In short — Our five essentials for a great Lisbon trip: wear comfortable shoes for the hills, use the rechargeable Viva Viagem card for transport, book Sintra and Belém ahead, eat in neighbourhood tascas away from the main squares, and leave time to wander without a plan. Travelling local is the surest way to feel the city rather than just tick off sights.
1 – Travel during the low season
You will discover the city in all its splendour and authenticity, while enjoying much lower prices. Lisbon is no longer a seasonal city, but some periods are far busier than others. The best months for a gentle discovery are January, February, March, October, November and December (outside the festive season). Travellers often assume the weather will be bad: winter is indeed colder than summer, but there are magnificent sunny days, and sometimes temperatures that will make you take off your coat! In our view, visiting Lisbon in winter is an excellent idea.2 – Stay in hotels and guesthouses
Hostels for smaller budgets, hotels for more comfortable ones… there is something for every taste in Lisbon. What we recommend avoiding is short-term rental apartments: not because the concept is bad in itself, but because of its impact here — in recent years many residents, often the most vulnerable, have been pushed out by unscrupulous developers or foreign investors riding the tourist wave, whose only goal is to dedicate these properties to tourism for maximum profit. The worst part is the impoverishment of neighbourhood life: without residents, it loses its soul. Old shops are replaced by trendy cafés and tourist-oriented businesses, prices explode… So be mindful on this point.3 – Eat in neighbourhood “tascas”
They are a living miracle: these small family-run restaurants resist intensified tourism and constantly rising rents and prices, and still manage to serve excellent food at a very reasonable price. Eating in neighbourhood restaurants guarantees them a long and prosperous life. Besides, you travel to Lisbon to discover authentic flavours: delicious dishes prepared as if you were eating at your grandmother’s — an extraordinary experience!4 – Choose local services
And by “local” we mean: offered and delivered by Portuguese people, with an eco-responsible ethic, supporting the local economy. This goes hand in hand with the previous points. For example, take a private walking tour rather than a big group one: neither the experience nor the impact on local life are the same. It costs more, certainly, but it is not out of reach. By choosing two beautiful activities during your stay instead of four “mass-market” ones, you will have better memories — and you won’t have contributed to denaturing the city.5 – Push beyond Lisbon’s borders
Go and discover its superb region, made of idyllic beaches, ecological farms, forests and natural parks, vineyards, small fishing villages… You will be surprised by the wonders it holds. The benefits are many: easing pressure on the city centre, supporting the local economy, and bringing new energy to the surrounding areas.
