10 Best Tips for the Summer In Lisbon
Lisbon is a beautiful city that offers many fun activities, beautiful scenery, and delicious food. However, it’s important to be aware of some things to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are the 10 best tips for the summer in Lisbon.
1. Beware of Pickpockets:
Lisbon is a busy city with lots of tourists. Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight. Be especially careful on public transportation and in crowded areas. One of the best Tips for the Summer In Lisbon is to avoid carrying a lot of money. Fear not though, it’s very unlikely that a robber would take something forcibly, they only steal if it’s very easy.
2. Don’t Buy Weed on the Streets:
It’s illegal to buy and use drugs in Portugal, including weed, however, you can buy CBD or carry weed (with THC) up to 5g. Buying or selling is not legal. It’s normal to hear on the streets people offering you “Coke, hasish, weed?”, but don’t buy from them, IT’S FAKE, that’s why they do it fearlessly in front of the police.
3. Be Careful with the Guards of Pink Street:
Pink Street is a popular spot for nightlife in Lisbon, but some guards can be aggressive towards tourists. Respect their rules and avoid confrontations, even if you are right or if they’re acting unfairly toward you. Move to the next venue.
4. Don’t Get Burned in the Sun:
Lisbon is known for its hot summers, temperatures can get to 42 degrees, and due to climate changes, it’s expected to be hotter in 2023. Protect your skin with sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Be aware of the heat and take breaks in the shade when needed.
5. Use the river as a reference
Walking around Lisbon is easy, avoid the hills by using the river as your reference. Going up and down the hills in Lisbon can be very exhausting and stressful because of the tiny sidewalks and millions of tourists.
6. Take a Day Trip to Sintra:
Sintra is a beautiful town near Lisbon with stunning palaces and castles. Take a train from Lisbon and spend a day exploring the town’s architecture and gardens. Don’t forget to bring a jumper, the weather there is very different than in Lisbon.
7. Enjoy a Sunset Cruise:
Take a sunset cruise along the Tagus River and enjoy the beautiful views of Lisbon. It’s a romantic and peaceful way to end the day. There’s a lot of boat services nearby Belém Tower and you can even book it online.
8. Don’t Drive in the City Center:
Lisbon’s city centre can be chaotic and confusing for drivers and there are many traps designed to fool tourists. One of the best tips for the summer in Lisbon is to avoid driving in the city centre. You can always use Uber or Bolt for very affordable prices (3€ to 10€), scooters, buses and metro. Most people can get to anywhere in Lisbon within a 1-hour walk.
9. Visit the Alfama Neighborhood during the month of June
Alfama is a charming neighbourhood with narrow streets and traditional houses. During the month of June, there’s the Santos Populares party and the whole neighbourhood becomes a party, including other regions like Bairro Alto. Be prepared to experience a whole month of street parties in Lisbon.
10. Be careful with overpriced restaurants
Lisbon has an enormous variety of cuisines and most of them are affordable to most Europeans, however, a couple of restaurants overprice their items when they notice you’re a tourist. In 2023, you can expect to pay something around 20€ per person for a meal (lunch or dinner) in a restaurant with a terrace and if you look well you might find meals for 6€ or 10€.
Overall, Lisbon is a very safe city and has one of the lowest criminal records of all European capitals, besides a couple of tricks. Don’t be a fool and be kind to people always to enjoy your trip to Lisbon.
Check the Tourism support police in Lisbon
