48 Tips I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Lisbon, Portugal
These 48 tips to know before visiting Lisbon are what I wish I knew before my trip to Lisbon, Portugal.
Hopefully these travel tips will help you from making some of my mistakes when traveling through Lisbon!
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You got something wrong about the golden visa program that is a common misconception that I would like to correct. A lot of people get this wrong. Less than 7 percent of the property purchased in Portugal is a direct result of the golden visa program. Please stop blaming high prices on this program. Furthermore more than 50 percent of property purchased for renovation for air B&B or for development was by portuguese citizens. While it's true that a significant portion of foreign investment is coming from outside for development as well, especially around Lisbon and the Algarve, almost none of the investors are interested at all in the golden visa program. Please please stop blaming this program on the problems Portugal has. It's misinformation. Yes, foreign investment is too high around Lisbon and the Algarve. Do you want the alternative back which was 30 years of rent control? Please, before you repeat this lie about the golden visa program again, please learn more about it. I am immigrating to Portugal currently, I am not even using this program and because this lie gets retold this way I get hate directed at me in Expat forums by Portuguese trolls. Please do everyone a favor and vet your information better!
Your comment about using tram 28 is so true. I had to help a local old woman get on as each time one came by the tourists would shove their way on. We didn’t understand each other’s language but she understood what I was doing for her and started calming down. Finally got her on board and she thanked me. Felt good. So thank you!
Thank YOU! Glad you were able to help :)
Thank you for helping the woman❤😊
You got something wrong about the golden visa program that is a common misconception that I would like to correct. A lot of people get this wrong. Less than 7 percent of the property purchased in Portugal is a direct result of the golden visa program. Please stop blaming high prices on this program. Furthermore more than 50 percent of property purchased for renovation for air B&B or for development was by portuguese citizens. While it's true that a significant portion of foreign investment is coming from outside for devepment as well, especially around Lisbon and the Algarve, almost none of the investors are interested at all in the golden visa program. Please please stop blaming this program on the problems Portugal has. It's misinformation. Yes, foreign investment is too high around Lisbon and the Algarve. Do you want the alternative back which was 30 years of rent control? Please, before you repeat this lie about the golden visa program again, please learn more about it. I am immigrating to Portugal currently, I am not even using this program and because this lie gets retold this way I get hate directed at me in Expat forums by Portuguese trolls. Please do everyone a favor and vet your information better!
@@Kiltedbear we have the same problem in Greece. Rents reaching new highs every year, salaries stagnating and the locals are in real trouble. Welcome to the EU.
You've got the perfect attitude for someone who can get the most out their of travelling. Well done.
I appreciate that
Excellent video with many helpful tips. Obrigada 😊
I appreciate the support :) Obrigada!
This is honestly so helpful- incredibly professional editing and you get straight to the point. Thank you and best of luck in your future travels!
Much appreciated!
Thank you! Great Info much appreciated!!
Very welcome!
Thank you. This is the exact information that every tourist or traveler should know. I watched several boring or annoying videos before I found yours and i'm so happy that I found this.🎉
Glad it was helpful! Hope you have a great time :)
Super helpful, I appreciate how measured all of your responses and information are. Thank you!!
Glad it was helpful :)
Totally agree about splitting Cascais and Sintra
Thank you so much for all these tips!. I'm planning to visit Lisbon this April and I'm little nervous/ overwhelmed since it'll be my fist time in Portugal. I appreciate you've taken the time to recommend places that are less crowded and still will allow people to live the experience.
I hope you have a great time! Let me know if any other questions pop up before your trip :)
I am going this month too. Hope we have a great trip!
Great tips! Thanks for sharing!
You got it :)
Best video (of the many) I've seen as I prep for my trip. THANKS.
I appreciate the support and hope you have a great trip!
Congratulations, good documentary about my city and very reliable.
Much appreciated
excellent video for people about to visit Lisbon!
I appreciate the support!
For someone like me who have been to Portugal more than 10 times, your tips are useful even if some feel like for people who never travelled before :-)
Really appreciate the support and glad to hear it :)
Very objective and worthy tips. Close to reality. Thanks, David.
Glad to hear it
Thank you for this!!
You're welcome! Thanks for watching :)
Very nice video, great advice.
Thanks for watching :)
Thanks a lot for the tips
Always welcome
❇️🌷❇️This is so helpful. ❇️🌷❇️Thank you for making this video. ❇️🌷❇️It is appreciated.
Thanks for the support!
As an American who has lived i Lisbon for about 1.5 years, this is one of the better videos for visiting Lisbon. Great tips on day trips, tipping, and how to enjoy the city. I actually like Time Out Market, but mostly for the experience. You are right, though, for the best food, there tons of better options. Also, there are actually several very good and reasonably priced hotels in the Baixa area, but you're right, lots of tourist trap restaurants and shops. I would still go and definitely spend some time there, but just do so with open eyes. Looking forward to your Porto video, as we now live nearby in Braga :)
Thanks for the support! And you're right about the Time Out Market being a cool experience. Hoping to visit Braga during my next visit :)
Thanks for the great video! One question, the hiking path/stairs that you reference in your video regarding Sintra, that goes to the ‘castle’ - which castle are you referring to?
You can use that path to get to Pena Palace and Castelo dos Mouros. Hope that helps!
great video!!!. i watch alot of youtubers. but this was clear and good information
I appreciate the support!!
Agreed. You packed a lot of very useful information in a concise and concrete way. Thank you!
Returning here after my trip to thank you for your tips because a few came in really handy. I always agree with making reservations if you can, as touristy spots always get booked up quickly, always having some spare cash was handy as the ticket machine was broken in Sintra and so we went to the ticket office where they didn’t accept card, the cobble streets can be very slippy and trainers/hiking boots were my best footwear. Tram 28 was busy but fine for us as we had the Lisboa cards and used it for free, otherwise I wouldn’t have bothered, it’s just a rickety version of their other trams. In Sintra, we bought tickets for Pena Palace (just the castle grounds) and Moors Castle at the Moors Castle ticket office, and got discount with the Lisboa Card. At the time we went (early morning in May) the queues were practically non-existent, not like how it is usually described. Quinta da Regaleira is lovely, but the first two were my favourite. We paid for that one at the ticket office too. We used Google Maps and hiked all over, didn’t bother with any public transport. We spared about 7-8 hours to walk to and see all three of the main spots and it was just the right amount of time before my feet had enough. Definitely do Sintra and Cascais on different days, Boca do Inferno was a great tip in Cascais and so was sitting on the left side of the train. There’s a huge hypermarket in Cascais called Auchan for anyone wanting to get bits for a picnic at the beach. It’s close to the station. I used this and lots of other pages to build my itinerary and think I pretty much nailed it in 4 days, so I’m posting that on my Insta ☺️
Thanks for sharing all this! Sounds like had a great time :)
I am portuguese from Sintra and living in the UK. What you have ssid is totally true. And yes far too many tourists for my liking. 😊
I appreciate you sharing! Hope you're enjoying the UK and are able to visit Sintra often. Such a beautiful place :)
Great video!
Much appreciated!
Great attitude. You have a wonderful talent for travel and public speaking.
I appreciate the kind words
We just booked a spot in Bairro Alto for this April. Should be a lively spot!
Hope you have a wonderful trip!!
Local here, you hit everything with the exception of tipping. It works the way you described, but we don't tip 10%. Probably not even 5%, but for sure the restaurant staff is expecting around 10% from tourists :)
Ah, great to know - thanks!
We're heading to Portugal in May for 23 days. When it comes to Lisbon and Sintra, we have opted to stay in Sinatra four days and spend two of them taking a train (or Uber/Bolt) into Lisbon (instead of the other way around). We figure we'll be traveling with less of a crowd each way. I sure hope it's a good idea.
Sintra has a lot going for it, but if you've never been, I think it is a bad idea to base yourself there. Train travel is not quick, and Uber/Bolt takes time too (and will be hideously expensive). If your primary goal is Lisbon, stay in Lisbon. Make Sintra the day trip. And since you'll have the flexibility of choosing when to take the train to Sintra it is easy enough to avoid peak hours. Also, May is buy, but not peak season. Definitely change your plans.
Hmm, that's a tough call. I would probably agree with @grizfan93 on wanting to base in Lisbon and taking the day trips out to Sintra. Main reason being it'll be easier to get to other spots from Lisbon and will provide more to do in the evenings when you return. But it really depends on the type of experience you're looking for. If you want to have more food and entertainment options around, I'd choose to base in Lisbon. But if you're wanting the quieter spot, Sintra will be great. Either way, I'd stick with trains over Uber/Bolt for that commute. It'll save you a good amount of cash. Hope all that helps!
I didn't see poops while I was there. Also, the sigjts I have visited didn't seem to have much graffiti. Streets are clean, and people keep to themselves. But I will say I wish I dress warmer for early March. The best part is the food! I will return soon!
Thanks for sharing and so glad to hear you had a good experience! Hope you get to return soon :)
Do you find it cold in January and February? That’s good to know if I ever rented a place to ask if there’s a heater. I enjoyed this video as I’m from Canada and I’d like that you know so much. Thank you.
I did find it pretty chilly in January. There were plenty of warm afternoons but the evenings/mornings were much cooler. It seemed like most locals were wearing jackets and many of the buildings didn't have heating or good insulation. But it would definitely be warmer than what you're used to in Canada haha (my wife is from Ontario). Cheers!
Hi Camden. I'm in Nova Scotia but my sister lives in Ontario. Lots of snow on the ground in Halifax.@@camdendavid
How much do you think a small bachelor apartment would cost downtown Lisbon for January and February and is it possible to rent apartments by the month and it's good to ask if heat is included. I'm not particularly young so I don't have an urge for the nightlife or drinking and stuff but just wanted to know what it would cost me to live in Lisbon for January and February next year but I don't need my own bedroom.@@camdendavid
My favorite is ''Recognize Local Pain Point'' I have seen many expats in organic farmers market being vocal about how cheap the products are! if its cheap for you, it is not for many locals, so try to be more thoughtful and less overreacting.
Agreed
I am Korean. I've been to Portugal and it's such a beautiful city. That's a really good tip. I would like to visit again. I want to go again. 😂
Hope you make it back to Portugal soon :)
Thanks for the video. No tourists book mention public bathrooms. Are there any in the cities?
There are in the transportation hubs and those are typically accessible. Keep in mind that you'll typically need some coins to get in. But most restaurants/cafes will have have bathrooms to use if you buy a coffee or something :)
Calçada Portuguesa (=Portuguese Sidewalk) is primarily made out of basalt and white limestone, both abundant in this region. Different materials.
Ahhhh, thanks for sharing this :)
I thought it only existed here in Brazil! It is very nice to know the origin. I thought it was brazilian, but in fact it is portuguese. Very nice!
I love public wall art!!
100%
If you're ever in London UK, check out the huge wall art on Tottenham Court Road, near Goodge Street tube station.
Another tip for tram 28 Most tourists start the ride in the Martim Moniz stop and then go all the way, that is one of the longest lines you'll ever find Instead of Martim Moniz start your trip at the other end of the ride in Prazeres near the cemetery The line to get in will be half the size, the ride is the same it will finish in Martim Moniz where you can experience the "Chinatown" of Lisbon And before you get in the 28 at Prazeres you can go in to the Cemetery for free and honestly the cemetery it's a beautiful hidden gem
Thanks for sharing this
Hey I just arrived in Lisbon and I am staying by martim moniz. Any recommendations specifically for me on what to do near here?
@@ronstero Café da Garagem is close by. It's just a small cafe but it's got a cool view of the city. Great place to relax for a bit and take in the views
Camden, I have rented a car, planning to visit both Sintra, Cascais in one day before dropping the car back at the airport before flying out of Portugal in mid April 2024. Is it feasible ?
It's definitely possible and having the rental car will be a huge help. I'd just recommend starting early in the morning so you don't end up feeling rushed. Also probably best to plan out which spots you're actually wanting to see in each because you could easily end up spending a full day in either place if you try to see everything. Hope you have a great time!
Hello! I was wondering, where do you find the trail up to the castle in Sintra?
Hmmm, I've been trying to think about the best way to explain it but I think this might be easiest: 38.79520, -9.391690 Put that into Google Maps and it will show you the start of the trail. Let me know if that works :)
@@camdendavid Thank you so much, it worked! Great video btw!
Tips are not expected in Portugal, much less 10%. You can tip if you want, but a typical Portuguese would only tip if the service is exceptional and nothing close to 10%, it's more like 2%. This tip culture has been messing up the experience for locals recently.
Appreciate you sharing this
This is exactly why I told locals in London to vote against any initiatives to “Americanize” tip culture there. I can’t say “we’re all” sick of it here, but I can say that me and most if not all of my friends are sick of it in general. Getting asked to tip at a SELF-checkout?!?! REALLY??? 20% of the bill MINIMUM? Even if the service is TERRIBLE?!?! I’d much rather the EU mindset of paying living wages and NOT having to rely on tips just for servers to pay their bills.
Hello I will be a cruise tourist. Recommendation for dinner 6:30pm.
Hmmmm.. If I were coming in from a cruise, I might choose to go somewhere like the Time Out Market just so I'd have the opportunity to sample a bunch of dishes that will give me an idea of the local cuisine. It would be a different experience than a traditional sit down but you might get a better overall sense of the food culture. But do note that the Time Out Market won't have the best food (not bad either) and it will be priced slightly higher compared to some of the local spots. But again, I think that type of environment is ideal for a quick visit :)
PLIS HELP.... is it better for me to rent a car for the 14 days in portugal (Lisbon to Lagos and back) or should i use public transport....orrr should i buy THE SO CALLED LISBON CITY CARD?
which option to pick of those 3?
Totally depends on what else you're planning to do during your visit. Public transport isn't as widely available down in the Algarve so it might be nice to have a car if you're wanting to get off the beaten track when visiting Lagos. But if you're just going straight from Lisbon to Lagos and plan to sit in Lagos, you'd probably be fine using the public transport. And the public transport is great in Lisbon - no need for a rental there. Hope that all makes sense
Prices for castle tickets online are SO much cheaper. We paid €17.50 for four tickets which included a drink each. At the castle they were €17.50 EACH! However tickets purchased online from third party vendors need to be exchanged for physical tickets to gain entry.
Good to know - thanks!
Is the first week October good to visit with girls
I haven't been in October but have heard it's a great time. I do think there could be a bit more rain that time of year but probably nothing I'd worry about. Maybe a local will chime in as well :)
Any recommendations for restaurants?
Sure do -- those start around the 15 minute mark :)
I hoping to spend a month in Lisbon Nov into Dec of 2024When I go to European cities, I look for: how they collect trash; how they treat homeless; how they treat education and health care and how they deal with public transportation. I love street art because it tells me the entire intellectual and political temperature of the City.
You'll have to let me know what your take is on all of that after your trip
definitely walk on the black tiles, or better yet walk in the road. those white tiles are absolutely lethal
Right!?!
The appetizers in America are just free? In most NA restaurants they don't serve any appetizers!
Not all appetizers but things like bread + butter and sometimes chips (mostly at Mexican restaurants) are free. Food will never be brought to the table unless it's been ordered or is free
how safe would you say Lisbon is? Can i walk alone at night by myself?
I'd say it's a pretty safe place. I walked alone on a nightly basis and always felt safe. But important to note that I stayed in areas I knew at night. If you follow basic travel safety tips, you should be just fine :)
I am taking the Tuk Tuk. I am not going to hike and be sweaty by hiking for 45 mins.
That's fair haha
So funny you say "treat their city as you would yours" I'm from Liverpool/Manchester
oh boy
I'm a tourist guide born and raised in Lisbon and I think you're qualified to work with me as a team 🙂
I'm honored haha! Really appreciate the support :)
I'm a lisboeta and have lived abroad, now I see massive tourism here and the tram thing is annoying and often shocking to see several tourists not giving their seats to elderly locals! Like.... seriously?
Very frustrating... thanks for sharing this
What is it like as a tourist to stay in Rossio as far as safety and convenience. That you.
It's a bit touristy for my liking but definitely a convenient and pretty safe location. Also a central location :)
This applies to most of Europe.
Would agree that there's a lot of overlap
Cool! But can't you spend less than € 10,- a day or better stay at home?
Hmmm, I think I could probably do less than €10 a day. It wouldn't be the easiest city to do that but it could be done haha
Isso da limpeza tem razão. Já foi muito mais suja. Agora está melhor. Imagine há 30 anos...
Oh boy... has it gotten that much better?
Sim acredite. Lisboa sofreu muito depois da revolução de 1974. De repente, 1 milhão de pessoas vieram de África e Lisboa ficou com muita gente. Bairros de lata, etc. Lisboa entre essa data e 1990s era um caos. Tanto de gente como de urbanismo e sujidade. A melhor coisa que aconteceu a Lisboa foi a Expo 98. Aí mudou tudo.
@@MrSilviofreitas O cheiro a mijo continua
As an older person I am grateful for most of your points. Not good for old backs and dirty or gritty are not wat I wan to see. Street food is also a no no for me. Thanks for the earrings.
Glad it was helpful
As a portuguese, I can tell the black vs white tile thing is for real.
Glad to hear I wasn't going crazy hahah
Sintra is pronounced Seentra. / Cush skies
why does everyone say Bairio instead of Bairro
No idea haha
Ginja is not the main drink in Lisbon lol the olives and bread are only not free in tourist areas.. its a trap, every other restaurant doesnt do that
Seemed to be happening to me even when I was at local spots. Maybe cause I look like a tourist? Appreciate the insight
@@camdendavideven outside of Lisbon in rural areas, it's really uncommon for those to be free, you were right about that tip.
@@joaopbiu thanks for sharing this
It's not a trap! It's part of the culture. There is absolutely no pressure to consume these items - you simply ask the server to remove them or you move them to the edge of the table. Tourists just need to learn the culture!
@@darylsequeira591 I live in Portugal 22 years and only once was charged for olives, bread etc . In a tourist area. I ate hundreds of times from north, Lisbon area and Idanha a Nova, they never charged me any extra other than what's on menu
3:18 Golden rule of tourism. Don't be "that guy!" Life's short, be cool.
100%
Good video but head shaking like atlantic ocean
I was going for more of a Pacific type of shake but I guess I missed the mark haha. Sorry about that :)
@@camdendavid Ahaha naaah bro you chill. Thanks for the video.
After 1 (one) month in Lisbon and you've already 48 tips to give 😂😂😂😂😂
Sure do haha
Well, yes, one can romanticize the trash on the streets but, imho, it would be much better to clean up the streets and not litter in the first place...
Fair
After watching this, I wish I wasn’t going now .
Oh no! What's got you feeling that way? It's such a unique city and well worth a visit
There is no tipping culture in Portugal, pls dont bring that here ! Great Video for the rest ;)
Thank you :)
Being a Lisboeta myself, I wouldn’t say there isn’t a tipping culture here but certainly not 10%.many restaurants “recommend” a 10% tip but that’s a tourist trap .don’t fall into it!
You shake your head constantly while you talk. I would work on that for future videos. And why didn't you mention Lisbon's excellent Metro system, an efficient and much cheaper option to ground transportation?
This is true haha -- I'll work on it! And you're right, the metro is great! I think most tourists end up skipping it/not needing to use it but maybe I'll cover it in a future video :)
I wish foreigners had more attention and care to how they pronounce other people's languages. Specially when recomending or making videos about other people's places and cultures.... If feels like you're making up and "spanishising" Portuguese...
Totally fair point - sorry for the terrible pronunciations here. I'll work on it :)
Dirty Lisbon!
Dirty but charming somehow haha
Jesus, don't make a science out of travel. Just go!
Agreed that people should go! But I think it's worthwhile to do some research ahead of time. Many folks will only get to travel abroad a few times in their lives (some never will). Definitely think doing research to get the most out of a trip is well worth it
Would you use your mother's name as a cuss word?
Hi camden i have sent you a PM on Instagram .where should we stay in lisbon 3night we are both over 50 .happy to do bit of walking
Hey Caren! I just shot you a note on Insta :)
what is downtown and the north side in porto
@@carenwilton3890 It's the area just to the north of the river and it's where most of the tourist attractions are :)
@@camdendavid near bomfim
I am in Lisbon right now! Thank you for all your helpful tips :D @camdendavid
You got it! Hope you're having a great time :)