15 Mistakes Tourists Make in Lisbon, Portugal - Don't Do This in Lisbon!

Are you heading to the Portuguese capital of Lisbon? Well here are some of the most common mistakes tourists make when the visit Lisbon, from not knowing the right food to not being ready for the seven hills to trying to eat dinner way to early for the Portuguese. Honest tourist information on Lisbon, so you can have the best Lisbon vacation and holiday.
Filmed in Lisbon, Portugal
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[@paulawashington3175]

Years ago, I spent three weeks in Portugal. I found that each city has its own cuisine, pastries, and liqueurs. The food was uniformly delicious, so much so that I gained a pound every three days!

[@Anaa38]

I think the best think we have in Portugal besides good weather is the food. So many choices. To me, the best and diversed food in the world.

[@stevo728822]

I spent a month in Lisbon. Some other places not mentioned. 1. Central Bank Of Portugal. Now a museum where you touch an ingot of gold. 2. LX Factory. Trendy cafe bar area. 3. Lisboa Orientes promenade along the Tagus River. You might see flocks of flamingos. 4. Quelez Palace. Flat walk through the palace and gardens. Fascinating images of the New World. 5. Sanctuary Of the Christ by ferry across the Tagus. Not just a statue but a very nice park. Ideal to get a breeze on a hot day, 6. Flea market at Campo de Santa Clara. 7. Walking down through the twisted alleyways of the Alfama district towards the cruise terminal. 8. Bairro Alto is the late night bar district. Also some trendy arty bars in the Marvila district.

[@anaramos2802]

You mean "Queluz Palace", don't you? Nice suggestions by the way.

[@stevo728822]

@@anaramos2802 Obrigado

[@Middleageman500]

"We are not spanish in Portugal" Wolters, I have the feeling you became one of us. :) Glad to have you as a "tuga"

[@marianar2948]

I very much appreciate your perspective on the subject of acommodation Mark - as a Portuguese, it's beyond frustatring seeing locals getting expelled from their homes because of Airbns & hostels etc. I hope that more tourists become more aware of this phenomen and redirect their money to hotels outside of old residential neighborhoods. Obviously it's not the foreigners's fault, I want national authorities to be more serious about the housing crisis. But in the meantime, tourists can and should spend their coins on proper hotels in areas that can actualy take the influx (as opposed to Alfama, per example, where a lot of elderly people living alone are getting kicked out of their decades long residence just to give place to yet another generic Airbnb). Thanks for always showing so much love and consideration to Portugal! Obrigada 😊

[@woltersworld]

I am glad that the hotel options have slowly but steadily improved in Lisbon to give tourists more hotel options. I remember back in like 2010 there were few fairly priced with fair quality hotels. It was either a hostel or an airbnb. So hopefully that can help a bit relieve the housing pressure from tourists. Its hard to see so many havibg to move out

[@authenticmikejones]

Really recommend jumping on the train and going to Cascais for the day, beautiful place with lots of little restaurants, narrow streets and a beautiful lighthouse.

[@yaush_]

The hilarious part about Iberian restaurants being closed from 3pm to 7pm is that it’s the typical time that Americans eat dinner

[@EdwardGregoryNYC]

I came here ready with my two big tips, and they were your first tips - not slip shoes, and skipping the line at Pastelis de Belem. We stayed in a hotel within the walls of the Castelo de São Jorge, and I couldn't imagine climbing that hill without not skid shoes, especially in the rain. Also, don't be afraid to buy a shot from the "Ginjinha Grannies" selling a little brandy flavored with cinnamon, sugar, and sour Morello cherries from doorways around the old districts.

[@suebowman7258]

Great video and good tips! Beware the Dynamic Currency Conversion at stores, restaurants, hotels, and ATM. Don’t grant permission for them to bill you in USD. Credit card machines always asks TWO questions. 1) do you want to pay in USD or EUR. Press 1 for USD and 2 for EUR. You select 2 (EUR). Then it asks, “are you sure you want to reject conversion?” And had 1 for accept and 2 for reject. You select 2 (REJECT)

[@jocelynwoltersworld]

We have a video on this very thing!😊

[@suebowman7258]

@jocelynwoltersworld Thank you! I will watch it and share it with my family.

[@mandybugeja6829]

We spent a fantastic week there last april.We found the tourist card and travel card great value.With the card end up visiting museums wouldnt have chosen otherwise and they were very impressive eg the coach museums and discount at maritime museum.Train trips to Cascais and Sintra were included so free trips😊

[@enzof6489]

1:36 True! I came back with perfectly toned legs! Sore calves for the first two days, but after that… glorious! Also, Miradouro Santa Caterina is so chill.

[@miliba]

Being a seasoned hiker I didn't feel much walking up and down the sloping streets. I can imagine it to be strenuous for someone from like the Netherlands

[@tracyaskew1651]

Also, Trolly etiquette. The Trollies have strict instructions onboard about where to exit. However, when you may be used to entering and exiting from both doors in the States and forget...it can happen. However, do NOT do that on the Trollies in Portugal. You will get death stares and even yelled at. LOL I was so embarrassed because I saw the sign, but was so nervous about missing my stop and not speaking enough Portuguese to say anything to the driver, I jumped up and ran to the front of the Trolley when I realized I was at my stop. I was so embarrassed and apologized profusely, but I was still yelled at. I never made that mistake again. LOL

[@jimfromburbankca5253]

I was recently in Lisbon for 10 days. (1) Every morning, I would look at Google Maps, and determine what was the highest point in the district that I was going to explore (Use the "contours" feature on the maps). (2) Then, I would take a TAXI up to that location, and explore the entire district WALKING DOWN HILL. This way, I would use gravity as my friend, not as my enemy. I did this Paris and Rome. It works like a charm, and really does help prevent fatigue. Also, avoid (like the plague) the southern part of Av. Libertadad. Tourist traps and bums. Stick to the northern part.

[@bordaz1]

Be careful, Ronaldo might hear you diss Sporting 😂

[@finalascent]

I would add: be careful when parking in the Alfama (if you rent a car). I saw someone do a bad job of parallel parking in that area. They jumped out of their vehicle, not noticing (or caring) that their rear bumper stuck out *just enough* to hinder the forward movement of a tram, which caused an immediate traffic jam.

[@woltersworld]

Yep. And if the tram comes on that street even worse. Good add. Thank you!

[@pi17835]

I walked to Belem from downtown Lisbon 😅 - my Apple Watch counted 34.669 steps that day 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jocelynwoltersworld]

Holy cow😅

[@miliba]

I walked approximately 7km to get to Rock in Rio and then back to my hotel

[@vashonm]

I love using my Apple Watch for walks I want to do that walk I always get about 35-36k steps a day

[@martijnkeisers5900]

Sintra is magical ❤

[@TheRealSandman]

I'm going to Lisbon in September!

[@module79l28]

2:15 - Assuming that the Pastéis de Belém are the "original" Pastéis de Nata is also a mistake many tourists make and you're just perpetuating it. Pastéis de Belém are exclusive, unique, trademarked and have a secret recipe, so they can never be replicated. The Pastel de Nata is just "what the other bakeries thought the Pastel de Belém was" but since the recipe is secret, they're basically just a pastry that looks similar.

[@mikatu]

Exactly. Pastel de Nata and Pastel de Belem are two different pastries.

[@luismedina8746]

We were there last week, like always, we had an amazing time...

[@jarosawklejnocki6633]

Very interesting material, I'm thinking about going to Lisbon for a few days. On a different note: you haven't been to Poland for a long time, or at least I haven't seen your materials on the channel. The ones that exist - from five or six years ago - have become very outdated. In addition, you could go to charming and less well-known places and cities - such as Toruń, Bydgoszcz or Lublin. These are places definitely worth visiting...

[@XedossX]

Nice of you to post this a week before I go there. Obrigado!

[@woltersworld]

I do what i can 😉

[@yaowsers77]

I'd definitely want to make my own tiles! Don't know what I'd do with them, but i wanna make them!😂

[@Haupialani]

I just came back from a trip to Lisbon/Porto a few weeks ago. I wanted to bring tinned sardines back home but the ones from that tourist place near Restauradores/Rossio sold their tins for 7 euros. I just went to the local grocery store and bought a bunch, including piri piri, for only around 1,50 euro each. Also, I was waiting for a bus and a guy selling hats was trying to sell me one. I didn't touch the hats, I just kept my arms by my side. When he put a hat on my head I told him NO! So he took the hat off my head and went to the next person. I didn't play his game.

[@woltersworld]

Yep :) that scam has been going on for decades. The tin sardines. Always told people to just go to thevstore :)

[@miliba]

Great video as usual Wolter! I just wish you had uploaded this earlier because I just left Lisbon xD

[@sarapanzarella97]

‘Had the best figure and butt’ - LOL 😂 I also remember being able to eat pretzel buns and chocolate every day when in college in Germany because I was walking everywhere… you could do a general video on mistakes people make packing for Europe. My recent one was thinking that I could fit into the clothes I packed! Being middle aged the air travel and general fatigue made me gain 5 lbs right away. Will always pack bottoms that have stretchy waists for future trips 😂 (and I lost 10 lbs before we left!)

[@woltersworld]

Jocelyn and I are writing that script right now actually. :)

[@carlossaraiva8213]

If you go to Lisbon and see a food place that says they serve paellas, that is a tourist trap that sell you overpriced food that is not portuguese at all. Also most places that serve brunche are alsi suspect as the portuguese dont have the concept of brunche. We do have the concept of a mid afternoon snack that you justvkeep on asking for more because you are having a good time with your mates that you end up eating so much you no linger feel the need to eat diner.

[@jocelynwoltersworld]

Mark mentioned that in a video on our Eats channel and boy, were ppl pissed. 😂 but we agree!

[@fernandomagalhaes6820]

Many congratulations for the excellent video. very informative and without value judgments! This is putting yourself in the shoes of locals...

[@woltersworld]

Obrigado!

[@anon3631]

I am relocating to Lisbon in July 😉

[@annmajek5203]

Wow! This is right on time for my Lisbon trip in august !!😊

[@woltersworld]

Have fun!!! You will love it!

[@JustinCase780]

Incredible seeing Ronaldo walk by...wow!

[@CanuckTony]

Your videos are great and really helpful. Going in July to my home country! Excited

[@japanneedsjesus]

Wolter! I know your videos get many comments and you probably have not seen my comments yet..... I want to see a video on Egypt! Please! I am interested in Egypt!

[@tobiojo6469]

Hey Mark, great video

[@taryndancer29]

I loved the museums there, especially the Tile Museum. I found the Lisbon card to be worth it.

[@People_of_the_Mouse]

when you said festival and sardine season in the same sentence I thought you were talking about the crowds. 😂

[@labtechsuperstar]

A fun little museum is the Bacalhau museum at the Praca do Comercio. It was a nice escape from the heat. The Beer Museum (also in Praca do Comercio) was enjoyable. You get a locally made beer included.

[@mikatu]

No, don't go there. Those two are just tourist traps and no local dares to enter there.

[@aaron_james_01]

That’s so crazy I was just there. Love you content

[@MrSbpool]

You look better these days my bear 🐻❤️

[@hayleys4627]

Amazingly helpful video!

[@yvonneadrian734]

We took a Rick Steves tour of Portugal in 2019. What a beautiful country filled with so much history.

[@antonioguerreiro1615]

mark SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSLLLLLLLLLLLBBBBBBBBB SSSSSSSSLLLLLLLLLLLLBB GLORIOSO SSSSSLLLLLBBBBBB........yep you have just made yourself an honorary brother

[@KoRnBaKo]

Lisbon's definitely on my list. The best place I've been to so far this year was Athens. Warsaw was fun but there's not so much to see and do that caught my attention, and most Sundays are non-trade days... I got back from Berlin last weekend, really fun there, apart from the complicated transportation system they have going on lol... I'm off to Madrid in July, can't wait for that. Rome in August a week before I go to Japan. Maybe Zagreb in September. I have California in October and New York in November. :P MAN I LOVE TRAVELLING!

[@People_of_the_Mouse]

madrid in july will be like vacationing in a oven.

[@People_of_the_Mouse]

rome in august will be vacationing in a prooofing oven and many many things will be closed as italians take august off to get out of rome.

[@KoRnBaKo]

@People_of_the_Mouse Yeah but I'm going to Madrid this time of year mainly to see Metallica twice.

[@KoRnBaKo]

@People_of_the_Mouse That means less crowds, win win.

[@anaramos2802]

@@KoRnBaKo Definitely not, as the number of tourists increase. Rome is crowded all year round.

[@brianfitch9030]

Some important tips, I haven’t stayed overnight in Lisboa in 4 years. The hotel I stayed at was 50€/night in ‘20. Nice room, lobby, restaurant & bar, and breakfast buffet for a charge. So at least in the past there were some real affordable hotels near city center.

[@andreim4343]

we are planning our trip to Portugal this fall and based on my research you can't find anything decent for 50 euro/night in Lisbon. more like $150/night.

[@brianfitch9030]

@@andreim4343 Like I said it’s been since 2020 that I stayed overnight in Lisboa, I know rent has skyrocketed and apparently hotel prices. Maybe holiday apartments might be a better price.

[@TheAquarius1978]

Ohhh no mate, im a " local " ( Madeiran, still Portuguese lol ) i have been aproached by them as well

[@johnnymartinjohansen]

Lisbon/Lisboa is a fantastic city, and it's one of the cheapest in Europe. Amazing sights and fantastic food - I can't praise it high enough :)

[@mikatu]

cheapest?? mate, have you been to Bratislava, Prague, Poland in general?? Bosnia, Montenegro, Baltics?? Much cheaper than Lisbon.

[@johnnymartinjohansen]

@@mikatu I didn't say cheapest, I said ONE OF the cheapest. And yes, I've been to every city/country/region you list. And btw, Prague is NOT cheap, only beer in back alleys is.

[@TheReverseRetirementFamily]

Ooufff. My flip flops are more bare than drifting tires. Those tiles would be hell when wet lol

[@hapyharyhard0n581]

I LOVE Lisbon! I'm in Paris right now and heading to Sesimbra in a week for a month. ...and so far, Lisbon>Paris.

[@nzalmeida]

You can visit the corruption museum in Benfica stadium

[@laura_and_shanman]

Hi Mark! Love your videos and your wife's videos! a couple questions: a) what area would you recommend for a couple in their 40s/50s stay at that wants to see all areas and not afraid to walk around; b) what does does Jocelyn recommend for shoes for women for Lisbon or any Portugal trip (Nov/Dec)? c) should we come in Oct vs Nov/Dec or is over thanksgiving okay? Thanks in advance!!!! Obrigada!

[@darkchia00]

I can practice those hills by walking around San Francisco. lol

[@woltersworld]

Oh, tou are DEFINITELY prepared :) will be a cake walk for you

[@miliba]

Americans from the Western States will have an easy time. Its especially the Midwesterners Wolter is concerned about haha

[@cksh4182]

Pastel de Belem is the best! trust me... better then pastel de nata in town.

[@vashonm]

Going back this Nov 8 days.

[@petek5523]

Super Bock beer is great, the Time Out market is lame.

[@woltersworld]

Sobmany better places than the time out market

[@dvv18]

I have a beef with the ticket vending machines at the stations: you cannot buy several tickets in one transaction. And when you try to buy another one with the same card, your US bank flags the transaction as duplicate and declines it. Also, those machines are often fora de serviço. So…

[@mikatu]

of course you can buy multiple tickets. I do it all the time.

[@dvv18]

@@mikatu I'm glad for you, but some details would be even more appreciated.

[@diogorodrigues747]

06:42 LOOL... You triggered a lot of locals with that one as well.

[@mickconners9377]

Pingo Doce delicatessen a no-go.

[@anaramos2802]

Go to small pastries instead. You may pay a little bit more but the quality is much better.

[@laura_and_shanman]

One more question: do you suggest staying in Sintra for an overnight or just day trip from Lisbon? Thanks! :)

[@Tramptraveller]

❤❤❤❤

[@ericifune5543]

Go Sporting!🤣

[@6TypoS9]

Your accent is actually not terrible 🫠

[@nicholashall4625]

LOL as a 70 year old local, I am pretty flattered when the fake coke/hash guys offer me their wares. It's good for my ego to imagine they think I might be a dopehead 🤣🤣

[@roystrickland3363]

I spend months at a time in Lisbon every year. This video is tension-inducing. Calm down and just enjoy the city the way the Portuguese do: walk, eat, talk, take in the views. Relax!

[@brianfitch9030]

Another comment: your advice on the language is target. I’ve live here for over 4 years and I advise tourists and Caminho de Santiago pilgrims to never speak Spanish! Olá, Bom dia, obrigado/obrigada is easy to remember.

[@KaiserBunga]

BENFIIIIIIIIICA 🦅

[@woltersworld]

SLB SLB GLORIOSO SLB

[@travelvideos]

I bought a tram ticket from a parking meter.

[@japanneedsjesus]

Wolter! I have an idea to grow your channel! You could randomly select one person a year to go on a trip with you. Then make a video with them of the adventure! I want to go on a trip with you to Egypt! You are the Grand Master Traveler! I am worried I will get lost or robbed in Egypt!

[@aaronhurst4379]

6:50 Oooh, Sporting fans won't like you for saying that 😬

[@woltersworld]

Sporting fans? They have fans? Hmmm... interesting 😉

[@philiparonson8315]

I have an American friend who is married to a Portuguese woman. Her family are die hard Benfica fans so he decided to support Sporting. Fortunately they get along well and have figured it is a long running joke, 25 years and counting.

[@masond7573]

You're in Lisbon too??!

[@PumkinSeedandSpice]

i literally just came from Lisbon not even a week ago had such a great time. Rule of advice in addition to the “hashes”. it’s decriminalized over there HOWEVER the shops and ppl are not actually selling the canna that we know over here in the states or canada. it’s HHC not THC. my friend i traveled w was looking for it hard n was disappointed every time.

[@mikatu]

wrong, the guys on the street are not selling drugs and it is still a crime to sell drugs. what was decriminalized was the consumption of drugs, not the selling. they do it on the street because they are selling herbs therefore if you go to the police they will tell you it is perfectly legal because the "drugs" are just spices or pressed pills from the pharmacy.

[@subparnaturedocumentary]

im sure all of portugal will be hoping cr7 brings home another euros

[@woltersworld]

True

[@module79l28]

No, we're hoping THE TEAM brings home another cup. Portugal's team is not a one-man show.

[@subparnaturedocumentary]

@module79l28 yeah I mean I'm an American with Irish and German heritage I'm perfectly fine with die mannschaft winning again it would be nice to see Ronaldo with another too personally I think out of everyone England needs this win the most their going through it over there it might help them come together for a little bit

[@subparnaturedocumentary]

@module79l28 true its arguable bruno Fernandes is the focal point of the squad now

[@PeeGeeThirteen]

SLB!!!! SLB! SLB! SLB! 🦅⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@jocelynwoltersworld]

Gloriosoooo!

[@woltersworld]

SLB!!!!

[@6TypoS9]

Yeah please don't say "gracias" you can say that over the border

[@darkclouds5261]

Honestly if i had joclyne on my arm i would lose the wieght. Shes a beauty. She has looked after her self over the years, mark so should you.

[@mikatu]

Overall it is good advice, except the football game. That team is known for the corruption and only lowlifes go there. The other other is the true team of Lisbon.

[@saragomes6242]

É responder,Não Obrigado

[@robviousobviously5757]

Perfect? really?😂

[@afonsovieira3264]

Ow... talking about mystakes. Don't adivse that about S.L.B. because there is a lot of "greenies" in Lisbon too. And i am a Benfica supporter!! Best thing you should do... keep away from football (and don't say soccer!!) fans, specially the "sick" ones!!

[@marianar2948]

You know that someone is pretty well knowledgeable of Portuguese culture when they praise Benfica and drink Super Bock, ha! 😂

[@woltersworld]

Two pinnicles of portuguese culture 😀 SLB... SLB... GLORIOSO... S... L... B...

[@mikatu]

wrong, only losers praise benfica.

[@dzung1969]

It’s not safe here

[@woltersworld]

Huh??? You must be thinking of a different Lisbon

[@miliba]

You got robbed or something?

[@dzung1969]

@@miliba been there 3 times and robbed 3 times, will never set foot there as long as I live

[@miliba]

@@dzung1969 thats rough buddy. Tell us more about it, how and where did the robberies happen

[@mustardtoast8328]

1st mistake is getting a Airbnb or Hostel 2nd mistake is buying a house 3rd mistake is coming here at all TOURISM KILLS LOCAL CULTURE

[@miliba]

I just stayed in a hostel which is staffed by locals. Pretty sure your country would dry up without any tourists. Lisbon is by far not as bad as Mallorca for example

[@danishpride1]

Going there in the first place is the biggest mistake😁😁😁😁

[@joniwd]

as opposed to visiting denmark, a beacon of good food, good weather and a hallmark for every tourists passport

[@jsilvamaintenance]

When you open your mouth is to say shi......

[@lokishadowcat]

Yes, you better not come. Nothing for your kind in here

[@303mitch]

Just got back and had a spectacular visit. Incredible city

[@levyaragones6082]

There is always a frustrated person in life who appears. ♥️🇵🇹

[@saragomes6242]

Não conseguem morar lá porque os edifícios foram renovados,e as rendas subiram,os antigos habitantes antes conseguiam pagar porque os edifícios eram velhos e as rendas estavam congeladas desde o século passado,e por isso os senhorios não tinham dinheiro para fazerem obras,os senhorios não são a segurança social

[@richieslaleche9367]

Very boring city. Never again.

[@anaramos2802]

Vai com Deus!

[@richieslaleche9367]

@@anaramos2802 Toda esa cochambre para ustedes para toda la vida. Adiós, pues.

[@levyaragones6082]

♥️🇵🇹

[@filipeareias3265]

It can be seen that you don't know anything about Lisbon