Lisbon Survival Guide

    Everything I wish I'd known when I first arrived in Lisbon. From essential apps to cultural tips - your complete guide to not looking like a total tourist (even though you might be one).

    Essential Apps

    Download these before you even land. Trust me on this.

    The Fork

    Food

    Restaurant reservations with discounts - essential for popular spots that book up fast

    Too Good To Go

    Food

    Cheap deals on food that would otherwise be thrown away - great for pastries and meals

    Bolt / Uber

    Transport

    Reliable taxi apps - Bolt is often cheaper, Uber more widely available

    Bolt Food / Glovo / Uber Eats

    Food

    Food delivery, but it's more expensive than going out.

    Via Verde

    Transport

    For tolls if you're driving on highways around Portugal

    Google Translate

    Language

    Camera translation is a lifesaver for menus and official documents

    Revolut / Wise

    Money

    Best exchange rates and no foreign transaction fees

    Essential Portuguese Phrases

    Learn these and you'll immediately win over the locals. Pronunciation is approximate - don't worry about being perfect!

    Hello / Good morning

    Olá / Bom dia

    oh-LAH / bom DEE-ah

    Thank you

    Obrigado/a

    oh-bree-GAH-doo/dah

    Excuse me / Sorry

    Com licença / Desculpe

    kom lee-SEN-sah / desh-KOOL-peh

    I don't speak Portuguese

    Não falo português

    now FAH-loo por-too-GESH

    Do you speak English?

    Fala inglês?

    FAH-lah in-GLESH?

    Where is...?

    Onde fica...?

    ON-deh FEE-kah?

    How much?

    Quanto custa?

    KWAN-too KOOSH-tah?

    The bill, please

    A conta, por favor

    ah KON-tah por fah-VOR

    Cultural Survival Tips

    The unwritten rules that will make your life so much easier.

    Money Matters

    • Most places accept card, but carry some cash for small cafés and markets

    • ATMs (Multibanco) are everywhere - look for the MB symbol

    • Tipping isn't mandatory but 5-10% is appreciated for good service

    Food Culture

    • Lunch is typically 12-2pm, dinner starts around 7-8pm

    • Coffee culture is huge - learn the difference between bica, galão, and meia de leite

    • Pastéis de nata are best warm and with a sprinkle of cinnamon

    Getting Around

    • Trams are tourist magnets - buses and metro are faster for locals

    • Walking is often quicker than transport in the city center

    • Uber works well, but regular taxis are reliable too

    Daily Life

    • Shops close for lunch (1-2pm) and on Sundays

    • Pharmacies have a rotation system - look for 'Farmácia de Serviço'

    • Portuguese people are generally very helpful if you ask politely

    Neighborhood Cheat Sheet

    Each neighborhood has its own personality. Here's the quick rundown.

    Alfama

    Historic, touristy, lots of stairs

    Good for: Fado houses, viewpoints, traditional restaurants

    Bairro Alto

    Nightlife central, young crowd

    Good for: Bars, late-night food, weekend parties

    Príncipe Real

    Trendy, upscale, design shops

    Good for: Brunch spots, boutique shopping, galleries

    Cais do Sodré

    Riverside, mix of old and new

    Good for: Mercado da Ribeira, ferry to Cacilhas

    Belém

    Monumental, spacious, family-friendly

    Good for: Museums, pastéis de nata, weekend walks

    Santos

    Design district, creative spaces

    Good for: Design shops, trendy restaurants, galleries

    Pro tip: Save this page to your phone's home screen for quick access. And remember - when in doubt, just ask a local. Portuguese people are incredibly helpful and patient with foreigners trying to navigate their beautiful city.