Welcome to our quick guide featuring miscellaneous tips about Lisbon! In this guide, we'll cover a range of useful information to enhance your experience in Portugal's capital city. From city holidays and vacation ideas to practical advice for expats and travelers and apartments for rent in Lisbon, we've got you covered.
Let's dive in and explore what Lisbon has to offer!
- City holidays
- Expat life
- Places to work
- Golden Visa
- Fun facts
- Lisbon news
- How to dress
- Fashion
- Food delivery
- Food culture
- Live webcams
- SIM card
- Bank
- Lawyers
- Rentals in Lisbon
Lisbon city holidays
Lisbon observes a number of official holidays throughout the year, providing residents and visitors with opportunities to experience the city's unique culture and traditions.
Some of the key holidays include:
- New Year's Day (January 1st)
- Carnaval (date varies, typically in February or March)
- Good Friday (date varies)
- Freedom Day (April 25th)
- Labor Day (May 1st)
- Portugal Day (June 10th)
- Assumption of Mary (August 15th)
- Republic Day (October 5th)
- Restoration of Independence (December 1st)
- Christmas Day (December 25th)
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Lisbon vacation ideas
Planning a vacation in Lisbon? Here are some simple and clear ideas to make the most of your trip to this beautiful city:
- Explore historic neighborhoods: Wander through Lisbon city center and the charming streets of Alfama (Old Town), Bairro Alto, and Baixa to discover Lisbon's rich history and architectural wonders.
- Visit iconic landmarks: Don't miss out on must-see attractions such as Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and São Jorge Castle, offering stunning views of the city.
- Enjoy scenic views: Take a ride on the historic Tram 28 or venture up to Miradouros (viewpoints) like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte for panoramic vistas of Lisbon's skyline.
- Indulge in local cuisine: Sample delicious Portuguese dishes such as pastéis de nata (custard tarts), bacalhau (salted cod), and freshly grilled sardines at local eateries and markets.
- Relax on beaches: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head to nearby beaches like Cascais, Estoril, or Costa da Caparica for sunbathing and water sports. On Flatio, you can rent accommodation in Lisbon near beaches.
- Experience fado music: Immerse yourself in Lisbon's soulful music scene by attending a traditional Fado performance in one of the city's atmospheric bars or restaurants.
Family holidays Lisbon Portugal
A family vacation in Lisbon is a fantastic idea. Explore historic landmarks like Belém Tower and São Jorge Castle, or enjoy a day at the Lisbon Zoo or the Oceanarium.
Take a tram ride through the city or head to the nearby beaches for some fun in the sun. With plenty of family-friendly activities and attractions, Lisbon promises an unforgettable holiday for all ages. You can book a Lisbon holiday package for your family as well for greater convenience.
Lisbon holiday packages
Consider booking a Lisbon vacation package to make your trip hassle-free. Many travel agencies offer comprehensive Lisbon vacation packages that include rentals in Lisbon, transportation, and guided tours, allowing you to explore the city's highlights with ease.
Whether you're interested in history, culture, or cuisine, there are various Lisbon vacations packages to suit your preferences and budget.
Expat life in Lisbon
Planning to be an expat in Lisbon? You're in for a treat, especially with the pleasant weather in Lisbonr and the relatively low cost of living!
Here are some information and helpful tips for expats in Lisbon Portugal:
- Embrace the culture: Dive into the Portuguese culture and customs. Learning the language and understanding local traditions can enrich your expat experience.
- Cost of living: Enjoy a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other European capitals. Budget wisely for housing, transportation, and daily expenses.
- Residency and legal matters: Ensure you have the necessary visas and permits to live and work in Portugal legally. Familiarize yourself with residency requirements and immigration procedures.
- Healthcare: Benefit from Portugal's public healthcare system, or opt for private healthcare for quicker access and English-speaking professionals. Consider health insurance coverage.
- Networking: Connect with fellow expats and locals through social events and networking platforms. Building a support network can ease the transition to expat life.
- Enjoy the Lifestyle: Lisbon offers a laid-back lifestyle with beautiful weather, delicious cuisine, and a rich cultural scene. Explore outdoor activities, landmarks, and culinary delights to fully embrace expat life in Lisbon.
Places to work in Lisbon
Looking for the perfect spot to work in Lisbon? o matter if you are a remote worker, digital nomad, or simply seeking a change of scenery, Lisbon offers a variety of options to suit your needs.
From cozy cafés to tranquil libraries and professional coworking spaces, there's something for everyone.
Work cafes in Lisbon
If you're a remote worker or “Lisbon digital nomad” looking for great cafés to work from in Lisbon, check out these top picks recommended by the Flatio team based in Lisbon:
- Starbucks
- Delta The Coffee House
- McCafé
- Padaria Portuguesa
- Honest Greens
- Jeronymo
Lisbon libraries
In Lisbon, there are municipal libraries in various parts of the city that are good places for digital nomads and remote workers to work, even if their working hours may be limited or they are closed during the lunch break.
The national library of Portugal, the Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal, has longer, uninterrupted opening hours and is a very quiet place to work remotely.
Coworking spaces in Lisbon
Interested in coworking in Lisbon? These are some of the best coworking spaces in Lisbon that you can consider for remote work. In most coworking spaces in Lisbon, day passes are available.
- Second Home Lisboa: A unique coworking space set in a greenhouse with a welcoming community.
- Sitio: A modern and stylish coworking space with flexible membership options.
- Unobvious: Known for its creative vibe and inspiring environment, Unobvious is a popular choice among freelancers and remote workers.
Portugal Golden Visa for Lisbon
The Portugal Golden Visa, also known as the Portugal investment visa and the Portugal investor visa, saw significant changes in 2023.
Before delving into the new requirements, let's take a quick look at what the visa offers:
- Attracts foreign investment into Portugal through a special program
- Expedites residency for eligible foreign investors
- Not available for Portuguese, EU, and EEA nationals
- Allows non-EU citizens to seek Portuguese citizenship
Following recent updates, third-country nationals are now unable to obtain a Golden Visa by purchasing real estate in Portugal or investing in Portuguese real estate.
However, alternative pathways to qualify for the Golden Visa program are available, as detailed in the Portugal visa guide on our blog.
All Portugal visa types and requirements at one place
In this guide you will not only find information about the Golden Visa, but also about other types of visas such as the Portugal digital nomad visa as well as the options available for obtaining a work permit in Lisbon.
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Want to know more about other Portuguese cities?
You can discover travel guides and details about destinations across Portugal, beyond Lisbon, on our website.
Lisbon fun facts
Curious to know fun facts about Lisbon Portugal? Here are some you might find interesting.
- Lisbon, Portugal, is one of the oldest cities in the world, even predating other major European capitals like Rome, London, and Paris.
- The city is known for its seven hills, offering stunning panoramic views from various vantage points.
- Lisbon is home to the world's oldest bookstore, Bertrand Bookstore, which has been operating since 1732.
- The city's iconic trams, particularly Tram 28, offer not just transportation but also a thrilling roller-coaster-like ride through its narrow streets.
- Lisbon's sidewalks are adorned with colorful mosaic patterns known as "calçada portuguesa," a traditional art form unique to Portugal.
- The city's street art scene features striking murals and graffiti, adding an urban and modern flair to its historic streets.
- Lisbon's traditional Fado music, often performed in intimate venues called "fado houses," evokes deep emotions and storytelling through its melancholic melodies.
Lisbon Portugal newspapers: Where to get Lisbon Portugal news?
Interested in staying updated with Lisbon news? Here are some reliable sources to get your dose of Lisbon news:
- Diário de Notícias: One of Portugal's oldest newspapers, providing comprehensive coverage of national and local news, including events in Lisbon.
- Público: A reputable daily newspaper offering in-depth reporting on various topics, including politics, culture, and events happening in Lisbon.
- Jornal de Notícias: While primarily focused on national news, Jornal de Notícias also covers significant events and developments in Lisbon and its surrounding regions.
- Expresso: Known for its quality journalism, Expresso offers insightful coverage of current affairs, including stories relevant to the Lisbon area.
- Correio da Manhã: A popular tabloid newspaper offering a mix of national and local news, with regular updates on events happening in Lisbon.
For online sources in English, you can also check out:
- The Portugal News: An English-language publication providing news, features, and insights into life in Portugal, including happenings in Lisbon.
- Portugal Resident: An online news outlet delivering English-language coverage of news, events, and lifestyle stories from across Portugal, including the capital city of Lisbon.
How to dress in Lisbon Portugal
When visiting Lisbon, Portugal, keep in mind the city's mild climate and cultural aspects. Here are some tips to guide your attire:
- Casual comfort: Lisbon generally has a laid-back atmosphere, so casual attire is widely accepted. Opt for comfortable clothing suitable for walking on cobblestone streets and exploring the city's hills.
- Layers: The weather in Lisbon can be changeable, with mild winters and hot summers. Layering is key to adapting to temperature shifts throughout the day. Bring a light jacket or sweater, even in summer, as evenings can be cooler.
- Footwear: Choose comfortable shoes for walking, as Lisbon's streets can be uneven. Sneakers, sandals, or sturdy walking shoes are ideal for exploring the city.
- Respectful dress: While Lisbon is generally relaxed about clothing, it's respectful to dress modestly when visiting religious sites or upscale restaurants. Avoid overly revealing clothing in these contexts.
- Beachwear: If you plan to visit nearby beaches like Cascais or Estoril, pack your swimwear and beach attire. Lisbon's coastal location offers opportunities for seaside relaxation.
- Accessories: Don't forget your sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen, especially in summer when the sun can be strong. A reusable water bottle is also handy for staying hydrated while sightseeing.
Fashion in Lisbon
Fashion in Lisbon, Portugal, reflects a blend of traditional influences and contemporary styles. The city is known for its street fashion scene and a growing presence of upscale shopping destinations.
For luxury fashion global brands, visitors can explore areas like:
- Avenida da Liberdade: This elegant boulevard is lined with upscale boutiques and luxury fashion stores, offering a range of international brands such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Gucci.
- Amoreiras Shopping Center: Located near Avenida da Liberdade, Amoreiras is a modern shopping complex housing high-end fashion brands alongside designer stores and gourmet restaurants.
- El Corte Inglés: Situated in the heart of Lisbon, El Corte Inglés is a department store known for its diverse selection of luxury fashion labels, cosmetics, and accessories.
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Food delivery Lisbon
In Lisbon, Portugal, food delivery services offer convenience and variety for locals and visitors alike. Some top services operating in Lisbon include:
- Uber Eats: With a wide range of restaurants and cuisines available for delivery, Uber Eats is a popular choice for food delivery in Lisbon. Users can easily order through the app and track their deliveries in real-time.
- Glovo: Glovo offers quick and reliable delivery from restaurants, grocery stores, and even pharmacies. It provides a diverse selection of food options and delivers to various locations across Lisbon.
- Wolt: Wolt is another prominent food delivery service in Lisbon, known for its user-friendly app interface and efficient delivery service. It partners with a variety of restaurants, including local favorites and international chains.
- Bolt Food: Bolt Food is a convenient food delivery service operating in Lisbon, offering a diverse selection of restaurants and cuisines for delivery. With its easy-to-use app, users can browse through a variety of options and enjoy swift delivery to their location.
Food in Lisbon
Food in Lisbon, Portugal, is a delightful fusion of flavors, drawing from traditional Portuguese cuisine and influences from around the world.
Here are some key highlights:
- Seafood: Being a coastal city, Lisbon is renowned for its fresh seafood dishes. From grilled sardines to bacalhau (salted cod), seafood lovers will find a plethora of delicious options to indulge in.
- Pastéis de Nata: These iconic custard tarts are a must-try when visiting Lisbon. Made with flaky pastry and a creamy custard filling, pastéis de nata can be found in bakeries throughout the city.
- Bifana: A popular Portuguese sandwich, bifana features thinly sliced marinated pork served in a crusty bread roll. It's a satisfying and flavorful street food option loved by locals and visitors alike.
- Petiscos: Similar to Spanish tapas, petiscos are small plates meant for sharing. They come in a variety of flavors, including cured meats, cheeses, olives, and seafood, providing a taste of Portuguese culinary diversity.
- Wine: Portugal is known for its excellent wines, and Lisbon offers plenty of opportunities to sample them. Whether it's a glass of Vinho Verde, Port, or the famous local red wine, visitors can explore Lisbon's wine bars and taverns to savor the rich flavors of Portuguese wine.
- Market Food: Lisbon's markets, such as Mercado da Ribeira and Mercado de Campo de Ourique, are hubs of gastronomic delight. Visitors can sample an array of local specialties, from freshly grilled fish to artisanal cheeses, while soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Live webcam Lisbon
Live webcams in Lisbon offer real-time glimpses of the city's dynamic streets, picturesque waterfront, and renowned landmarks.
These live feeds are accessible online, allowing viewers from around the globe to enjoy Lisbon's lively ambiance.
By visiting specific websites or platforms hosting these webcams, such as tourism websites, city guides, or webcam aggregators, users can enjoy panoramic views of popular spots like Praça do Comércio, São Jorge Castle, or the Tagus River, providing a virtual window into Lisbon's scenery and culture.
Would you like to find out more about Portugal?
On our website, you can explore a range of subjects concerning Portugal, including:
- Portugal weather
- Portugal education system
- Portugal accommodation
- Portugal renting tips
- Portugal things to do
- Portugal best places
- Portugal cost of living
- Portugal advice
- Portugal FAQs
- Portugal residency
SIM card in Lisbon
Portugal SIM card Lisbon airport
Getting a SIM card in Lisbon is straightforward, especially if you're arriving at Lisbon Airport. At the airport, you can easily purchase a Lycamobile SIM card from the money exchange counter. This option is ideal for short visits, offering convenience and coverage.
However, for longer stays in Lisbon, it's recommended to explore other options. MEO, Vodafone, and NOS are among the leading telecom providers in Portugal, offering various plans and services tailored to different needs.
T Mobile Lisbon Portugal
For T-Mobile users, their service is available in Lisbon.
Banks in Lisbon
Best bank in Portugal for foreigners
Although everyone’s requirements and preferences are different, according to Flatio team members based in Portugal, ActivoBank is considered by many to be the best bank for expats in Lisbon due to its good services, modern app, and well-located branches.
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ActivoBank is a Portuguese digital bank belonging to the Millennium BCP Group, one of the largest banking and financial services groups in Portugal.
In the following list of banks in Portugal you will find some local, international, and online banks, most of which have physical branches in Lisbon that you can consider for opening an account or carrying out financial transactions.
- Millennium BCP
- ActivoBank
- Caixa Geral de Depósitos
- Novobanco
- Banco Atlantico Europa
- Banco Santander
- BPI
- Banco Montepio
- EuroBic
- Bison Bank
- Abanca
- Banco Best
- Banco CTT
- Barclays Bank Lisbon Portugal
- Citibank
- BBVA
- Banco Finantia
- Bank Credibom
- Revolut
- N26
Lawyers in Lisbon, Portugal
Looking for a law firm in Lisbon Portugal? Want to hire a lawyer in Lisbon? The good news is that there are many reputable law firms and experienced lawyers in Lisbon ready to assist you with a wide range of legal matters.
Whether you're seeking legal advice for personal or business issues, navigating the Portuguese legal system, or requiring representation in court, you can find dedicated professionals to meet your needs. Some notable law firms in Lisbon offer expertise in various areas of law, including corporate law, accommodation in Lisbon, immigration, and litigation.
Additionally, individual lawyers practicing in Lisbon specialize in specific fields, ensuring tailored and expert guidance for your legal concerns.
When selecting a law firm or lawyer in Lisbon, consider their experience, reputation, and areas of expertise to find the right fit for your requirements. With the support of skilled legal professionals in Lisbon, you can address your legal challenges with confidence and achieve favorable outcomes.
In Portugal, lawyers are commonly referred to as "advogados" or "advogadas" for male and female practitioners, respectively.
Flatio: Secure stays in Portugal
Looking for a place to stay in Portugal? Check out Flatio! We specialize in monthly stays and offer a variety of rooms, flats, and houses. Short-term rentals are also available for as little as 5 days. No deposit is required for stays under 180 days, unless local laws require otherwise.
Our lease agreements cover utilities and Wi-Fi, which can be handy for visa applications and proof of address. We ensure secure payments, including Bitcoin, and provide daily customer service, including a 24/7 emergency line.
