Lisbon, the enchanting capital of Portugal, is a city of rolling hills, scenic viewpoints, and the sparkling Tagus River. With its unique charm and breathtaking vistas, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Portugal. In this post, you’ll discover the city’s transportation options, learn about the Lisboa Card t/ourist pass, and explore some of Lisbon’s iconic sights, including its historic funiculars, Tram 28, the 25th of April Bridge, Cristo Rei statue, and the vibrant Time Out Market.
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Lisbon Public Transportation
Transit Card: Navegante
As Portugal’s capital and largest city, Lisbon boasts an efficient public transportation system. The most convenient way to get around is with the Navegante Card (formerly Viva Viagem). You can easily purchase the transit card at the airport or metro stations. For first-time buyers, a €0.50 issuance fee is charged along with the selected fare.
Public transport Rates
- Single Ride: €1.85 (with free transfers for 60 minutes)
- 24-Hour Pass: €7.00
- Check the latest information, visit metrolisboa.pt
💡Pro Tip: If you only plan to use the metro, you can simply tap in with a contactless payment card (like a credit or debit card) without purchasing a transit card.
However, Lisbon’s famous Belém district isn’t accessible by metro alone, so investing in the Navegante card is a practical option—even as a unique, inexpensive keepsake!
Funiculars and Elevators as Public Transport
Unique to Lisbon, the funiculars and elevators scattered across the city are also classified as public transportation. For example, the Santa Justa Elevator costs €6 per ride but is included for free with the 1-Day Transit Pass.
- Santa Justa Elevator
Address: R. de Santa Justa, 1150-060 Lisboa, Portugal
Lisboa Card
The Lisboa Card is a comprehensive tourist pass that offers unlimited access to public transportation (metro, buses, trams, and funiculars) along with free or discounted admission to over 30 popular attractions.
Where to Buy the Lisboa Card
You can purchase the card online in advance and pick it up at designated locations, such as the airport or local tourist information centers. Simply check the instructions provided in the confirmation email and exchange the voucher at your nearest pick-up point.
🔗 Official Website: Lisboa Card (lisboacard.org)
Lisboa Card Prices
- Adults (15+)
- 24 Hours: €31
- 48 Hours: €51
- 72 Hours: €61
- Children (4–15)
- 24 Hours: €21
- 48 Hours: €28
- 72 Hours: €35
- Kids under 4: Free (no ticket needed)
Top Attractions Covered by the Lisboa Card
- Jerónimos Monastery: €18
- Belém Tower: €15
- Ajuda Palace: €15
- Royal Treasure Museum: €10
Visiting these sites alone makes the Lisboa Card worth the investment. For travelers planning to explore multiple attractions, the card is a must-have for optimizing costs and convenience. You can find a full list of included admissions and discounts on their website.
Lisbon Funiculars and Tram 28
Lisbon Funiculars (Elevadores)
Lisbon is famous for its steep hills, and it’s no exaggeration to say that flat ground is a rarity in the city center. To make navigating these inclines easier, Lisbon introduced funiculars, three of which—Lavra, Glória, and Bica—are particularly well-known.
The iconic Bica Funicular offers stunning views of the river, while the Glória Funicular is the most photographed. All three were built in the 19th century and continue to operate today, earning the designation of National Monuments in 2002.
Funicular Locations
- Bica Funicular: R. da Bica de Duarte Belo 81 53, 1200-109 Lisboa, Portugal
- Glória Funicular: Calçada da Glória 51, 1250-096 Lisboa, Portugal
- Lavra Funicular: 1150-122 Lisboa, Portugal
Tram 28 (Eléctrico 28)
One of Lisbon’s most famous and nostalgic experiences is riding Tram 28, which winds through the city’s historic neighborhoods and scenic, narrow alleys. It feels almost like a rollercoaster ride, making it a fun and memorable way to explore Lisbon.
If you have a 24-hour transit pass or a Lisboa Card, you can enjoy unlimited rides on Tram 28 and the funiculars, so don’t miss the chance to hop aboard!
- Tram 28 Starting Point: Praça Martim Moniz, 1150-052 Lisboa, Portugal
25th of April Bridge and Cristo Rei Statue
While exploring Lisbon, a visit to the Augusta Arch is essential. From Praça do Comércio, a square overlooking the Tagus River, you can catch a glimpse of two iconic landmarks in the distance: the 25th of April Bridge and the towering Cristo Rei Statue.
25th of April Bridge
Often compared to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge due to its striking red color, this bridge’s construction was actually handled by the same company that built the Bay Bridge in San Francisco.
The area beneath the bridge is a serene spot, with yachts and ferries gliding by and locals jogging along the waterfront. It’s a peaceful place to soak in Lisbon’s relaxed atmosphere. If your schedule allows, take some time to visit and enjoy the stunning views.
- Address: Tejo Promenade, N6 70 1300, Lisboa, Portugal
Cristo Rei Statue
Inspired by Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer, this statue is said to “face” its Brazilian counterpart, creating an imaginary connection across the Atlantic.
- Address: Av. do Cristo Rei, 2800-058 Almada, Portugal
Time Out Market Lisbon
The Time Out Market Lisboa is frequently recommended to tourists, but depending on your expectations, it may not live up to the hype.
While the market offers various food options, it’s incredibly crowded, and wait times for food can be long. For instance, the famous bacalhau (codfish) croquette, while decent, isn’t particularly cheap or remarkable. There are undoubtedly great spots here, but the overall experience may leave you feeling that a proper restaurant would’ve been a better choice for a meal.
That said, the market has a lively atmosphere, so grabbing a beer or a glass of wine could be worth the visit if you’re in the area.
- Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Address: Av. 24 de Julho 49, 1200-479 Lisboa, Portugal
Final Thoughts
This guide has outlined valuable information to help you make the most of your Lisbon adventure. If you plan to visit multiple attractions, purchasing the Lisboa Card will save you time and money while providing free access to transportation, including funiculars and trams.
Add some charm to your trip by riding Tram 28 and visiting iconic landmarks like the April 25 Bridge and Cristo Rei Statue. For food lovers, while the Time Out Market has an enticing atmosphere, consider dining at a proper restaurant for a more satisfying culinary experience.
Lisbon promises a memorable journey, guaranteed to captivate every traveler with its charm, history, and vibrant culture!
HDND travel
Journeys, Kept Fresh