Transportation
Carris / Metro Card
Various ticket types were available, and the tickets could be purchased at train and subway stations using cash or credit cards.
We purchased 2 cards with day-pass for day 1 and single rides for day 2. A Carris/Metro Viva Viagem Card (or 7 Colinas Card) cost 0.5 Euro (just for the card, no value within). When purchasing at the ticket machine, select “Without Card” and then types of tickets (further introduced below) and the total charge would include the 0.5 Euro and a card would then be provided. To add value moving forward, select “With Card.”
There were various selections for day-pass. Our day-pass cost 6.3 Euros (valid for 24 hours from the first use). This pass could be used for Carris/Metro network, including subway, buses, trams, all 3 funiculars and Sta. Justa Lift (but not for trains). Each single ride cost 1.45 Euros. Each passenger was required to have his/her own card (i.e. sharing was not permitted).
For subway, put the card on the sensor to pass through the gate. For buses, put the card on the yellow machine in the bus until the green light on the machine was on.
Passengers could also use “Zapping” (a pre-deposit method for 3 Euros, 5 Euros and then increasing by 5 Euros up to 40 Euros) and 1.3 Euros would be charged for each ride. Note that among all three different ways of payments (day-pass, single ride and Zapping), the time limit or money value should be fully utilized before switching to another payment method.
We used day-pass for subway and also the following:
2 funiculars (one-way for Bica and round-trip for Lavra, Glória was under construction)
Bus #15E from Cais Sodré stop to Mosteiro dos Jerónimos stop (note that it only showed “15” on the bus, not “15E”) – Yes, you can use this day-pass to go from downtown to Belem by bus (not by train)
Bus #15E from Largo da Princesa stop to Mosteiro dos Jerónimos stop (note that it only showed “15” on the bus, not “15E”) – Yes, you can use this day-pass to come back from Belém Tower by bus
Other rides we used single rides.
For further information, please refer to Carris website.
Accommodation
NOMAD 64
Price: 19 Euros / person / bed in a 6-bed dormitory room
Payment: Cash or credit card
Wifi: Available and stable
Amenities: A big towel and extension charger cord were provided. Also an assigned locker and small closet in the room. Body wash and Hair dryer were available in the bathroom.
Meal: Breakfast was included and provided in the common area. Cheese, ham, jams, cookies, juice and coffee were on the table for self service. Toasts or cereals were served. The lady preparing the breakfast also gave us yogurt. Nothing fancy but good enough for breakfast.
Location: Google Maps
The room, bed, bathrooms and common area were all very clean. Our room had a window so did the common area so it was easy to get fresh air. We requested a quiet room during our booking and the room was literally quiet throughout the night. When we came back around midnight, clearly the staff had cleaned up the common area and everything was well organized.
The place was located on the 2nd floor in a building. The stair was wide so easy to carry suitcases. It was 5 minute walk to subway, and it took about 20 minutes to downtown / old town area.
All the staff were very friendly and willing to help. The guy who checked us in were very welcoming. He provided us with a city map and marked many sight-seeing locations with transportation information. He also showed us the rooms and bathrooms, and asked how many keys we needed and if we had preference for the bunk bed (top, middle and bottom).
Since we arrived before check-in time, we left our bags in the common area. However, the hosts were really nice and let us use showers and outlets. The lady from the kitchen also asked us if we wanted anything to drink. When we came back around midnight, another couple just checked in and the guy who checked us in did the same check-in process for them and also asked if they need some drinks (then he made coffee for them).
This was no doubt one of the best dormitories we stayed ever. Strongly recommended.
Food / Restaurant
Restaurante A Merendinha do Arco
English menu available. This was not a super fancy restaurant but did serve really good seafood. It also had meat meals.
We ordered a creamy soup, garlic shrimp and mixed fish plate, total 26.65 Euros. Without seafood inside, the soup still had strong sweet seafood taste, which we liked. The garlic shrimp was the best we ever had. The shrimps were fresh and sweet, and the garlic seasoning was perfect. The fish plate included 5 types of fish. Each had its own flavor and was pretty tasty.
The restaurant might not have an attractive appearance from outside, and you might be seating next to some strangers if you were not from a big group (since the the layout was a few long tables) but we liked the atmosphere and enjoyed the food for sure.
No outdoor seating. Restrooms were clean and okay to use.
Website: Homepage
Payment: Cash or credit card
Location: Google Maps
Pastelaria Alcôa
One of its famous desserts was Torresmo do Céu, an egg tart with a rich almond-and-citrus filling. It was good but not great for us (thought it would be creamy but actually dry and not much flavor). We also bought another dessert, not bad. Total 4.6 Euros.
Website: Homepage
Payment: Cash or credit card
Location: Google Maps
Manteigaria
This place was famous for egg tarts (pastél de nata). It cost 1 Euro each and was easy to get due to the store location. The only downside was the egg tarts were all cold, which impacted the flavor.
Website: Homepage
Payment: Cash or credit card
Location: Google Maps
Pasteis de Belém
We had at least one egg tart every day when we were in Portugal and this was absolutely the best ever (the egg tarts on the cover picture were from here).
We arrived around 8pm. There were no line for dine-in and we could pick our own seats (seating area was separated into various spaces but lots of seats overall). We ordered 2 for dine-in and 2 for take-out, total 4.4 Euros. Sugar and cinnamon powder packs were provided.
The reason we liked this one the most was the temperature. While the egg tarts might not be always freshly made, they were still warm when served, which made the custard taste amazing. We ate the other two next day. The cold custard tasted similar with the ones from Manteigaria but the tart was still crispy and delicious. In our opinion, eating them right away is the best way to enjoy.
Website: Homepage
Payment: Cash or credit card
Location: Google Maps
Taberna da Rua das Flores
This was a great tapas restaurant, where we also got an interesting experience during the wait. There were about 20 seats in the restaurant. After the customers were seated, a waitress would bring over a big black board to show menu for the day and introduce the dishes one by one.
The prices might be relatively high comparing to the food portion, but every dish we had was amazing. The flavors were unique and rich but not greasy. Even we were not big fans of chocolate, we had the most delicious chocolate cake ever. We ordered 1 lemonade, 3 tapas and 1 dessert, total 32.5 Euros.
Regarding the waiting experience – We arrived around 8:40pm, and we were told that we could not even put our names on the wait list since it was already too long. We just walked away, but did not give up. After enjoying the Fado at Tasca Do Chico, we came back around 10:30pm and were told the same. We finished all our plans for the day so we just waited outside regardless. Around 11:20pm (10 minutes before the kitchen closed), a young couple holding drinks stepped out and told us they saw us waiting outside so decided to enjoy the drinks outside so we could have the seats. They were actually seated on the stone stairs inside so were we but then moved to a table right after. The young couple also told us that the food would totally worth the wait. And they were absolutely right.
No outdoor seating.
Website: Homepage
Payment: Cash only
Location: Google Maps
As Bifanas Do Afonso
A very local small shop famous for bifanas (local pork sandwich), good to try once (2 Euros each, cash only). No seats, standing space available for 6 to 8 people.
Payment: Cash only
Location: Google Maps
Casa Das Bifanas
A restaurant famous for bifanas in Praça da Figueira. We ordered 1 binafas and 1 egg tart for 3.6 Euros, nothing really impressive.
Location: Google Maps
Conserveira de Lisboa
A local shop famous for canned fish and seafood, with many different combinations by sizes of fish, types of seafood and seasoning. The staff spoke English and also named various types of fish in both Chinese and Japanese when introducing the products to us.
Website: Homepage
Price: 15.88 Euros for 4 cans (prices varied based on types of fish and seafood)
Payment: Cash or credit card
Location: Google Maps
Queijaria Nacional
A cheese shop recommended by local, selling various types of cheese, including cow, sheep and goat, as well as traditional Portuguese cheese. The staff spoke English, introducing various types to us very friendly. A few seats in store for cheese plates and wine tasting. The shop also provided vacuum packaging services.
Website: Homepage
Price: 2 large cheese for 13 Euros
Payment: Cash or credit card
Location: Google Maps
Attractions
Carmo Convent (Convento do Carmo)
Website: Homepage
Price: 4 Euros / person
Payment: Cash or credit card (card minimum: 8 Euros)
Location: Google Maps
This was an archaeological museum, transformed from a ruined Gothic church, whose roof was destroyed by an earthquake in 1755. The open-air church also became one of the characteristics of the building.
Due to the unique structure and the stillness within, it was a perfect place to have some quiet moments and enjoy the blue sky in the lively city.
45-minute light and music shows were available at 9:30pm and 10:45pm during summer nights. 15 Euros per person. We did not go to the show but happened to pass by when it was finished so we got a peek while people walked out the door. It looked quite interesting.
Lavra Lift / Funicular (Ascensor do Lavra)
Open hours: Please refer to Carris website
Location: Google Maps
Among all 3 funiculars, this was the least crowded one so perfect for those who just wanted to enjoy a peaceful ride. At the end of the upward ride, there was a viewpoint Miradouro do Jardim do Torel just a few minutes walk away, where people could sit down and enjoy the city view.
Bica Lift / Funicular (Ascensor da Bica)
Open hours: Please refer to Carris website
Location: Google Maps
We took it downward and found out this was the right choice since there were lots of people waiting (including tourist groups) at the other end to take it upward. Also we found it much more exciting going downward, especially toward the end as it became very steep. Great fun from the first-row seat!
Belém Tower (Torre de Belém)
Website: Homepage
Location: Google Maps
Built in the early 16th century, the Tower was not only a historic but beautiful landmark.
Tasca Do Chico (Fado live music)
Website: Homepage
Payment: Cash only
Location: Google Maps
Fado, a traditional Portuguese music genre, originated in Lisbon, and this restaurant was a tiny but great place to enjoy Fado. There were just a classical guitar, Portuguese guitar, and vocal without any microphones, bringing natural and beautiful music.
We arrived around 9pm, right before the music started and the doorkeeper let us in before he closed the door. No tables available but we were allowed to stand inside next to the door. A person sitting on a long bench next to the door left after the first session, so we were lucky enough to take over the seats. Although there was no table, it was perfect for us since no other tables or people block our view.
The door opened during the session break only, and the doorkeeper would not let people in unless some customers left. Orders were also taken during the session break. We ordered a cup of lemonade and a plate of cheese and fresh ham to share. Total 16.5 Euros. The food was not bad and worth it for the Fado.
Street Art
Two places to see some local street arts:
(1) Picoas
Direction: After getting off at Picoas subway station, walk south on Av. Fontes Pereira de Melo for one block
Location: Google Maps
(2) Miradouro Graffiti Fado
Location: Google Maps
Created by various artists about local cultures and people.
Others
SIM Card
Vodafone
Payment: Cash or credit card
Location: Google Maps
This store was located on the lower level in a mall. The lady who helped us was helpful and spoke English. She set up everything on our phone so that we would not need to enter PIN every time when restarting the phone. We purchased the prepaid card including 3GB data, 10GB social network and 500-minute calls/ texts on 4G network for 9.9 Euros. Hotspot was available. We used it for up to 3 devices (2 phones and 1 tablet) and they all worked fine in both Portugal and Spain. We only made 2 quick phone calls as all other communication with local restaurants and hostels was through email and WhatsApp (phone and texts).