Top 10 Lisbon Travel Tips: Hills, Tiles, and the Perfect Tart
“Lisbon, to me, is the physical embodiment of a sigh.”
Lisbon is effortless. It is a city of fading grandeur, where laundry hangs from iron balconies and the smell of grilled sardines fills the air. It is cheaper than Paris, sunnier than London, and has better coffee than Rome.
But Lisbon is also physically demanding. It is built on seven steep hills, and the pavements are slippery. To survive the climb and find the best views without falling into tourist traps, here is your essential guide.
1.
The "Calçada" Warning (Slip Hazard)
Lisbon’s sidewalks are made of beautiful limestone mosaic stones called Calçada Portuguesa. They are stunning but dangerously slippery, especially when polished by millions of feet or if it rains.
The Rule: Leave your high heels and flip-flops at home. Wear shoes with serious grip (sneakers or rubber-soled boots). You will be climbing vertical hills all day.
2.
Tram 28: Ride Early or Skip It
The yellow Tram 28 is the icon of the city. However, from 10 AM to 5 PM, it is a sweating sardine can of tourists and pickpockets.
The Hack: Board at the starting stop (Martim Moniz) before 8:30 AM or after 7:00 PM. Better yet, take Tram 24 instead—it’s also vintage, yellow, and wooden, but much less crowded.
3.
Pastéis de Nata: Belém vs. Manteigaria
You cannot visit Lisbon without eating a custard tart. The original Pastéis de Belém is legendary, but the line is insane.
The Tip: Many locals argue that Manteigaria (in Chiado or Time Out Market) makes an equally good (or better) tart with a crispier crust. Try both. Sprinkle cinnamon on top like a local.
4.
Dinner Starts Late (Very Late)
If you walk into a restaurant at 7:00 PM, you will likely be the only person there (or surrounded by other tourists).
The Rule: Portuguese people eat dinner late. Most kitchens don't fully open until 7:30 PM, and the locals arrive around 8:30 PM or 9:00 PM. Adjust your stomach schedule accordingly.
5.
Don't Pay for the Santa Justa Lift
The neo-Gothic elevator is beautiful, but paying €5+ to ride it is a tourist trap.
The Hack: Walk behind the elevator to Carmo Convent. There is a path that leads to the top viewing platform of the elevator for free. You get the same view without the ticket price or the queue.
6.
Chase the "Miradouros" (Viewpoints)
Lisbon is the city of views. Instead of museums, spend your time at Miradouros.
The Best Spots: Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (highest, best sunset), Miradouro de Santa Luzia (most romantic, bougainvillea flowers), and Miradouro da Graça (best for a beer with a view).
7.
Day Trip to Sintra (Pena Palace)
Sintra is a fairytale town just 40 minutes away by train. The colorful Pena Palace is the highlight.
The Hack: Do not drive to Sintra (parking is impossible). Take the train from Rossio Station. Also, book your Pena Palace tickets online for the first slot (9:30 AM). By noon, the crowds are unbearable.
8.
Pink Street: Go for Photos, Not Sleep
Rua Nova do Carvalho (Pink Street) is famous on Instagram.
The Warning: It is the center of nightlife. It looks great in photos during the day, but it is loud, sticky, and chaotic at night. Do not book an Airbnb or hotel directly on this street unless you plan to stay awake until 4 AM.
9.
Respect the Tiles (Azulejos)
The blue ceramic tiles on buildings are gorgeous.
The Rule: Never buy tiles from flea markets like Feira da Ladra unless you are sure of their origin. Many are stolen from historic buildings. Buy them from certified artisan shops (like Cortiço & Netos) to support living artists and preserve history.
10.
Time Out Market Etiquette
The Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira) is a food hall with the city's best chefs.
The Hack: It gets insanely crowded. Do not buy food first. Find a seat first (it’s a war zone for chairs). Or better yet, go to the quieter Campo de Ourique Market for a more local, less chaotic vibe.
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