Like Lisbon?
Let’s be real — not every destination lives up to the hype. And while Lisbon is often praised for its sunny skies, tiled buildings, and dreamy viewpoints, some travelers walk away disappointed.
Is Lisbon beautiful? Yes. Is it for everyone? Not quite.
Here are 12 reasons why some people don’t like Lisbon — straight from real visitor complaints and local truths. Knowing the downsides can help you plan smarter and decide if Lisbon is right for you.
12 Reasons Why Some People Don’t Like Lisbon
1. It’s Beautiful… but Brutal on Your Legs
Lisbon is built on seven steep hills. While the views are postcard-perfect, getting around means lots of uphill walking. Add in slippery cobblestones and blazing summer sun, and it’s more of a workout than a walk. Charming? Sure. Comfortable? Not always.
2. Summer Can Be a Sweatbox
During July and August, temperatures regularly hit 35°C+ (95°F). Many buildings — even hotels — lack proper air conditioning. If you’re not used to southern European heat, sightseeing can turn into survival mode fast.
3. It Feels Overrun with Tourists
4. It’s Not Cheap Anymore
Once a budget travel dream, Lisbon has gotten pricey. Hotel rates have climbed, meals in tourist zones cost more, and basic attractions charge premium prices. Some visitors feel it’s not great value compared to cities like Krakow or Seville.
5. Pickpockets Are a Real Problem
Lisbon is mostly safe, but petty theft is common in crowded areas. Trams, metro stations, and tourist landmarks are hotspots for pickpocketing. It’s not dangerous — just annoying and stressful.
6. Green Spaces Are Scarce
Love city parks? You might feel boxed in. Lisbon has a few notable green areas like Parque Eduardo VII or Monsanto Forest Park, but overall, it feels more stone than nature. Larger parks are usually on the outskirts, not near the tourist heart of the city.
7. Language Can Be a Barrier
While most people in hospitality speak English, don’t expect smooth communication everywhere. Portuguese isn’t easy to guess at, and outside tourist zones, you may hit language snags in shops, pharmacies, or taxis.
8. Service Can Be Hit or Miss
Lisbon’s boom in tourism hasn’t always come with good service. Travelers often report slow, indifferent, or inconsistent treatment in restaurants or hotels. Not everywhere — but enough to be frustrating.
9. It’s Losing Its Local Soul
With every boutique hotel and Airbnb, traditional neighborhoods get replaced by tourist-friendly businesses. Some streets now feel like they cater more to visitors than residents. Many feel the city’s authentic charm is being squeezed out.
10. Public Transport Isn’t Tourist-Friendly
The metro is clean but limited, the trams are overcrowded, and the buses are confusing for first-timers. Public transport works — but it’s not seamless, especially if you’re relying on it to explore the city efficiently.
11. It’s Loud — Day and Night
Lisbon is not a quiet city. Between traffic, barking dogs, party crowds, and music in Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré, nights can be noisy — even midweek. If you’re a light sleeper, pack earplugs or book outside the center.
12. You Might Run Out of Things to Do
Lisbon is compact. After a few days, you may feel like you’ve seen the highlights — especially if you’re not doing day trips. It doesn’t have the endless museums of Paris or the grand scale of London. For some, that’s a relief. For others, it’s underwhelming.
✅ What to Do If You’re Not Loving Lisbon
If you find yourself in Lisbon and it’s just not clicking, don’t worry — you’ve got options. Here are some tips to turn things around:
Take a Day Trip: Get out of the city for a bit. Try Sintra for fairy-tale castles, Cascais for a beachy vibe, or Évora for a historic escape.
Slow It Down: Lisbon rewards slow travel. Skip the tourist lines and chill at a local café, watch the trams go by, or enjoy a rooftop sunset.
Stay in a Quieter Neighborhood: Areas like Estrela, Campo de Ourique, or Príncipe Real offer charm with fewer crowds and less noise.
Try the Local Markets: Skip the tourist traps and head to places like Mercado de Campo de Ourique or Time Out Market (early in the day) for a more local food experience.
Sometimes a change of pace is all you need to start seeing the city in a new light.
Final Take
Lisbon isn’t a “bad” city — far from it. But it’s not a fit for every traveler. If you’re expecting affordable paradise, you might leave annoyed. But if you know what to expect — hills, heat, crowds, and quirks — you’ll likely have a more balanced trip.
Travel is personal. Lisbon doesn’t have to be perfect to be worth visiting. But knowing why some people don’t like Lisbon can help you make the trip work for you.
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