Lisbon

Actually, we just wanted to make a short trip to Lisbon, before heading to the Algarve. We did not expect much from Lisbon and did not get informed at all. But Lisbon surprised us a lot. All the small alleys, uphill, downhill and in between drives a metro that revives the charm of bygone times.

Lisbon is a very young city with many small cafés and restaurants. If you want to go away in the evening, this is the place for you. We only looked at the most important sights, we were rather enchanted by the flair of the city and just enjoyed the time.

As an EU member, you can even enter with your ID card, but it‘s always good to have a passport with you. If you are entering from a non-EU country, you will need a passport that is valid for at least six months.

If you travel to Portugal, you must definitely be vaccinated against measles. WHO has declared that omitting the vaccine as a „threat to global health“. However, no vaccinations are required when entering from Germany. The standard vaccinations are definitely always recommended. It is also recommended to vaccinate against hepatitis A and B.

The medical care in Portugal is fine, in rural areas travel time can be expected. If you come from Germany and need urgent treatment, this is not a problem with a statutory health insurance. You should, however, have at least one copy of your insurance with you. It is also advisable to take out a travel health insurance before your trip. It‘s best to check with your insurance company before.

In Portugal there are many different dishes. And you can expect that on every dish a fried egg can be found. Thanks to its proximity to the sea, there are delicious fish. Also different sausage and meat dishes are highly recommended.

Always accompanied with fresh vegetables or french fries. In the Time Out Market you get a great insight into the Portuguese world of food. If you‘re in Portugal, do not miss the Pasteis de Nata. This dessert was definitely our highlight.

In Lisbon you can take the famous tram. There are modern and typical historical ones, but there is always a lot going on in both. If you want to drive outside of Lisbon, you can take the train. Right in Lisbon, it is best to take a bus, metro or taxi.

Uber is also common, uncomplicated and cheap in Lisbon. Or you walk short distances and enjoy the beautiful city. If you want to rent a vehicle, the German driver‘s license is sufficient.

Lisbon has a Mediterranean climate that is also influenced by the Atlantic. In winter, a lot of rain is expected. Starting from April it is pleasantly warm and the precipitation goes back. Especially in summer it can get very hot and the continuous heat without precipitation often leads to forest fires. Temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees. The best time to travel to Lisbon is in spring and autumn.

In Portugal, you pay with euros. You can pay cash or by credit card, in smaller shops and restaurants cash is preferred. Visa and Mastercard are accepted, as well as Maestro card. You can find many ATMs where you can withdraw cash.