Lisbon Traveler Essentials
- Safety rating
- 8.5/10
- Best time to visit
- March–May and September–October. Summer is warm and busy. Winters are mild and uncrowded.
- Population
- 0.5M
Overview
Lisbon is Europe's sunniest capital — pastel-tiled buildings, melancholic Fado music, world-class pastries, and a hilltop Moorish castle overlooking the Tagus.
Getting around
Trams (iconic but slow), Metro, and buses. Uber widely available. Sintra is a 40-min train from Rossio.
Local etiquette
Portuguese greet with a handshake or two cheek kisses (starting on the right) among friends. Dress modestly in churches, be punctual but relaxed, and don't confuse Portuguese culture with Spanish — it's a point of pride. Tipping around 5–10% is appreciated, and a polite 'bom dia' or 'obrigado/obrigada' goes a long way.
Safety
Lisbon is very safe. Pickpocketing occurs on the famous tram 28 and in Alfama. Be careful on steep cobblestone streets.