Don’t Make These 10 Mistakes When Visiting Lisbon
Are you still in the process of planning your trip to Lisbon? You will want to know these 10 mistakes to avoid when visiting Lisbon.
Lisbon is a city full of charm, history, and life, and it offers endless experiences to its visitors. The Portuguese capital is safe, compact, and easy to navigate, however, even seasoned travelers make mistakes that can add stress or ruin their trip.
Whether it’s getting caught in tourist traps or overlooking hidden gems, these slip-ups are easy to avoid with a little preparation. To help you make the most of your time, here are 10 common mistakes to avoid in Lisbon, making your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
We are not here to tell you that some attractions are overrated or some experiences are not worth your time, because we are all different and we all prioritize different things when traveling. Instead, we are here to share local insights and help you make the most of your experience.
So let’s dive in and unlock mistakes to avoid in Lisbon together!
*Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase after clicking one of these links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Top 10 mistakes to avoid in Lisbon
1. Speaking Spanish with Portuguese
One of the first mistakes many tourists make is speaking Spanish to Portuguese locals. So please remember, the official language in Portugal is Portuguese and not Spanish.
Although Portuguese and Spanish share similarities, they are distinct languages with their own nuances. Portuguese people take pride in their language and culture, and speaking to them in Spanish can come across as dismissive.
While many Lisbon residents understand Spanish, it’s always better to greet them in Portuguese or English. Even a simple “Olá” (hello) or “Obrigado/Obrigada” (thank you) can go a long way in showing respect for the local culture.
Note! Portuguese don’t like to hear tourists raving about how affordable Lisbon is. In recent years, accommodation prices have soared, making the city less affordable for residents. So while Lisbon is affordable for you, it is better to avoid this topic when talking with locals.
2. Taking tram 28 from Martin Moniz
Another common mistake involves taking the iconic Tram 28 from its starting point at Martim Moniz. Tram 28 is famous for its scenic route through some of Lisbon’s most charming neighborhoods and everyone wants to try this bucket list experience in Lisbon.
However, starting your journey at Martim Moniz often means facing long lines and overcrowded trams. Standing in line for hours under the Portuguese sun, only to squeeze onto a packed tram, can quickly turn this bucket list activity into a frustrating ordeal.
I’m not suggesting you skip Tram 28 altogether—in fact, it’s a fantastic way to see the city. But to truly enjoy the experience without the stress of the crowds, I recommend starting your ride at the final stop in Campo de Ourique, near the Prazeres Cemetery.
By boarding here, you’ll avoid the long waits and have a much better chance of finding a seat, allowing you to relax and take in the scenic views as you glide through Lisbon’s charming streets.
This Tram 28 travel guide will help you plan a pleasant ride and learn other tricks to avoid the crowds. If you decide that this tram ride is not for you, you will want to visit these iconic Tram 28 photo spots instead.
3. Waiting in the line for Santa Justa Elevador
Waiting in line for the Santa Justa Elevador is another mistake to avoid in Lisbon since it can eat up valuable time. The Santa Justa Elevador is an iconic lift that offers stunning views of Lisbon, but the lines can be long, especially during peak tourist season.
Once you have spent hours in the line, you will face less than 10-minute ride up to the viewpoint that can be easily reached on foot. Just use Topo Chiado on your Google Maps and follow the route.
If you are coming from Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara head to Largo da Trindade and follow Rua Trindade, so you won’t even need to climb. Don’t forget to visit Carmo Convent around the corner as well!
4. Buying tram and elevador tickets from the driver
Many tourists are unaware that purchasing tickets directly from the tram or elevador driver is not only more expensive but also less efficient. While it might seem convenient to buy your ticket on the spot, the price difference for trams and elevadors is significant.
A better option is to purchase a Viva Viagem card for 0.50 euros. This rechargeable card can be loaded with credit or specific travel passes, and it’s accepted on all forms of public transportation in Lisbon, including trams, buses, the metro, and even elevadors.
For example, Santa Justa elevador will cost you 5.30 euros and Bica – 3.80 euros, while zapping for a single ride is 1.61 euros. Also, if you are planning to use a lot of public transport, consider a daily ticket that includes trams and elevadors.
5. Missing local Tascas
Many tourists unknowingly miss out on one of Lisbon’s most authentic culinary experiences by overlooking the local tascas—small, family-run restaurants that serve traditional Portuguese food in an unpretentious setting.
Tascas offer a home-cooked taste of Lisbon at a fraction of the cost you’d find in more commercial eateries. These places are often tucked away in residential neighborhoods or down narrow side streets, away from the tourist areas.
You should know that Portuguese cuisine offers a lot of simple dishes and grilled seafood with a pinch of salt is the highlight of the local menu. This is why you don’t need a fancy gourmet restaurant to taste the best that Portugal has to offer.
Don’t be afraid to try a restaurant that looks simple or unassuming—these are often the places with the best food. I would still double-check reviews online, but a restaurant filled with locals is a good starting point.
Other things to avoid when choosing a restaurant in Portugal:
- photos of the food outside of the restaurant
- worker at the entrance inviting you inside
- touristic areas like Rua Augusta
- menu in English (unless it is a high-end restaurant).
6. Assuming that appetizers offered by restaurants are free
In Portugal, it’s typical for restaurants to serve small dishes like bread, olives, or cheese as soon as you sit down. These appetizers, known as “couvert,” are not complimentary and will be added to your bill if you touch them.
If that is common in your home country, I have to warn you that the cost can add up quickly. Usually, these small appetizers tend to be overpriced, so you can either confirm the price before or decline it when it’s brought to your table.
In case you want to try something beyond the main, it is better to check appetizers (entradas) available on the menu and choose some of the available options from there.
7. Visiting the main attractions and forgetting about hidden gems in Lisbon
Focusing solely on Lisbon’s main attractions and neglecting the city’s hidden gems is a mistake that many travelers make. While landmarks like Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and the Alfama district are must-sees, many lesser-known sites are equally impressive.
I know that we all have limited time and we all want to see the top attractions in Lisbon, but I highly recommend including at least a couple of hidden spots in your Lisbon itinerary.
Since I am particularly passionate about this topic and there are so many beautiful spots that tourists miss, I have a separate travel guide that will help you discover the best hidden gems in Lisbon.
8. Renting a car in Lisbon
Renting a car in Lisbon is another misstep that can lead to unnecessary stress. Lisbon’s narrow, hilly streets can be challenging to navigate, and parking is often difficult to find. Not to mention restricted areas around the main tourist attractions in Lisbon.
Lisbon’s public transportation system is excellent and covers all major attractions. Alternatively, Uber and Bolt are widely available in Lisbon and offer great prices even for budget travelers.
Not to mention the fact that Lisbon is a very walkable city, especially if you know the best areas to stay in Lisbon.
If you plan to explore areas outside of Lisbon, such as Sintra or Cascais, taking a train or bus is often more convenient and cost-effective. If you are planning a road trip around Portugal, rent a car after your departure or keep it parked during your time in Lisbon.
9. Purchasing a Lisbon Card without planning your itinerary first
Purchasing the Lisbon Card without first planning your itinerary is a mistake that can lead to wasted money. It offers free or discounted entry to many attractions, as well as unlimited use of public transportation, but it’s only worth the cost if you plan to visit enough attractions.
Before buying the card, map out the places you want to see and calculate whether the card will save you money. In some cases, it might be better to pay for individual attractions rather than investing in the card.
All our itineraries include a separate section that explains if the Lisbon Card is worth it or not with a simple cost breakdown. Make sure you check these articles for a better understanding:
Extra tip! I have seen some people purchasing Lisbon Cards to save on public transport. Don’t make the same mistake because a daily ticket will cost you a fraction of the price. Free transport is only a bonus of the Lisbon Card.
10. Not booking a photoshoot with us!
Lastly, you are missing out if you still haven’t booked a photoshoot with us! We have been creating unforgettable souvenirs for tourists visiting Lisbon since 2017, so we have access to the most picturesque places in the city.
Having years of experience means that we will take great care of you, guide you through it, and make it a memorable experience, no matter if you are on your own, with a lover, family, or friends. But don’t just take my word for it—our glowing reviews speak for themselves.
Here are some of our bestsellers:
- The Ultimate Instagram shoot in Lisbon
- Secret Lisbon with Private Photographer
- Postcards with Private Photographer
However, if you have some special ideas, feel free to send an email and we will do our best to accommodate your requests.
More mistakes to avoid in Lisbon:
- not wearing SPF;
- not packing comfortable shoes;
- not bringing a jacket when visiting Sintra (yes, even in summer!).
Final thoughts…
This is the end of the most common mistakes to avoid when visiting Lisbon and I am sure you are ready to hit the road.
I would love to hear your feedback, so feel free to leave a comment below. If you need further help with planning, check out these Lisbon travel tips, hotel recommendations, or food guides.
Pin it for later and save these mistakes to avoid in Lisbon!
