Lisbon

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Eco-friendly travel guide to Lisbon advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Lisbon, Portugal.

City view of Lisbon with ship cruise terminal


  • Air quality: 3.5 / 5
  • Exploring by foot: 3 / 5
  • Exploring by bicycle: 2.5 / 5
  • Public transportation: 4 / 5
  • Parks: 3.5 / 5
  • Outdoor activities: 3.5 / 5
  • Locals' English level: 4 / 5
  • Safety: 4 / 5
  • Accommodation: US$80 - $180
  • Budget per day: US$200 - $300

Responsible Travel

The capital city of Portugal is one of the most memorable and friendly towns to explore. A safe city in terms of traveling during day or night, for even female solo travelers, has made this place one of the most welcoming tourist destinations. Being a well-developed and established city, the place offers numerous options for eco-friendly travel to tourists.

  • With the choice of three different modes of public transport offering extensive connectivity and affordability, the Lisbon public transport system is a great choice for travelling responsibly around the city.
  • Suppose you wish to explore the city alone. In that case, you can definitely book a private electric car or scooter, which is an extremely eco friendly way of travelling.
  • Staying in a green hotel in Lisbon is also a great way to travel responsibly.
  • Support the local food shops by tasting healthy and vegan food at the local restaurants. The typical home-cooked food in Portuguese style will tickle your tastebuds as well.
  • Try shopping at the local and indigenous markets like the LXFactory, which has some sustainable and ethical stores to shop, and a few vegan places to eat.
  • Rent a bicycle and travel around the city and explore the changing topography along the Tejo and the beauty of nature.
  • Become a part of the walking tour for sightseeing. These are the self-guided tours planned to explore the city on foot. With some of the most unique applications on your mobile, scheduling and tracking the trail is really easy.
  • While you visit city parks and beaches around Lisbon, make sure that you do not litter. Carry reusable bags with you in which you can put all the garbage if any and dispose it off in the bin.
  • Praise and encourage the Fado Show, a local form of beautiful and poetic drama on the sea life's chaos focusing on sailors.
  • Add some locally made candles from old oil and flip flops from cork to your shopping list and boost the locals' sustainable products.

Above all, just remember to stay conscious of your surroundings, as a city as clean and beautiful as Lisbon deserves to remain attractive.


Air Quality and Pollution

The city is at the rank of 61 as of 2020 in the list of the most polluted cities in Europe. The major reason for the pollution is emission from the vehicles and industries in Lisbon. Although a fall in the air pollution levels has been witnessed in the past few weeks as compared to last year, it is still a long way to go.

The climate of the city is quite pleasant and soothing all round the year. Due to the Mediterranean climate, the summer here is hot, and winter is mild. The Air Quality of Lisbon is good. In the last few years, the city has reflected a significant fall in the number of pollutants. The fundamental reason for pollution is traffic emissions and combustion processes. The natural topography of Lisbon and the urban layout complexity result in the accumulation of pollutants. With an approximate reduction of 42% in gasoline using vehicle fleet, the city moves towards a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.

As of now, the weather conditions in the city are stable and welcoming. The weather in the city is changing throughout the year, and one can feel the difference as and when they travel.

  • Spring is between March to May, and the temperature remains between 15 - 18 C, with possibilities of mist and rain.
  • Summer is between June to August, which is dry and hot with increasing temperature. The average temperature reaches 28 C, which makes it perfect for visiting beaches.
  • Autumn is between September to November with an expectation of rainfall. The average temperature hits around 20 C, so visiting beaches is still a good idea.
  • Winter is between December to February, which is the wettest period. The temperature fluctuates between 8-15 C mostly, so nights are a bit cooler.


Respect the Culture

Lisbon is a city filled with centuries-old churches, palaces, and mansions. The fantastic art at the museums and the different kind of music played at the music festivals that take place are just unique. You will love the culture of Lisbon and everything it has to offer.

The people of Lisbon are quite friendly, and their culture is open and welcoming. A significant part of a rich culture includes an appreciation of art, drama, music, and dance and their local artists The same is reflected by rich folklore and the regional variations in the same. The locals are friendly and warm thereby, make sure that you don't hurt their sentiments and respect their culture.

From the grand palaces to small streets, the city is filled with unique colors of life. Shaking hands in the most common way to greet someone with the use of some local greeting phrase. The Portuguese words are melodious like ‘Bom Dia’ for good morning or hello. So, a simple effort to learn some basic greetings will be quite appreciable.

A firm handshake with eye contact is essential while greeting as it creates trust. Staring at any cost should be avoided as it looks weird and rude. Keep your A-game on all time, and don’t forget to greet with a smile to anyone you meet and don't forget to stay active about being an eco-friendly traveler.


Top 10 Places to Visit

The beauty of churches and the warmth of beaches make this city a perfect place to explore leisure and art at the same time.

  • Castelo de Sao Jorge: The Castelo de Sao Jorge stands royally in Lisbon and is one of the best tourist attractions in the city. The impressive battlements and engaging museums, and the fascinating archaeological combined make this site one of the best places to explore and reward all. The beautiful view from above the terrace is fabulous and panoramic.
  • Torre de Belem: Torre de Belem is also known as Belem Tower. It was designed by architect Francisco de Arruda in 16th century. The original purpose of making Torre de Belem was to protect Lisbon from incoming raids along the Tagus River. The iconic spiral staircase reaching the top of the terrace makes this tower even more mesmerizing.
  • Elevador de Santa Justa: The Santa Justa Lift is also known as Carmo Lift. It is an elevator located in civil parish of Santa Justa of Lisbon. It is connected to Baixa's lower streets from the higher Largo do Carmo. This Lift has become a tourist place, and it also shows glamour to the people who visit there. Only a few cars reach here due to its topography, narrow streets, and densely packed buildings.
  • Cristo Rei: The Cristo Rei is a statue located on the southern bank of Tejo Estuary. It is one of the most famous monuments in Lisbon. The iconic memorial is inspired by the Rio De Janerio’s the Redeemer statue. The statute is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions that reflect the Christ with the arms opened and raised high to bless Lisbon's city.
  • The Ajuda Palace: One beautiful neoclassical architecture is the royal palace, with the gardens cascading down to the rivers. Located in Ajuda, north of Belem, in Lisbon, this palace is also famous by the name of Palacio Nacional da Ajuda. Paved with geometric Portuguese pavements, it is designed in rectangular manner. This is a real taste of the Portuguese past and royalty for all the visitors.
  • Mosteiro dos Jeronimos: Built-in the 16th century in Honor of Portugal’s age of discovery, this is a landmark with historical significance and has earned the respect of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Vasco Da Gama’s epic voyage to India is beautifully elaborated with this monument, which symbolizes wealth.
  • Praca do Comercio: Lisbon's huge riverfront square is one of the most impressive sights and deserves appreciation from every angle. A landmark destroyed by an earthquake in the year 1755, the monument was re-inaugurated in 1873. With the steep spiral staircase that navigates the visitor to reach the top, the square's majestic and panoramic view is distinct in all sense.
  • Padrao dos Descobrimentos: The bold and the imposing statute situated on the Tejo Estuary bank, the monument stands tall from 15 and 16th-century Portuguese explorers and visionaries. Originally constructed from the wood and other perishable material, the memorial is refurbished with limestone, concrete, and steel in the 1960s. The 52-meter-high statue dominates the shoreline of Belem is one of the most fantastic tourist attractions.
  • Igreja de Sao Roque: The beautifully crafted Roman catholic church of Lisbon is one of the earliest Jesuit churches in the Portuguese world. Inside the whitewashed church and appended exhibition hall are the absolute best instances of Jesuit consecrated craftsmanship and the wonderful house of prayer Saint John the Baptist. On the off chance that a traveler was to just visit the inside of one church in Lisbon, the Igreja de Sao Roque would be the congregation of decision.
  • Oceanario de Lisboa: One of the finest and most amazing aquariums to visit in the city of Lisbon. The mind-blowing array of fishes and aquatic life with dozens of different birds species, the place is remarkable. The ingenious layout represents the four separate sea and landscapes with some exotic wildlife and aquatic lifestyle; this place actively promotes conservation of the world’s ocean.
The magnificent Castelo de Sao Jorge is a must visit on your trip to Lisbon


Explore

The city of old monuments has some of the most lush green parks and divine cuisine. Lisbon is definitely an astonishing place to explore and visit. The town offers various opportunities to the tourists and the locals to experience the culture, diverse cuisine, sunny beach coasts, and the hospitable people.

The city is one of the prime places with history and cultural significance and beauty. The perfect combination of neoclassical beauty with modern places to enjoy, Lisbon has a lot to offer to all its visitors. Indulge in the famous and intrinsic love of Portuguese culture and enhance the experience of exploring Lisbon's city.


City Parks

  • Parque do Palácio Pena: Take a day to explore this scenic, beautiful and historic park in Lisbon. The Parque do Palácio Pena is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. It encompasses an ancient castle and various majestic historical monuments. The park's main must-see visitor attractions are the Disneyland-Esque Palácio de Pena, the Palácio Nacional de Sinta, and the 10th-century Castelo dos Mouros. The jagged, undulating scene comprises the Serra de Sintra, a verdant and wooded scenic path. The best way to explore this path is on foot by following the trails marked for hikers and mountain bikers. You can also enjoy the breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean when you make it to the highest point of the mountain.
  • Parque dos Poetas: If poetry interests you, you should definitely visit the Parque dos Poetas, a park designed and themed on the most significant literary figures of Portugal and Portuguese-speaking poets and writers. Parque dos Poetas means the "Poets' Park" consists of a combination of landscaped grounds designed to encompass works of art from the country's most significant literary figures. There are several gardens dedicated to Portuguese-speaking poets and writers. Other beautiful and amusing attractions include a lake, maze, and a playground for children.
  • Parque Eduardo VII; This park is named after British monarch Edward VII who visited Lisbon during 1903 when he was on a state visit to Portugal to confirm the Anglo-Portuguese alliance. The most significant green space spread over 62 acres of land in Central Lisbon, sitting atop Avenida da Liberdade. There is an extraordinary amount of mosaic-patterned esplanade, trees, and flowerbeds. Perfectly clipped hedges adorn the center of the park. Beautiful views of the city can be enjoyed from the north of the park where 2 greenhouses - one hot and one cold - are situated. There are also exhibits of exotic tropical flora for the public to appreciate.
  • Belém Palace Gardens: The Belém Palace Gardens offer an excellent opportunity to tour the grounds of the presidential palace. The guided tours of the gardens scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays offer entry to the Belém Palace and the Museu da Presidéncia da República. The ornate grounds are made of 3 particular areas – the Main Garden, the smaller West Garden, and the South Garden. The visitors can also freely walk through the Orangery, the Lime Tree Garden, the Yew Garden, and the Waterfall Garden. The various statues and water features add to the beauty of the garden's enriched landscape and its boundaries marked by lavender and myrtle hedges. To the south of the Main Garden, you can catch a view of the picturesque riverfront.
  • Jardim Botânico Garden: With flora from the far East, the Jardim Botânico Gardens surround the 18th-century Palácio dos Condes da Calheta. The Tropical Botanical Garden in Belém is also referred to as the Jardim Museu Agricola Tropical on certain occasions. The Palácio dos Condes da Calheta is being used as a research center by the Institute for Tropical Sciences. Along with the tropical and subtropical plants, which include the date, palm, fig, and monkey puzzle trees, visitors can also appreciate the lake's beauty and the verdant canopy of the garden.
  • Jardim Botanico da Ajuda: The Ajuda Botanical Garden is situated atop a hill near the Palácio da Ajuda. It is spread like a lush green blanket with terraces giving view of the river and the Ponte25 de Abril suspension bridge. With a wide variety of flowers, the gardens also have greenhouses with tropical flora and beautiful orchids. The top highlights of the park is a 400-year-old Madeiran dragon tree. Visitors can buy souvenirs for themselves or friends and family from a shop situated onsite and have lunch at the Estufa Real.
  • Parque Príncipe Real: Known for its colossal cedar tree, it is situated in the center of the graceful and sophisticated Príncipe Real neighborhood. The grounds get filled with color from fragrant magnolias and robin. Numerous statues are placed to pay homage to local figures. For its beauty and cooling shade, this is a popular spot among the locals. An open café and play area for kids offers an escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The flattened branches of the enormous cedar tree have been fastened to create a vast, natural "umbrella." Another attraction of the park is the colorful Near-Moorish-style palace comprising of domes and turrets.
  • Jardim de Estrela: Without a doubt, Jardim de Estrela is one of the prettiest green spaces in Lisbon city. It gets at its peak during the warm months of summer when the park appears covered in vibrant colors along with the adventure playgrounds to keep the kids occupied. A waterfront cafe overlooking the lake with ducks and geese is a popular point for locals to meet up for some quality time. During the weekends, an arts and crafts fair enhances the attractiveness of the garden.
The beautiful Jardim Botânico Garden


National Parks

  • Parque Florestal de Monsanto: On the city's outskirts lies the Parque Florestal de Monsanto, also known as "Lisbon's lung." It has walking trails and is known for its biodiversity. Spread over 10 hectares of land with eucalyptus trees crisscrossed by running and hiking paths, mountain bike trails, and beautifully landscaped gardens enhanced with water features. Being present on a hill to the west of the city, this park has various viewpoints built to get amazing views of the city and everything it surrounds.
  • Parque Natural da Arrábida: The lush green forest, hilly terrain, and gleaming beaches make Parque Natural da Arrábida one of the most impressive national parks stretching along the southern coast of the Setúbal Peninsula from Setúbal to Sesimbra in Lisbon. Covering the 35km-long Serra da Arrábida mountain edge. This is a secured region full of Mediterranean plants, and animals and birds, and 70 sorts of kelp. Its pine-brushed slopes are home to deers and wild hogs.
The luscious and beautiful Parque Florestal de Monsanto


Beaches

  • Guincho Beach: Stretched between Sintra and Cascais, at the foot of the Parque Natural de Sintra Cascais, lies the sandy and scenic Guincho Beach. The fans of James Bond might recognize the beach from the scene in On her Majesty's Secret Service (1969), where James Bond rescues a woman from drowning. The beach is just 30 minutes away from Lisbon. Visitors can enjoy water activities like surfing, bodyboarding, and kitesurfing.
  • Praia da Conceição: The favorite seaside spot of Portugal's royal family during the 1800s is a popular tourist destination and among the wealthiest localities within the Iberian Peninsula. Its characteristic patterned tiles echo the movement of the waves in the water. Located just outside the Cascais, the beach is an escape from the fast life of the city. On the shore, one can see a vast number of boats and ships.
  • Praia de Ursa: This beach can be easily recognized by its unique rock formations created by the crashing waves. Due to its wilderness, this is one of the most beautiful untouched beaches in Portugal. It is popular among trekkers and hikers, as the sandy coves are not easy to access. It is located at the center of Parque Natural de Sintra Cascais.
  • Praia do Tamariz: Tamariz beach is located 25km west of Lisbon in the coastal town of Estoril. It is the city's main beach with its old-school beauty; it has the elegantly designed Forte da Cruz at the end. The rock esplanade behind the beach offers stunning views of the sunset.
Cabo da Roca, view from the Guincho Beach


Landmarks

  • Praça do Comércio: It is the most prominent landmark of Lisbon. It is the principal square which is built on the site where the former Royal Palace was located.
  • Rossio Square: Rossio Square or Praça do Rossio, also known as Praça de D. Pedro IV, is the liveliest and the busiest plaza in Lisbon. It is a place where landmarks like the National Theatre are located.
  • Marques de Pombal Square: Marquess of Pombal Square is the heart of modern Lisbon, located next to Park Edward VII at the end of Avenida da Liberdade.
  • Lisbon Cathedral: Popularly known as Sé de Lisboa, Lisbon Cathedral is the oldest and the most crucial church of the city. It was designed beautifully in the 12th century.
  • Belem Tower: Built to defend Lisbon and later converted to a lighthouse and customs center, this is a landmark to pay your visit.
  • Monument to the Discoveries: Also known as Padrão dos Descobrimentos which stands 170 Ft (52 m) tall, was designed to commemorate and remember the Age of Discoveries in Portugal.
  • Vasco da Gama Bridge: One of the longest bridges in Europe built for the 1998 Lisbon World Exposition, measures 17.2 km long stands long and beautifully to be embarrassed by the visitors.
Rossio Square is the perfect place to just sit and witness the hustle and bustle of Lisbon


Museums

  • National Archaeology Museum: Popularly known as Museu Nacional de Arqueologia, this is one of Lisbon's most important museums. It contains the most vital archaeological collection in Portugal.
  • National Coach Museum: Featuring one of the most prominent horse-drawn carriage collections in the world, this is an astounding and worthwhile watching museum to know the history of Portugal and about the Age of Discoveries.
If you love museums, you can't leave Lisbon without visiting the National Archaeology Museum


Eat

Lisbon's travel is incomplete without tasting some of the most authentic and delicious food from central Lisbon. Lisbon is ready to serve you with the most mouth-watering delicacies from the local restaurants to some of the most unique and beautiful cafes. It is highly recommended to try the local food of Lisbon.

Packed with the restaurants and cafes of all range and taste, the most famous eateries that stand with alight for the last 50-60 years, Lisbon's city is ready to offer every traveler with a unique taste and flavor.


Traditional Local Restaurants

  • Cantinho Lusitano: The epiphany of traditional Portuguese food that is served at this place like petiscos in tapas-style is the best. Various dishes like grilled chouriço with Moscatel sauce, the pica pau dish, the baked goat cheese with honey and rosemary, and the pataniscas with rice and beans are available in the menu card. The little corner is famous for its delicacies, so book a seat in advance to experience Lisbon's authentic taste.
  • Varina Da Madragoa: The place is famous for its codfish dishes, pataniscas de bacalhau, bacalhau à Brás, or simply grilled codfish. It serves authentic Portuguese food at quite a reasonable price.
  • Das Flores: Walking down to Cais do Sodré from Chiado, make a stop in Das Flores for lunch. The small place fills up quite quickly and is ready to serve the local dishes like Grilled ribs, steak, the Portuguese bitoque, boiled or grilled hake, bream, and sole.
  • Merendinha do Arco: Near Rossio Square is this beautiful place famous for grilled swordfish. Vinho Verde, or the local wine, is perfect to have with fish. Even if you visit this place on any odd day, the menu will not disappoint you on any day.
  • Zé da Mouraria: With the long queue outside the door, this place is one of the most famous and stupendous in serving food. With an entrance not so luxurious, this is one of the places to offer enormous portions. The lip-smacking food will be a real pleasure. Although the menu is in the local language, the waiter still will be ready to assist you with specials for the day.


Vegetarian and Vegan

  • daTerra Bairro Alto: This is one of the most unique restaurants that serve vegan and vegetarian dishes with multiple branches. With the choice from a lot of cold starters and salads and a soup and three or four hot plates, the best to try is the vegan version of iconic Portuguese egg custard.
  • Veganapati: This restaurant is influenced by the Indian spirituality and Ayurvedic theme. This place offers a wide choice of European and international dishes as well, including vegan burgers and even a vegan Welsh rarebit.
  • The Food Temple: The veteran of the vegan Lisbon scene and is the crowd's favorite. The cozy ambiance and with the menu changing slightly every day, this place is one to offer you a variety of dishes to surprise.
  • Eight -The Health Lounge: If you are searching for some healthy breakfast options, then his place is the most convenient place on Praça da Figueira. The servings are generous here. The menu is mostly made of salads, toasts, smoothie bowls, and sandwiches, along with shakes and juices, which is sure to keep you healthy and hydrated.
  • Jardim dos Sentidos: The classy vegetarian restaurant with a lovely and romantic ambiance is perfect for grabbing dinner. With clear labeling of the vegan options, the menu is nicely arranged to make up a good portion. From the delicious creamy burger to apple and prune crumble dessert, the servings here are unique.
  • Juicy: The cute and casual cafe that specializes in wraps or flatbreads and juice and smoothies is quite convenient. With the reasonable prices and takeaway facilities including multiple options in the menu marked as “V” for vegan, the choice is unlimited.
  • Farm Food Ink Café: The authentic vegetarian Israeli Food served at this cafe is located near the Miradouro de Santa Catarina. With the best falafel done here and the decent selection of meals, the place serves excellent delicious food at reasonable prices.


Street Food

  • Pão com chouriço (chorizo bread): A delicious Portuguese snack made in Lisbon with the help of a bread stuffed with chorizo cooked in a traditional terracotta oven and served hot is one of the most recommended dishes.
  • Prego (beef sandwich):The local beef sandwich is served on bread with mustard or hot sauce or on a plate with a side of fries, rice, and salad, the serving of Prego is quite generous.
  • Bifana (pork sandwich): Made with the pork fillets and served with the garlic chunk on top and accompanied by a small local beer, the spork sandwich, aka Bifana, is one of Lisbon's famous delicacies.
  • Salgados (pastéis de bacalhau, rissóis, and croquetes): The savory treats are the most famous street food in Lisbon served even in restaurants. It includes pastéis de bacalhau (codfish cakes), the rissóis de camarão (shrimp turnovers), and the croquettes, which make the meal complete and filling.
  • Portuguese Pastries:If you love sweets more then the pastéis de Nata, the delicious Portuguese custard tarts are the best sweet dish to try and tickle your taste buds.
Street Food truck in Lisbon


Drink

Lisbon is one of the most lively and happening cities in Portugal. With no shortage of bars and pubs offering you drinks and serving you alcohol, the city of Lisbon is a place to rejoice and explore. The city has a fantastic nightlife charm and beauty from the authentic local pubs to lively new-age clubs and jazz studios.

Right from the craft beer to cocktails, there are many options available to try and taste. From the bars serving the alcohol at the 3 dollars to 7 dollar, visiting the bars is a must. People from all age groups can be seen hanging around and enjoying their time and relaxing. Some of the most famous bars and pubs in the city are:

  • Dois Corvos Cervejeira
  • Dona Maria
  • LuxFrágil
  • Matiz Pombalina
  • Red Frog
  • Topo
  • Cinco Lounge
  • Pavilhão Chinês
  • Pai Tirano

Being a traveler and in a new city, you need to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings to make sure that pickpockets don't steal your valuable belongings such as your wallet and passport.


Tap-water

The city of Lisbon ensure there is safe drinking water for everyone. The fundamental source of water in Lisbon, is groundwater, and secondary will be from surface water. The drinking water quality is 83.99 which makes the water pure and safe to drink.

Considering the factors, the taste of water might differ a bit, but the chances of catching any illness due to water here are quite low. The capital city, Lisbon, receives its drinking water from Empresa Portuguesa das Águas Livres, SA (EPAL), a subsidiary of Águas de Portugal. EPAL is a company responsible for the purpose of water supply management in the city of Lisbon.


Organic Cafés

Despite being an old city, Lisbon has so many organic cafes to offer the local delicacies with a hot cup of coffee. There are many cafes that serve their preparations made from the organic material and ingredients. With the organic certification, the health benefits of having your meals at these cafes are a lot. So, here is the list of the famous organic cafes in Lisbon:

  • Tasca Fit
  • In Bocca Al Lupo
  • Ao 26
  • Mez Cais Lx
  • Tayybeh


Breweries

The old breweries in Lisbon are ready to serve you with some of the most amazing alcohols like Sagres, made near Lisbon, and Super Bock made on the country’s northwest coast. Also, this city is a fantastic place to try craft beer. In Portugal, legend states that Lysias, child of the god Bacchus, carried lager to the antiquated Lusitania to show the individuals to create it from grain and wheat.

The best breweries in Lisbon are:

  • Dois Corvos Brewery
  • Lince Brewery
  • Musa Brewery
  • Downtown Lisboa
  • Duque Brewery
  • Gallas Brewery & Brewpub
  • LX Brewery


Activities

The hilly and coastal capital city of Portugal is one situated aside the string of the Atlantic ocean. There is plenty of history here, with stories of everything from Roman colonialists to intriguing Berber privateers, Moorish manufacturers to wild Reconquista knights, all enveloped with the tremendous royal residences and legacy regions. Yet, there is additionally an air of bohemianism and the shock of the news here as well.

From the parks to museums to beaches, this place has everything to offer you. But if you are for some other activities, then try exploring the following:

  • Dolphin Watching and Discovery Day trip at Arrabida Natural Park
  • Coasteering and Speedboat Adventure in waters
  • Cave Exploration in Arrabida Natural Park
  • Rafting Thrill Ride at Alentejo Region
  • Canoeing and Snorkeling in Arrabida
  • Sintra Mountain Bike Scenic Tour
  • Tandem Paragliding
  • Rock climbing in Serra da Arrabida
  • Go underwater in the Lisbon Oceanarium

Planning to go for any such activities, try to join the adventure group for better experience and fun. Also, this will be budget-friendly, and the troubles can also be avoided.

You can enjoy endless amount of activities at at Arrabida Natural Park


Yoga and Retreats

The practice to calm the mind and soul of the individual and relax the body by meditation and asanas is a bit of a new concept in Lisbon. But still, if you are looking for some sessions to practice yoga at the beautiful locations like by the river or in a park, then these are the best yoga studios to offer you the same:

  • Casa Vinyasa – Ashtanga Yoga Shala
  • Little Yoga Space
  • Gaia – Centro de Hatha Yoga
  • Hot Yoga Lisboa
  • Yoga Integral de Portugal
  • Centro de Yoga Sivananda Vedanta Lisboa
  • Ministry of Yoga


Accommodation

The options to stay in Lisbon are one of the best. For tourists of every type of traveller like solo travellers, families, backpackers, couples, and single women, the facilities to stay here are top-notch. With the diverse options and budget-friendly accommodation options, your stay here will be convenient and comfortable. Some of the best stay options for all the travelers are listed down for you.

Hotel Avida Palace, Lisbon


Green Hotels

The eco-friendly concept of staying in a green hotel is one that is catching the interest of people around the globe. There are many green hotels that offer a lush green environment, happy and peaceful environment, are budget-friendly and effective options that provide the concept of relaxation and recycling. Do Following are the most profound green hotels in Lisbon.

  • Inspira Santa Marta: It is a four-star hotel that is well located, professional staff and the design of the hotel is built with Feng Shui in mind.
  • Corinthia Hotel: The old school five-star hotel is not exactly the green or sustainable hotel but has gone a long way to reduce the carbon footprint by adopting smart design and engineering.
  • Neya Hotel: The urban and sustainable hotel is one of the best located in the city's quiet area. It makes this option good to choose with easy access to metro stations, buses, and even bicycles offered by hotels.


Hostels and Guest Houses

Lisbon Destination Hostel: Housed in one of Lisbon's most beautiful and renowned buildings - the Rossio Railway Station, this hostel is located in the heart of downtown and is the best to stay for young people.

  • Typical Lisbon Guest House: The well-equipped guest house with the lift and refurbished interiors' accessibility are best for stay. With the common area and a kitchen to prepare a meal, this place is a fantastic to stay.
  • Guest House Lisbon: Guests House Lisbon is set in Lisbon's city center. It combines colorful and modern dormitories and private rooms. Located in front of Marques de Pombal, 200 m from the park Eduardo VII and 400 m from Liberty Avenue, the guesthouse offers a welcoming atmosphere to all travelers.


Apartments

While traveling to Lisbon, if you are looking for an independent and fully furnished and facilitated stay, apartments are the best option. With the options to book an apartment with a garden view or with a pool, a furnished one with all the amenities, or one in the heart of the city, a person can choose from various options. Although space would be limited but the necessary length of parking, common area, bedroom, wash area, and a kitchen area are sure to offer you for a happy stay . The best-serviced apartments in Lisbon are:

  • Chiado Arty Flats
  • Altis Prata hotel
  • Dare Lisbon Hotel
  • Liberdade
  • Bairro Alto


Couchsurfing

There are so many locals ready to welcome a traveler in their house and offer them a warm stay. With the help of various online sites, you can meet the host online and pre-book your visit for a much-fun loaded experience.

The city of Lisbon is one stunning place with cathedrals and cobbled streets. It is one of the most visited cities with a slow-paced life during the day and lively strolling streets in the night. Living in such a city and that too at the local’s place is a flabbergasting experience.


Camping

Staying below the clear sky in the night where thousands of stars shine, and the cool breeze blowing around is a pleasant experience. With the picturesque locations, the serene environment and calm nature make the gateway even more peaceful and soothing. With the opportunity to meet the nature and experience the virgin beauty of jungles and wildlife, the best-camping sites or grounds are:

  • Lisboa Camping & Bungalows
  • In Lisbon club Camping CCL
  • Parque Florestal de Monsanto
  • Quinta Conde dos Arcos


How to Get There

The excellent tourist destination with an array of sites to explore and discover offers pleasure and happiness to all the travelers. With the surrounding nature and beautiful climate, the city is perfect for the trip and spending your holidays. The ease of connectivity makes this place even more enduring and comfortable for the tourists.


Air

Lisbon city is served by most airports in Portugal, just 7 km away from the city. With so many flights operating from the Lisbon Portela Airport reaching, Lisbon by air is quick and swift. With several flights working from the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia, mainly reaching Lisbon with the direct or connecting flight's help are comfortable. The availability of the Taxi service to connect the airport from the city with a taste of nature on the way makes the way to your stay even more blissful.

Lisbon Portela Airport


Bus

If we talk about bus connectivity, then the bus service in Lisbon is way better than the rest of the cities in Portugal. With the extensive network of roads and the bus lines made available by the so-called Rede Nacional de Expressos, multiple buses run across to offer you a trip to the city. The Eurolines offer some of the most exclusive deals and connect Lisbon to the rest of European cities. And if you are traveling in a group, then booking a bus for the whole group is a far way better and a budget-friendly option in the city.

Sight Seeing bus in Lisbon


Train

Moving around the city on a train is a great option and an eco friendly one too as oppose to hiring taxis or driving. The time to travel from Porto to Lisbon takes 3 hours. If you are traveling from Spain to Lisbon, the night train leaves every day from Madrid. All the National and International trains arrive daily at Santa Apolónia Station and Terreiro Do Paço. However, if you wish to add a completely unique architectural pleasure to your arrival, then get off at Gare Do Oriente, whose Calatrava-designed strains impress all.

Metro Lisbon


Hitchhiking

The locals in Lisbon's city are quite friendly and open-minded, still Hitchhiking is a bit difficult due to the underlying fear of robbery or carjackers. Well, there are exceptional cases, but even the chances of getting a ride or being picked up by a stranger on the way are less.


Others

Apart from the air, road, rail connectivity, the traveler can also choose to reach Lisbon by ship or by a car. If you are willing to explore the Iberian Peninsula, traveling by car is a wise decision. And suppose you are looking forward to exploring the water bodies to reach Lisbon. In that case, you can dock at Alcântara, Rocha Conde de Óbidos, or Santa Apolónia.


Moving Around

When we talk about eco-friendly tourism, then the idea behind is to opt for all the options that increase the pleasure of travel but, at the same time, focus on keeping the traveled city eco-friendly. With different terrains and the climate soothing round the clock, the options to travel in the city of Lisbon are listed down for you.


Walk

In Lisbon's busy streets and at some of the downtown places, walking around is the easiest and best option. With the jam packed roads and so many vehicles running around, walking down the street will save time and will help to stay eco-friendly and healthy. And if you really want to enjoy and explore the city on foot, then join the walking tour for the best experience.


Bicycle

With its steep, winding hills and narrow lanes, Lisbon may not seem like the precise vicinity to hop on a bicycle. But with the guided bicycle tours and the trails to explore, riding a bike will be a fun experience. With an array of shops offering rental bicycles, getting one is quick. With a ride free from pollution, exploring the city's beauty, and ensuring to keep it safe and clean.

Bicycles are available to rent easily


Electronic Vehicles

Enjoy the maximum freedom and beauty while exploring the city in electric vehicles. The facility to rent electric cars aided by a GPS audio guide, which will help you discover the most important buildings and monuments in the Portuguese capital, exploring the city will be fun in an eco-friendly manner.


Public Bus

The air-conditioned and wifi-enabled buses are the more scenic option to travel around the city while contacting the locals. With a total of 172 bus routes, there are a variety of destinations that you can reach. Don’t forget that it is customary to wave to stop the bus, so it doesn’t drive past you. The tickets can be bought in cash from the driver or by using a Viva Viagem card.


Tram, Train and Subway

The modern metro system, the elegant trams, lifts, and funicular, are some other options to travel in the city in the fastest manner. The metro has a total of four lines identifiable by color and end-of-line names which are:

  • The green line between Telheiras and Cais do Sodré
  • The blue line between Reboleira and Santa Apolónia
  • The yellow line between Odivelas and Rato
  • The red line between Aeroporto and São Sebastião

Trams, funiculars, and Santa Justa lift are operated by the company named Carris that also runs buses in Lisbon. The vintage Tram 28 is the most popular of all the Tramlines. Tram 15 goes to Belém, and the ride is usually on a modern cable car.


Sustainable Shopping

Lisbon is a place where shopping and fashion are integral and defined. With the plethora of options to buy and ideas to get the souvenir, the city of Lisbon is fantastic to have a crazy shopping spree. Whether you are visiting for just a few days or are a regular traveler in the town, the places to shop are ready to amaze and surprise you on your every visit. There is a list of products to explore and select from the local artifacts to clothes and toys. Not only this, but the local food market offering the mouthwatering delicacies is also going to amaze you.


Food Markets

Portugal's capital city is famous for its beautiful geographical location and for the food market that offers the regional taste and flavors to all travelers. The city has an array of food markets to taste the local delicacies to tickle your taste buds.

  • Time Out Mercado da Ribeira
  • Mercado de Campo de Ourique
  • Martim Moniz
  • Bairro Alto
  • Rua Augusta


Flea Markets

To cater to your search for some low-budget and regional products, the best place to visit is the city's flea markets. With the colorful clothes, jewelry, and various other small stuff sold on the stalls placed on streets, the flea markets offer a wide choice to the tourists. Some of the best flea markets in Lisbon are:

  • Feira da Ladra
  • LX market
  • Feira do Relogio
  • Mercado de Santa Clara
  • Art & Fleamarket Anjos70
  • Avenida Da Liberdade Market
Feira da Ladra


Second Hand Stores

If you are willing to go for thrift shopping and get some second-hand goodies in your bag, then exploring Lisbon's fabulous streets will be a thrilling experience. The cool second-hand or vintage shops provide you a fantastic variety of clothes and accessories at really fabulous prices.

  • Calçada do Carmo
  • Retro Queen
  • Feira da Ladra
  • Intendente Monthly Market
  • Reuse (Madragoa)


Eco-Fashion

A relatively untapped and new concept that is slowly picking up the pace in Lisbon is the Eco-Fashion. Some of the stores that have adopted the idea and are offering the products under the same category are:

  • LX Factory
  • Organii
  • Fair Bazar
  • Sapato Verde
  • Garbags


Recycling

The Urban Cleansing Service of the Lisbon city council is liable for the collection and transportation of the residual, organic, and packaging waste. The Lisbon metropolis council's acceptable practices are the separation of waste at source and distribution of the same in specific bins. It also includes running awareness programs as well. Attending nearby context and climate, this waste collection is performed six times every week to keep away from ugly smells. The collection utilizing request permits the gathering of complimentary types of waste that can´t be accrued through the traditional approaches.

Adopting such waste management methods, the Municipality and City Council ensure to recycle the waste and keep the city eco-friendly. Although this change is time-consuming and will lead to behavioral change at a gradual pace, the benefits of the same will be long-lasting.


Waste

With around 35000 visitors per day, the amount of waste generated in Lisbon is relatively high. The need to curb the generation of such waste and keep the town hygienic and clean is the responsibility of Lisbon city Council. The breakdown of the waste collected from different sources include 34.5% paper and cardboard, 24.4% glass, 18.9% plastic and metal, 22.3% bio-waste, and 0.001% batteries. Although recycling and reuse percent is low, with local authority's efforts, the waste generation has reduced, and the idea of recycling is reaching every nook and corner of town.


Work and Study Abroad

A place that has offered education and business opportunities to many people, Lisbon is one international destination to work or study due to the exposure and connectivity that the city offers. With the need to receive the permit to work, staying in Lisbon to create a future is a beautiful experience.


Exchange Student

With multiple multinational companies and opportunities that attract foreign nationals to visit and study in Lisbon, the universities offer students an opportunity to visit this beautiful city and gain knowledge. The universities offering the exchange student program are:

  • University of Lisbon
  • Universidade Nova de Lisboa
  • Universidade Catolica Portuguesa, Lisboa
  • Catolica Lisbon School of Business and Economics
  • Lusiada university


Au Pair

The Au pair concept is not widespread, but the locals are aware and welcoming to the idea. With so many job options posted online by various people, you can quickly become the Au Pair and help the family with small tasks in return of stay and sometimes a monetary allowance. The idea of staying with the locals in their homes and getting to know more about the city is excellent.


Volunteering

With plenty of guest houses and children's homes that need support and take care, the opportunity to volunteer for such services in Lisbon is also quite good. By doing small and petty jobs and volunteering the help, one can gain immense experience. With the life-changing experience of volunteering the services and assisting others, the opportunity to explore the culture of Lisbon increases.


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