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Guides >> Portugal >> Lisbon

Lisbon Holidays

Overview | Map | Photo | Weather | Video

Lisbon Travel Guide

The capital of Portugal has experienced a renaissance in recent years and has reclaimed its rightful place as the 'golden city' of southern Europe. After slumbering for decades, the city's modern, vibrant and cosmopolitan identity is today much similar to that which it enjoyed in the 15th and 16th centuries during the age of the great discoverers, when Lisbon was the centre of trade with the East and the starting point for maritime exploration of the globe.

The city fathers of Lisbon elected to invest in some rejuvenation in the 1990s, and this ongoing focus on the future has made the most of the city's attributes and attractions, both old and new. Infrastructure has also been improved, with additions like the impressive Vasco da Gama Bridge across the River Tagus, which links the city's airport to a network of national motorways and has facilitated access to other parts of Portugal. There is also a new showcase railway hub, the Gare de Oriente, which is the pride of a new modern suburb on the east bank of the Tagus, creating an even better link between Lisbon and the rest of Europe.

While much is new, there is plenty of the old left to charm visitors, giving the metropolis a slightly provincial air. The delightful, picturesque medieval section of Alfama skirts the city's Sao Jorge castle, and historic wooden trams ply noisily up and down steep hills past art deco cafes and mosaic-decorated pavements. Many of the relics of the city's golden age were destroyed in an earthquake in 1755, but some survived and are popular tourist attractions, complemented now by modern sights, like the futuristic Oceanarium.

Within easy reach of the city are the sandy beaches of several coastal resorts, such as Costa da Caparica, Estoril and Cascais, as well as the forested areas of Sintra and attractions like the extraordinary Mafra monastery. The mood of Lisbon is light and bright, confident, fresh and avante garde, ready to welcome the world to the doorstep as one of the great capitals of Europe.

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Money :

Portugal is a member of the European Union and its official currency is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. There are numerous banks, bureaux de change and ATMs available in main cities and tourist destinations. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and automatic currency exchange machines. Banking hours are generally 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday. Major credit cards are widely accepted, as are travellers cheques.

Time :

Local time is GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Electricity :

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used.

Language :

Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood.

Passport & Visa :

Entry Requirements

Country Code	Requirements Details
us	US nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. A passport is required.
uk	Passport holders endorsed British Citizen, British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen and British Subject, all with the right of abode in the UK, do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. In all other cases a visa is required.
ca	Canadians do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. A passport is required.
au	Australian nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. A passport is required.
za	South African nationals require a passport and a Schengen visa.
ir	Irish nationals do not require a visa to visit Portugal. A passport is required.
nz	New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. A passport is required.

Embassies in Other Country

Country Code	Requirements Details
us	Portuguese Embassy, Washington, United States: +1 202 328 8610.
uk	Portuguese Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7235 5331.
ca	Portuguese Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 729 0883.
au	Portuguese Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6290 1733.
za	Portuguese Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 341 2340/1/2.
ir	Portuguese Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 412 7040.
nz	Portuguese Consulate, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 382 7655.

Embassies

Country Code	Requirements Details
us	Portuguese Embassy, Washington, United States: +1 202 328 8610.
uk	Portuguese Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7235 5331.
ca	Portuguese Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 729 0883.
au	Portuguese Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6290 1733.
za	Portuguese Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 341 2340/1/2.
ir	Portuguese Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 412 7040.
nz	Portuguese Consulate, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 382 7655.

Please note: Passport, Visa and Entry Requirement information is for guidance only. Co-op Travel advises all customers to check for up to date information at www.fco.gov.uk.

Getting Around :

Public transport is inexpensive and useful for negotiating the hills between attractions. The fastest way to get around is by metro, which covers most of the city, and complementing this is a network of trams, buses, funiculars and a vertical elevator to connect the high and low areas of Lisbon. There is also a modern electric train that links the city to all the towns along the Portuguese Riviera, and ferries across the Tagus River. Trams and buses are very inexpensive and the old trams have become a big tourist attraction. It is best to avoid public transport during rush hours, as the crowded conditions are the perfect cover for pickpockets. Various transport passes are available, including the Lisboa Card that allows unlimited transport, free entry to many museums and several discounted attractions and activities. Metered taxis are plentiful and affordable, and a popular means of transportation, but beware of drivers taking long, indirect routes. A car is not recommended for use around the city and it is best to leave it in a garage for the duration of stay and get around by public transportation.

Health :

There are no health risks attached to travel to Portugal. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is necessary for entry for anyone travelling from an infected area and destined for the Azores or Madeira. Health facilities are good and reciprocal health agreements exist with most European countries, including the UK, whose citizens can receive low-cost emergency care at state hospitals. It is advisable that travellers obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before travel. Dental care and repatriation costs are not covered under this agreement, and medical insurance is therefore advised.

Tipping :

Service charges are usually added to hotel and restaurant bills, otherwise it is customary to leave a 10% tip. Bar staff and taxi drivers also expect tips, which usually entails rounding up of the bill to the nearest Euro.

Safety :

Travel to Portugal should be trouble-free, but there is a rising incidence of petty theft and pick pocketing in tourist areas, so reasonable care should be taken. Portugal has a very poor road safety record so exercise caution and drive defensively when exploring in a rented car.

Customs :

It is a legal requirement for foreigners to show some form of identification on request.

Business :

Business protocol in Portugal generally follows that of the rest of modern Europe. However, in rural areas, and when dealing with the elder generation, people may still cling onto customs of the past. Formal dress is necessary only in banking, government or law; otherwise smart-casual attire will suffice, and is often how the host may dress. However, being a fashion conscious country means that it may simply be easier to dress in a conventional formal manner. Handshakes for men and women are the common form of greeting. Face-to-face relationships are preferred but this is changing. It is a good idea to be punctual for all meetings, which may be over lunch, or a simple to-the-point meeting depending. Printed material should be available in both English and Portuguese. Business cards are often exchanged. Business hours vary but are generally 8.30am to 1pm and 3pm to 6pm Monday to Friday.

Duty Free :

Travellers over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g smoking tobacco, or a proportional mix of these products; 1 litre spirits with alcohol volume higher than 22%, or 2 litres spirits or aperitifs made of wine less than 22%, or sparkling wines or liqueurs, or a proportionate mix of these, and 2 litres of wine; perfume up to 50g and 250ml eau de toilette. Travellers over 15 years do not have to pay duty on 500g coffee (provided purchased in a tax-free shop); 100g tea or 40g of tea extract (provided purchased in a tax-free shop); medicines for personal use and gifts or souvenirs to the value of EUR175 for adults and EUR90 for children under 15 years.

Communications :

The international access code for Portugal is +351. There are no area or city codes required. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Portugal is well covered by three GSM mobile phone networks. Internet cafes are available in most towns and resorts.

History :

Contacts :

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