine for under €35. Like everywhere in Europe though prices are slowly creeping up, so what was once a cheap city is increasing in cost.

Do I need cash in Lisbon?

The currency in Lisbon is the Euro like many other countries in the EU. You can get away with paying for things on your card in Lisbon, but we also recommend carrying some cash with you as some places may only accept it. If you leave Lisbon and head out to smaller cities or towns, cash is definitely king, so make sure you have some on you.

What language do they speak in Lisbon?

Portuguese is the official language of Portugal, and what you will hear people speaking in Lisbon. That being said though, a lot of people do speak English particularly in touristy areas. Obviously it is always polite to learn some basic words when travelling to a new country so we recommend knowing things like hello, please, and thank you.

Hello: olá

Please: por favor

Thank you: obrigado

Goodbye: adeus

Is Lisbon easy to get to?

Lisbon is relatively easy to get to, although due to its location on the coast of Portugal, the easiest way to get here is to fly. Most European cities have a number of flights to Lisbon during the week. Lisbon Portela Airport or Lisbon Airport is the main airport, and getting into the centre from here is pretty hassle free. You have transport options that include bus, train, and taxi services available.

Taxi will be the fastest way to get into the city, and will probably set you back just over the €20 mark. For cheaper options you can get the metro or the Aerobús.

How long should I spend in Lisbon?

If you are planning a trip to Lisbon, you might be wondering how long you need in the city. Personally we think you need a minimum of 3 days in Lisbon. This will give you a good amount of time to see some of the main sights, eat some awesome food, and get to grips with some of the picturesque neighbourhoods in the city.

4 days in Lisbon is probably the minimum amount of time if you want to try and add a day trip in there, particularly to Sintra. A lot of the charm of Lisbon is taking it slow and meandering down some of the scenic streets and alleyways, so give yourself a good amount of time to take all that in.

If you do only have 1 day in Lisbon though all is not lost. Here is a handy guide.

Is Lisbon safe?

Apart from the question Is Lisbon worth visiting, a lot of people want to know Is Lisbon safe? Lisbon is by far one of the safest cities we have visited. It didn’t feel like there were a lot of those tourist scams that you get in say Paris or Rome, and the locals are all really helpful and friendly. Crimes against tourists tend to be pretty rare, although this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have your wits about you. Pickpocketing is pretty common particularly in large crowds, but this is standard all over Europe.

Keep in mind our experience of Lisbon is centred around a lot of the more touristy and central areas of the city. I’m sure there are neighbourhoods that you shouldn’t walk around especially at night, but we never came across any.

In the evenings, again we felt safe walking around. If you are a lone traveller though we would recommend sticking to crowded areas and maybe opting for a taxi if you can. No matter where you are in the world you should always have your wits about you, and think about basic safety.

Is Lisbon worth visiting compared to other European cities?

Lisbon is absolutely worth visiting compared to other European cities. There is such a relaxed vibe here, particularly in the summer months. This history is fascinating, and honestly it is such a beautiful city. It’s also worth visiting just for the food in Lisbon. Not only is it cheap, but it is so tasty. And dining al fresco is by far the best way to experience it.

If you are after a city break destination that you can ‘get lost’ in, just by walking around and immersing yourself in the beautiful streets and gardens then Lisbon is for you.

Can I use public transport in Lisbon?

One of the great things about visiting Lisbon is that the public transport network is extensive and easy to use. If you are planing on using public transport in Lisbon then you will need to purchase a Viva Viagem card. Once you have the card you can go to a subway station and top it up with a ticket including a 24 hour ticket option that we went with. This includes the use of buses, trains, and trams (and yes that includes the world famous tram 28 route). This cost us just over €10 per person.

It is easy to top up your card, and they also have an English Language option on the machines making it very tourist friendly. You can also just purchase tickets on board buses, trams, and funiculars in the city, but this is more expensive than using your Viva Viagem card.

One thing to add as well is that Lisbon has some of the most beautiful public transport routes we have ever travelled on. For example, the funiculars have some really incredible views, and tram 28 which is the most scenic tram route in the city is also covered under the cost of public transport.

What is there to do in Lisbon

If you are wondering is Lisbon worth visiting for its attractions then the answer is absolutely! There is so much to see and do in Lisbon that we cannot possibly cover it all in this post. Here are some of the key attractions though that you should include on any Lisbon itinerary.

Alfama

One of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in Lisbon has to be Alfama. It’s filled with quaint stores, narrow alleyways, and people selling Ginja. Take your time exploring here because there is just so much to see.

Lisbon Cathedral

Lisbon Cathedral is technically located in Alfama- but it is worth mentioning in it’s own right. It is one of the most recognised religious buildings in the city, and a great place to go for some peaceful reflection after a busy day exploring.

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

This is one of our favourite spots in Lisbon for breathtaking views. It’s a romantic outdoor style terrace where you will find buskers and people generally taking in the atmosphere.

Portas Do Sol Viewpoint

This is another great viewpoint on top of one of Lisbon’s many hills. There are lots of cafes and bars around here too. It is very touristy but a great place to get those gorgeous photos of Lisbon.

Lisbon Story Arch

One of the hidden gems of Alfama has to the be the Arch of Rua Norberto de Araujo. Here you will find a mural entitled Lisbon Story. This depicts the history of Lisbon in a kind of comical way. It is a little tricky to find, but once you do it is worth it.

St George’s Castle

Standing tall above the city of Lisbon is St George’s castle. It’s actually a restored version as the original collapsed in the 1755 earthquake. The views from here are incredible.

Praca do Comercio

This is one of the main squares in Lisbon, and it also used to be the location of the Royal Ribeira Palace until it was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. It’s a great place to go for people watching.

LX Factory

One of the more modern places to explore in Lisbon is the LX factory. There are some really cool bars here, a lot of street art, and just a general trendy vibe. It’s also home to one of the most photogenic bookstores we have ever seen.

The Pink Street

Once home to the seedy red light district it is now a super colourful street made for Instagram. GO in the day for some cool photos, and go at night to experience some of the city’s best nightlife.

Santa Justa Lift

When you are exploring Baixa you will more than likely come across the Santa Justa lift. Originally designed to connect the lower streets of Baixa with Largo do Carmo, it’s now a popular tourist attraction. The views from the top are pretty spectacular, the only problem is queuing up.

Elevador da Gloria & Elevador da Bica

The Elevador da Gloria and the Elevador da Bica are probably the coolest means of public transport we have seen. They are two funiculars located in the city, and honestly considering Lisbon was built on 7 hills they are incredibly useful.

Carmo Convent Ruins

I’ve mentioned quite a bit about the earthquake of 1755 and how several buildings and structures in Lisbon were severely damaged afterwards. But one of the greatest reminders of this time is the Carmo Convent. It was pretty much destroyed, but you can walk around the remains for a small fee.

Tram 28

The most iconic tram route in Lisbon is via Tram 28. It used to be for locals, but the secret spread to tourists, and now you do have to line up for quite a while to get on it. It is worth it though. Maybe just get there early.

Jerónimos Monastery

Located in Belem the Jerónimos Monastery is a historically important attraction in Lisbon. It used to be a monastery of the Order of St Jerome and is also a prime example of the Manueline style of architecture you can find throughout Lisbon. It does get busy so get your tickets in advance.

Belem Tower

Another historical site near the monastery is the Belem Tower. It was built in teh early 16th Century as part of a defence system at the start of the River Tagus. This is another attraction that does get crazy busy so do book your ticket in advance.

Is it worth doing any day trips from Lisbon?

If you have the time then doing a day trip from Lisbon is a must. You have so many incredible places on the doorstop of the Portuguese capital that we highly recommend you visit. Sintra is probably one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon with so many historic sites to see. You also have the beautiful beaches of Cascais and Cabo da Roca.

Is Lisbon worth visiting for foodies?

Lisbon is absolutely worth visiting for foodies. In fact, it is probably one of the more underrated foodie places we have visited. In fact I don’t think Portuguese food gets enough hype. I mean yes everyone has probably heard of Peri Peri chicken, and custard tarts, but there is a whole other world of food waiting to be explored here. Although whilst on the subject of custard tarts or Pastéis de nata make sure you head to head to Pasteis de Belem for the BEST custard tarts ever.

The Time Out Market, is one of the best places to go to try out the local food scene. You will find a lot of different vendors, some of them Michelin star quality, serving modern and traditional Portuguese cuisine.

If you are wondering what some of the staples of Portuguese cuisine are, we have an article all about food in Lisbon that might be helpful. Essentially we tried a lot of sardines and salted cod. It might not sound that exciting but honestly go to the right places and you will be raving about it.

Is Lisbon worth visiting for the nightlife?

If you are looking to party, Lisbon certainly has you covered. The nightlife is considered some of the best in Europe, and you will find a little something for everyone. If you want to sip cocktails with a view head to Alfama. There are so many rooftop style bars with sweeping city views. It’s also the perfect place to watch the sunset in Lisbon.

If nightclubs and late nights are your thing the area around the Pink Street is great for this. Bairro Alto is another great one for late night drinks and fun. Basically there is something for everyone in Lisbon from discos and raves, to atmospheric lounges, and Fado bars – the nightlife here will certainly keep you entertained.

Is Lisbon worth visiting for nature lovers?

Lisbon itself is very much a city break destination, so it probably isn’t going to cause a lot of excitement among nature lovers. But venture a little bit out of Lisbon and you will be met with some amazing scenery. Places like Cabo da Roca, which is the most westerly point in continental Europe offer sweeping sea views and so much natural beauty. Even Sintra which isn’t far from Lisbon by train, is great for nature lovers, as you can explore the foothills of the Sintra Mountains.

Is Lisbon worth visiting for history buffs?

Lisbon is actually one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, so history lovers should hopefully get a kick out of visiting. There are so many fascinating historical sights in Lisbon like the Torre de Belém which is a 16th Century fortress located on the banks of the River Tagus. Nearby you also have the Jerónimos Monastery constructed in 1495 in Portuguese Manueline style. The significance of this monastery is great, and dates back to when the area of Belem was a gateway for those visiting by sea. This is just a tiny bit of the city’s vast history that you can experience when visiting Lisbon.

Is Lisbon worth visiting in the summer?

Lisbons summer months are June, July, and August. These are the most popular times for tourists to visit the city. But in saying that you have to keep in mind it gets get pretty hot in Lisbon over summer. You are looking at temperatures well into the 30s (Celsius). If you are prepared though it is definitely a great time to visit Lisbon. At this time of year you get to take advantage of the al fresco dining options, as well as sipping cocktails in the sunshine.

The heat can at times be draining, and you tend to have to line up for ages for tourist attractions too. August is probably the busiest time when it comes to visiting Lisbon. This is because it coincides with school holidays, so prices for flights and accommodation does tend to skyrocket. Make sure you are booking and planning well in advance.

So is Lisbon worth visiting in the summer. Absolutely. This is peak Lisbon, with sunshine, longer days, and a relaxed atmosphere. Just be prepared for crowds.

Is Lisbon worth visiting in the winter?

Lisbon in the winter months is completely different to Lisbon in the summer. It probably isn’t the most ideal time to visit, because it does get cold, and you have less daylight hours too. I think a lot of people tend to think Lisbon is warm year round. And that is probably true in comparison to other European cities, but temperatures range between 8- 15 degrees Celsius. That is still pretty nippy. It also tends to rain quite a bit, which can be frustrating because the real charm of the city is about sunshine and walking around exploring the outdoors.

So is Lisbon worth visiting in the winter? Yes, because you will definitely find something to do, but don’t expect a sun holiday, or to be sitting by the beach. It’s way too cold and rainy.

What to pack when visiting Lisbon?

What you pack when you visit Lisbon will largely depend on the time of year that you visit. But here are some general items that we think you may need.

• A good pair of shoes – you will do a lot of walking and there are a lot of hills!
• Sunglasses, sun cream, hats – basically anything to protect you from the heat in summer
• Layers for the winter months/ shoulder seasons as it does get cool in the evening especially
• Swimwear for summer months
• A rain jacket for the winter months
• Reusable water bottle because walking around Lisbon is thirsty work!

What should I know before visiting Lisbon?

Here are some things that may be useful to know before visiting Lisbon.

• Book tours in advance particularly during peak season
• It’s also helpful to know when the cruise ships are in port, as with them brings a LOT of visitors
• For the cheapest accommodation book in advance
• Do some research when it comes to food in Lisbon because you definitely want to avoid the tourist traps
• Lisbon is generally safe but do watch our for pickpockets and keep your valuables safe

So Is Lisbon worth visiting?

Hopefully we have answered all your important questions like ‘Is Lisbon safe’, and ‘Is Lisbon expensive’?Ultimately though you might want to know -is Lisbon worth visiting? Honestly, yes. Lisbon is one of the most beautiful cities we have visited in Europe. There is so much to see and do, the food is incredible, and it’s relatively cheap too. If you do get the chance to visit we highly recommend that you do.

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