Are you looking to travel to Lisbon?
Not only is it bright and sunny for most of the year, it can also be very affordable!
We have for you 12 budget friendly things to do in Lisbon.
Ride the Tram 28
One of the best and cheapest ways to get a tour of Lisbon is to hop on the famous Tram 28.
Many locals would use the Tram 28 as a mode of transport, however most tourists would
take advantage and use the Tram 28 to see this beautiful city.
Tickets can be purchased on board or in advance from any metro station or
kiosk dotted around Lisbon for only €2.90.
A daily pass can also be used which would cover unlimited journeys within a 24 hour period.
We recommend going early before 10am or late after 6pm if you want to avoid the busy period
as you may have to queue for even up to an hour during peak hours.
Board the tram at the first stop which is at Martim Moniz and stay on it right until the last stop.
Elevador de Santa Justa
Here’s another tip for budget conscious travellers!
Buy a daily pass and you’ll get access to the lift as the Santa Justa elevator is technically
part of the public transport network of Lisbon.
Otherwise a return ticket would cost €5.15 alone!
Hi guys! Welcome to this famous elevator based in Lisbon.
It's called Elevador de Santa Justa and it's located in the Baixa area.
It connects lower parts of Baixa with the higher parts of Largo de Carmo.
Which is the Carmen Square. It is a little bit windy in here but the views are amazing
And you've got a 360 degree panoramic view of the city.
As you can imagine this is a very popular tourist attraction in Lisbon which means the
queue can be pretty long. However, you can avoid queuing as the
top viewing platform can be accessed by foot through Largo do Carmo.
Well, provided that you’re willing to walk up the hills - and that'll keep you fit.
Of course, you won’t get to ride in the lift but it’ll save you some time.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
If you enjoy the views over Lisbon, then you’ll love this hidden gem.
Whether you want to enjoy the views during the daytime or for sunset
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte offers the highest viewpoint in Lisbon.
This amazing viewpoint can be accessed from Martim Moniz but the walk can be quite challenging.
No, we wouldn’t recommend a leg session in the gym 2-3 days before this walk.
Many visitors are put off by this uphill walk which means the uninterrupted 250 degree panoramic
views can be enjoyed without being too overcrowded.
It can get quite windy up there so remember to bring a jacket.
When you get to the top, you will come across a chapel which originally dates back to 1147
but was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, the current one was built in the late 1700s.
This chapel is believed to protect women during childbirth.
Praca do Comercio
As well a being an important transport hub Praca do Comercio is Lisbon’s main square
and is also a perfect place to relax, enjoy the views across the Tagus river
and listen to live music from the talented street performers.
This square was completely remodelled and reconstructed after the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.
Today, on this square you can see the Rua Augusta Arch which is located on the north side.
This leads to bustling Baixa district.
Positioned in the centre of the square lies the equestrian statue of King Joseph 1
who was the king of Portugal during the great earthquake in 1755.
Eat at pasteis de belem
Foodies. If you have never tried this sweet Portuguese custard tart then the first place you should
try one should be from Pasteis de Belem.
The famous Pastel de Nata is believed to have been developed in the 18th Century by Catholic
nuns, since then Pasteis de belem bakery has mastered the recipe and have been selling
to the public since 1837.
You can see how popular this café is even from afar.
Since it can get extremely busy, you can also buy your custard tart and take it away, but,
I can’t stress enough why the vibe is so much better if you’re eating in!
By all means, at least go inside and check out the interior, it’s a lot more spacious
than it looks from the outside! my favourite part, the intricate motifs on the tiles!
Facts aside, now it's time to try those lovely cakes!
Pastel de nata also known as Pastel de belem is usually eaten with the icing and cinnamon on top
And...let's have a go!
It's delicious!
First of all, have a look at the amount of egg yolk
It's very soft
and ultra sweet! The cinnamon definitely adds to the flavour
Visit Belem tower
Since you’re already going to be in Belem, why not visit the impressive Belem tower
which has been classified as a Unesco world heritage site since 1983.
Some visitors don’t actually go inside as the exterior architecture is said to be significantly
more interesting but, you can be the judge of that.
Take advantage and pay no entrance fee if you get there before 2pm on a Sunday,
Otherwise it would be €6 for adults.
Among many other spots in Lisbon, sitting outside the Belem tower especially during
sunset is a perfect spot if you’re looking for a calm and relaxing vibe.
Visit Jeronimos Monastery
The construction of this masterpiece began in 1501 which was completed 100 years later.
Also located in the Belem district, the Jeronimos Monastery was able escape the 1755 earthquake
with only slight damage thanks to its clever engineering design.
Another unesco world heritage site that’s regarded as a top tourist attraction in Lisbon
which is not surprising really.
Impressive throughout, once you enter you can really appreciate all the detailed artwork.
It’s well worth paying the entrance fee to see the Jeronimos Monastery
there’s also a chapel which is free to enter.
Make sure you don’t come here on a Monday, as you’ll be disappointed because it’ll be closed.
Retro Elevator
Located in the store United Colors of Benetton
in the Baixa district, on the top floor you’ll find an old retro lift which is not operative anymore.
Not many people know about this hidden gem,
so you can snap as many pictures as you want without too much interruption.
LX Factory
What’s the sum of old factories and creativity?
A hipster’s paradise.
If you speak the language of Shoreditch, then this is your place.
This industrial area has been successfully transformed into one of the trendiest spots
in the city, where you can expect creative outdoor artwork, plenty of cafes and restaurants
to tingle your taste buds, vintage shops and live street music.
So, I can't actually tell right now, are we in Shoreditch or Lisbon?
Because this is the Shoreditch of Lisbon! LX factory!
Lastly, this spot is a great place to get some ideas and inspiration from some aspiring
entrepreneurs with outside the box concepts.
If you want to leave Lisbon with a permanent memory, get yourself inked!
Take a cruise across the Tagus river
An exciting and budget friendly way to experience a cruise across the Tagus river.
Simply hop on the ferry from Cais do Sodre which will take you to Cacilhas.
The journey is very relaxed and we’d be surprised if you had to queue up.
There are approximately 3 ferry departures every hour.
Enjoy the picturesque views of Lisbon, they won’t leave you disappointed!
See Cristo Rei
Welcome to the iconic Cristo Rei!
This statue was constructed in 1950 and completed in 1959
It was traditionally thought by the Portuguese that this statue was built to thank the church for
protecting Portugal by keeping them out of World War 2.
Standing 28 metres tall, on a 75 metre pedestal, it boasts one of the most amazing
panoramic views over Lisbon.
So, now we're going to take the elevator to the top and see what the highest point in
Almada has to offer for us!
If you’re based in the city centre, taking
a cruise across the river is one of the best ways to see Cristo Rei.
Once you cross the river you’ll need to take the 101 bus which takes you to the entrance
of the Cristo Rei statue.
At ground level you can enjoy the views of the suspension bridge, tagus river and
Lisbon’s coastline all for free.
You can also enter the chapel of our lady of peace under the Christ the King monument free of charge.
The views here are probably clearer than when you’re up on the viewing platform due to
the safety barriers restricting your view.
And last but not least, Lisbon Cathedral
You can not leave Lisbon without seeing Se Cathedral right behind me.
This ancient complex is Lisbon’s most important and iconic religious building with an abundance of history.
Se cathedral was the first religious building that was constructed by the 12th century Christian
crusaders, this building also survived the 1755 earthquake with little damage.
From the outside you can’t not notice the Romanesque styled rose window and twin imposing clock towers.
But, you’ll have to go inside to witness the gothic arches, medieval statues and decorative
alters, you might as well, since it’s free to enter.
Se cathedral is open to the public everyday and there’s a daily evening mass held at 7pm in Portuguese.