The capital of Portugal, Lisbon is situated on the north banks of the River Tagus, a city set on seven hills with its cobble stoned pavements and colorful cityscape. Lisbon charm comes from its strong links to the past; renovated palaces, magnificent churches and an impressive castle mirror the city's rich cultural heritage. Its eclectic blend of neighborhoods, culture, architecture and easy going charm distinguishes this capital city from the other European capitals, and make it a truly fascinating and delightful city to visit.

Visa

European Union nationals, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and Americans can enter Portugal without a visa and remain in the country for up to 90 days. Visitors from outside the European Union Zone or from countries not mentioned before are required to obtain a visa in advance of their arrival in Portugal. Visas on arrival are available for businesspersons from countries who have ratified the Schengen Agreement; these are valid for 90 days.

Health

Phone number for police, ambulance and fire is 112 (the standard number for EU). Police officers speak English. Pharmacies are open Monday to Friday from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and again from 3.00 p.m. until 7.00 p.m. Some pharmacies are also open during lunch time. On Saturdays they are open from 9 am until 1 pm. The address of the nearest night service is posted on the door of every pharmacy. European Union citizens can utilize the public hospitals paying only a small fee. The same applies if your country has a mutual agreement with the Portuguese government; please check with your embassy. It is advisable that travelers obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before travel. There are no health risks attached with travelling to Portugal. During summer, sunburns are quite common. Tap water is safe to drink, even in spouts and fountains. The taste of the water is due to being a bit calcarious.  

Weather

Lisbon has a warm climate, with sunny spring and summer days when temperatures frequently reach 30ºC (85ºF) or above. Winters are wet and windy, temperatures averaging well above 10ºC (50ºF), but quite often it may get colder.

Money

Portugal uses the Euro. There are regulations on how much currency you can take in and out of the country without declaring it. Visitors carrying large sums of cash should consult customs officers at the airport. Visitors to Portugal can use euro travelers cheques, which can be changed at foreign exchange counters across the city as well as at banks and many hotel receptions. The best rates can normally be found at banks. Alternatively, visitors will find ATMs which accept major credit cards widely spread around the city. 

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, as you would in any large city. Use a money­belt and keep valuables hidden. Be especially mindful when in crowded trams and buses. Late at night, avoid walking alone through the Bairro Alto, Alfama and Cais do Sodré districts; take a taxi. Parks and gardens are best avoided after sunset. If you do get challenged, it’s far better to hand stuff over than take a risk.

Language

You will find that many people in Lisbon speak English; specially young people, but be prepared to use your phrase book. Portuguese is the official language of Portugal, which replaced Classical Latin in 1296. French is Portugal’s third language, while Spanish is also widely understood. Unless speaking to someone who is fluent in English, Spanish or French, visitors should speak slowly and clearly if they want to be understood. In general, locals will try their best to try and help you.

Transportation

Lisbon’s transport network is extensive and consists of trains, metro, trams, buses, ferries and funiculars. Road traffic is often congested and the steep plains of the city as well as the cobble stoned pavements can make walking on foot tiresome. The best way to get around the city is to use the extensive bus, electrico (tram) and metro networks. The best way to ride is buying a 7 Colinas or Viva Viagem card, where you can take advantage of buying cheaper multiple trips. Both can be used in Bus and Metro. A rechargeable card can be purchased for as little as €0.50, in automatic machines in the Metro or in Carris shops. If you make more than three rides in a day, you can also buy a day pass for €3.70. Lisbon Portela Airport is the largest airport in Portugal, handling over 10 million passengers per annum. It acts as the main air hub for Portugal, offering both domestic and international flights to European, Asian, African and transatlantic destinations. The terminal building is divided into separate areas for Arrivals and Departures.  Arriving passengers wishing to travel from Lisbon Portela Airport to the city centre can make use of the many public bus services that run to and from Lisbon, with the journey taking around 30 to 45 minutes. If you have lots of baggage, local buses are not a very practical choice of transport during rush hours. There are also shuttle services that run to destinations beyond Lisbon including Estoril and Cascais in the west. Alternatively, metered taxis are available 24 hours from outside Arrivals.  A ticket for the Aerobus (a special bus shuttle from the airport to the city center) is €3.50 which departs every 20 minutes and is available between 07.00h-23.00h. Besides the Aerobus it also possible to take the following bus during the day 5, 22, 44, 83 and during the night 208, 745. A ticket can be bought on board and costs €1.40. Taxis cost about €10 from the airport to the city center. Charge is according to the meter, adding €1.20 per item of luggage. As with many cities, watch out for dishonesty and if you think you are being charged significantly more (paying €45 to get into the city but only €6 back to the airport is not unheard of) ask for their number and a receipt, and make it clear you plan to complain. To avoid fraud, you can buy a taxi-voucher in the airport which, depending on the zone of Lisbon where you want to go to, costs either €13,28 or €16,91 during the day and €15,94 or €20,28 in the night, with luggage. Make sure to ask the driver how much he estimates the fare will be before getting in the taxi, which will diminish the chance for a surprise bounce in the price.

Electricity

Tourist information

The Lisbon Welcome Centre is situated at Praça do Comércio Loja 1 r/c - Loja 2 - 1º (tel: +351 21 031 28 10/15). Visitors can visit their office in person for tourist information or alternatively visit their website (www.atl-turismolisboa.pt). Additional tourist information offices are available in the city, with an office situated at Lisbon International Airport in Arrivals.