Lisbon Travel Guide
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Frequently Asked Questions
about Lisbon
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Lisbon is known for its charming historic neighborhoods, colorful tiled buildings, delicious food and wine, and beautiful views of the Tagus River.
The currency in Lisbon is the Euro (EUR).
The emergency number in Lisbon is 112 for police, fire, and ambulance services.
The official language of Lisbon is Portuguese, but many people also speak English, especially in tourist areas.
It depends on your nationality. EU citizens do not need a visa to visit Lisbon. Citizens of many other countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, can stay in Portugal for up to 90 days without a visa. Check with the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country for specific visa requirements.
The best way to get around Lisbon is by using public transportation, including the metro, buses, and trams. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available.
It’s recommended to spend at least three to four days in Lisbon to see the major attractions and get a feel for the city’s culture and vibe. However, you could easily spend a week or more exploring the city and its surrounding areas.
The must-see attractions in Lisbon include the Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, Sao Jorge Castle, the Alfama neighborhood, and the Chiado and Bairro Alto neighborhoods for shopping, dining, and nightlife.
The best shopping areas in Lisbon include the Chiado neighborhood, which has many high-end boutiques and designer stores, and the Baixa neighborhood, which has a mix of local shops and international brands.
The Feira da Ladra flea market in Alfama is also a popular spot for vintage and secondhand finds.
Lisbon hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including the Festas de Lisboa (Lisbon Festivities) in June, which includes parades, music, and street parties, and the Lisbon International Film Festival in November.
The best way to experience Lisbon’s nightlife is to explore the city’s many bars, clubs, and music venues.
The Bairro Alto neighborhood is known for its lively bar scene, while the streets around Cais do Sodre and Pink Street are popular for clubs and late-night music venues.
Yes, Lisbon hosts several music festivals throughout the year, including the Super Bock Super Rock festival in July, the NOS Alive festival in July, and the Jazz in August festival in August.
Tipping is not mandatory in Lisbon, but it’s common to leave a small tip if you receive good service. In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% of the total bill is usually appreciated. In cafes, bars and taxis, it’s common to round up the bill or leave small change.
Yes, Fado is a traditional Portuguese music style that originated in Lisbon. There are several restaurants and music venues in Lisbon where you can experience Fado performances, such as Clube de Fado and Sr. Fado de Alfama.
Yes, Lisbon has a rechargeable public transportation card called Viva Viagem. It can be used on buses, trams, metro, and trains within the Lisbon metropolitan area. The card can be purchased at any metro or train station and at some bus stations, as well as at some convenience stores and newsstands.
There are several options available for loading the card, including single trip fares, day passes, and pre-paid options.
In addition to the Viva Viagem card, there is also the Lisboa Card, which is a tourist pass that includes unlimited use of public transportation, as well as free admission or discounts to many museums, monuments, and attractions in Lisbon.
The Lisboa Card is available for 24, 48, or 72 hours and can be purchased online or at tourist information centers throughout the city.