Owing to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, we are staying at home with our families and doing everything we can to ensure their safety, health, and optimism. While there is currently no recommendation for travel, many of us who enjoy seeing the world want to hold out hope that one day soon we will leave our homes and be able to return to our favorite destinations in safety. For this reason, we at Cheese & Wine Suites and Apartments will be publishing articles in the upcoming period to honor the passions for travel and Lisbon. To provide you, our previous and prospective guests with something to anticipate when everything settles down and we reunite under the Lisbon sun, hopefully soon.
Lisbon is a unique destination for city breaks because it has many more satisfying features than many cities in Europe. These include plenty of sunshine, excellent weather, a historic city with an enviable lifestyle, a vibrant culture, and proximity to beaches. Nearly every visitor to the city finds it charming, making a return visit to experience more of the envy-inducing way of life there inevitable. Some even fall so deeply in love with Lisbon that they decide to settle down there!
To make traveling much easier and more manageable, it's always a good idea to learn a little bit about the city you're visiting, just like when you visit any other place. Lisbon is no different. The city is full of sights to see and activities to partake in, but even more so are important cultural and historical details to keep in mind to avoid surprises! This is a guide to the essential information you should have before visiting Lisbon to plan a pleasant, sensible, and suitable trip.
1. Be aware of the ideal time of year to travel.
Portugal is known for having a mild, temperate climate with plenty of sunshine throughout the year, both in Europe and globally. But it's important to keep in mind that there are seasons here as well. Here, spring is mild and new, with lots of sunshine and sporadic showers. Because there is a constant Atlantic breeze blowing through the city, the summer months are gloriously bright, dry, and hot—but not oppressively so. If you dislike the heat, autumn is a great time to visit because it is so mild. Additionally, winter is usually colder and has some of the year's wettest days. However, there are some surprises here as well because there is some sun in December and you can still enjoy some beach time in February.Nevertheless, because Lisbon is so well-liked, tourists visit it year-round. The months of spring, summer, and early fall comprise the peak season. Nonetheless, winter travel can also be enjoyable, particularly for those on a tight budget, as the off-season offers significantly cheaper lodging. usually half as much as during the busiest months. Having to put up with the erratic weather is the only compromise you have. But the stunning city of Lisbon surrounding you is your assurance!
2. Refrain from driving to Lisbon.
Likely, you won't need a car if you're traveling to Lisbon by plane because it's a very walkable city with dependable public transportation, and you can get an inexpensive Uber car service with just a tap of your smartphone. If you plan to travel to Lisbon by car, or if you are considering renting a car, please reconsider. You'll waste a ton of time looking for a parking spot and experience more headaches due to Lisbon's crazy traffic. Parking in the heart of Lisbon is nearly impossible because spots are either paid for or reserved for residents. The only other option is to use one of the incredibly expensive parking lots, which charge at least €25 per day.We advise renting a car only if you have travel plans outside of Lisbon. Then, it's an ideal means of transportation for exploring the surrounding regions, including the expansive plains of Alentejo, the Cascais coast, Sintra natural beauty, and Portugal's rural areas.
3. Wear cozy footwear.
If the saying "Lisbon is a city of seven hills" means anything to you, it means you'll need to treat your feet with kindness. Don't bring your fancy boots or heels. Put on the coziest shoes you can find. Lisbon is a lovely city with breathtaking views, but getting there requires climbing stairs and navigating hilly terrain. Since much of Lisbon's beauty is tucked away along narrow, cobblestone streets, and tiny alleyways, and getting lost in energetic neighborhoods with lots of stairs, we heartily advise walking. You'll treat yourself to a pleasant outdoor walking activity on a lovely day, along with lots of beneficial walking exercises! See our guide to the hilly Graça, Alfama, and Cathedral Districts with cheese and wine.4. Be familiar with the fundamentals of Portuguese.
Portuguese people are renowned for being hospitable, kind, and accommodating—so much so that speaking English is a de facto way of communicating with guests. Speaking a few simple Portuguese phrases, though, would improve that conversation and possibly earn you some courtesy and respect from the locals.Saying "Ola" (which means "Hello") to begin with, "Obrigado" (which means "Thank you") to men, "Obrigada" to women, and "De nada" (which means "You're welcome") to finish a transaction are always appreciated. Or, if you inadvertently bump into someone, you say "Desculpa," which means "Sorry," or "Por favor," which means "Please." Alternately, wave hello and say "Adeus" (goodbye) as you go. People smile when they see this.
In Portugal, you have a wide variety of options when it comes to ordering coffee. Order "Bica" for an espresso-style coffee and "Abatanado" for an americano or long black coffee to help you avoid confusion. If you want a large coffee with milk, say "Galão." "Meia de leite" refers to a milky coffee, "Descafeinado" to a decaf coffee, and "Cha" to tea instead of coffee.
5. Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas and on public transportation.
Lisbon is not an exception to the rule that most tourist destinations have unfortunate incidents like pickpocketing. It is most prevalent in crowded places with lots of traffic, like tourist attractions and crowded trams and other public transportation. Therefore, it's best to take good care of your possessions by using common sense. Keep your bags closed at all times, and tuck your wallet and phone inside your bags rather than putting them in your pockets. Additionally, keep your bag in front of you at all times rather than behind you to prevent any mishap because thieves are quick movers.6. Take Uber instead of taxis.
In a recent blog post, we discussed smart ways to get around Lisbon and suggested that you use Uber instead of taxis. Trust our experience! Taxis have a bad reputation for overcharging and taking you on longer routes than necessary. Uber, on the other hand, enjoys a better reputation because its vehicles are renowned for being safe and all transactions are conducted digitally via a smartphone, ensuring that you are not overcharged. You can also track your route and create a visual map of it. Additionally, Uber drivers are far more amiable, typically speak fluent English, and promise to provide you with a far more dependable service. This subject was addressed in our most recent guide to useful transportation options in Lisbon.7. Examine the bill carefully.
Do you recall the occasion when you were paying for your dinner when all of a sudden the amount was more than you had anticipated? That also takes place here. Make sure the bill includes everything you ordered by always checking it. In Portuguese restaurants, "entradas" (also known as "starters") like bread, olives, and goat cheese are typical. There is a rule, though, that states you don't have to pay if you don't touch them. Therefore, take care to verify the bill to see if you are being charged for what you eat to prevent confusion and awkward looks from the wait staff.8. If you can, reserve a table. Bring money.
Some eateries and cafés areare Many eateries and cafés that are flexible, and some only accept charge establishments. Americans don't take reservations. However, if you can reserve a table, do so. We advise using Google Maps to look up restaurants because phone numbers are typically displayed there. Because Fork and Zomato are very effective booking websites, we also suggest using them. Since weekends tend to be the busiest for many well-known venues, making reservations in advance makes sense.Additionally, it's advisable to bring cash to the more intimate, smaller Portuguese tascas—small eateries found in the neighborhood—as many of these establishments lack digital capability and do not take credit or debit cards. The best form of payment here is cash.
9. Steer clear of tourist traps, particularly in Baixa.
Many locations, particularly in Baixa downtown area, make false claims to be “authentic” Lisbon or “typical Portuguese,” but they are not. Even with their ancient architecture, some of the shops and establishments here pretend to be from a bygone era, but in reality, they have only recently undergone renovations to lure in unaware tourists. original nata pastel? Nope. That is located in Belem. €15 for a tin of sardines? Rethink your thoughts. Consider tourist pitfalls. This is our guide to Baixa-Chiado's downtown areas.10. Don't overpay for coffee or beer.
In places like London, Paris, and Copenhagen, you would anticipate paying €5 or €8 for a beer, but not in Lisbon. An imperial (0.33 ml) of typical Portuguese beer, like Sagres or Superbock, costs €1,50, while a caneca (a pint-sized beer) costs €3 or 4. Unless you enjoy specialty or imported beers at upscale bars. This also applies to coffee. Portugal as a whole, including Lisbon, has affordable and reasonable coffee. Typically, a bica costs €1, while an abatanado, or americano, costs €1,30. Some establishments that charge €3 and €4 for Americans, respectively, which is exorbitant for Lisbon. We locals don't think this should become the norm, and you shouldn't either. Lisbon's affordability should not change; it adds to the city's allure and genuineness.11. Get a drink and take a seat by the water's edge.
Drinks aside, we'd suggest taking a seat by the waterfront and enjoying a glass of wine—or, better yet, some cocktails. The Ribeira das Naus esplanade, which is situated between Cais do Sodré and Praça do Comercio on the river's edge, is ideal for this. This is a well-liked spot for lounging on deck chairs and enjoying the view of sailboats and the gentle waves of the blue Tagus. Arrive during sunsets, when music will be playing and DJs will be spinning their party beats. It's the perfect place for a sundown cocktail and some light dancing.12. Take in Miradouros sunsets.
Spending time in a few of the miradouros that are dotted atop Lisbon's hills to watch the sunsets is another enjoyable activity to do while in the city. In addition to providing stunning views, they also create a delightful atmosphere as the sun sets, illuminating the city and the Tagus River with vibrant hues. Sip wine or beer at the Miradouro da Graça, or visit Miradouro Senhora da Monte, the highest point, to hear buskers perform.Gazing out over the shimmering river, one can see the recently reopened Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara, which boasts an amazing view, and the Miradouro de Santa Catarina, which attracts a younger, trendier crowd who enjoy drinking and dancing. In addition to exploring the many rooftop bars and restaurants in Lisbon, which provide wonderful dining and drinking experiences along with picturesque views of the city, don't forget to explore these places. For suggestions on Lisbon's greatest esplanades and terraces