Capital city, Portugal
Lisbon
Europe's easiest nomad capital: sunny, English-friendly, safe, with great food, coworking and day trips. Rents have soared, hills are steep and summer centre is crowded.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,930–4,050Comfortable, one person · €2,600–3,600Details
- Value for money18/100Better value than 17% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 23°CDetails
- Air quality9 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2020) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet252 MbpsFixed broadband, Portugal medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe and good; locals drink it.Details
- LGBTQ+5/5Very welcomingDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$68–124Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBoltWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work almost everywhere; some tascas and tiny cafés take only cash or Multibanco.Details
Where to stay in Lisbon
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Príncipe Real–Bairro Alto | Cafés, nightlife and LGBTQ+ venues; steep and noisy at night |
| Alfama–Graça | Old-town views, tiled lanes and fado; stairs everywhere |
| Santos–Madragoa | Quieter riverside area near Cais do Sodré and Time Out Market |
| Campo de Ourique | Residential, local markets and cafés; good for long stays |
| Arroios–Anjos | Cheaper rooms, multicultural food, central metro access |
Apps that work in Lisbon
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- CP: Train tickets and timetables
- Rede Expressos: Intercity bus tickets
- Taxis: Licensed taxis are cream or black and green and metered; use the airport rank. Avoid unlicensed drivers who approach you at the terminal.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Portugal.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere; some tascas and tiny cafés take only cash or Multibanco. Carry €20–30.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Multibanco bank ATMs don't add fees; Euronet machines in tourist areas charge and push conversion, so decline it.
- Tipping: Not expected. Leave 5–10% for good restaurant service and round up taxi fares; cafés and bars need nothing.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. MB WAY, which locals use, needs a Portuguese bank card.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
MEO, NOS and Vodafone sell tourist SIMs at Lisbon and Porto airports and shops for about €15–30; DIGI is cheaper. Passport usually asked. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Portugal
Going to Lisbon solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Lisbon meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.