What makes Lisbon so popular?
Lisbon stands out among other European cities because it provides a wide range of wonderful traits, including plenty of sunshine, excellent weather, a rich history, an attractive lifestyle, a dynamic culture, and close proximity to beaches. Lisbon, the city of seven hills, enjoys a prime location on the Atlantic Ocean and the River Tagus. It has been a major European city for centuries and is the oldest city in Western Europe, with a history that dates back to 1200 B.C. that is why Lisbon is famous.
Nearly everyone who visits the city is charmed, therefore coming to take advantage of the city's enviable lifestyle is unavoidable. Some people even fall so deeply in love with Lisbon that they decide to settle there.
To make traveling easier and more manageable, it's usually a good idea to learn a little bit about the city you're going, just like you would when visiting any other destination. Lisbon is no different.
The city is crowded with things to do and places to view, but more significantly, there are vital cultural and historical details to keep in mind to prevent surprises. The information in this post will help you travel comfortably, wisely, and appropriately to Lisbon.
Although the metropolitan area has more than 2.8 million people, Lisbon's population is estimated to be around 500.000 with people from 50 different nationalities.
The two primary languages spoken in the city are Portuguese and English, and more than 30% of the residents are from other countries.
14 Things To Know Before Visiting Lisbon
1. Find out when the best times to visit in Lisbon.
Because there is so much sunshine throughout the year, Portugal's climate is known for being mild and temperate throughout Europe and the world. However, it's best to keep in mind that we also have seasons here. Spring here is new and gentle, generally bright with intermittent shower spells.
Summer is gloriously bright, dry, and hot—but not too hot because the city is always cooled by the Atlantic breeze. If you don't like the heat, autumn is a great time to visit because it's so mild. Additionally, winter typically experiences lower temperatures and some of the wettest days of the year.
However, this also has some surprises, as there is sun in December and it is possible to enjoy the beach in the sun even in February. Lisbon is a great place to travel, so plan your trip carefully.
Having said that, Lisbon is so well-liked that it attracts tourists all year long. The months of spring, summer, and early autumn constitute the peak season.
However, there is also pleasure in visiting during the winter months, particularly for budget travelers, when lodging costs are significantly lower. typically half the cost of the peak months. The main trade off you have is to manage the capricious climate. However, the assurance you have is the lovely city of Lisbon all around you!
2. Cars should not be brought to Lisbon.
If you fly into Lisbon, you probably won't need a car because the city is very walkable, public transportation is reliable, and the affordable Uber car service is just a touch away. However, if you plan to rent a car or come to Lisbon by car, please reconsider.
You'll have more cerebral pain in the tumultuous Lisbon traffic, and burn through heaps of time by finding a parking spot.
In the center of Lisbon, it is almost impossible to park on the streets because they are either mostly paid for or reserved for residents. Instead, you can park in parking lots, which are very expensive and cost at least €25 per day.
We recommend renting a car only for trips outside of Lisbon because it is the ideal getaway mode of transportation for exploring the coast of Cascais, Sintra's natural beauty, the vast Alentejo plains, and the Portuguese countryside.
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3. Bring comfortable Shoes.
If you take that to mean that Lisbon is a city of seven hills, you'll need to take care of your feet. Don't bring your glittering boots or heels. Choose shoes that are as comfortable as possible.
Lisbon is beautiful and has stunning views, but getting there requires ascending stairs and hilly terrain. Walking is the best way to see a lot of Lisbon's beauty because of the winding, cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and vibrant neighborhoods with a lot of stairs.
You will get a lot of healthy walking exercise as well as a nice outdoor walk on a beautiful day! Look at our Cheddar and Wine manual for the bumpy neighborhoods of Graça, Alfama and House of God Areas.
4. Know the basics of Portuguese.
The majority of Portuguese people speak English as a matter of course when interacting with visitors—they are known for being warm, friendly, and accommodating.
However, being able to communicate in basic Portuguese would undoubtedly improve that interaction and even earn you some respect and courtesy from the locals.
When starting a conversation, it's always nice to say "Ola" or "Hello," "Obrigado" or "Thank you" for male speakers, "Obrigada" or "You're welcome" for female speakers, and "De nada" or "You're welcome" after a transaction.
Or, if you bump someone accidentally, you say "Desculpa" or "Por favor" with a smile. Or, when you're leaving, wave and say "Adeus," which means "goodbye." People are made to smile by this.
In Portugal, you can order a wide variety of coffees, even when ordering coffee. Order "Bica" if you want an espresso-like coffee and "Abatanado" if you want an americano or long black coffee to avoid confusion.
If you wanted a large cup of coffee with milk, Galo. Meia de leite is for a milky coffee, "Descafeinado" is for people who don't want decaf, and "Cha" is for people who prefer tea.
5. In crowded places and on public transportation, be wary of pickpockets.
Pickpocketing incidents abound in Lisbon, as they do in most tourist destinations, which is unfortunate. It is most prevalent in tourist destinations with a lot of traffic and in crowded areas like trams and other public transportation. Therefore, the best way to properly care for your belongings is to use common sense.
Place your phones and wallet securely inside your bags rather than in pockets, and do not leave bags open. Additionally, keep your bag always in front of you, not behind you, to prevent theft, which can occur quickly.
6. Uber is better than taxis.
Taxis have a bad reputation for charging customers too much and taking you farther than necessary. Uber, on the other hand, has a better reputation because its vehicles are known to be safe. All transactions are done digitally through your smartphone, so you won't be overcharged.
Additionally, you can visually map your route and keep track of it. In addition, Uber drivers are far friendlier, typically proficient in English, and guaranteed to provide far more dependable service.
7. Keep an eye on the bill.
Do you recall the time when, upon receipt of the bill at the conclusion of your meal, the total cost suddenly exceeded your expectations? That also takes place here.
Always look at the bill to see if it includes everything you ordered. Olives, goat cheese, and bread are all common "entradas," or "starters," in Portuguese restaurants.
But there is a rule that says you don't have to pay if you don't touch them. To avoid confusion and disapproving looks from the waiters, be careful to check the bill to see if you were charged for what you ate.
8. If you can, reserve a table. Carry cash.
There are a lot of restaurants and cafes that are flexible, but some of them don't take reservations and let people in on a first-come, first-served basis. However, please reserve a table if you can.
We also recommend making reservations on the Fork or Zomato websites, which are both very user-friendly. It's a good idea to make a reservation in advance because many popular venues are busiest on weekends.
Furthermore, in the event that you're going to the more modest, serene Portuguese tascas, the little cafés in the nearby areas, it's encouraged to carry cash with you as a ton of these spots have minimal computerized limit and don't acknowledge cards. Here, cash is the best currency.
9. Be careful not to overpay for coffee or beer.
Beer costs between €5 and €8 in London, Paris, and Copenhagen, but not in Lisbon. The cost of a typical Portuguese beer, like Sagres or Superbock, starts at €1 for a pint-size imperial (1.33 ml) and goes up to €3 for a caneca (a pint).
Unless you go to expensive bars that serve imported or specialty beers. Coffee in this location is the same. In Lisbon, and all through Portugal, espresso is sensible and modest.
A bica typically costs €0.70, while an abatanado or americano typically costs €1. In Lisbon, you'll find establishments that charge €3 for an americano and €4 for the latter. We, as locals, oppose the normalization of this, and neither should you. Lisbon's authenticity and charm can be found in its affordability.
10. Sit by the water and have a drink.
When it comes to drinks, we highly recommend spending some time enjoying a glass of wine or, even better, a cocktail by the water. Between Praça do Comercio and Cais do Sodré, the Ribeira das Naus esplanade is the ideal location for this.
It's a popular spot for sunbathing on deck chairs, watching sailboats, or just looking out over the Tagus's soft waves. It's a great spot for a sundown aperitif and a little dancing if you come at sunset when DJs are spinning their party beats.
11. In Miradouros, see the sunset.
Watching the sunset from one of the Miradouros perched atop Lisbon's hills is another enjoyable activity you can do in the city.
They not only provide breathtaking views but also a delightful atmosphere in which the final rays of the sun cast fiery colors across the city and the Tagus River. At the Miradouro da Graça, you can sip a beer or wine, or you can listen to the busking musicians at the highest point, the Miradouro Senhora da Monte.
The Miradouro de Santa Catarina, with its hipper, younger crowd, enjoys a few drinks and possibly a dance or two while looking out to the sparkling river, while the recently reopened Miradouro So Pedro de Alcântara has a magnificent view across the valley.
In addition to viewpoints, don't forget to check out the numerous rooftop bars and restaurants in Lisbon. These establishments provide excellent drinking and dining experiences as well as romantic views of Lisbon.
12. Become mixed up in the roads of Alfama.
They say that you haven't been to Lisbon at all if you don't get lost in the Alfama neighborhood. It's a place that hasn't been touched by time or natural events, so many of the old cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, ramparts, and stairs that wind around the hills have been preserved.
As a result, exploring its intricate features is highly recommended because every corner awes you with detail, color, and life. When it's summertime, the city's patron saint Santo Antonio is honored with music, dancing, and grilled sardines wafting through the air.
13. Go to the lively markets.
We have some of Europe's oldest and the world's oldest markets in Lisbon. Surprisingly, they continue to flourish and grow in popularity over time. Take, for instance, Feira da Ladra, a Lisbon tradition that dates back to the 13th century.
Image Source:-feira-da-ladra
In Campo Clara, you can find just about anything you can think of, including antiques, bric-a-brac, secondhand clothing, tiles, artwork, books, and more. It runs on Tuesdays and Saturdays and never fails to enchant and occupy both locals and visitors.
Another excellent location for vintage market shopping is Principe Real on Saturdays. It additionally displays a lot of neighborhood Portuguese handiworks and craftsman items, as well as a natural market with new produce that comes directly from ranches around the country.
You should also check out the TimeOut Market, which is so well-known all over the world. Here, you can savor the many restaurants that Lisbon has to offer and eat all day and night!
14. Cross the river by taking the ferry.
Taking a ferry across the water is one of the most undervalued and underrated activities in Lisbon. It is understandable that the best view of Lisbon's skyline is from across the river, but it is not immediately apparent.
Therefore, take some time to take the ferry and travel to Cacilhas, a small harbor town with rustic restaurants, including our favorite Restaurante Ponto Final, where you can dine on a riverfront patio while taking in the incredible maritime view all around you.
Cacilhas is located in the middle of the island.
Interesting Facts About Lisbon
The Vasco da Gama Bridge over the Tagus River, which is 17, 2 km (10.7 miles) long and is one of Lisbon's symbols, is the longest bridge in Europe. Lisbon is home to the stunning Torre de Belem, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Under Baixa, there is a museum called Nucleo Arqueologico.
Lisbon is home to the world's oldest bookstore (Livraria Bertrand, founded in 1732) and smallest bookstore (Livraria do Simo, 35 square feet).
Time-Tables for Lisbon's stores
The shops in the city center are open Monday through Friday until 7 or 8 p.m.
Some smaller shops take a lunch break from 1 to 3 p.m., but the larger chains and shops won't take a lunch break and will usually open on Saturday mornings as well.
The big shopping malls and souvenir shops will still be open after 7 p.m.
Budget for Lisbon: Cost of Living
An average monthly budget of €1000 is required to live comfortably in Lisbon.
Your transportation, food, utilities, and lodging will all be covered by this budget, and you will also have enough money left over to pay for entertainment.
What to Eat in Lisbon:
Basic Breakfast Out: 3.5-5€
Basic Dining Out for Two person: 15-35€
Expensive Dining Out for Two person: 35-70€
Combo Meal in a Fast Food Chain: 6-10€
Water (33cl bottle) in a bar/pub: 1.5-2€
Coke (33cl bottle) in a bar/pub: 1.5-3€
Coffee (espresso or with milk): 0.9-3€
Domestic Beer (50cl): 1.5-3.7€
Imported Beer (33cl): 2-4€
Wine Bottle in a Restaurant: 8-25€
Cocktail: 5-10€
Supermarket prices
Bread/Baguette: 1€
Milk (regular): 0.80€
Water (1.5l bottle): 0.25-1.3€
Pack of Cigarettes: 5-8€
12-Pack (33cl) Domestic Beer: 5-10€
Round Steak (500gr): 3-9€
Chicken Fillets (500gr): 2-5€
Accommodation Costs in Lisbon
750-1500€ rent for one Bedroom Flat
1500 - 3000€ rent for three Bedrooms Flat
350-700€ rent for One Room in a Shared Flat
Prices for Lisbon Transportation
One-Way Ticket-> 1.5 euros
Monthly Pass-> 40 euros
Trip by taxi for 5km - 10 km -> 6 to 9 euros
Riding on bicycle
Not with standing the seven slopes, individuals of Lisbon cycle! To get around the city, you can also use public bicycle sharing systems. In Lisbon, electronic scooter systems are also a trendy mode of transportation.
The Gira Lisbon shared bike system's official app, Gira – Bicicletas of Lisbon, gives you access to it. With this, you will be able to see where each Gira station in Lisbon is on a map and which electric or non-electric bikes are available. Additionally, it lets you unlock the station bikes.
The only difference between Ecooltra and Gira is that you can rent electric scooters instead of bikes. In a city with so many ups and downs, this service is a blessing, and it is also quite affordable!
Taxi from/to the airport:
A taxi to the airport is a quick and easy way for multiple visitors to get to their destination. The 20-minute ride to the city center will set you back between 20 and 25 euros.
Metro:
In about twenty minutes, you can reach downtown Lisbon on the "Aeroporto - Saldanha" line. You only need a single ticket, which costs about 1.50 euros.
Bus:
From the arrivals terminal, you can take a number of bus lines to various parts of the city. The cost is between 1.50 and 2 euros. You can also select the shuttle options from both terminals if you prefer to do so.
Air Canada to Lisbon Airport
TERMINAL
Arrivals Terminal:
Air Canada uses Terminal 1 at Lisbon Airport (LIS).
In some cases this terminal can change, check the terminal with your airline.
Departures Terminal:
Air Canada uses Terminal 1 at Lisbon Airport (LIS).
In some cases this terminal can change, check the terminal with your airline.
FLIGHTS
Follow the links below in order to see all the flights scheduled for Air Canada
- Arrivals
CHECK-IN
In order to check in for your flight at Lisbon Airport (LIS), go to the terminal where your flight departs from, or follow the instructions provided in your ticket.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- IATA Code: AC
- Website: www.aircanada.com
CODESHARE
This airline operate some flights, but other flights are codeshare flights operated by the following airlines
Air Canada Toronto to Lisbon
Peak season for travel by Air Canada Toronto to Lisbon
July
US$346
Off-season for travel Air Canada Toronto to Lisbon
October
US$200
Cheapest return ticket price Air Canada Toronto to Lisbon
US$1,460
Cheapest direct flight price Air Canada Toronto to Lisbon
US$580
Flight Schedule Air Canada Toronto to Lisbon
Lisbon's life: What to do?
Lisbon is alive and bursting with life. Although it is quite challenging to summarize all of Lisbon's activities, we made every effort to select our favorites for you:
1) Take a tour of the Palacio de la Frontera.
Image Source: Pombal Palace
2) At the Carpe Diem Gallery, go to the Pombal Palace.
3) Take a stroll on the stunning pavements of Portugal.
4) Explore the castle's streets and alleys.
5) From Baixa, take the Ascensor de Santa Justa 45 meters higher to Chiado.
6) Consume Pastéis de Belém, Caldo Verde, and Francesinha with everything.
7) Find a spot where you can listen to Fado.
Beaches in Lisbon
There are two sandy beaches within easy reach of Lisbon; the coasts of Cascais-Estoril, which is west of Lisbon, and Costa de Caparica, which is south of Lisbon.
The wild beaches of the Serra de Sintra coastline and the paradise beaches of the Serra da Arrabida are slightly further away and require a rental car or you can go with uber.
1) Praia de Carcavelos, 30 minutes by train from the center.
2) Praia da Conceiço, 45 minutes by train.
3) Costa da Caparica, 30 minutes by bus.
4) Praia Sao Pedro, 40 minutes by train.
5) Praia do Tamariz, 40 minutes by train,
6) Praia de Santo Amaro, 20 minutes by train.
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