First time · Lisbon

First time in LisbonLisboa

Lisbon is a hills-and-cobbles city: do Alfama and Belém in the morning, ride the flat Baixa in the heat of the day, and never plan a walk that climbs with a suitcase.

Everything here is a short version of the Lisbon guide. Prices and hours are estimates: check before you rely on them.

The honest verdict

Lisbon's sights are close on the map but stacked on steep, polished cobbles. The trips that go wrong are the ones that add a suitcase to a hill, queue an hour for Tram 28 in July, or arrive at the Jerónimos Monastery on a Monday when it is closed. Five walking clusters cover a first visit; Sintra and Cascais are trips away from one kept bed.

From the airport

Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)

Fastest: Ride-hailing car or taxi to the door · about 25 min · about €20 (≈ US$25)
Cheapest: Metro red line from Aeroporto station, change at Alameda or São Sebastião for the centre · about 35 min · about €2 (≈ US$3)

Typical ride times and fares, 2026 desk estimates (check). Last services and night options are on the gateway page.

Airport-to-bed timings →

How long to stay

2 days: Baixa + Alfama morning, Belém afternoon
3 days: Alfama, Belém and Chiado, one cluster per half-day
5 days: Four clusters + Sintra day-trip + one slow day

Itineraries by length →

Three mistakes to avoid

Bread, olives and cheese placed on the table are charged if you touch them: send them back if you do not want them.(Scams)
Churches and monasteries: cover shoulders and knees, no flash, keep quiet during services.(Survive · red lines)
Pickpockets work Tram 28, Rossio, Baixa and viewpoints: bag in front, phone away on the tram.(Survive · safety)

Scams and safety →

Money and SIM

Budget day: €45–70 (≈ US$55–85) excl. bed
Paying: Cards and contactless work almost everywhere; carry a few euros for small cafés, kiosks and tram tickets. Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and terminals.
Cash: Keep €20–30 (≈ US$25–35) in coins and small notes for cafés and tram tickets; use Multibanco bank ATMs, not the standalone machines in tourist streets.
SIM: Install an eSIM before you fly, or buy a SIM at the airport arrivals shops (passport needed).

Money, SIMs and apps →