Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) are usually the best times to visit, offering mild temperatures and fewer crowds than the peak summer months. Mornings and late afternoons are best for visiting popular hilltop viewpoints and historic sights to avoid midday heat and tour groups. Many national museums and historic monuments are closed on Mondays, and major closures often occur on public holidays such as New Year's Day, May Day, and Christmas Day, so check opening hours locally before setting out.
Lisbon's historic core is best explored on foot, though comfortable footwear with good grip is essential for the city's steep hills and smooth cobblestone pavements (calçada portuguesa). Public transportation is extensive and includes the Metro, vintage and modern trams, urban buses, and funiculars; purchasing a rechargeable transit card at any metro station allows convenient pay-as-you-go travel (known as zapping). Licensed taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available and relatively affordable for cross-town journeys or uphill routes.
Lisbon is generally considered one of the safer capital cities in Europe, but standard urban precautions are always recommended. Be alert to your personal belongings and bags in crowded areas, especially on popular tourist transit lines like Tram 28, around major squares, and near transit hubs. For any emergency requiring police, medical, or fire services, call 112.
A common annoyance in central pedestrian areas such as Baixa and around Praça do Comércio involves street vendors approaching tourists to offer fake or culinary herbs disguised as illicit substances; a polite, firm refusal and continuing to walk is the most effective response. Keep valuables secure in pockets or cross-body bags to deter opportunistic pickpocketing on crowded public transit, and ensure taxi drivers start the meter upon departure.
Tipping is not strictly mandatory in Portugal, as service charges are generally factored in, but leaving a gratuity for good service is appreciated. In sit-down restaurants, leaving around 5% to 10% in cash is standard practice for attentive service. For casual café visits, rounding up the bill to the nearest euro is common, as is rounding up for taxi and ride-hail fares.
Portugal uses the Euro (€). Contactless card payments are widely accepted across most restaurants, museums, and shops, though carrying some cash is helpful for small purchases, traditional tascas, and market stalls. When withdrawing cash, use official bank-affiliated Multibanco ATMs and decline dynamic currency conversion conversions to receive your bank's direct exchange rate.
A polite greeting such as 'Bom dia' (good morning) or 'Boa tarde' (good afternoon) is customary when entering shops, restaurants, and accommodation. When dining out, be aware that appetizers placed on the table before your meal (couvert), such as bread, olives, or cheese, are not complimentary and will be charged if consumed; you can simply leave them untouched or decline them. Modest dress covering shoulders and knees is recommended when visiting active churches and religious monuments.
