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里斯本自由行攻略：2026年中国游客第一次去里斯本必看25件事
Planning your first trip from China to Lisbon? This practical guide covers everything Chinese travellers need to know about 里斯本旅游, from where to stay and how to get from 里斯本机场 to the city centre to Lisbon’s best attractions, Portuguese food, public transport, Sintra day trips, payments, safety and the fascinating historic connection between Portugal and China.
Planning a Lisbon Trip From China?
If you’re researching 里斯本旅游 or planning a 里斯本自由行, you’re probably discovering that Lisbon looks deceptively simple.
On the map, Portugal’s capital appears compact. The major sights seem close together, the historic centre is wonderfully walkable and the city looks like the sort of place where you can simply arrive and start exploring.
And to a certain extent, that’s true.
But there are a few things about Lisbon that you won’t necessarily discover until you’re actually here.
The city is surprisingly hilly.
Portuguese meal times can be different from what you are used to.
Payment methods aren’t quite the same as in China.
The public transport system is easy once you understand it, but initially unfamiliar.
And choosing the wrong neighbourhood for your hotel can mean spending considerably more time climbing hills or travelling back and forth than you expected.
I know Lisbon from a slightly different perspective because I lived here for several years and worked as a tour guide. I’ve spent a lot of time walking these streets with visitors, explaining the city’s history, finding the best viewpoints and helping people work out how to get from one part of Lisbon to another.
So this isn’t intended to be another generic list of “25 things to do in Lisbon”.
Instead, it’s my practical guide to how to actually enjoy Lisbon as a Chinese traveller.
And I think there is a particularly interesting story here for visitors coming from China.
Portugal’s relationship with Asia goes back centuries, and its maritime history eventually connected Lisbon with China and Macau. So when you visit Belém, the Maritime Museum or the monuments associated with Portugal’s Age of Discoveries, you’re not simply looking at an isolated chapter of European history.
You’re looking at part of a story that eventually stretched all the way to China.
That’s one of the reasons I think Lisbon can be such a rewarding destination for 中国游客.
里斯本自由行：先记住这10件事
Before we get into the 25 detailed tips, here’s the quick version for anyone planning their first 里斯本自由行.
| What you need to know | Quick answer |
|---|---|
| Country | Portugal |
| Capital | Lisbon / Lisboa |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Language | Portuguese |
| Airport | Lisbon Airport (LIS) / 里斯本机场 |
| Recommended first visit | 3–4 days |
| Best central areas to stay | Baixa, Chiado |
| Best historic area | Alfama |
| Best luxury area | Avenida da Liberdade |
| Best day trip | Sintra / 辛特拉 |
| Must-try food | Pastel de nata |
| Famous tram | Tram 28 |
| Classic music | Fado |
| Main tourist concern | Pickpocketing in crowded areas |
| Biggest practical warning | Lisbon is much hillier than it looks |
If you remember nothing else, remember this:
Comfortable shoes, a backup payment method, some euros, and a little flexibility in your itinerary will make your Lisbon trip considerably easier.
Now let’s get into the details.
里斯本自由行攻略：2026年中国游客第一次去里斯本必看25件事
1. Lisbon Is Much Hillier Than It Looks | 里斯本旅游小贴士
This is probably the first thing I would tell a friend arriving in Lisbon from China.
Bring comfortable shoes.
Seriously.
Lisbon is famous for its beautiful viewpoints precisely because it is built across a series of hills. The historic neighbourhoods around Alfama, Graça, Mouraria and Bairro Alto can involve steep streets, stairs and uneven cobblestones.
You might look at your phone and see that an attraction is only 700 metres away.
That doesn’t necessarily mean it will be an easy 700 metres.
You could be walking uphill for much of it.
This is part of what makes Lisbon special. The hills create the city’s spectacular miradouros, or viewpoints, and wandering through the historic streets can be one of the most enjoyable parts of a 里斯本自由行.
But it is worth planning around them.
If you’re travelling with older family members, young children, large suitcases or anyone who doesn’t enjoy steep walking, think carefully about your 里斯本住宿 before booking.
Alfama might look incredibly romantic in photographs, but dragging a suitcase up a steep cobbled street after a long-haul flight is a very different experience.
🇨🇳 中国游客小贴士
If you’re travelling with parents or grandparents, hotel location matters more than you might expect. A hotel that looks central on a map can still be located on a steep street. Baixa, Chiado and parts of Avenida da Liberdade can be easier choices for visitors who want to minimise hills.
And remember: you don’t have to walk every hill.
Lisbon has Metro services, buses, trams, trains, taxis and ride-hailing services.
Save your legs for the places where walking actually adds to the experience.
2. You Probably Don’t Need to Rent a Car | 里斯本交通攻略
For most visitors, renting a car in central Lisbon is more trouble than it’s worth.
The historic centre was not designed around modern traffic.
You’ll encounter:
- Narrow streets
- Steep roads
- Trams
- Buses
- Pedestrians
- Scooters
- Delivery vehicles
- Limited parking
- One-way streets
And then there’s the small matter of actually finding somewhere to leave the car.
For a typical 里斯本自由行, I’d much rather walk, use public transport and occasionally take a taxi or ride-hailing service.
The Lisbon Metro is particularly useful for crossing the city quickly.
And there’s an important development for international visitors: Lisbon Metro accepts contactless bank-card payments at its gates.
The current Metro information states that compatible Visa and Mastercard contactless cards can be used directly, along with compatible virtual cards. The current contactless fare is €1.92 per journey.
A standard Carris/Metro ticket is currently €1.90, while the 24-hour Carris/Metro ticket costs €7.25.
One important detail:
One contactless bank card cannot simply be used for several passengers.
Each traveller needs their own valid payment method or transport ticket.
If you don’t have a suitable contactless card, Lisbon also has the navegante occasional card, which can be purchased and loaded at Metro stations.
🇨🇳 中国游客小贴士
Don’t assume that your preferred Chinese mobile-payment method will work at every transport gate or ticket machine.
Before travelling, make sure you have at least one internationally accepted Visa or Mastercard, preferably with a backup card as well.
3. Getting From Lisbon Airport to the City | 里斯本机场攻略
After a long flight from China, one of the first things you’ll want to know is:
How do I get from 里斯本机场 to my hotel?
Fortunately, Lisbon Airport is relatively close to the city centre.
The airport has its own Metro station, making public transport one of the simplest and cheapest options for many travellers.
The Metro connects the airport with the city, with the journey towards central areas such as Saldanha taking roughly 20 minutes.
For independent travellers who are comfortable navigating public transport, this can be an excellent option.
But I wouldn’t automatically recommend it for everyone.
If you’ve just spent many hours travelling from China, have several large suitcases, are travelling with children or older relatives, or arrive late at night, a taxi or pre-booked airport transfer can be worth the extra money.
This is especially true if you’re travelling as a group.
Imagine arriving exhausted, collecting four suitcases and then navigating a Metro system you’ve never used before.
Sometimes convenience wins.
🇨🇳 中国游客小贴士
Before leaving China, save your hotel’s full address in Portuguese on your phone.
Don’t rely solely on being able to pronounce the hotel name.
Having the exact address ready to show a driver can make the arrival process much easier.
Also check whether your hotel is located near a Metro station — and, importantly, whether there’s a steep walk between the station and the hotel.
4. Don’t Assume You Can Pay Everywhere the Same Way You Do in China | 葡萄牙支付攻略
This is one of the biggest practical differences you’ll notice.
China has an extraordinarily developed mobile-payment ecosystem, with Alipay and WeChat Pay deeply integrated into everyday life.
Portugal works differently.
Cards are widely accepted, particularly Visa and Mastercard, and contactless payments are common.
But you shouldn’t assume that every small Portuguese café, restaurant, market stall, taxi or independent shop will accept exactly the same payment method you’re used to at home.
That doesn’t mean Lisbon is a cash-only city.
It absolutely isn’t.
It simply means that having more than one way to pay is sensible.
For a trip to Lisbon, I’d recommend having:
- A Visa or Mastercard
- A second card as backup
- Some euros in cash
- Your phone fully charged
- Your bank’s international payments enabled
- Your payment apps ready before you leave
You don’t need to walk around with hundreds of euros.
A modest amount of cash is simply useful for those occasions when a particular small business doesn’t accept your preferred payment method.
🇨🇳 中国游客小贴士
If your bank requires you to activate overseas payments, do it before leaving China.
It is much easier to solve a banking problem at home than while standing in Lisbon trying to buy lunch.
And don’t assume that because one shop accepts Alipay, every shop nearby will do the same.
5. Lisbon’s Famous Yellow Trams Are Real Public Transport | 里斯本28路电车
The yellow trams you see in photographs are not simply tourist props.
They’re part of Lisbon’s actual public transport network.
And that includes the famous Tram 28.
The route passes through several of the city’s most atmospheric historic neighbourhoods, which is why it has become one of the most famous experiences in Lisbon.
But here’s the reality:
It can get extremely crowded.
At busy times, you may find yourself standing rather than sitting, surrounded by tourists and local passengers.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ride it.
I still think it’s worth experiencing.
Just don’t approach it as though you’re guaranteed the peaceful postcard experience you saw online.
Keep your belongings secure, particularly in crowded carriages, and don’t become so focused on getting the perfect photograph that you stop paying attention to your surroundings.
🇨🇳 中国游客小贴士
If Tram 28 is packed, don’t feel that you’ve somehow failed your 里斯本旅游 experience.
Lisbon has other historic tram routes, and there are plenty of better times to ride Tram 28.
Early morning is generally a much more pleasant experience than the middle of the busiest part of the day.
6. Portuguese Food Is Much More Than Bacalhau | 里斯本美食攻略
One of the things I love most about introducing visitors to Lisbon is Portuguese food.
For a Chinese traveller, some dishes will feel immediately familiar because they use ingredients such as fish, seafood, pork, rice and vegetables.
But the flavours and preparation can be completely different.
And Portuguese cuisine is much broader than the usual tourist clichés.
Yes, you’ll find cod everywhere.
Yes, seafood is important.
But there is plenty more to discover.
Here are some of the foods I’d put near the top of your list:
The famous Portuguese custard tart.
Crisp pastry, creamy egg custard and often a little cinnamon.
Essential.
A simple Portuguese pork sandwich.
It’s inexpensive, filling and a great introduction to everyday Portuguese food.
Prego
Thinly sliced steak served in bread.
Simple, satisfying and very Portuguese.
Portuguese grilled chicken, often served with chips and sometimes a spicy sauce.
Caldo verde
A traditional soup made with potatoes, kale and usually sausage.
Salted cod prepared in countless different ways.
Octopus, often grilled and served with olive oil and potatoes.
Arroz de marisco
A rich, almost soupy seafood rice dish.
Sardinhas
Grilled sardines, particularly associated with Lisbon’s summer festivities.
Queijo da Serra
A rich Portuguese mountain cheese, especially interesting if you’re travelling beyond Lisbon into central Portugal.
🇨🇳 中国游客小贴士
If you’re uncertain what to order, start with pastel de nata, bifana, grilled chicken or caldo verde.
Then experiment.
And if you don’t like one version of bacalhau, don’t assume you dislike Portuguese cod. There are dozens of preparations, and they can taste completely different.
7. Portuguese Dinner Times May Surprise You | 葡萄牙用餐时间
Another small cultural difference is meal timing.
Portugal doesn’t necessarily follow the same schedule you may be accustomed to in China.
Lunch can be relatively late, and dinner is often later than visitors from some countries expect.
Walk through a restaurant district at 6:00 pm and you may wonder where everyone is.
Return around 9:00 pm and suddenly the streets are busy.
That’s normal.
For visitors, this can actually work in your favour.
If you like eating early, restaurants are often quieter.
If you want to experience the atmosphere of a busy Portuguese evening, eat later.
Just check opening times for smaller restaurants because some traditional establishments have split opening hours, closing between lunch and dinner.
And don’t assume that every restaurant operates seven days a week.
🇨🇳 中国游客小贴士
If you’re travelling with children or older family members and prefer an earlier dinner, book or arrive early rather than assuming every restaurant will be open at your preferred time.
8. Understand the Portuguese Restaurant Cover Charge | 里斯本餐厅攻略
This is one of those small things that can cause unnecessary confusion.
You sit down at a restaurant and discover bread, olives, cheese or other small items already on the table.
You might assume they’re complimentary.
They may not be.
This is generally referred to as the couvert.
The exact practice varies between restaurants, so if you’re unsure, simply ask whether something is included and whether it costs extra.
There’s nothing embarrassing about asking.
You’re a visitor in another country and restaurants in Lisbon are accustomed to international travellers.
The same applies to the bill.
If you don’t understand a charge, ask.
And when it comes to tipping, don’t automatically assume that the customs from China or another country apply exactly the same way in Portugal.
Look at the bill and decide what you feel is appropriate based on the service.
9. You Don’t Need Portuguese — But Learn These Words
You can absolutely enjoy 里斯本旅游 without speaking Portuguese.
English is widely used in tourist areas, and translation technology makes communication easier than ever.
But learning a few Portuguese words will make your interactions more pleasant.
| Portuguese | English |
|---|---|
| Olá | Hello |
| Bom dia | Good morning |
| Boa tarde | Good afternoon |
| Obrigado / Obrigada | Thank you |
| Por favor | Please |
| Desculpe | Excuse me / Sorry |
| Quanto custa? | How much does it cost? |
| A conta, por favor | The bill, please |
| Onde fica…? | Where is…? |
| Casa de banho | Toilet |
| Entrada | Entrance |
| Saída | Exit |
| Esquerda | Left |
| Direita | Right |
| Ajuda | Help |
One particularly useful word is:
Obrigado — traditionally used by a male speaker.
Obrigada — traditionally used by a female speaker.
Don’t worry about getting the pronunciation perfect.
A friendly attempt at Portuguese is usually appreciated.
🇨🇳 中国游客小贴士
Save these phrases in your phone before travelling. Even if you mainly use English, having a few Portuguese expressions ready can make 里斯本自由行 considerably more comfortable.
10. Lisbon’s Neighbourhoods Are Very Different | 里斯本住宿攻略
This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
Where you stay can dramatically change your experience of Lisbon.
The city isn’t one homogeneous “centre”.
Different neighbourhoods have completely different personalities.
Probably the easiest choice for many first-time visitors.
Central, relatively flat and close to major attractions, restaurants, shops and transport.
Stylish, central and packed with cafés, restaurants and shops.
Excellent for first-time visitors who want convenience without being right in the middle of the busiest nightlife.
The atmospheric choice.
Narrow streets, old houses, viewpoints, churches and fado.
Beautiful — but hilly.
Boutique hotels, independent shops, restaurants and a more residential atmosphere.
Excellent for luxury hotels, shopping and a central location.
The broad boulevard also makes walking easier than some of Lisbon’s historic streets.
Ideal if nightlife is important to you.
Less ideal if you’re looking for complete peace and quiet.
Excellent for history and monuments, particularly the Age of Discoveries.
Less central, but very attractive for a different type of stay.
🇨🇳 中国游客小贴士
For a first 里斯本自由行, I’d usually start your hotel search with Baixa, Chiado or Avenida da Liberdade.
If atmosphere is more important than convenience, look at Alfama or Príncipe Real.
11. Don’t Choose Your Hotel Solely Because It Is Cheap | 里斯本住宿攻略
Once you’ve decided which neighbourhood suits you, there’s another important point about 里斯本住宿: don’t choose your hotel based solely on the lowest room rate.
This is particularly important if you’re visiting Lisbon for only three or four days.
A hotel might appear to be an incredible bargain because it’s €30 or €40 cheaper per night than somewhere in Baixa or Chiado. But if you’re spending an hour travelling backwards and forwards every day, the saving may not be worth it.
And remember what we discussed earlier:
Lisbon is hilly.
A hotel that appears to be “only 800 metres away” from an attraction might involve a surprisingly steep walk.
When comparing hotels, I’d consider:
- Location
- Distance to public transport
- Hills and stairs around the property
- Air conditioning, particularly in summer
- Breakfast options
- Room size
- Noise levels
- Reviews from recent guests
- Cancellation conditions
- Whether the hotel can accommodate your particular group
For Chinese travellers coming a long way to Portugal, there’s another consideration:
Don’t underestimate the value of convenience.
If you’re travelling with family, have children or are carrying several suitcases, paying slightly more for a convenient hotel can make the entire trip more enjoyable.
👉 Compare Lisbon hotels by neighbourhood before booking. A few extra minutes spent choosing the right location can save hours during your holiday.
12. Sintra Is Absolutely Worth Visiting | 里斯本到辛特拉
If there’s one day trip I’d recommend to most first-time visitors, it’s Sintra.
In Chinese searches, you’ll often see this written as 里斯本到辛特拉 — essentially, “Lisbon to Sintra”.
And it’s an important search because Sintra is close enough to Lisbon to visit easily, but impressive enough to deserve an entire day.
The landscape changes dramatically.
Instead of Lisbon’s urban streets and views across the Tagus, you enter a world of forested hills, palaces, gardens and old estates.
The most famous attraction is undoubtedly Pena Palace, with its colourful architecture perched high above the surrounding landscape.
But Sintra isn’t just Pena Palace.
You can also visit:
- Moorish Castle
- Quinta da Regaleira
- Sintra National Palace
- Monserrate Palace
- The historic centre itself
The mistake many visitors make is trying to see everything.
You probably can’t.
Or at least, you won’t enjoy it.
🇨🇳 中国游客小贴士
For your first 里斯本自由行, I’d recommend choosing one or two major Sintra attractions rather than trying to collect every palace in a single day.
If you’re travelling independently, research your transport connections beforehand.
If you’d rather not deal with trains, buses, tickets and queues yourself, a guided Sintra day trip from Lisbon can be an excellent alternative.
👉 Compare Sintra day tours from Lisbon on GetYourGuide before your trip, particularly if you’re travelling during the busy season.
And wear comfortable shoes.
Sintra involves considerably more walking than photographs might suggest.
13. Belém Is Where Lisbon’s Global History Really Comes Alive | 里斯本必去景点
For anyone interested in Portuguese history, Belém should be near the top of your list of 里斯本必去景点.
This is where you can see some of the monuments most closely associated with Portugal’s maritime expansion.
The area includes:
Jerónimos Monastery
One of Lisbon’s great architectural masterpieces.
Belém Tower
Perhaps the most recognisable monument in the district.
Monument to the Discoveries
A monumental tribute to Portugal’s maritime explorers.
Maritime Museum
Particularly worthwhile if you’re interested in navigation, ships and Portugal’s relationship with the wider world.
Pastéis de Belém
The famous pastry shop associated with the city’s beloved custard tart.
And this is where I think the article becomes particularly interesting for 中国游客.
Belém isn’t simply a collection of beautiful Portuguese buildings.
It represents a period when Portuguese ships began travelling much farther beyond Europe.
The resulting network eventually connected Portugal with Africa, India, Southeast Asia, China and Macau.
So if you’re visiting Lisbon from China, I’d encourage you to look at Belém through that broader lens.
You’re not simply visiting Portuguese history.
You’re visiting one of the places where European and Asian history eventually became intertwined.
14. Portugal’s Connection With China Is Fascinating | 葡萄牙与中国的历史联系
This is one of the aspects of Lisbon that I think deserves much more attention in travel content aimed at Chinese visitors.
Portugal’s relationship with China stretches back centuries.
Portuguese maritime expansion eventually brought Portuguese merchants and sailors into contact with China, and Macau became one of the most important places in the long history of Portuguese-Chinese relations.
That means Lisbon has a surprising connection to a place that many Chinese visitors will already know extremely well.
If you’re standing in Belém looking out across the Tagus, it’s worth remembering just how extraordinary Portugal’s maritime ambitions once were.
Ships left this river and travelled thousands of kilometres.
Trade routes developed.
People, goods, languages, religions and ideas moved between continents.
And eventually, Portugal and China became connected through Macau.
This history is complicated.
It includes exploration and trade, but also colonialism, slavery, exploitation and cultural transformation.
I think it’s important to acknowledge all of those elements rather than presenting the Age of Discoveries as nothing more than a romantic story about heroic explorers.
For a visitor interested in history, however, it makes Lisbon much more fascinating.
🇨🇳 中国游客小贴士
If you’re particularly interested in the Portugal–China relationship, give yourself extra time in Belém’s museums and historic monuments rather than simply taking photographs outside them.
Understanding the history can completely change the way you see Lisbon.
15. Don’t Rush Through Lisbon’s Historic Centre | 里斯本景点攻略
One of the easiest mistakes to make when planning a 里斯本旅游攻略 is treating every attraction as a box that needs ticking.
Lisbon doesn’t really work like that.
The historic centre is best experienced on foot, even though the hills can make that tiring.
Start around Praça do Comércio, walk through Baixa, explore Rossio, continue into Chiado and then gradually make your way towards Alfama.
Don’t necessarily take the fastest route.
Take the interesting route.
Look at the buildings.
Notice the tiled façades.
Look at the tiny shops.
Stop for coffee.
Listen to the street musicians.
Watch the trams squeeze through impossibly narrow streets.
These are the details that make Lisbon feel like Lisbon.
If you spend the entire day moving from attraction to attraction, you may technically see more sights.
But you may actually experience less of the city.
16. Lisbon’s Viewpoints Are One of Its Greatest Attractions | 里斯本必去景点
Lisbon’s miradouros, or viewpoints, are another reason the city’s hills are worth the effort.
Because Lisbon rises and falls across several hills, you repeatedly reach places where the city suddenly opens up in front of you.
Some of the best-known viewpoints include:
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
One of the classic panoramic viewpoints, with broad views across Lisbon.
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
Conveniently located near Bairro Alto and a great stop during an exploration of the central neighbourhoods.
Miradouro de Santa Catarina
A popular place to watch the sun go down over the Tagus.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol
One of the classic Alfama viewpoints.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Particularly atmospheric, with traditional tiles and views across Alfama.
You don’t need to visit every viewpoint.
I’d choose one or two that fit naturally into your route.
And sunset is, understandably, one of the busiest times.
If you’re hoping for a quiet experience, go earlier.
🇨🇳 中国游客小贴士
If you’re photographing the city at a viewpoint, be careful around walls and edges.
Lisbon’s viewpoints can become crowded, especially around sunset, and the perfect photograph is never worth taking an unnecessary risk.
17. Fado Is More Than a Tourist Show | 里斯本法朵体验
You’ve probably heard about fado, Lisbon’s traditional musical genre.
It’s one of the experiences I recommend to first-time visitors, but I’d encourage you to understand what you’re actually going to see.
Traditional fado tends to be intimate.
A singer performs with Portuguese guitar and other accompaniment, often in a relatively small venue.
The mood can be emotional and reflective.
This isn’t necessarily the sort of performance where you talk loudly throughout dinner.
The audience generally gives the musicians their attention.
There are many different ways to experience fado.
Some venues combine a traditional meal with performances.
Others focus much more heavily on the music.
Some are highly geared towards visitors.
Others have a more intimate neighbourhood feel.
For a first visit, a dinner-and-fado experience can be an easy introduction.
If music is particularly important to you, however, I’d spend some time comparing venues and reading recent reviews.
👉 Compare Lisbon fado experiences on Viator if you’d like to book before arriving.
And remember that fado isn’t just another item on a tourist checklist.
It is an important part of Lisbon’s cultural identity.
18. Lisbon Is Generally Safe, But Don’t Switch Off | 中国游客里斯本安全攻略
Another obvious question for anyone researching 中国游客里斯本 is:
Generally speaking, yes.
Lisbon is a very manageable city for tourists.
But, as with any major European tourist destination, you should remain aware of your belongings.
The biggest issue you’re likely to encounter is opportunistic theft and pickpocketing, particularly in crowded areas.
Pay particular attention around:
- Tram 28
- Busy Metro trains
- Tourist queues
- Major viewpoints
- Praça do Comércio
- Rossio
- Crowded shopping streets
- Busy restaurants and cafés
This doesn’t mean you should be nervous.
It means you should use normal city awareness.
Keep your phone secure.
Don’t leave your wallet in an easily accessible back pocket.
Don’t hang a handbag loosely over the back of a chair.
And don’t leave your belongings unattended while taking photographs.
🇨🇳 中国游客小贴士
If you’re travelling as a family or group, agree beforehand where you’ll keep passports, spare cards and emergency cash.
Don’t put everything in one person’s bag.
A little redundancy is extremely useful when travelling internationally.
And if you’re carrying expensive camera equipment or several phones, be particularly conscious in crowded public transport.
19. Lisbon Doesn’t Always Operate on Your Schedule | 葡萄牙旅游攻略
Portugal has its own rhythm.
You may find that:
- Restaurants open later than expected
- Some close between lunch and dinner
- Small shops take breaks
- Museums have specific closing days
- Attractions have seasonal opening hours
- Public holidays affect schedules
- Some businesses operate shorter hours during holiday periods
This is particularly important when planning a packed 葡萄牙旅游攻略.
Don’t rely on an old blog post for opening hours.
Check the official attraction website shortly before your visit.
This is particularly important for major monuments and museums.
And don’t forget that Portugal has public holidays and seasonal variations that can affect your itinerary.
If you’re visiting for only three days, arriving at an attraction and discovering it is closed can have a disproportionate effect on your entire trip.
20. Don’t Try to See Lisbon in One Day
I know it’s tempting.
Especially when you’re travelling a long way from China and want to make every day count.
But trying to fit:
Alfama + Baixa + Chiado + Belém + Sintra + LX Factory + viewpoints + museums + shopping + fado
into two or three days is a recipe for exhaustion.
Lisbon rewards slower exploration.
I’d much rather see someone spend an hour sitting at a viewpoint than watch them rush past it because they’re already late for the next attraction.
If you have three days, choose your priorities.
If you have four days, give yourself breathing room.
If you have five or more, start exploring beyond the obvious tourist routes.
🇨🇳 中国游客小贴士
Remember that you’ve travelled a very long distance to reach Portugal.
Don’t turn the entire holiday into a race.
Leave at least a little unplanned time.
Some of your best memories may come from the places you discover accidentally.
21. Lisbon Has Excellent Shopping and Portuguese Souvenirs | 里斯本购物攻略
If you’re looking for gifts to take home to China, Lisbon offers far more interesting options than the standard souvenir magnets.
Some of my favourites include:
- Portuguese ceramics
- Cork products
- Azulejo-inspired gifts
- Portuguese olive oil
- Tinned fish
- Portuguese soaps
- Traditional textiles
- Portuguese food products
- Small locally made crafts
- Decorative pieces inspired by Lisbon
Cork products are particularly interesting because Portugal is one of the world’s major cork-producing countries.
You’ll see cork used for wallets, bags, jewellery, coasters and all sorts of decorative items.
Ceramics are another excellent option.
And if you love Lisbon’s famous azulejos, there are countless tile-inspired products that are easier to transport home than actual ceramic tiles.
One warning:
Be careful with supposedly antique tiles and historical objects.
If something looks genuinely old or valuable, make sure you understand exactly what you’re buying and whether there are restrictions on exporting it.
🇨🇳 中国游客小贴士
For gifts, I’d prioritise small, authentic Portuguese products that are easy to pack.
Cork accessories, packaged food, soaps and smaller ceramics are considerably easier to transport than large decorative pieces.
22. How Many Days Do You Need? | 里斯本旅游几天最合适？
This is one of the most useful questions when planning a trip.
2 Days
Enough for the major highlights, but fairly rushed.
Day 1: Baixa, Chiado, Alfama and a viewpoint
Day 2: Belém and the Age of Discoveries
3 Days
A good minimum for a first visit.
You can explore the historic centre without quite as much rushing and dedicate a full day or substantial part of a day to Belém.
4 Days
My favourite length for a first visit.
You can explore:
- Baixa
- Chiado
- Alfama
- Belém
- Príncipe Real
- More viewpoints
- Fado
- Portuguese food
without feeling that you’re permanently watching the clock.
5 Days or More
Now you can comfortably add Sintra, Cascais, museums, shopping, food tours and slower neighbourhood exploration.
If you’re travelling from China and Lisbon is part of a larger European itinerary, 3–4 days works very well.
If Portugal is your main destination, I’d happily spend a week using Lisbon as your base.
23. My Ideal 4-Day Lisbon Itinerary for Chinese Travellers | 里斯本自由行行程
If I were personally showing a first-time visitor around Lisbon, this is roughly how I’d structure the trip.
Day 1 — Historic Lisbon
Start in Baixa.
Visit:
Praça do Comércio → Rossio → Chiado
Have lunch in the central area.
Then gradually work towards Alfama.
Explore the narrow streets and stop at a viewpoint.
In the evening, enjoy a Portuguese dinner followed by fado.
This gives you the classic Lisbon experience without overloading the day.
Day 2 — Belém and Portugal’s Maritime History
Head to Belém.
Visit:
Jerónimos Monastery
Monument to the Discoveries
Belém Tower
Then stop for a pastel de nata.
If history interests you, spend extra time in the Maritime Museum or other nearby museums.
For Chinese visitors, this is the day I’d particularly recommend slowing down and thinking about Portugal’s historic connections with Asia and China.
Day 3 — Sintra
Make an early start.
Travel from Lisbon to Sintra — 里斯本到辛特拉.
Choose one or two major attractions rather than trying to see everything.
For many first-time visitors, Pena Palace is the obvious starting point.
Then return to Lisbon in the evening.
Don’t schedule a huge evening programme.
You will have earned a relaxed dinner.
Day 4 — Lisbon Beyond the Checklist
This is the day I would slow down.
Explore Príncipe Real.
Have coffee.
Browse independent shops.
Walk along Avenida da Liberdade.
Visit another viewpoint.
Have a proper Portuguese lunch.
Then return to whichever part of Lisbon you enjoyed most during the first three days.
This is when Lisbon starts to feel less like a list of attractions and more like a city.
24. The Lisbon Experiences I’d Book Before Leaving China
Not everything needs to be booked in advance.
But for a long-haul trip, there are certain things I would consider arranging before you arrive.
Particularly during busy periods.
Useful if you don’t want to navigate the train, local buses and palace logistics yourself.
Popular evening experiences can sell out.
One of the best ways to understand Lisbon’s history.
Particularly useful if Portuguese cuisine is unfamiliar.
Worth considering after a very long flight.
Major attractions
Check whether timed entry or advance tickets are recommended.
👉 Compare Lisbon tours and activities on GetYourGuide and Viator before your trip.
For accommodation:
👉 Compare Lisbon hotels on Booking.com and choose your neighbourhood carefully before booking.
And don’t feel that you need to book every activity.
A good Lisbon itinerary should contain space for spontaneity.
25. The Ultimate Lisbon Cheat Sheet for Chinese Travellers | 中国游客里斯本攻略
Before you fly, save this section.
🇵🇹 Country
Portugal / 葡萄牙
Capital
Lisbon / Lisboa / 里斯本
Currency
Euro / 欧元 (€)
Language
Portuguese / 葡萄牙语
Airport
Lisbon Airport / 里斯本机场
Emergency number
112
Recommended first visit
3–4 days
Best areas for first-time accommodation
Baixa / Chiado
Best luxury area
Avenida da Liberdade
Best boutique area
Príncipe Real
Best historic atmosphere
Alfama
Best day trip
Sintra / 辛特拉
Must-see attractions
Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, Alfama, Praça do Comércio and Lisbon’s viewpoints
Must-try food
Pastel de nata
Classic Portuguese dish
Bacalhau
Classic Lisbon experience
Fado
Famous tram
28
Main tourist concern
Pickpocketing in crowded areas
Biggest practical warning
Lisbon is much hillier than it looks
Best advice
Don’t try to see everything.
🇨🇳 Chinese Traveller Quick Reference
If you’re searching for Lisbon information in Chinese, these are the subjects I’d prioritise:
里斯本旅游 — Lisbon travel
里斯本自由行 — independent Lisbon travel
里斯本旅游攻略 — Lisbon travel guide
里斯本景点 — Lisbon attractions
里斯本必去景点 — must-see Lisbon attractions
里斯本住宿 — Lisbon accommodation
里斯本美食 — Lisbon food
里斯本机场 — Lisbon Airport
里斯本到辛特拉 — Lisbon to Sintra
中国游客里斯本 — Chinese tourists in Lisbon
葡萄牙里斯本旅游 — Lisbon Portugal travel
葡萄牙旅游攻略 — Portugal travel guide
And that’s really the point of this guide.
You shouldn’t have to search through dozens of generic European travel websites to find the information that’s particularly useful when travelling from China.
❓Frequently Asked Questions | 中国游客里斯本常见问题
❓Is Lisbon worth visiting for Chinese travellers?
Absolutely.
Lisbon offers a combination of history, architecture, food, viewpoints, nightlife, maritime culture and day trips that makes it an excellent introduction to Portugal.
For Chinese travellers, there is also the fascinating historical connection between Portugal, Asia and Macau.
❓Is Lisbon good for independent travel? | 里斯本适合自由行吗？
Yes.
Lisbon is actually a very good city for 里斯本自由行.
Public transport is useful, the main historic areas are relatively compact and English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
The main challenges are the hills, unfamiliar transport system and occasional crowds.
Once you’ve got your bearings, the city is relatively straightforward to explore independently.
❓How many days should I spend in Lisbon? | 里斯本旅游几天？
For a first visit, I’d recommend three or four days.
Two days is possible but rushed.
Five days or more gives you enough time to add Sintra, Cascais, museums, shopping and more relaxed exploration.
❓Where should Chinese tourists stay in Lisbon? | 里斯本住宿住哪里？
For most first-time visitors, I’d look at Baixa or Chiado.
Avenida da Liberdade is excellent for luxury hotels, while Príncipe Real is particularly good for boutique accommodation.
Alfama is wonderful for atmosphere but can be challenging if you have heavy luggage or don’t enjoy hills.
❓How do I get from Lisbon Airport to the city centre? | 里斯本机场怎么去市中心？
The Metro is usually the cheapest and simplest option for independent travellers.
Taxis and private transfers are more convenient if you’re travelling with lots of luggage or family members.
After a long flight from China, I personally wouldn’t hesitate to pay extra for convenience.
❓Can I use Alipay in Lisbon?
Don’t assume that Alipay or WeChat Pay will be accepted everywhere.
International Visa and Mastercard payments are widespread, so make sure you have at least one suitable international bank card.
I’d also carry a modest amount of euros as a backup.
❓Is Lisbon safe for Chinese tourists? | 中国游客里斯本安全吗？
Lisbon is generally safe for tourists, but normal precautions are important.
The main issue visitors should be aware of is pickpocketing and opportunistic theft in crowded tourist areas and public transport.
Keep phones, wallets and passports secure.
❓What should Chinese travellers eat in Lisbon? | 里斯本美食吃什么？
Start with:
Pastel de nata
Bifana
Frango assado
Caldo verde
Bacalhau
If you enjoy seafood, try polvo and arroz de marisco.
❓Is Sintra worth visiting? | 里斯本到辛特拉值得吗？
Definitely.
Sintra is one of Portugal’s most spectacular destinations and makes an excellent day trip from Lisbon.
Allow a full day if possible and avoid trying to visit every palace.
❓Should I book Lisbon tours in advance?
For popular Sintra trips, fado experiences and guided tours, booking ahead can make sense, particularly during busy travel periods.
For other activities, you can often decide after arriving.
👉 Compare Lisbon experiences on GetYourGuide and Viator before your trip.
Final Thoughts: Lisbon Is Better When You Give It Time
After living in Lisbon and working as a tour guide, I’ve learned that the visitors who seem to enjoy the city most aren’t necessarily the ones who see the most attractions.
They’re the ones who give themselves enough time to notice the city.
Yes, you should visit Belém.
You should see the famous trams.
You should explore Alfama.
You should try pastel de nata.
You should probably visit Sintra.
And you should absolutely see at least one of Lisbon’s great viewpoints.
But don’t turn your entire 里斯本自由行 into a race.
Stop for coffee.
Have a long lunch.
Walk down a street because it looks interesting.
Listen to a little fado.
Watch the sunset over the Tagus.
Try a dish you’ve never heard of.
And look up.
Some of Lisbon’s most beautiful details are above eye level.
For 中国游客, I think there’s another reason to slow down.
Lisbon can initially feel like a distant European destination at the western edge of the continent. But once you understand Portugal’s maritime history, the city suddenly becomes part of a much larger story.
Ships left the Tagus and travelled towards Africa and Asia.
Portuguese merchants and sailors eventually reached China.
Macau became a remarkable meeting point between Portuguese and Chinese cultures.
And today, visitors can stand in Lisbon and explore the history of those connections.
That is one of the things that makes Lisbon so fascinating.
You’re not simply visiting another European capital.
You’re visiting a city whose history reaches far beyond its own borders.
So plan your trip.
Book your hotel.
Work out how you’re getting from 里斯本机场.
Choose your 里斯本必去景点.
Figure out 里斯本到辛特拉.
Try the 里斯本美食.
But leave some room for the unexpected.
Because after all these years of knowing Lisbon, I still think the city is at its best when you stop following the itinerary for a moment and simply see where the next street takes you.
Boa viagem — and welcome to Lisbon.
A Few More Lisbon Guides to Read Before Your Trip
About the author
I’m Duncan, a Lisbon-based guide and writer who’s lived here for 11 years and taken hundreds of visitors around the city. I created Lisbon Listicles to share everything you need to know about Lisbon in clear, practical lists — from iconic sights to hidden gems — so you can plan your trip easily and make the most of your time here.
All recommendations are based on personal experience and the questions I hear most often from visitors.
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