The Top 10 Things to Know When Visiting Lisbon, Portugal
#1 - Don’t Take Free Shots in Bairro Alto
While sometimes it’s safe to take free shots from strangers (aka the owner of a restaurant you really enjoyed), this is not the case. You’ll find there are many employees outside bars trying to entice tourists with “free shots” in their bars. What they don’t tell you is the shots hardly have any alcohol in them and they try to keep you in the bar with scheming. While Bairro Alto is the place to go if you want to go bar hopping, it’s best to avoid those that offer free drinks upon entrance.
#2 - No Talking… No Eating… No Leaving During Fado
Fado is taken very seriously in Portugal. It is an experience of the senses as you are taken into stories through music, along with sipping fine Portuguese wine and trying the local cuisine. However, you will get called out for leaving the table during fado. It is seen as impolite and rude to leave or eat during the music, so make sure you have taken care of everything beforehand. You don’t want to be called out or given nasty looks.
#3 - It’s Hilly in Lisbon, But it is Wheelchair Accessible in Many Places
Lisbon is EXTREMELY hilly. It is not for the weak of heart… or the ankles. Make sure you prepare physically in advance for a trip to Lisbon. That being said, there are some modifications to structures to accommodate for people with physical impairments. Although there isn’t a whole lot yet in comparison to other countries, Lisbon seems to acknowledge this issue and is working on alternative routes for those who simply cannot walk up major hills and stairs.
#4 - Don’t Speak Spanish
Many people assume that because Portugal is right next to Spain that they speak Spanish. Although Portuguese has some similarities as Spanish, it is vastly different. We found many tourists thinking they could speak Spanish in Lisbon; that was a very ignorant mistake on their part. Portuguese are very proud to be Portuguese and do not identify as Spanish in any way. They are very different from one another, as you will notice when you travel to Portugal.
#5 - Tap Water is Safe, But Bottled Water Tastes Better
Tap water is safe in most of Europe, and Portugal is no exception to that. However, it’s got a funky taste. We found that many tourists and locals alike tended to stick with bottled water. This was not a reflection on the safety of the water, but rather the taste. Make sure you stay hydrated throughout your stay, as the sun can really beat down on Portugal.
#6 - Portugal Uses the Euro
As Portugal is part of the EU, they use the Euro. Most of the kiosks, museums, and stands preferred cash over card, but there are some places that were card only. One place that required card over cash was the Time Out Market. Just be prepared to have both forms of payment available.
#7 - Don’t Buy from Anybody Selling Sunglasses
As you’re walking around Praça do Comércio, you’ll probably come across a bunch of people walking around trying to sell sunglasses. Do yourself a favour and stay away from them. If you say you’re not interested, things can escalate quickly as they may offer you drugs instead. They can feel a bit hostile and scary at times, so try to stay away if you can.
#8 - Beware of the Slippery Tile
The tile work throughout the city of Lisbon is absolutely gorgeous, but it’s not quite safe. Yes, there are cool patterns that are fun to look at, but you will need to be careful, especially after a light rain or up a hill… or the combination of the two. Make sure you wear appropriate shoes with solid grips, otherwise you may have a harder time walking your way around the city.
#9 - Public Transportation is Widely Available and Affordable
There are many trains, taxis, buses, and even trams that can take you in and around Lisbon. It’s very affordable and easy to get around. Tickets for transportation range between €1.50 - €6 for trams, trains, and buses. Services such as Uber and Bolt were on average €10 per ride. Lisbon has very affordable services that are easy to use and get around.
#10 - Traditional Food is Not Vegetarian Friendly
Portuguese food is considered some of the best in Europe. However, if you’re a vegetarian, you’re going to have a difficult time finding some traditional Portuguese food without meat. There are some dishes, but it will be a bit of a challenge. If you’re not a strict vegetarian, trying some of the more traditional foods can be a real delight. We recommend visiting the Time Out Market that has several options for those who want to try traditional foods, those with food allergies, and those who might be a little more picky.
