Working Holiday: Lisbon's Top Tips

Lisbon is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture, offering a unique blend of old and new. With its hilly landscape and picturesque neighbourhoods, Lisbon is a dream destination for those seeking to explore while also enjoying its delicious food and lively nightlife. Getting around Lisbon is made easy with its impressive system of buses, trams, trains, and an efficient metro. For those looking to work and travel in Lisbon, there are various opportunities, including volunteering in hostels, NGOs, and social projects, as well as digital nomad options. Lisbon's growing startup scene and co-working spaces provide networking opportunities for remote workers. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in the local culture or enjoy the city's attractions, Lisbon has something for everyone.

Getting Around: Lisbon's transport system includes buses, trams, trains, the metro, funiculars, elevators, boats, bikes, taxis, and ridesharing apps

Lisbon's transport system is intuitive and impressive, offering a range of options to get around the city. Here's everything you need to know about navigating Lisbon.

Buses, Trams and Trains

The city has an extensive network of buses, trams and suburban trains, providing convenient connections between major points of interest. Buses are a less popular option for tourists but are necessary to reach some parts of the city. They can be more scenic than the metro, offering air conditioning and wifi. However, they can get crowded during rush hour.

Trams are one of Lisbon's most iconic attractions and a fun way to get around. Tram 28E is particularly popular, winding through the historic centre and providing a low-cost city tour. Other recommended tram routes include 12E, 18E, 24E, and 25E.

The suburban train system is useful for reaching places like Belem, Cascais, and Sintra, which are located outside the city centre. The Cascais Line, departing from Cais do Sodré, is a quick way to get to Belem, while the Azambuja Line connects the eastern side of the city, from Santa Apolónia to Oriente Station.

The Metro

The Lisbon Metro is modern, clean, safe, and inexpensive. It is often the quickest way to get around, especially when travelling longer distances within the city. The Metro consists of four colour-coded lines:

• Green Line (Telheiras – Cais do Sodré)
• Blue Line (Reboleira – Santa Apolónia)
• Yellow Line (Odivelas – Rato)
• Red Line (Aeroporto – São Sebastião)

The metro operates from 6:30 am to 1 am daily, with occasional overnight services for special events. The frequency of departures varies, but you can typically expect a train every 6 to 12 minutes.

Funiculars and Elevators

Funiculars and elevators are iconic features of Lisbon's transport system, helping locals and tourists navigate the city's famous hills. There are three funiculars (Glória, Lavra, and Bica) and one historic elevator, the Santa Justa Lift, which connects the lower and higher parts of the city. These are operated by Carris, the same company that runs the buses and trams.

Boats

Boat services provide a unique way to cross the Tagus River, connecting Lisbon to the south bank. Five boat routes are available, departing from Cais do Sodré, Terreiro do Paço, and Belém. Taking a boat is the fastest, cheapest, and easiest way to reach the south bank.

Bikes

Lisbon is becoming more bike-friendly, with efforts to increase the number of cycle paths. The Gira app, Lisbon City Council's official bike-sharing app, is a popular option for locals and tourists. You can also rent e-bikes and scooters through companies like Lime and Bolt.

Taxis and Ridesharing

Lisbon's taxis are easily identifiable by their black colour with a green roof. They are relatively affordable compared to other European cities, but language barriers and varying service standards can be an issue.

Ridesharing apps like Uber, Bolt, and FREE NOW are widely used and often cheaper than conventional taxis. These services are particularly useful for reaching the far eastern and western sides of the city.

Tickets and Passes

The Viva Viagem (also known as the Navegante Card or 7 Colinas Card) is a reusable transport card that can be topped up. It provides access to the metro, buses, trains, boats, and trams, offering savings compared to paying individual fares. The 24-hour ticket options are useful if you plan to use public transit extensively in a single day.

In conclusion, Lisbon offers a variety of transport options, each providing a unique perspective of the city. Whether you choose to walk, ride the trams, take the metro, or cruise on the river, you'll find a convenient and efficient way to get around this charming city.

Where to Stay: Lisbon has hostels, hotels, and even opportunities for work exchange for accommodation

Lisbon has a range of accommodation options for visitors, from traditional hostels and hotels to opportunities for work exchange for accommodation.

For those seeking a more traditional stay, Lisbon boasts a variety of hostels and hotels to suit different budgets and preferences. Hostels are a great option for those travelling on a budget, as they often offer dormitory-style accommodation with shared facilities at affordable prices. Hotels, on the other hand, can provide a more private and luxurious experience, with options ranging from boutique hotels in historic buildings to modern establishments with state-of-the-art amenities.

However, for those seeking a more immersive and cost-effective experience, work exchange programmes offer a unique opportunity to stay in Lisbon while contributing to the local community. These programmes typically involve volunteering at hostels, guesthouses, or surf camps in exchange for free accommodation and sometimes meals. Volunteers may be tasked with a variety of duties, such as assisting with housekeeping, working night shifts, bartending, gardening, or even helping with social media and photography.

Work exchange programmes in Lisbon are often quite flexible, with opportunities available for both short-term and long-term stays. For example, some hostels may request a minimum commitment of three weeks, while others may ask for at least one month. Additionally, the expected number of working hours per week can vary, with some hosts expecting around 20 hours, while others may require up to 26 hours.

Through these work exchange programmes, individuals can immerse themselves in the local culture, connect with travellers and locals, and gain valuable skills and experiences. It's a great way to meet new people, improve language abilities, and develop a deeper connection to the city of Lisbon.

Whether opting for a traditional hostel or hotel stay or embracing the adventure of a work exchange programme, Lisbon offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit the needs and interests of its visitors.

Food and Drink: Try the local delicacy, pastel de Belém, and wash it down with some port wine

When it comes to food and drink in Lisbon, there is one delicacy you simply have to try: pastel de Belém, also known as pastel de nata. This iconic Portuguese egg custard tart is a speciality sweet that is famous across the country and beyond. The best place to sample this delicious treat is in the Belém district of Lisbon, where it was first created almost 200 years ago.

The story of the pastel de Belém begins in the 17th century, when nuns in the kitchens of the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos monastery had a lot of leftover egg yolks on their hands due to the practice of starching priestly garments. Not wanting to waste them, the nuns began inventing dishes to use up the egg yolks, and the nearby sugar cane refinery provided the perfect opportunity to create sweet desserts, cakes and pastries.

In 1820, a liberal revolution in Portugal saw religious institutions lose funding and support, and the nuns of the Jerónimos monastery were forced to fend for themselves. To survive, they began selling their delicious egg tarts in the refinery's small store, eventually selling the recipe to the refinery bakery. The tarts became popular with locals and tourists alike, who would take a steamboat from the city to the monastery's docks for a day excursion.

Today, the original recipe is kept secret and the tarts are still handmade using traditional methods in the Fábrica Pastéis de Belém, just 100 metres from the monastery. The bakery produces 20,000-22,000 tarts on a normal day, and up to 40,000 on holidays. The tarts are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven, with a crispy, flaky crust and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth custard filling.

While you'll find similar egg tarts, known as pastel de nata, all over Lisbon, the true pastel de Belém is unique and well worth seeking out. Wash it down with a glass of port wine, produced in the Douro Valley, and you'll have a true taste of Portugal.

Things to Do: Visit the Castle of São Jorge, listen to Fado music, and take a tram ride

Lisbon is a city steeped in history and culture, with plenty of attractions to visit and experiences to enjoy. Here are some suggestions for things to do in the city, focusing on visiting the Castle of São Jorge, listening to Fado music, and taking a tram ride:

Visit the Castle of São Jorge

The Castle of São Jorge is a historic castle that stands proudly on Lisbon's highest hill. It offers panoramic views of the city and is a great place to relax in the gardens. The castle dates back to the 11th century and has served as both military barracks and royal chambers. Today, it is a national monument that houses a museum and archaeological site.

When visiting, you can choose from free or paid guided tours, and there are also regular free demonstrations of the camera obscura, which provides 360-degree detailed views of the city in real time. The castle is located in the Alfama district, so you can explore the narrow, cobblestone streets and experience the neighbourhood's vibrant atmosphere before or after your visit.

Listen to Fado Music

Fado is a music genre that is integral to the Portuguese cultural experience. It is often described as electric, raw, and emotional, encapsulating the passions of Lisbon's city streets. There are several Fado hotspots in the city where you can listen to this traditional music:

• Mesa de Frades: Built in a former chapel in Alfama, with original tiles and murals. It offers an intimate setting with performers moving between tables.
• Tasca Do Chico: An intimate bar in Bairro Alto, with a nostalgic atmosphere. Go on Mondays and Wednesdays for Fado Vadio nights, when locals and amateurs perform.
• Clube de Fado: A candlelit space in Alfama, with Moorish influences. It features some of the city's best singers and a renowned house guitarist, Mario Pacheco.
• Café Luso: Located in a historic horse stable in Bairro Alto, oozing with history and a magical atmosphere. Fado sessions run from 8 pm to 2 am nightly.
• Casa de Linhares: A fado restaurant in a Renaissance-era mansion in Alfama. It showcases some of the most glamorous singers and charming young guitarists.

Take a Tram Ride

Lisbon's trams are an iconic part of the city's public transport network. There are two types: the historic "Remodelado" trams, which are quaint yellow trams; and the modern Siemens "Articulado" trams, which offer higher passenger capacity.

For a scenic route, the E28 tram passes through the historic centre and is a highlight for many visitors. This route includes stops in the Alfama, Baixa, and Chiado districts, connecting the eastern and western sides of central Lisbon.

Another recommended route is the E15, which connects central Lisbon to the Belem district, a popular tourist area. This route operates with the modern Articulado trams and provides access to outstanding attractions and historical monuments.

To ride the trams, you can purchase a single ticket onboard, but it is more convenient and cost-effective to get the 24-hour public transport ticket, which includes all trams, metro, and buses in Lisbon.

So, whether you're exploring the Castle of São Jorge, immersing yourself in Fado music, or taking in the city views on a tram, Lisbon has plenty to offer and will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Day Trips: Take a train to Cascais, or visit the nearby towns of Ericeira, Arrábida, and Sintra

Cascais

Cascais is a beachside town boasting grand 19th-century villas and a coastline of glorious beaches. It has been a popular holiday destination for over 150 years, with a mix of nationalities and ages coming to enjoy its many attractions.

Cascais is easily accessible from Lisbon by train, with the journey taking less than 40 minutes. The town has excellent public transport, so a rental car is not necessary.

• Explore the historic centre, with its grand avenues and magnificent plazas.
• Visit the Boca do Inferno, a cliff formation.
• Stroll along the beachside promenade, Paredão de Cascais, or relax on one of the many beautiful beaches.
• Discover the Cidadela de Cascais, a historic fortress.
• Visit the Paula Rego art gallery.
• Admire the Condes de Castro Guimarães, a grand beachside villa.

Ericeira

Ericeira is a scenic fishing town situated on a coastline of outstanding surfing beaches. It has become a trendy surfing hub, with historic buildings sitting alongside surfing bars.

There is no direct bus service from Cascais to Ericeira, so a rental car is needed to visit.

Arrábida

Arrábida is a region known for its stunning natural beauty, with rolling sunflower fields, cork trees, and olive groves. It offers a slower pace of life, with picturesque medieval towns, fishing villages, and unspoiled beaches.

Sintra

Sintra is a pretty town set amidst the hills of Serra de Sintra, which was a favourite with the Portuguese nobility. The town contains impressive palaces, a castle, and grand mansions and villas.

• Palácio Nacional, a beautiful palace.
• Castelo dos Mouros, a 9th-century castle with stunning views from its battlements and towers.
• Palácio da Pena, a colourful palace with whimsical exterior.
• Quinta da Regaleira, a mock-gothic mansion with mystical-inspired gardens featuring secret cave passages and ornamental fortifications.

Sintra can be very crowded during the summer, so it is recommended to start your day trip early. There is a direct bus service from Cascais to Sintra, so you can visit both towns in one day.

Frequently asked questions