My daughter is attending a conference in Lisbon in October and asked if I wanted to join her for a week's vacation when her conference ends. Never been one to say NO to travel, of course I wholeheartedly accepted the invitation. Here's the thing, I know nothing about the area. I will be there for 6 full days. I've ordered RS guide, but want to secure lodging asap as I understand our dates are during the pilgrimage.
I am seeking advice on:
1. The best areas to stay, on a budget, but still centrally located. Hotel or apartment rental?
2. What day trips are worth the ride (no car). Tour company suggestions or should we take the train to Porto?
3. What sights are a must within Lisbon, what sites off the beaten path are to be seen? Any fabulous guided tours?
4. I am not in great shape. A little overweight with some knee pain. Last year we stayed in Cinque Terre, Italy. That was quite hilly. Is Lisbon hilly like that? or more like Edinburgh?
5. How early should we arrive at the airport in Lisbon when we are leaving to come back to the US? I've been reading horror stories. I will have a connection at JFK.
Any thoughts will be welcomed. I typically have done a lot more research prior to travel, and have a general sense of what we are doing. This time, I feel like we are winging it.
Thank YOU!
Posted by
Chicago
4511 posts
I think you might find the info. in my trip report helpful:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/solo-in-lisbon-portugal-my-trip-report
I’ll be staying at the same hotel again next March with my sister and her husband.
With just 6 days, I would stay in Lisbon the entire time. There is plenty there, with day trips, to keep you busy.
I had a harder time with the hills in Edinburgh. I have not been to Cinque Terre.
Some of the funiculars and lifts that I would recommend are still closed after last year’s accident.
I like to give myself 4 hours for international flights these days.
Posted by
Reston VA
622 posts
Lisbon is definitely a nice city to visit, and has both plenty of things in the city to see & do, plus options for the "normal" side-trips like Sintra (full day) and Belem/Jeronimos monastery (half day) and similar stuff recommended in the RS guides or here in the forums. We just did those sorts of things on our own, so no tour recommendations.
I've recommended taking a "free" (pay what you choose) walking tour in most cities including Lisbon. These give you the "basics" plus get you acclimated to the city and a chance to ask some questions. They'll also take in - from the outside - several of the sights that you may want to visit later like the cathedral or the archeological museum.
Lisbon is HILLY but does have a sort of flat central core before the climbing starts. I'd say the bigger issue for less sure-footed folks is the pavement, cobbles, and random potholes that make tripping a bit more common than some places. Sintra is also hilly, but mostly walking up (or get driven up) to the palace and caste areas, and walking down to the train station - IOW steady inclines and also work-arounds if you want to pay for them. Belem is flat.
The airport, as noted quite a bit, is struggling with their EES implementation, so I feel like the 3 hour early bit is necessary right now. Lucky for you, your EES will take place at the Lisbon airport before your flight rather than on a tight connection somewhere else in the EU. The airport itself was relatively pleasant, and hopefully, as time ticks on, they'll get better and better with the EES process. October seems like it will be better than it was when we dealt with it.
Posted by
USA
194 posts
On the subject of #2 (no car). Definitely utilize the metro to get around. It’s clean, efficient and very easy to navigate. There is a metro stop right outside the airport terminal doors.
Posted by
Coral Gables, Florida
632 posts
(1) I stayed in Baixa, it's a central, flat area. I would stay there again.
(2) Look at Evora and Sintra. I think Porto is a little far for a day trip.
(4) It's very hilly but they have several elevators that take you up the hills. I used one only once (link below). Research before your trip to see where the other ones are.
Posted by
3 posts
We two are going to Lisbon for the first time in August. Rick Steves books will have lots of suggestions for you as well as good local guides.
One thing we love doing when visiting any new country is to go on a food tour. We highly recommend Eating Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/lisbon/tuk-tuk-food-tour/
We are going on their Tuk Tuk tour which includes
visiting the hilly parts of the trip in a Tuk Tuk.
Their tours are typically four hours long and you will stop at about five places for something to eat.
The guides are full of history and are usually quite witty and funny.
Enjoy 😊
Posted by
19 posts
I did a very similar trip not long ago, so here are a few practical thoughts.
1. Where to stay
Stay in Baixa or Chiado, central and much flatter, which really helps in Lisbon. I’d avoid staying high up in Alfama… beautiful, but tiring day after day.
A hotel is easier overall, but an apartment works fine too, just check if there’s an elevator.
2. Day trips (no car)
Super easy from Lisbon.
3. Sintra is a must (go early)
Cascais is great for a relaxed seaside day
Óbidos if you want something smaller and charming
I wouldn’t do Porto as a day trip, too far.
4. What to see in Lisbon
The basics are worth it: Belém, Alfama, Tram 28, the riverfront.
For something a bit quieter: viewpoints (miradouros), Estrela, LX Factory.
A food tour is actually one of the best things we did.
5. Hills / fitness
Yes, Lisbon is hilly! But manageable.
If you stay in a flatter area and use Uber or trams when needed, it’s totally fine. Not quite like Cinque Terre all day, but you’ll definitely feel it.
6. Airport
For a US flight, I’d arrive about 3 hours early, just to be safe. Lines can be unpredictable.
Overall, it’s a very easy city to enjoy without overplanning. With 6 days, you’ll have a great mix of city + day trips without rushing.
Posted by
OP
9 posts
Thank you all. This is very helpful.
Posted by
Portugal
223 posts
We live in Portugal and go to Lisbon when guests visit or when we have some specific shopping need.
Yes, Lisbon has some hills and walking up them can be a problem. If you are standing at the often photographed Praca do Commercio with your back to the river (facing north), the area uphill and on your right is Alfama, oldest part of the city (survived the earthquake and tsunami) with the Sao Jorge castle atop the hill. To your left is Chiado and the Bairro Alto. There are “secret” elevators to get you most of the way up to Sao Jorge that RS describes in his book. And to get up or down from Chico, you can stand in line and pay to ride the photogenic tourist trap that is Santa Justa, on use the escalators inside the Armazen shopping complex a block or so south of it. The area around Praca Camoes is bustling and lively, an area we frequent and, if budget allows, a nice area to stay. (Depending on whether just us or hosting guests, we have stayed in both hotels and AirBnBs.
For convenience and best use of your time, I would recommend booking a full day Sintra tour, ideally one that includes both Pena Palace and Regularia (we used one once that also included a lunch near Cabo do Roca).
Uber is IMHO very inexpensive. A day trip to the Templar castle in Tomar might be another day tour to consider. Have fun!