Lisbon, Portugal – a charming and romantic capital, known for its picturesque viewpoints, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and vibrant history. The attractions are plentiful – so if you’re either visiting for the first time or a returning veteran, you’ll probably want to cover some ground.
Whether you’re on foot, taking public transport, or riding in style, here is our ultimate guide on how to get around Lisbon.
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How to get around Lisbon on foot
Lisbon is compact and also boasts the enviable title of Europe’s sunniest capital, which makes it absolutely perfect for strolling. Start exploring on foot around the center, as many of the must-see attractions are close to each other.
Organized walking tours are a great way to get your bearings and get a sense of the city. There are tons on offer – from walks with local guides to the tasty foodie’s walking tour, which includes a plethora of Lisbon delicacies.
Elevate yourself for views to die for
It’s also worth wandering through neighborhoods like Graça and Prínciple Real, where you can stumble upon a miradouro with a view to make you weep. Some of the best miradouros in Lisbon can be found here.
If you can’t face the climb, but want the views, there are several incredible elevators around town, including the Santa Justa Lift, in Baixa. These offer a unique way to get up and down to some of the city’s most iconic viewpoints.
Once you’ve climbed enough Lisbon hills, walking can start to lose its appeal. Luckily, transportation in Lisbon is safe, affordable, and practical for getting around the city and beyond. A single ticket costs up to €2.50, depending on your mode of transport, and a day ticket for the Lisbon metro, bus, or tram network, called the “Viva Viagem” card, costs around €6.40.
You can also book the Lisbon card for up to 72 hours with Tiqets – which offers free public transport and access to 38 museums and monuments!
How to get around Lisbon by tram
No trip to Lisbon is complete without a ride on the iconic 28 tram. This plucky yellow tram takes you through historical neighborhoods including Graça, Alfama, and Estrela, and is an excellent way to get to some of the city’s finest attractions – such as Graça’s Castelo de São Jorge and the Basílica da Estrela.
Be amazed by the vintage interior, but be prepared for crowds of tourists. It’s best to start traveling in the morning or later in the day to avoid the hoards.
Try boarding at the destination station Martim Moniz (or Campo Ourique) to get a seat. If you’re standing, hang on tight during turns, and watch out for pickpockets. If crowds really aren’t your thing, you can also book a historic hills tram tour.
How to get around Lisbon by bus and subway
If you’re just trying to get from A to B, the Lisbon subway system is fast and easy to navigate. It’s especially helpful in getting to the excellent drinking and eating neighborhood of Anjos from the center of town – where cheap tascas and cool arts venues abound.
A loaded “Viva Viagem” card is valid for one person and means you can travel on all Lisbon urban trains, Carris buses, elevators, funiculars, and trams, and the Lisbon Metro for 24 hours.
Lisbon also has an extensive bus network that covers the entire city. Busses are a great option for reaching destinations that aren’t served by the subway – which are many since much of the center is set around vertiginous hills.
You could also consider booking a hop-on-and-off bus tour – or even book a journey on an amphibious bus that will drive into the Tagus and transform into a boat!
How to get around Lisbon by train
Lisbon is a handy jumping point to some incredible attractions – from magical, mystical Sintra to the many fantastic beach spots an easy hop away from the city. Getting to such places by train is generally practical and pleasant.
Trains to Sintra regularly leave from Rossio station and take around 40 minutes. Trains to the nearest beach town – picturesque Cascais, depart from Lisboa-Oriente, Rossio, and “Santa Apolónia – and take a mere 30 minutes.
Tickets can be purchased easily in all train stations, from the ticket offices, ticket vending machines in the stations, as well as from payshop agents. You can also by tickets onboard the trains, as long as you approach the ticket inspector as soon as you get on!
How to get around Lisbon by ferry
You can also reach some of Lisbon’s nearby beach towns by public ferry! The ferry system in Lisbon, known as Transtejo, operates several routes, connecting Lisbon with several destinations on the south bank of the river Tagus, including Cacilhas, Barreiro, and Montijo.
You can purchase a ticket at the ferry terminal or on the ferry, and choose between a one-way or round-trip ticket. The ferry rides usually take between 10 and 30 minutes. Do check schedules ahead of time, as the frequency of ferry services may vary.
Taxis and ride-sharing in Lisbon
Beyond public transportation in Lisbon, you have many options – including, of course, taxis. Various ride-sharing apps are available in the city, and trips can be pretty affordable. If you hail a cab, do check that you are on the meter and confirm any extra charges in advance.
Lisbon is also a great city for cycling, despite the hills. There are well-maintained bike paths along the riverfront and plenty of bike rental shops. A great day trip could include a bike ride via arts hotspot LX Factory (home to one of the most incredible bookshops we’ve ever seen) to the historical gem Belem.
This area boasts some incredible attractions such as the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. You could also follow up a day’s biking and sightseeing around this area with an incredible sunset sailing tour, departing from Belem.
In summary, anyone wondering how to get around Lisbon will generally find it a breeze. There are options for travelers of all budgets but the best thing to do is to take your time and enjoy the journey!
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