LISBON SECRETS

Lisbon has long been one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations. The city's unique atmosphere, amazing architecture and, of course, its gastronomic traditions, ensure that it continues to attract travellers. The city seamlessly blends historical heritage with modern trends, and its ancient streets overlooking the Atlantic Ocean create a unique flavour. In this guide, we will provide comprehensive information on how to reach Lisbon, the must-see attractions, the finest culinary experiences, and the ideal accommodation options.

Getting to Lisbon

There are a variety of ways to reach Lisbon. The city's main airport, Aeroporto Humberto Delgado, located just 7 km from the city centre, is one of Portugal's five international air hubs and the largest of them all. It receives flights from many European cities, as well as some destinations in the Americas, Asia and Africa.

Travel options from the airport to the city centre include bus, metro or taxi. The metro is the most cost-effective and convenient option for budget-conscious travellers. The metro station is conveniently located directly at the airport, and the Aeroporto-Saldanha line is accessible in just 20 minutes. Ticket and Viva Viagem card (€1.80 and €0.50 respectively) can be purchased at ATMs, with the option to top up for use on metro, Carris buses and funiculars. A 24-hour transport pass is also available to purchase for €6.80. An AeroBus shuttle operates between the airport and the city centre, with fares set at €3.60. A taxi ride to the city centre will cost around 20-25 euros. However, you may wish to consider Bolt or Uber, whose prices are much lower than in other European cities.

For those travelling within Europe, bus or train routes are available for reaching Lisbon. Portugal has an extensive network of buses and trains connecting Lisbon with other major cities in the country, including Porto, Coimbra, Sintra and the Algarve. Those wishing to explore the country in depth can take the train and enjoy the beautiful views en route.

The Most Popular

The city of Lisbon is renowned for its unique sights and atmosphere, which attract a significant number of tourists each year. To gain a deeper understanding of the city, visitors can participate in a variety of excursions and tours. In this segment, we will be exploring the most sought-after tours and their approximate prices.

The most renowned attractions include the Castle of St George, which is perched on a hill, offering spectacular views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. The Belem Tower, a 16th-century structure designed to protect the city from maritime threats, is widely regarded as the symbol of Lisbon. The area around the tower is beautifully landscaped with gardens and historical monuments, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Jerónimos Monastery. The city also boasts the MAAT Museum, a modern attraction that features intriguing exhibitions of art and technology, and is itself an architectural masterpiece. The museum building is located right on the banks of the Tagus, and its undulating shape harmonises with the surrounding landscape. Alfama, a historic district of Lisbon, is renowned for its narrow cobbled streets and rich historical atmosphere. The area is home to numerous cafes, small shops and traditional fado bars, where visitors can experience the national music. Rocio Square, situated in the heart of Lisbon, is a vibrant meeting point for tourists and locals alike. It boasts beautiful fountains, monuments, and old cafés and restaurants where you can spend a pleasant time.

The city also boasts a National Tile Museum, dedicated to azulejo ceramic tiles, which play a significant role in Portuguese architecture and art. The museum boasts one of the most extensive and diverse collections of tiles in the world, spanning over 500 years of history. The name "azulejo" originates from the Arabic word "azul," meaning "blue," and is characterised by its distinctive blue and white patterns. In Lisbon, you will find many buildings where the tiles form intricate patterns and even paintings of events from the country's history.

In addition, Lisbon's distinctive appearance is characterised by the traditional Portuguese paving of pavements and streets with cobblestones ("pave" in Portuguese). A distinctive feature of the city's cobblestones is their intricate laying pattern, which allows for a variety of configurations, including rhombuses, waves, and geometric designs. These distinctive features are particularly evident in the historic districts of Alfama and Baixa. These characteristics are often highlighted by tour guides during guided tours of the city.

Tuk-Tuk Tours

Lisbon is a city that attracts visitors with its historical monuments and architectural gems. A variety of tours are available to suit all tastes and budgets. The selection of tours is tailored to individual interests, ranging from historical and architectural explorations to culinary adventures and nightlife experiences.

To facilitate navigation and provide significant savings on popular museums, the Lisboa Card is available for 1, 2 or 3 days. This card provides unlimited use of public transport and free entry to up to 51 attractions.

The map can also be used to ride the famous tram 28, take the Elevador di Santa Justa lift and even travel by rail to Sintra and Cascais (a beach resort). The map also provides access to notable attractions such as the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and the interactive centre at the Pilar 7 Bridge. The map includes well-known attractions such as St George's Castle and the Royal Treasures Museum. The card is available at a cost of €27 for 24 hours, €44 for 48 hours and €54 for 72 hours.

The most popular tour with tourists is, of course, the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour of Lisbon. This tour allows visitors to explore the capital with a bus pass for 24 or 48 hours, accessing three different central routes. Passengers can board and alight from the double-decker buses as frequently as they wish within a set time period. Guided commentary is available in multiple languages, offering a personalised experience.  Prices for the basic tour start at 22 euros. The ticket also provides free access to Lisbon's renowned trams, the Elevador di Santa Justa lift, and the observation deck.

Lisbon offers a wide variety of tours to suit all tastes. For example, a bicycle tour from the city centre to the Belém promenade is available at a cost of 12 euros. For those interested in marine life, the Lisbon Oceanarium (22.5 euros) is a highly popular destination. For a more exclusive experience, consider the evening live show with a female singer of national fado music, accompanied by a glass of port wine, which costs between 16 and 19 euros. Visitors can take in the famous Benfica Stadium and its museum for €19, or enjoy a two-hour sunset cruise on a traditional boat, accompanied by traditional Fado music and a wine tasting experience showcasing the southern region of Setúbal for €30.

An excursion to Pena Palace, Sintra, Regaleira and Cascais will cost €65, while a tour to Fatima, Batalha, Nazare and Obidos (historic cities and UNESCO World Heritage sites) will cost €70. For those seeking unique experiences, there is the option of a tuk-tuk tour (€130 for pre-arranged routes). However, it is much more cost-effective to make private arrangements for such excursions. A trip along the Tagus River on an amphibious bus will cost €30. A gastronomic tour of Lisbon with a small group and 17 tastings is available at 90 euros.

The city of Lisbon is known for its vibrant nightlife, which is best explored on a tour that takes in the city's night-time attractions. The tour includes evening strolls through the Bairro Alto and Alfama neighbourhoods, renowned for their vibrant nightlife. During the evening, you will have the opportunity to visit various bars and restaurants and experience live fado performances. The tour lasts 3-4 hours and the cost is €30-50.

The Water Issue

The aqueducts, which are bridge structures for conveying water, are an important part of Lisbon's historical heritage. The city faced problems with its water supply in the past due to its geographical peculiarity and growing population. Aqueducts were the solution to this problem, allowing water to be pumped from distant sources into the city. These structures not only supplied drinking water but also facilitated irrigation for agricultural land and industrial needs.

During the tours, visitors will learn that in Portugal in the past people only bathed three times in their lives. At birth, the first baths were part of the rituals associated with birth. In the context of traditional Portuguese culture, bathing was a significant ritual. It was performed only three times in a person's lifetime: at birth, on the wedding day, and on the occasion of the most important event in life, namely the wedding. Prior to death, bathing was a significant component of the ritual to bid farewell to life and prepare for the final journey. Instead of frequent washing, people used perfume and clothing to hide impurities. This practice was influenced by historical conditions, water scarcity, cultural peculiarities and hygiene practices in the Middle Ages and beyond. It was only in the 19th century, with the development of medical knowledge and the increased availability of water, that a culture of more frequent bathing began to develop in Portugal, as elsewhere in Europe.

Today, Lisbon's aqueducts are not only historical monuments, but also tourist attractions. The Meio Aqueduct, in particular, is a testament to the engineering prowess and artistic mastery of the past, illustrating the significant impact of engineering structures on urban life.

The World of Portuguese Wines

Portugal is a world leader in wine production, with a rich heritage that dates back millennia. The country exports to more than 100 countries and wine is a popular beverage enjoyed by locals at any time of day, whether at lunchtime or in the evening with family and friends.

The country's vineyards are home to more than 250 different grape varieties, producing a wide range of wines, including reds, whites, sparkling and fortifieds. Port, widely regarded as Portugal's most renowned wine, is distinguished by its full-bodied flavour and high alcohol content. It is typically recommended for guests. Portugal's renowned wine varieties include Alentejo (dry), Setubal (sweet with a muscat flavour), Lagrima (sweet, dessert), Bastardo and Tinta Roriza (fruity and spicy flavour), and Vinho Verde (green wine).

The price of Portuguese wine varies depending on the region and grape variety. On average, a bottle of good Vinho Verde or white wine costs between €5 and €12, while a bottle of red wine costs between €6 and €15. Higher quality wines, such as Port or Setubala, can cost between €15 and €30 or more. In supermarkets, simple wines can often be purchased for between €2 and €3, though their quality will naturally differ from more expensive options.

On the other hand, Lisbon's restaurant and bar scene caters to a wide clientele with a diverse selection of local wines at competitive prices.

Wine tours in Lisbon provide an opportunity to explore the country's rich wine culture. These tours can range from tastings in the city to trips to wine regions near Lisbon, such as Alentejo, Carnevale and Setubal. City tours that include visits to wine shops, bars and restaurants are also available, offering guests the chance to sample a variety of different wines. A popular destination for such tours is Wine Bar do Castelo, located next to St George's Castle, which offers a cosy atmosphere in which to sample Portuguese wines.

Many wine tours in Lisbon offer not only wine tasting, but also the opportunity to sample traditional Portuguese dishes that pair perfectly with certain types of wine. These tours, which typically range from three to six hours, include meat and fish specialities, cheeses, olives and sweet pastries such as Pastel de Belém. The cost of these tours varies from €40 to €100 per person, depending on the duration, number of tastings and level of tour. Tours to wine regions typically cost between €60 and €150 and include transport as well as tastings.

More Than Game

Football in Portugal is of great importance, being not just a sport but an important part of the culture and national identity. Portuguese people are very passionate about football and it often forms a central part of everyday life, from youth games in the streets to spectacular matches in stadiums. Portugal has a long and proud football tradition, and this is reflected in the country's vibrant and dedicated fan base. The sport is primarily fuelled by powerful clubs such as Porto, Benfica and Sporting, which have a long history of success in European tournaments and attract huge numbers of fans across the country.

The country is also renowned for its football academies, which nurture world-class talents. This contributes to the game's popularity both domestically and internationally. Cristiano Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of the most renowned Portuguese footballers in history, having achieved iconic status both within his home nation and on the global stage. Other iconic Portuguese footballers include Eusebio da Silva Ferreira, Luis Figo, João Feliz, Paula Sousa and Ricardo Carvalho.

The country currently boasts a total of 130 football clubs. The country boasts a total of over 30 stadiums that are used for professional matches. These stadiums are often included in the itinerary of visitors to Lisbon. This is particularly true for supporters of the Benfica and Sporting clubs. These stadiums offer guided tours and tourist programmes, including visits to the clubs' museums.

Additionally, there are numerous flagship shops across Lisbon, offering merchandise, T-shirts, scarves, souvenirs and other items displaying the team's insignia. Football enthusiasts also frequent specialised pubs and cafes, such as Café do Estádio and Avenida da Liberdade, which offer a perfect viewing experience for matches and serve as meeting points for supporters of various clubs and national teams.

The Praça da Fama do Futebol (Football Glory Square) is located in the central part of the capital. This site features statues of renowned football figures, accompanied by plaques honouring exceptional players, coaches and club managers.

A Hotspot for Beer Aficionados

For beer aficionados, the Lisbon Beer Museum is dedicated not only to the history of brewing in Portugal, but also to the global significance of beer as a cultural and social phenomenon. The history of beer is thousands of years old, and the museum charts its development from ancient times to the present day. The exhibition features both historical artefacts related to beer production and contemporary brewing technologies. Visitors can observe the evolution of beer flavours and production methods, and the role of beer in everyday life. The museum chronicles the history of the small family breweries that were founded in Portugal in the past and are still in operation today.

The museum displays a wide variety of beer types. Visitors can learn about the characteristics of each type, from light and dark beers to lagers and ales. A highlight of the museum is the opportunity to taste a variety of Portuguese and international beers. The museum also frequently hosts events and masterclasses where visitors can gain more insight into the art of brewing, as well as participate in creative beer-related activities.

The museum also features a beer bar and restaurant, offering a selection of beers and dishes perfectly paired to complement the beverage. The menu includes traditional Portuguese snacks and viands. These include codfish cake (codfish and cheese pies - 6.5 euros), fried sardines (12-14 euros), the king of Portuguese cuisine, bacalhau (codfish - 18 euros), and Pastéis de Belém tartlets (5 euros per pair).

The bar offers a wide selection of beers, including rare brews not available elsewhere in Lisbon, at €5 for 300ml and €9.5 for 600ml.

Ticket prices for the Beer Museum are dependent on the selected tour and activities, with an average cost of 10 euros.

Lisbon seamlessly blends a rich cultural heritage, a vibrant atmosphere and exceptional cuisine. Visitors can enjoy historical monuments, experience the atmosphere, and sample local specialities while taking in the views of the Atlantic. Lisbon is a year-round destination, offering travellers the perfect conditions for an unforgettable stay.