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Lisbon : Travel Guide

Discover Lisbon, the sunny pearl of Portugal!

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General information

Nestled on the banks of the Tagus River, Lisbon is a captivating city blending a rich historical heritage with a lively, modern ambience. This sun-drenched Portuguese capital seduces travelers with its picturesque cobblestone streets, colorful neighborhoods, delicious cuisine and friendly people. Come and immerse yourself in Lisbon's unique atmosphere and discover a cultural and architectural gem in the heart of Portugal.

POPULATION

The people of Lisbon are warm, welcoming and proud of their heritage. Lisboans, or "alfacinhas" as they're known locally, are renowned for their conviviality and love of music, dance and festivities.

CLIMATE

Lisbonne enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate throughout the year. Summers are hot and sunny, perfect for strolling through the streets and enjoying the nearby beaches. Winters are mild, making it an attractive destination even during the cooler season. Springs and autumns are also very pleasant.

CURRENCY

The official currency is the Euro (EUR).

LANGUAGE

The official language is Portuguese

A bit of history

Lisbon's history goes back thousands of years. Founded by the Phoenicians around 1200 BC, the city has been occupied by various civilizations, including the Romans, Visigoths and Moors.

However, it was during the period of the Great Discoveries in the 15th and 16th centuries that Lisbon reached its apogee, becoming a prosperous seaport and the center of worldwide exploration.

Unfortunately, in 1755, a violent earthquake followed by a tsunami and a devastating fire destroyed much of the city. However, thanks to an innovative plan, Lisbon was able to rebuild quickly.

Today, Lisbon is a fascinating blend of its rich past and vibrant modernity. You can discover its history through emblematic monuments such as the Belem Tower and the Hieronymites Monastery.

lisbon portugal

What to visit in Lisbon

What to visit in Lisbon The city is packed with historic treasures, picturesque neighborhoods and breathtaking views. Here's an overview of the must-sees during your stay in the Portuguese capital.

Belem Tower

Saint-Georges Castle

The Hieronymites Monastery

The Alfama district

When to visit Lisbon

The best time to visit Lisbon is in spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October). At this time, temperatures are mild, making it pleasant to walk around and explore the city without the intense summer heat or winter rains.

What's more, these seasons offer the perfect balance between tourist calm and a lively atmosphere of cultural events and local festivals. So you can make the most of your stay and discover Lisbon at its best.

 

Things to do around Lisbon

Not only does Lisbon offer a multitude of wonders to discover within its borders, but the surrounding region is also full of treasures to explore. Here are some of the best things to do and places to visit around the city.

Cascais

Sintra

Cabo da Rocat

Our selection of accommodation in Lisbon

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Our selection of Restaurants in Lisbon

Lisbon's culinary scene is simply delicious, offering a variety of traditional and international dishes that will tantalize the taste buds of travellers. Here is our selection of restaurants where you can savor the best local specialties.

Time Out Market Lisbon

At Cevicheria

Events not to be missed in Lisbon

Lisbon is a lively city packed with events and festivals all year round. Whether you're passionate about music, dance, art or gastronomy, there's always something exciting to discover during your stay.

Lisbon Fiestas

Lisbon Festivals (Festas de Lisboa):

Every June, Lisbon is decked out in bright colors to celebrate its patron saints, Santo António. The streets come alive with parades, dances, fireworks and traditional food stalls. It's the perfect opportunity to experience Lisbon's culture in all its splendor and immerse yourself in the city's festive atmosphere.

Lisbon International Jazz Festival:

If you're a jazz fan, don't miss this annual event, which takes place in March/April. The festival features internationally renowned musicians as well as local talent, offering an exceptional musical experience in iconic venues across the city.

Transportation in Lisbon

trains

 Trains link Lisbon to many of Portugal's cities, making them an ideal way to explore the country on day trips.

Bus

 The bus network is also well-developed, with extensive coverage of the whole city and surrounding area. It's a convenient way to get to areas less served by the metro.

Streetcar

Lisbon's famous yellow streetcars are a city icon and a must-see experience. The best-known lines are Tram 28, which runs through the historic districts, and Tram 15, which takes you all the way to Belém.

Bike

Lisbon also offers self-service bicycle rental systems, perfect for discovering the city in an eco-friendly way while enjoying the urban landscape.

Subway

Lisbon's metro is a fast and efficient way to get around the city, linking the main districts and tourist attractions. The lines are well organized and allow travelers to get around easily.

Taxi

 Cabs are readily available throughout the city and are a practical option for getting around, especially when there are no public transport stops nearby.

The cost of living in Lisbon

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Average salary in Lisbon
Average cost of living 65%

Lisbon is a relatively affordable destination compared to other European capitals, offering excellent value for money for travelers. Here's an overview of the cost of living in the city.

Accommodation

Accommodation options in Lisbon are varied, ranging from high-end hotels to youth hostels and apartment rentals. In general, hotel rates are affordable, especially outside the peak tourist season.

Food

Portuguese gastronomy is renowned for its delicious cuisine based on fresh produce. There are many restaurants and cafés offering tasty dishes at affordable prices. Meals in local restaurants are generally less expensive than in other major European cities.

Transportation

Public transport in Lisbon is affordable and well organized, with inexpensive metro tickets and rechargeable travel cards offering additional discounts on bus, streetcar and train journeys. 

Activities

Entertainment and activities in Lisbon are accessible without straining your budget. Many museums, art galleries and historic sites offer affordable admission rates, and on certain days of the week they are even free.

Must-do activities in Lisbon

Practical information

Lisbon is a generally safe city for travelers, but it's always a good idea to take certain precautions. Be sure to keep your valuables safe, and be vigilant in crowded places. In case of emergency.

Before you leave for Lisbon, make sure you have a map of the city and a tourist guide to help you find your way around its lively streets. Don't hesitate to ask the locals for advice, as they are often delighted to share their best addresses and tips for making the most of your stay. Make the most of your trip to Lisbon and discover all it has to offer in terms of culture, history and gastronomy! 

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR Lisbon

Travel insurance is particularly important if you're planning to travel to Portugal.

Although the city is relatively safe for tourists, it is still possible to encounter unexpected situations such as health issues, lost or stolen luggage, or transportation delays.

In such cases, travel insurance can help you resolve the issues quickly and efficiently, without having to bear high costs or additional complications. 

CASH MANAGEMENT

When traveling to Portugal, it's important to take bank charges into account so that you can manage your financial transactions efficiently. The easiest way, and the one we recommend, is to open an account Revolution Metal.

Here are the advantages of having a Revolut Metal account for your trips

  1. Currency conversion free of charge Revolut enables instant and transparent currency conversions without hidden fees. You can load your Revolut account with your local currency and convert money to Colombian pesos (COP) at the real exchange rate, thus avoiding the costly commissions charged by traditional currency exchange offices.

  2. Use without borders With Revolut, your account is usable worldwide. You can make online and in-store payments, withdraw cash from ATMs, and even use your Revolut card to pay for public transportation and taxis in Colombia. This saves you from carrying large amounts of cash and facilitates your daily transactions.

  3. Security and Control Revolut offers advanced security options to protect your account. You can easily enable and disable your card in real-time through the app if needed. Additionally, the Revolut app allows you to track your expenses in real-time, set spending limits, and receive instant notifications for each transaction, giving you full control over your finances.

  4. Budget and savings Revolut offers budgeting features that help you track your expenses during your trip. You can create budgets for different spending categories such as accommodation, food, and tourist activities. Additionally, you can round up your purchases to save money automatically in a separate savings account.

  5. 24/7 Support In case of any issues, Revolut's support team is available 24/7 to assist you. You can contact them through the app or the website for any questions or concerns related to your account or transactions.

In such cases, travel insurance can help you resolve the issues quickly and efficiently, without having to bear high costs or additional complications. 

Frequently asked questions

Must-sees in Lisbon include the Belem Tower, the Hieronymites Monastery, St. George's Castle and the Alfama district.

The best time to visit Lisbon is in spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) for mild temperatures and festive events.

The main means of transport in Lisbon are the metro, iconic streetcars, buses, trains, cabs and bicycle hire.

Typical Lisbon culinary specialties include bacalhau (cod), pastéis de nata (cream pastries) and grilled sardines.

You can enjoy the best panoramic view of Lisbon from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia or the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.

You can get to Lisbon airport from the city center by metro, bus, cab or airport shuttle service.

The most interesting neighborhoods to explore in Lisbon are Alfama for its historic charm, Bairro Alto for its lively nightlife and Chiado for its elegant boutiques and cafés.

 
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