Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €15–30 | €60–120 |
| Food | €10–18 | €25–40 |
| Transport | €4–7 | €10–15 |
| Activities | €0–12 | €15–30 |
| Drinks | €4–8 | €12–20 |
| Daily Total | €33–75 | €122–225 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Portugal is in the Schengen Zone. EU/EEA citizens enter with ID. US, Canadian, Australian citizens get 90 days visa-free
- Lisbon Airport (LIS) is only 7km from the centre. Metro Red Line to Alameda (€1.65, 20 min) or Aerobus (€4, 30 min)
- Keep your passport accessible — Schengen border checks are rare but possible
Getting Around
- Metro (4 lines), trams, buses, and funiculars. Viva Viagem card €0.50, 24h pass €6.80. Zapping (pay-as-you-go) €1.65 per trip
- Tram 28 is iconic but packed — take bus 737 for the same route without the crowds. Bolt and Uber are cheap (€4–8 within the city)
- Lisbon is hilly — comfortable shoes are essential. The metro covers most of the centre but Alfama and Bairro Alto require walking uphill
Connectivity
- Vodafone, MEO, and NOS offer tourist SIMs from €10–20 for 5–15GB at the airport or Fnac stores
- Free WiFi in most cafes, museums, and public spaces. Lisboa Wi-Fi hotspots across the city centre
- EU roaming is free for EU residents. Download Bolt for cheap taxis and Citymapper for transit navigation
Money
- Euro. Cards accepted in most restaurants and shops, but carry cash for tascas, markets, and Tram 28 (exact change needed)
- Multibanco ATMs are everywhere and offer fair exchange rates. Avoid Euronet ATMs — they charge 5–10% commission
- Tipping: 5–10% at restaurants if service isn't included. Not expected at cafes or bars. Round up taxis to the nearest euro
Health & Safety
- Lisbon is safe but watch for pickpockets on Tram 28, in Baixa, and at Rossio. Use zipped bags in crowded areas
- Tap water is safe and tastes fine. Pharmacies (farmácias) are on most streets — green cross sign
- Emergency: 112. Hospital de Santa Maria is the main public hospital. Private clinics like Hospital da Luz are faster
Packing Tips
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip — Lisbon's hills and cobblestones (calçada) are beautiful but slippery when wet
- Layers even in summer — river breezes cool the city at night. A light jacket is always useful
- Sunscreen and a hat from April to October. The Atlantic light is deceptively strong even on cloudy days
Cultural tips
Fado Etiquette
When fado is being performed, silence is expected — no talking, no phone sounds. It's considered deeply disrespectful to chat during a song. Wait for the song to end before ordering.
Coffee Culture
Order a "bica" (espresso) in Lisbon, not a "café" (that's Porto). A "meia de leite" is a latte. Coffee costs €0.70–1.20 at the bar, more at a table. Standing at the counter is normal.
Sardine Season
June is sardine season and the Santo António festival (12–13 June) fills every street with grilled sardines, music, and dancing. If you're in Lisbon in June, this is unmissable.
Portuguese Time
Portugal runs late — dinner before 8pm is early, most restaurants peak at 9–10pm. Nightlife starts at midnight. Lunch is the main meal, taken seriously between 12:30–2pm.
Greetings
Two kisses on the cheeks (right first) is standard between friends and when introduced socially. Men shake hands. "Obrigado" (male) or "Obrigada" (female) means thank you.
Beach Culture
Portuguese beaches have a flag system — red means no swimming. Topless sunbathing is common at most beaches. Beach bars (chiringuitos) serve affordable food and drinks with sand-between-toes vibes.
