You got something wrong about the golden visa program that is a common misconception that I would like to correct. A lot of people get this wrong. Less than 7 percent of the property purchased in Portugal is a direct result of the golden visa program. Please stop blaming high prices on this program. Furthermore more than 50 percent of property purchased for renovation for air B&B or for development was by portuguese citizens. While it's true that a significant portion of foreign investment is coming from outside for development as well, especially around Lisbon and the Algarve, almost none of the investors are interested at all in the golden visa program. Please please stop blaming this program on the problems Portugal has. It's misinformation. Yes, foreign investment is too high around Lisbon and the Algarve. Do you want the alternative back which was 30 years of rent control? Please, before you repeat this lie about the golden visa program again, please learn more about it. I am immigrating to Portugal currently, I am not even using this program and because this lie gets retold this way I get hate directed at me in Expat forums by Portuguese trolls. Please do everyone a favor and vet your information better!
Local here, you hit everything with the exception of tipping. It works the way you described, but we don't tip 10%. Probably not even 5%, but for sure the restaurant staff is expecting around 10% from tourists :)
I thought it was expected as it is printed on the bill the 5-10% suggestions, also in the terminal to make the payment. No wonder we got porto and ginjha everytime after paying our bill.
Thank you. This is the exact information that every tourist or traveler should know. I watched several boring or annoying videos before I found yours and i'm so happy that I found this.🎉
Your comment about using tram 28 is so true. I had to help a local old woman get on as each time one came by the tourists would shove their way on. We didn’t understand each other’s language but she understood what I was doing for her and started calming down. Finally got her on board and she thanked me. Felt good. So thank you!
You got something wrong about the golden visa program that is a common misconception that I would like to correct. A lot of people get this wrong. Less than 7 percent of the property purchased in Portugal is a direct result of the golden visa program. Please stop blaming high prices on this program. Furthermore more than 50 percent of property purchased for renovation for air B&B or for development was by portuguese citizens. While it's true that a significant portion of foreign investment is coming from outside for devepment as well, especially around Lisbon and the Algarve, almost none of the investors are interested at all in the golden visa program. Please please stop blaming this program on the problems Portugal has. It's misinformation. Yes, foreign investment is too high around Lisbon and the Algarve. Do you want the alternative back which was 30 years of rent control? Please, before you repeat this lie about the golden visa program again, please learn more about it. I am immigrating to Portugal currently, I am not even using this program and because this lie gets retold this way I get hate directed at me in Expat forums by Portuguese trolls. Please do everyone a favor and vet your information better!
@@Kiltedbear we have the same problem in Greece. Rents reaching new highs every year, salaries stagnating and the locals are in real trouble. Welcome to the EU.
For someone like me who have been to Portugal more than 10 times, your tips are useful even if some feel like for people who never travelled before :-)
Thank you so much for all these tips!. I'm planning to visit Lisbon this April and I'm little nervous/ overwhelmed since it'll be my fist time in Portugal. I appreciate you've taken the time to recommend places that are less crowded and still will allow people to live the experience.
Hi Camden David, The slipperiness of the pavement depends on the type of stone : granite or marble, not the color. In your video, we see first the black pavement made of granite, then the marble one. Also, the more touristy is the street the more polished is the pavement; means slippery (even when dry), and I don't even talk about the situation when it's a sloping street. If you go to Portugal and want to go South, I highly recommande Lagos, the most beautiful historical town in the Algarve. I'm not saying this because I have an apartment their (Rental Valley Palmeira View), but because I know the Algarve very well (my mum is from there). Thank you for your videos. I hope you will go to Kyoto soon (or anywhere else in Japan), but Kyoto is a good place for a first stay there. Bye Estefânio
Lived in Lisbon.You managed to really observe the city. Great ,impresive, practical tips :) I love it that you think of the locls. 28 tram was my bus as a local.
Tips are not expected in Portugal, much less 10%. You can tip if you want, but a typical Portuguese would only tip if the service is exceptional and nothing close to 10%, it's more like 2%. This tip culture has been messing up the experience for locals recently.
This is exactly why I told locals in London to vote against any initiatives to “Americanize” tip culture there. I can’t say “we’re all” sick of it here, but I can say that me and most if not all of my friends are sick of it in general. Getting asked to tip at a SELF-checkout?!?! REALLY??? 20% of the bill MINIMUM? Even if the service is TERRIBLE?!?! I’d much rather the EU mindset of paying living wages and NOT having to rely on tips just for servers to pay their bills.
@rj_veg1480 As an American, It's getting ridiculous here. Never liked it, and hate the increased pressure in Tipping for things that previously I would never tip for. The rising percentages are getting too much, I probably make the same amount as the person I'm Tipping.
As an American who has lived i Lisbon for about 1.5 years, this is one of the better videos for visiting Lisbon. Great tips on day trips, tipping, and how to enjoy the city. I actually like Time Out Market, but mostly for the experience. You are right, though, for the best food, there tons of better options. Also, there are actually several very good and reasonably priced hotels in the Baixa area, but you're right, lots of tourist trap restaurants and shops. I would still go and definitely spend some time there, but just do so with open eyes. Looking forward to your Porto video, as we now live nearby in Braga :)
Another tip for tram 28 Most tourists start the ride in the Martim Moniz stop and then go all the way, that is one of the longest lines you'll ever find Instead of Martim Moniz start your trip at the other end of the ride in Prazeres near the cemetery The line to get in will be half the size, the ride is the same it will finish in Martim Moniz where you can experience the "Chinatown" of Lisbon And before you get in the 28 at Prazeres you can go in to the Cemetery for free and honestly the cemetery it's a beautiful hidden gem
@@ronstero Café da Garagem is close by. It's just a small cafe but it's got a cool view of the city. Great place to relax for a bit and take in the views
We're heading to Portugal in May for 23 days. When it comes to Lisbon and Sintra, we have opted to stay in Sinatra four days and spend two of them taking a train (or Uber/Bolt) into Lisbon (instead of the other way around). We figure we'll be traveling with less of a crowd each way. I sure hope it's a good idea.
Sintra has a lot going for it, but if you've never been, I think it is a bad idea to base yourself there. Train travel is not quick, and Uber/Bolt takes time too (and will be hideously expensive). If your primary goal is Lisbon, stay in Lisbon. Make Sintra the day trip. And since you'll have the flexibility of choosing when to take the train to Sintra it is easy enough to avoid peak hours. Also, May is buy, but not peak season. Definitely change your plans.
Hmm, that's a tough call. I would probably agree with @grizfan93 on wanting to base in Lisbon and taking the day trips out to Sintra. Main reason being it'll be easier to get to other spots from Lisbon and will provide more to do in the evenings when you return. But it really depends on the type of experience you're looking for. If you want to have more food and entertainment options around, I'd choose to base in Lisbon. But if you're wanting the quieter spot, Sintra will be great. Either way, I'd stick with trains over Uber/Bolt for that commute. It'll save you a good amount of cash. Hope all that helps!
Interesting video, I've never spent a month in Lisbon but I go there 7-10 days at a time, 4-5 times a year as a professional photographer. I only stay at one place and that is the Lisbon Old Town Guest House it has rooms that look out over the river and is a 2-minute walk from Pink Street.
Wow! Others have already said it, but this is a GREAT travel tips video! Actually the best I've ever seen! ⭐🏆😃🏆⭐ So detailed, to the point, and covering nuances others don't that really impact one's experience. 🌿 *THANK YOU!!!* 🌿 8:12 Also really appreciate your thoughtfulness about being respectful of locals who need to use Tram 28. 💖👵 You're a mensch! 😃
Great vid! I agree with your assessment of the calcada stones. I think light stones are marble and the dark/gray stones are granite. I think the marbles smoothes more overtime, while the granite remains rougher, although I may be over-simplifying, or totally wrong.
Great tips! I really enjoyed the video. I've watched quite a few videos on Lisbon but they gave me tourist trips, not traveller tips - and there's a HUGE difference. Looking forward to watching the Porto video now.
2:50 That statement couldn't be more true. Some of the greatest portuguese writers are often embracing that wandering spirit that feels so magical. Often portrayed as a moment for pondering about oneself and the world that surrounds them, also the incredible ambience thoughout the dawn, dusk and night all have their unique charms.
Lisbon is incredible - I was there again recently and loved seeing so many references to our Sevillana Saints Justa y Rufina - who defended the iconic Giralda during the Lisbon Earthquake in 1755! Such a great connection between two beautiful cities
Another tip, do not use cash at the train station to buy tickets in person. I bought tickets to Sintra and paid cash €20 for two €1.80 tickets and later realized the ticket agent had ripped me off and conveniently did not give me a receipt. If I had used a credit card this ripoff would have been avoided. One more tip, my sister-in-law was charged €67 for a €10 taxi ride because she didn´t know and didn´t use Bolt or Uber. Local taxis are best avoided.
I got ripped off by a taxi driver. I took a taxi from the airport to my hotel and the driver said 11 euros (normal price). I check the amount on the phone and it showed 11 euros, I swiped my card and didn't ask for a receipt and left. Since I was on roaming, I didn't get my text confirmation right away, couple of hours later I got a notification that $53 was charged on my card. Still working with the card company to cancel this transaction.
Don't thinking that you use a real táxi i used lots of times and always paid wats on the meter and neve more than expected. Some of drivers from uber or Bolt are riping of turists all over Portugal saying that they are táxis and they are cheap. At the end they top of People. Check the portugueses news about the ubers in Portugal you Will choco. If doesnt have a light outside and a meter its not a táxi.
@@boliroma1 I got the taxi from the airport where only real taxis stop and you wait in queue, there’s even an officers that organizes things there. The counter showed 11 euro, the phone showed 11 euros only after I swiped my card and left the taxi he has done something to change the amount to $50
I think you did great! You nailed it. Yes to BOLT! TimeOut Market is crap!! The calçadas are actually stone, not tiles. I've never heard that the white are more slippery, but even in dry weather, be careful. It's best to wear gummy-bottomed shoes here. I don't think Lisbon is. so dirty, but yes sadly the dog poo can be a problem. (I came from Tel Aviv though, which is even worse!) I don't actually recommend randomly walking around so much because of the hills, your calves will be burning soon! Cascais is indeed bougie as hell, I love the beaches of Estoril. People should absolutely go to Belem, it's really special, beautiful and so so much to do. Ciao!
As Americans, we're used to being picky when choosing a restaurant. So, we have that attitude in Portugal when it's not necessary because most restaurants serve fresh, tasty food.
Thanks for this in depth video. I watched it before going to Lisbon and am now watching it after my trip and it makes so much more sense. But we were only there for 2 days and caught some time in Cascais and Sintra and Lisbon but did want more in Cascais, Sintra was awesome - went to a night of FADO music in Lisbon and great dinner. Don't miss getting the delicious custard tarts by the huge cathedral right on the water in Belem.....they are world renowned. Called - Pasteis de Belem - Simply delicious. But long lines. Our tour director got in quickly to get tarts for us.....and she got us our own trolly car for an hour and 1/2 to see the city without having to climb those really steep hills. It's like San Francisco - only old! Lots of graffiti - they seem to not care about cleaning it up. AND Europe has no ADA laws about being compliant for disabilities so keep that in mind. The walking can be a challenge.
Lisbon is a city to walk, trains and subway are the quickest and cheapest way to move from A to B, stay away from the city centre for restaurants most are just tourists traps, shopping centres have great cheap food halls if you are on a budget, there are so many better cakes than pasteis de nata, and yes they are delicious but you dont need get the original ones, every cafe has them and they are sometimes even better. 28 tram tends to be pickpocket heaven, its a safe city but its a big city so always keep your valuables safe. It has beautiful streets, great museums, some convents and churches have viewpoints on the roof, use miradouros to find great free views, there are a ton of parks to just sit and have a coffee. Use good walking shoes, drink plenty of water, be polite say bom dia, boa tarde e obrigado, everyone will be happy to help you, and please dont piss on the street and put your rubbish in the bin.
We just came back from our vacation in Portugal and I don’t know how old this video is,but we found Portugal to be as clean as any other European country. There was very little graffiti, the streets were very clean and no dog poop.
Really useful video, THANK YOU for sharing such helpful tips - have just booked a city break in Lisbon for August. Will take all this advice on board for a great trip!
this video was amazing. I chose not to spend extra time there but this video did open my mind to the idea. Fair, informative. Gave ideas I never thought of. well done... I have subscribed.
I wish l had the money to visit portugal, l met people that came here in america to work, and they are hard workers and friendly, they went back, l sure miss them❤
I'm a lisboeta and have lived abroad, now I see massive tourism here and the tram thing is annoying and often shocking to see several tourists not giving their seats to elderly locals! Like.... seriously?
Train 28 you said that was very busy by tourist, when did you visit Portugal in the summer time or spring? Seems spring are less people. Thank you for shing about Cascais and Sintra, I did not see it in other videos and this looks beautiful. Thank you!
Wow! Thanks. Your video is just packed full of great information and not a lot of meaningless chatter. Love it! I would love to hear more about visiting in December/January. What to expect as far as weather, opening hours of sites, is it worth staying a few days in the algarve to take in views, hike, and do a boat tour of the caves ( or does the weather at that time of year not allow for an enjoyable experience in the algarve), can we fly by the seat of our pants with regard to booking hotels, tickets for sites, etcetra at that time of year or is it still busy enough that we should book everything ahead of time??? So many questions 😂😊
Lots of questions in here but I'll take a crack at a few. Expect chilly days in December/January (still enjoyable). Also be prepared for rain. Algarve is still worth visiting but temper expectations with regards to how you'll enjoy the water. Weather will be chilly but still beautiful to see. You can probably get away with booking hotels a bit later but you'll save money by booking in advance. Don't think there are any specific sites you'll need to book activities in advance. There will definitely be tourists but it's a less crowded time of year. Hope that helps :)
Returning here after my trip to thank you for your tips because a few came in really handy. I always agree with making reservations if you can, as touristy spots always get booked up quickly, always having some spare cash was handy as the ticket machine was broken in Sintra and so we went to the ticket office where they didn’t accept card, the cobble streets can be very slippy and trainers/hiking boots were my best footwear. Tram 28 was busy but fine for us as we had the Lisboa cards and used it for free, otherwise I wouldn’t have bothered, it’s just a rickety version of their other trams. In Sintra, we bought tickets for Pena Palace (just the castle grounds) and Moors Castle at the Moors Castle ticket office, and got discount with the Lisboa Card. At the time we went (early morning in May) the queues were practically non-existent, not like how it is usually described. Quinta da Regaleira is lovely, but the first two were my favourite. We paid for that one at the ticket office too. We used Google Maps and hiked all over, didn’t bother with any public transport. We spared about 7-8 hours to walk to and see all three of the main spots and it was just the right amount of time before my feet had enough. Definitely do Sintra and Cascais on different days, Boca do Inferno was a great tip in Cascais and so was sitting on the left side of the train. There’s a huge hypermarket in Cascais called Auchan for anyone wanting to get bits for a picnic at the beach. It’s close to the station. I used this and lots of other pages to build my itinerary and think I pretty much nailed it in 4 days, so I’m posting that on my Insta ☺️
I didn't see poops while I was there. Also, the sigjts I have visited didn't seem to have much graffiti. Streets are clean, and people keep to themselves. But I will say I wish I dress warmer for early March. The best part is the food! I will return soon!
You didn't mention the metro (subway) which is cheap, frequent, fast, clean and easy to navigate. It will get you to most places in the city and out to the train stations without Bolt or Uber.
tipping 10% is not the apropriate amount. As a portuguese, i usualy just tip when the service was realy realy good, and even then it never surpassed 5 euros. tipping is not expected, its a form of apreciation, but i would say if your going to tip just because you want to dont give tips below the 1 euro marc. I normally give 2 euros, just for reference
Thanks for the great video! One question, the hiking path/stairs that you reference in your video regarding Sintra, that goes to the ‘castle’ - which castle are you referring to?
I hoping to spend a month in Lisbon Nov into Dec of 2024When I go to European cities, I look for: how they collect trash; how they treat homeless; how they treat education and health care and how they deal with public transportation. I love street art because it tells me the entire intellectual and political temperature of the City.
Prices for castle tickets online are SO much cheaper. We paid €17.50 for four tickets which included a drink each. At the castle they were €17.50 EACH! However tickets purchased online from third party vendors need to be exchanged for physical tickets to gain entry.
My favorite is ''Recognize Local Pain Point'' I have seen many expats in organic farmers market being vocal about how cheap the products are! if its cheap for you, it is not for many locals, so try to be more thoughtful and less overreacting.
Hey do you remember the name of the trail you enjoyed in sintra and which castle it led to? Any tips on what order to see the big 4 there? Pena palace, sintra palace, moorish castle and quinta de regaleira. Did i miss any? Thanks
I might start with Pena Palace if you're able to beat most of the tour groups and heavy traffic. It seemed to fill up the fastest but wasn't busy until after 10 AM for us. Just make sure you give yourself enough time (whole day if possible). And I can't find the trail name but I marked it here on google maps: maps.app.goo.gl/o7b96rtc8ToFb9HZA
Do you find it cold in January and February? That’s good to know if I ever rented a place to ask if there’s a heater. I enjoyed this video as I’m from Canada and I’d like that you know so much. Thank you.
I did find it pretty chilly in January. There were plenty of warm afternoons but the evenings/mornings were much cooler. It seemed like most locals were wearing jackets and many of the buildings didn't have heating or good insulation. But it would definitely be warmer than what you're used to in Canada haha (my wife is from Ontario). Cheers!
How much do you think a small bachelor apartment would cost downtown Lisbon for January and February and is it possible to rent apartments by the month and it's good to ask if heat is included. I'm not particularly young so I don't have an urge for the nightlife or drinking and stuff but just wanted to know what it would cost me to live in Lisbon for January and February next year but I don't need my own bedroom.@@camdendavid
Thanks for sharing your experience, David. Question: If we buy tickets in advance and get the first train from Lisbon to Sintra, is it feasible to spend a half the day at Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle, have lunch in Sintra, get a bus or Bolt to Cabo da Roca, hike a half mile or so on top of the cliffs north of Cabo da Roca, and then hike back to Cabo da Roca for a ride back to the train station in Sintra?
Hmmm, tough one to answer cause I haven't tried. If you have the ability to split those up, I probably would. I'm sure it could be done but that would definitely be a packed day and you might enjoy having more time at each place. But don't let me stop you from trying! If you do give it a shot, let me know how it goes :)
I just booked a solo trip to Lisbon (for May 2025). Would you recommend staying in the city center as a solo traveler, or does it not matter? There’s a hotel in really interested in, but it’s next to that large red stadium - idk if it’ll be “annoying”/inconvenient to take the train into Downtown everyday vs just walking outside via an AirBNB.
I'd much prefer to be closer to downtown and would recommend searching a bit closer. But staying outside the city center is definitely an option -- just not one I'd be looking for :)
Just got back form Lisbon, I would recommend hotels near Marques de Pombal area, they are 3-4 metro stops away from the center. It is not as crowded as the center and it's very close to Avenida de Libertad. Nearby you can also find the hop on hop off starting station
I want to eat there. I imagine they aren't to happy with the influx like spain. Having the same problem about higher cost of living but not getting paid more. It's my dream to go to Spain but won't do it right now cause of the citizens. I'd love to eat in Portugal as well. Looks like a place with great food. People must stay in shape with those steps. Not a bad thing.
There are in the transportation hubs and those are typically accessible. Keep in mind that you'll typically need some coins to get in. But most restaurants/cafes will have have bathrooms to use if you buy a coffee or something :)
Much appreciated. And great question -- I really loved my time down in Fuseta. It was a completely different pace of life compared to areas around Lisbon and spots in the north. Really enjoyed getting to see the small village culture and how that shaped every day life. But my favorite was probably Porto. It had fantastic cuisine and had a special kind of charm that you don't find everywhere else. Hope that answers your question :)
What are you looking to use the bus for? In general, I'd say the trams and walking will provide a better experience. But I guess it really depends on where you're looking to go
Hmmmm.. If I were coming in from a cruise, I might choose to go somewhere like the Time Out Market just so I'd have the opportunity to sample a bunch of dishes that will give me an idea of the local cuisine. It would be a different experience than a traditional sit down but you might get a better overall sense of the food culture. But do note that the Time Out Market won't have the best food (not bad either) and it will be priced slightly higher compared to some of the local spots. But again, I think that type of environment is ideal for a quick visit :)
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You got something wrong about the golden visa program that is a common misconception that I would like to correct. A lot of people get this wrong. Less than 7 percent of the property purchased in Portugal is a direct result of the golden visa program. Please stop blaming high prices on this program. Furthermore more than 50 percent of property purchased for renovation for air B&B or for development was by portuguese citizens. While it's true that a significant portion of foreign investment is coming from outside for development as well, especially around Lisbon and the Algarve, almost none of the investors are interested at all in the golden visa program. Please please stop blaming this program on the problems Portugal has. It's misinformation. Yes, foreign investment is too high around Lisbon and the Algarve. Do you want the alternative back which was 30 years of rent control? Please, before you repeat this lie about the golden visa program again, please learn more about it. I am immigrating to Portugal currently, I am not even using this program and because this lie gets retold this way I get hate directed at me in Expat forums by Portuguese trolls. Please do everyone a favor and vet your information better!
You've got the perfect attitude for someone who can get the most out their of travelling. Well done.
I appreciate that
This is honestly so helpful- incredibly professional editing and you get straight to the point. Thank you and best of luck in your future travels!
Much appreciated!
Local here, you hit everything with the exception of tipping. It works the way you described, but we don't tip 10%. Probably not even 5%, but for sure the restaurant staff is expecting around 10% from tourists :)
Ah, great to know - thanks!
I thought it was expected as it is printed on the bill the 5-10% suggestions, also in the terminal to make the payment. No wonder we got porto and ginjha everytime after paying our bill.
Thank you. This is the exact information that every tourist or traveler should know. I watched several boring or annoying videos before I found yours and i'm so happy that I found this.🎉
Glad it was helpful! Hope you have a great time :)
Agreed 👍
Your comment about using tram 28 is so true. I had to help a local old woman get on as each time one came by the tourists would shove their way on. We didn’t understand each other’s language but she understood what I was doing for her and started calming down. Finally got her on board and she thanked me. Felt good. So thank you!
Thank YOU! Glad you were able to help :)
Thank you for helping the woman❤😊
You got something wrong about the golden visa program that is a common misconception that I would like to correct. A lot of people get this wrong. Less than 7 percent of the property purchased in Portugal is a direct result of the golden visa program. Please stop blaming high prices on this program. Furthermore more than 50 percent of property purchased for renovation for air B&B or for development was by portuguese citizens. While it's true that a significant portion of foreign investment is coming from outside for devepment as well, especially around Lisbon and the Algarve, almost none of the investors are interested at all in the golden visa program. Please please stop blaming this program on the problems Portugal has. It's misinformation. Yes, foreign investment is too high around Lisbon and the Algarve. Do you want the alternative back which was 30 years of rent control? Please, before you repeat this lie about the golden visa program again, please learn more about it. I am immigrating to Portugal currently, I am not even using this program and because this lie gets retold this way I get hate directed at me in Expat forums by Portuguese trolls. Please do everyone a favor and vet your information better!
@@Kiltedbear we have the same problem in Greece. Rents reaching new highs every year, salaries stagnating and the locals are in real trouble. Welcome to the EU.
For someone like me who have been to Portugal more than 10 times, your tips are useful even if some feel like for people who never travelled before :-)
Really appreciate the support and glad to hear it :)
Thank you so much for all these tips!. I'm planning to visit Lisbon this April and I'm little nervous/ overwhelmed since it'll be my fist time in Portugal. I appreciate you've taken the time to recommend places that are less crowded and still will allow people to live the experience.
I hope you have a great time! Let me know if any other questions pop up before your trip :)
I am going this month too. Hope we have a great trip!
Hi Camden David,
The slipperiness of the pavement depends on the type of stone : granite or marble, not the color. In your video, we see first the black pavement made of granite, then the marble one.
Also, the more touristy is the street the more polished is the pavement; means slippery (even when dry), and I don't even talk about the situation when it's a sloping street.
If you go to Portugal and want to go South, I highly recommande Lagos, the most beautiful historical town in the Algarve.
I'm not saying this because I have an apartment their (Rental Valley Palmeira View), but because I know the Algarve very well (my mum is from there).
Thank you for your videos. I hope you will go to Kyoto soon (or anywhere else in Japan), but Kyoto is a good place for a first stay there.
Bye
Estefânio
Great tips! I'm portuguese, from Sintra and living in UK, and still found some of these tips useful. Thank you! 😊
I appreciate the kind words and support :)
Lived in Lisbon.You managed to really observe the city. Great ,impresive, practical tips :) I love it that you think of the locls. 28 tram was my bus as a local.
Tips are not expected in Portugal, much less 10%. You can tip if you want, but a typical Portuguese would only tip if the service is exceptional and nothing close to 10%, it's more like 2%. This tip culture has been messing up the experience for locals recently.
Appreciate you sharing this
This is exactly why I told locals in London to vote against any initiatives to “Americanize” tip culture there. I can’t say “we’re all” sick of it here, but I can say that me and most if not all of my friends are sick of it in general. Getting asked to tip at a SELF-checkout?!?! REALLY??? 20% of the bill MINIMUM? Even if the service is TERRIBLE?!?! I’d much rather the EU mindset of paying living wages and NOT having to rely on tips just for servers to pay their bills.
@rj_veg1480 As an American, It's getting ridiculous here. Never liked it, and hate the increased pressure in Tipping for things that previously I would never tip for. The rising percentages are getting too much, I probably make the same amount as the person I'm Tipping.
Yes, now with everything you purchase in the US there seems to always be a tip involved.
You must be kidding!!! Why would you not tip a smiling, efficient waitress who earns €6/ hour??? If you appreciate them, ALWAYS tip!
Totally agree about splitting Cascais and Sintra
As an American who has lived i Lisbon for about 1.5 years, this is one of the better videos for visiting Lisbon. Great tips on day trips, tipping, and how to enjoy the city. I actually like Time Out Market, but mostly for the experience. You are right, though, for the best food, there tons of better options. Also, there are actually several very good and reasonably priced hotels in the Baixa area, but you're right, lots of tourist trap restaurants and shops. I would still go and definitely spend some time there, but just do so with open eyes. Looking forward to your Porto video, as we now live nearby in Braga :)
Thanks for the support! And you're right about the Time Out Market being a cool experience. Hoping to visit Braga during my next visit :)
Can you recommend a couple restaurants to go for dinner that are good but not too touristy?
The black tiles are deffo less slippery bc they're made of basalt, while the white tiles are limestone.
Very objective and worthy tips. Close to reality. Thanks, David.
Glad to hear it
Another tip for tram 28
Most tourists start the ride in the Martim Moniz stop and then go all the way, that is one of the longest lines you'll ever find
Instead of Martim Moniz start your trip at the other end of the ride in Prazeres near the cemetery
The line to get in will be half the size, the ride is the same it will finish in Martim Moniz where you can experience the "Chinatown" of Lisbon
And before you get in the 28 at Prazeres you can go in to the Cemetery for free and honestly the cemetery it's a beautiful hidden gem
Thanks for sharing this
Hey I just arrived in Lisbon and I am staying by martim moniz. Any recommendations specifically for me on what to do near here?
@@ronstero Café da Garagem is close by. It's just a small cafe but it's got a cool view of the city. Great place to relax for a bit and take in the views
I am portuguese from Sintra and living in the UK. What you have said is totally true. And yes far too many tourists for my liking. 😊
I appreciate you sharing! Hope you're enjoying the UK and are able to visit Sintra often. Such a beautiful place :)
Yes I do visit. Not as often as I would like. It is beautiful ❤
this video is SO helpful, omg! thank you very much for all the information ❤
Glad it was helpful!
We're heading to Portugal in May for 23 days. When it comes to Lisbon and Sintra, we have opted to stay in Sinatra four days and spend two of them taking a train (or Uber/Bolt) into Lisbon (instead of the other way around). We figure we'll be traveling with less of a crowd each way. I sure hope it's a good idea.
Sintra has a lot going for it, but if you've never been, I think it is a bad idea to base yourself there. Train travel is not quick, and Uber/Bolt takes time too (and will be hideously expensive). If your primary goal is Lisbon, stay in Lisbon. Make Sintra the day trip. And since you'll have the flexibility of choosing when to take the train to Sintra it is easy enough to avoid peak hours. Also, May is buy, but not peak season. Definitely change your plans.
Hmm, that's a tough call. I would probably agree with @grizfan93 on wanting to base in Lisbon and taking the day trips out to Sintra. Main reason being it'll be easier to get to other spots from Lisbon and will provide more to do in the evenings when you return. But it really depends on the type of experience you're looking for. If you want to have more food and entertainment options around, I'd choose to base in Lisbon. But if you're wanting the quieter spot, Sintra will be great. Either way, I'd stick with trains over Uber/Bolt for that commute. It'll save you a good amount of cash. Hope all that helps!
Interesting video, I've never spent a month in Lisbon but I go there 7-10 days at a time, 4-5 times a year as a professional photographer. I only stay at one place and that is the Lisbon Old Town Guest House it has rooms that look out over the river and is a 2-minute walk from Pink Street.
Wow! Others have already said it, but this is a GREAT travel tips video! Actually the best I've ever seen! ⭐🏆😃🏆⭐ So detailed, to the point, and covering nuances others don't that really impact one's experience. 🌿 *THANK YOU!!!* 🌿 8:12 Also really appreciate your thoughtfulness about being respectful of locals who need to use Tram 28. 💖👵 You're a mensch! 😃
Much love
Thank you! Great Info much appreciated!!
Very welcome!
Great vid! I agree with your assessment of the calcada stones. I think light stones are marble and the dark/gray stones are granite. I think the marbles smoothes more overtime, while the granite remains rougher, although I may be over-simplifying, or totally wrong.
Best video (of the many) I've seen as I prep for my trip. THANKS.
I appreciate the support and hope you have a great trip!
Great tips! I really enjoyed the video. I've watched quite a few videos on Lisbon but they gave me tourist trips, not traveller tips - and there's a HUGE difference. Looking forward to watching the Porto video now.
Glad to hear the information is useful! I appreciate the support :)
This is probably one of the best travel videos I've ever watched. Great job Sir!
Much appreciated
2:50 That statement couldn't be more true. Some of the greatest portuguese writers are often embracing that wandering spirit that feels so magical. Often portrayed as a moment for pondering about oneself and the world that surrounds them, also the incredible ambience thoughout the dawn, dusk and night all have their unique charms.
Well said
Lisbon is incredible - I was there again recently and loved seeing so many references to our Sevillana Saints Justa y Rufina - who defended the iconic Giralda during the Lisbon Earthquake in 1755! Such a great connection between two beautiful cities
Another tip, do not use cash at the train station to buy tickets in person. I bought tickets to Sintra and paid cash €20 for two €1.80 tickets and later realized the ticket agent had ripped me off and conveniently did not give me a receipt. If I had used a credit card this ripoff would have been avoided. One more tip, my sister-in-law was charged €67 for a €10 taxi ride because she didn´t know and didn´t use Bolt or Uber. Local taxis are best avoided.
Thanks for sharing
I got ripped off by a taxi driver. I took a taxi from the airport to my hotel and the driver said 11 euros (normal price). I check the amount on the phone and it showed 11 euros, I swiped my card and didn't ask for a receipt and left. Since I was on roaming, I didn't get my text confirmation right away, couple of hours later I got a notification that $53 was charged on my card. Still working with the card company to cancel this transaction.
Planning to visit portugal in october. So we can use uber there? Glad to hear
Don't thinking that you use a real táxi i used lots of times and always paid wats on the meter and neve more than expected. Some of drivers from uber or Bolt are riping of turists all over Portugal saying that they are táxis and they are cheap. At the end they top of People. Check the portugueses news about the ubers in Portugal you Will choco. If doesnt have a light outside and a meter its not a táxi.
@@boliroma1 I got the taxi from the airport where only real taxis stop and you wait in queue, there’s even an officers that organizes things there. The counter showed 11 euro, the phone showed 11 euros only after I swiped my card and left the taxi he has done something to change the amount to $50
excellent video for people about to visit Lisbon!
I appreciate the support!
Congratulations, good documentary about my city and very reliable.
Much appreciated
Excellent video with many helpful tips. Obrigada 😊
I appreciate the support :) Obrigada!
I think you did great! You nailed it. Yes to BOLT! TimeOut Market is crap!! The calçadas are actually stone, not tiles. I've never heard that the white are more slippery, but even in dry weather, be careful. It's best to wear gummy-bottomed shoes here. I don't think Lisbon is. so dirty, but yes sadly the dog poo can be a problem. (I came from Tel Aviv though, which is even worse!) I don't actually recommend randomly walking around so much because of the hills, your calves will be burning soon! Cascais is indeed bougie as hell, I love the beaches of Estoril. People should absolutely go to Belem, it's really special, beautiful and so so much to do. Ciao!
Much appreciated! Ciao :)
As Americans, we're used to being picky when choosing a restaurant. So, we have that attitude in Portugal when it's not necessary because most restaurants serve fresh, tasty food.
Love the detailed explanation. Prepping for my trip and this video helped me feel more familiar, thank you!
So glad to hear it!
Lisbon is an amazing city to visit. Glad you enjoyed.
Super helpful, I appreciate how measured all of your responses and information are. Thank you!!
Glad it was helpful :)
Thanks for this in depth video. I watched it before going to Lisbon and am now watching it after my trip and it makes so much more sense. But we were only there for 2 days and caught some time in Cascais and Sintra and Lisbon but did want more in Cascais, Sintra was awesome - went to a night of FADO music in Lisbon and great dinner. Don't miss getting the delicious custard tarts by the huge cathedral right on the water in Belem.....they are world renowned. Called - Pasteis de Belem - Simply delicious. But long lines. Our tour director got in quickly to get tarts for us.....and she got us our own trolly car for an hour and 1/2 to see the city without having to climb those really steep hills. It's like San Francisco - only old! Lots of graffiti - they seem to not care about cleaning it up. AND Europe has no ADA laws about being compliant for disabilities so keep that in mind. The walking can be a challenge.
Thanks for sharing all this! Sounds like you had a great time :)
Hi can you tell me which your company you used in Lisbon?
Hi can you tell me which your company you used in Lisbon?
We're off to Lisbon on Friday. This has been very helpful.
Glad to hear that! Hope you have a great time :)
Lisbon is a city to walk, trains and subway are the quickest and cheapest way to move from A to B, stay away from the city centre for restaurants most are just tourists traps, shopping centres have great cheap food halls if you are on a budget, there are so many better cakes than pasteis de nata, and yes they are delicious but you dont need get the original ones, every cafe has them and they are sometimes even better. 28 tram tends to be pickpocket heaven, its a safe city but its a big city so always keep your valuables safe. It has beautiful streets, great museums, some convents and churches have viewpoints on the roof, use miradouros to find great free views, there are a ton of parks to just sit and have a coffee. Use good walking shoes, drink plenty of water, be polite say bom dia, boa tarde e obrigado, everyone will be happy to help you, and please dont piss on the street and put your rubbish in the bin.
@camdendavid muito obrigada! Im planning to visit Lisbon in 2.5 wks; great tips.
Hope you have a great time!!
Great attitude. You have a wonderful talent for travel and public speaking.
I appreciate the kind words
I'm a tourist guide born and raised in Lisbon and I think you're qualified to work with me as a team 🙂
I'm honored haha! Really appreciate the support :)
We just came back from our vacation in Portugal and I don’t know how old this video is,but we found Portugal to be as clean as any other European country. There was very little graffiti, the streets were very clean and no dog poop.
Great to hear that! I was there in January -- hope you had a great time :)
Really useful video, THANK YOU for sharing such helpful tips - have just booked a city break in Lisbon for August. Will take all this advice on board for a great trip!
Thank YOU for the kind words and support. Hope you have a wonderful trip :)
definitely walk on the black tiles, or better yet walk in the road. those white tiles are absolutely lethal
Right!?!
this video was amazing. I chose not to spend extra time there but this video did open my mind to the idea. Fair, informative. Gave ideas I never thought of. well done... I have subscribed.
I appreciate the kind words and support. Welcome to the community :)
Incredible and very useful video! Thanks, David, you're a star.
Glad it was helpful!
Loved the video! Very detailed and thank you for sharing tram & train details 😊
Glad it was helpful!
I wish l had the money to visit portugal, l met people that came here in america to work, and they are hard workers and friendly, they went back, l sure miss them❤
My fingers are crossed for you! Hoping you get to visit soon :)
@@camdendavid i would be looking for a friend there, really dont know the address, so it would be hard for me alone
Calçada Portuguesa (=Portuguese Sidewalk) is primarily made out of basalt and white limestone, both abundant in this region. Different materials.
Ahhhh, thanks for sharing this :)
I thought it only existed here in Brazil! It is very nice to know the origin. I thought it was brazilian, but in fact it is portuguese. Very nice!
Really great job on this video. Answered several questions I had. Definitely hitting the subscriber button.
Welcome to the community :)
I'm a lisboeta and have lived abroad, now I see massive tourism here and the tram thing is annoying and often shocking to see several tourists not giving their seats to elderly locals! Like.... seriously?
Very frustrating... thanks for sharing this
I am Korean. I've been to Portugal and it's such a beautiful city. That's a really good tip. I would like to visit again. I want to go again. 😂
Hope you make it back to Portugal soon :)
Train 28 you said that was very busy by tourist, when did you visit Portugal in the summer time or spring? Seems spring are less people. Thank you for shing about Cascais and Sintra, I did not see it in other videos and this looks beautiful. Thank you!
I visited in January :)
I have heard from others, while they were visiting Porto, that the street tiles are actually locally quarried rock and it's very slippery!
They were definitely slick haha
Wow! Thanks. Your video is just packed full of great information and not a lot of meaningless chatter. Love it! I would love to hear more about visiting in December/January. What to expect as far as weather, opening hours of sites, is it worth staying a few days in the algarve to take in views, hike, and do a boat tour of the caves ( or does the weather at that time of year not allow for an enjoyable experience in the algarve), can we fly by the seat of our pants with regard to booking hotels, tickets for sites, etcetra at that time of year or is it still busy enough that we should book everything ahead of time??? So many questions 😂😊
Lots of questions in here but I'll take a crack at a few. Expect chilly days in December/January (still enjoyable). Also be prepared for rain. Algarve is still worth visiting but temper expectations with regards to how you'll enjoy the water. Weather will be chilly but still beautiful to see. You can probably get away with booking hotels a bit later but you'll save money by booking in advance. Don't think there are any specific sites you'll need to book activities in advance. There will definitely be tourists but it's a less crowded time of year. Hope that helps :)
@@camdendavid Thanks so much!
Returning here after my trip to thank you for your tips because a few came in really handy.
I always agree with making reservations if you can, as touristy spots always get booked up quickly, always having some spare cash was handy as the ticket machine was broken in Sintra and so we went to the ticket office where they didn’t accept card, the cobble streets can be very slippy and trainers/hiking boots were my best footwear. Tram 28 was busy but fine for us as we had the Lisboa cards and used it for free, otherwise I wouldn’t have bothered, it’s just a rickety version of their other trams.
In Sintra, we bought tickets for Pena Palace (just the castle grounds) and Moors Castle at the Moors Castle ticket office, and got discount with the Lisboa Card. At the time we went (early morning in May) the queues were practically non-existent, not like how it is usually described. Quinta da Regaleira is lovely, but the first two were my favourite. We paid for that one at the ticket office too. We used Google Maps and hiked all over, didn’t bother with any public transport. We spared about 7-8 hours to walk to and see all three of the main spots and it was just the right amount of time before my feet had enough.
Definitely do Sintra and Cascais on different days, Boca do Inferno was a great tip in Cascais and so was sitting on the left side of the train. There’s a huge hypermarket in Cascais called Auchan for anyone wanting to get bits for a picnic at the beach. It’s close to the station.
I used this and lots of other pages to build my itinerary and think I pretty much nailed it in 4 days, so I’m posting that on my Insta ☺️
Thanks for sharing all this! Sounds like had a great time :)
I didn't see poops while I was there. Also, the sigjts I have visited didn't seem to have much graffiti. Streets are clean, and people keep to themselves. But I will say I wish I dress warmer for early March. The best part is the food! I will return soon!
Thanks for sharing and so glad to hear you had a good experience! Hope you get to return soon :)
You didn't mention the metro (subway) which is cheap, frequent, fast, clean and easy to navigate. It will get you to most places in the city and out to the train stations without Bolt or Uber.
So true
I love public wall art!!
100%
If you're ever in London UK, check out the huge wall art on Tottenham Court Road, near Goodge Street tube station.
Yeah, if you don't like graffiti go to... I don't know, Calgary or something
@@camdendavidGinha is not the drink of Lisbon. It's a tourist gimmick, no one from there orders ginha
tipping 10% is not the apropriate amount. As a portuguese, i usualy just tip when the service was realy realy good, and even then it never surpassed 5 euros. tipping is not expected, its a form of apreciation, but i would say if your going to tip just because you want to dont give tips below the 1 euro marc. I normally give 2 euros, just for reference
Thank you for all the tips 😍
I live in Lisbon and one suggestion I have is if you want to ride the tram choose one of the other routes not the 28
Agreed
Wow, makes me want to GO!!
Hope you get to soon :)
Great tips!
Thanks for sharing!
You got it :)
Thanks for the great video! One question, the hiking path/stairs that you reference in your video regarding Sintra, that goes to the ‘castle’ - which castle are you referring to?
You can use that path to get to Pena Palace and Castelo dos Mouros. Hope that helps!
I hoping to spend a month in Lisbon Nov into Dec of 2024When I go to European cities, I look for: how they collect trash; how they treat homeless; how they treat education and health care and how they deal with public transportation. I love street art because it tells me the entire intellectual and political temperature of the City.
You'll have to let me know what your take is on all of that after your trip
❇️🌷❇️This is so helpful.
❇️🌷❇️Thank you for making this video.
❇️🌷❇️It is appreciated.
Thanks for the support!
Thanks a lot for the tips
Always welcome
I loved Portugal!
As a portuguese, I can tell the black vs white tile thing is for real.
Glad to hear I wasn't going crazy hahah
Really great presentation. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I love Lisboa and it's a good video but you didn't mention Belem!
I know! I didn't spend as much time over in Belem so didn't want to give advice that I wasn't 100% sure of. But beautiful area of town :)
Prices for castle tickets online are SO much cheaper. We paid €17.50 for four tickets which included a drink each. At the castle they were €17.50 EACH! However tickets purchased online from third party vendors need to be exchanged for physical tickets to gain entry.
Good to know - thanks!
Very nice video, great advice.
Thanks for watching :)
I was surprised how few people took cards! Bring cash. It was ridiculous, but definitely worth the time there
So funny you say "treat their city as you would yours" I'm from Liverpool/Manchester
oh boy
I stay in Chiado. Best place ever. Always stay there.
great video!!!. i watch alot of youtubers. but this was clear and good information
I appreciate the support!!
Agreed. You packed a lot of very useful information in a concise and concrete way. Thank you!
My favorite is ''Recognize Local Pain Point'' I have seen many expats in organic farmers market being vocal about how cheap the products are! if its cheap for you, it is not for many locals, so try to be more thoughtful and less overreacting.
Agreed
Got friends there and previous friends also Madona she loved it too..😮
Hey do you remember the name of the trail you enjoyed in sintra and which castle it led to? Any tips on what order to see the big 4 there? Pena palace, sintra palace, moorish castle and quinta de regaleira. Did i miss any? Thanks
I might start with Pena Palace if you're able to beat most of the tour groups and heavy traffic. It seemed to fill up the fastest but wasn't busy until after 10 AM for us. Just make sure you give yourself enough time (whole day if possible). And I can't find the trail name but I marked it here on google maps: maps.app.goo.gl/o7b96rtc8ToFb9HZA
Very good tips for Lisbon.
Thank you for making this.
Thanks for watching :)
Do you find it cold in January and February? That’s good to know if I ever rented a place to ask if there’s a heater. I enjoyed this video as I’m from Canada and I’d like that you know so much. Thank you.
I did find it pretty chilly in January. There were plenty of warm afternoons but the evenings/mornings were much cooler. It seemed like most locals were wearing jackets and many of the buildings didn't have heating or good insulation. But it would definitely be warmer than what you're used to in Canada haha (my wife is from Ontario). Cheers!
Hi Camden. I'm in Nova Scotia but my sister lives in Ontario. Lots of snow on the ground in Halifax.@@camdendavid
How much do you think a small bachelor apartment would cost downtown Lisbon for January and February and is it possible to rent apartments by the month and it's good to ask if heat is included. I'm not particularly young so I don't have an urge for the nightlife or drinking and stuff but just wanted to know what it would cost me to live in Lisbon for January and February next year but I don't need my own bedroom.@@camdendavid
Thanks for sharing your experience, David. Question: If we buy tickets in advance and get the first train from Lisbon to Sintra, is it feasible to spend a half the day at Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle, have lunch in Sintra, get a bus or Bolt to Cabo da Roca, hike a half mile or so on top of the cliffs north of Cabo da Roca, and then hike back to Cabo da Roca for a ride back to the train station in Sintra?
Hmmm, tough one to answer cause I haven't tried. If you have the ability to split those up, I probably would. I'm sure it could be done but that would definitely be a packed day and you might enjoy having more time at each place. But don't let me stop you from trying! If you do give it a shot, let me know how it goes :)
I just booked a solo trip to Lisbon (for May 2025). Would you recommend staying in the city center as a solo traveler, or does it not matter? There’s a hotel in really interested in, but it’s next to that large red stadium - idk if it’ll be “annoying”/inconvenient to take the train into Downtown everyday vs just walking outside via an AirBNB.
I'd much prefer to be closer to downtown and would recommend searching a bit closer. But staying outside the city center is definitely an option -- just not one I'd be looking for :)
Just got back form Lisbon, I would recommend hotels near Marques de Pombal area, they are 3-4 metro stops away from the center. It is not as crowded as the center and it's very close to Avenida de Libertad. Nearby you can also find the hop on hop off starting station
I want to eat there. I imagine they aren't to happy with the influx like spain. Having the same problem about higher cost of living but not getting paid more. It's my dream to go to Spain but won't do it right now cause of the citizens. I'd love to eat in Portugal as well. Looks like a place with great food. People must stay in shape with those steps. Not a bad thing.
Thanks for the video. No tourists book mention public bathrooms. Are there any in the cities?
There are in the transportation hubs and those are typically accessible. Keep in mind that you'll typically need some coins to get in. But most restaurants/cafes will have have bathrooms to use if you buy a coffee or something :)
I am taking the Tuk
Tuk. I am not going to hike and be sweaty by hiking for 45 mins.
That's fair haha
Thanks Camden
You're welcome :)
Great channel David!
Much appreciated!
Great video... could i ask what was your favourite place in Portugal and why :) Obrigado!
Much appreciated. And great question -- I really loved my time down in Fuseta. It was a completely different pace of life compared to areas around Lisbon and spots in the north. Really enjoyed getting to see the small village culture and how that shaped every day life. But my favorite was probably Porto. It had fantastic cuisine and had a special kind of charm that you don't find everywhere else. Hope that answers your question :)
@@camdendavid Cool, great answer... I'll look into Porto; it sounds beautiful and thanks for the recommendation! Keep up those cool videos mate.
Hi thanks for your video. I will be travelling to Lisbon in September can you tell me what is the best bus to use in the city?
What are you looking to use the bus for? In general, I'd say the trams and walking will provide a better experience. But I guess it really depends on where you're looking to go
Brilliant explanations ty
You got it!
Thank you for this!!
You're welcome! Thanks for watching :)
Hello I will be a cruise tourist. Recommendation for dinner 6:30pm.
Hmmmm.. If I were coming in from a cruise, I might choose to go somewhere like the Time Out Market just so I'd have the opportunity to sample a bunch of dishes that will give me an idea of the local cuisine. It would be a different experience than a traditional sit down but you might get a better overall sense of the food culture. But do note that the Time Out Market won't have the best food (not bad either) and it will be priced slightly higher compared to some of the local spots. But again, I think that type of environment is ideal for a quick visit :)
Great tips! Thanks. 😊❤
Thanks for watching!