Hello, I have almost completed our itinerary for our first trip to Europe, visiting Portugal. I need clarification on a couple of things as I’m feeling a little actually a lot overwhelmed right now. I thank you for any recommendations you send my way.
1) not sure if I should buy a Lisbon ticket book before we leave. We will be spending five days in Lisbon and one day in SINTRA, and confused how it works.
2) we will be travelling by train and bus, should I buy our train and bus tickets when we get to Lisbon or should I buy online.?
2) which sites should we see in Sintra as we are only there one day before leaving for the Algarve. All of the tours offered seem very long to nine hours. Not sure my husband could do a long tour like that. Any suggestions/recommendations very much appreciated. Thank you.
Posted by
361 posts
1- do you mean the Lisbon card?
It's probably the best option for you since it includes free local transit, free entry into some museums and discounts for others.
Look at the inclusions in the card, see if it's worth it to you.
https://www.lisboacard.org/discounts/
2- long distance bus and train tickets can be purchased in advance online ( maximum of 30 days for buses and 60 days for trains) local commuter buses and trains tickets can't be pre-purchased.
If you buy in advance you guarantee your seats and might have discounted tickets but lose flexibility if you want to change your travel plans.
3- with only one day I suggest Pena Palace, Castelo dos Mouros ( Castle wall ruins), Quinta da Regaleira ( whimsical private property with spiraling down staircase).
There are others but these are different from each other providing an interesting range of attractions.
Posted by
USA
134 posts
Vacation is suppose to be relaxation, reflection, rejuvenation along with learning/experiencing new things.
If you are so overwhelmed, may be simplifying stuff will help
If you are going to visit several museums and monestary (and have fully researched lines, crowds, etc) then Lisboa card could be of value.
Otherwise, forget the card and just do Uber/Bolt everywhere including going to Sintra.
For sintra you can get timed ticket for the palace online from the official site or just buy the ticket for the grounds which cover entrance to the palace terraces and all the wonderful views Do buy the ticket for the green shuttle bus which goes from the park entrance to palace entrance to avoid climbing the steep hill.
You can skip Moorish Castle easily if short on time and energy and instead prioritize Quinta Regaleria.
Castle is just like hundreds of other castles all over the world where as Regaleria is bit unique
You can take Uber/Bolt directly from pena park entrance to the upper ticket entrance of Regaleria.
The way pricing of public transport works out in Lisbon/Sintra/Porto, it is cheaper to use Bolt for family of 4 but even for 2 savings of time and energy are significant when Uber/Bolt are used
And it is small fraction of what a conducted tour costs!!
Lisbon is one of the easy to handle European destinations. English is widely spoken and costs are significantly lower than Paris/London/Zurich/Amsterdam.
If you have to take out money from ATM avoid anyone labelled Euronet and look for one labelled MultiBanco with MB sign.
Trams are infested with pickpockets and better to take them only if you get a window seat and be diligent about your belongings. It might be easier to take Tram 12 (rather than 28) from its other starting end.
Please go through various threads on this forum. We found them extremely helpful.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Hello Dear Friend, I can’t thank you enough for all the valued information/recommendations you have shared. And especially what a vacation should be. 👍🏻Thanks to you we should accomplish this. We have the Tuk-Tuk food tours booked, we are staying at your recommended hotel in Porto,& I contacted Carlos. You have a personal Tour guide. Thank you so much. 😎💕