Tips for using the Lisboa Card
This way you get the most out of your tourist card - from pick-up to the last hour.
The Lisboa Card gives you access to over 50 attractions and all local transport in Lisbon. To make the card really worthwhile, it's important to get the order right and use a few practical tricks. These tips are based on real experiences on the ground and will help you avoid typical mistakes.
Activate the card at an attraction in the morning
The validity of the Lisboa Card starts from the first use - not from collection. It is best to activate the card in the morning at one of the major attractions that you want to visit anyway. That way, you can make use of the entire day.
Start with the expensive attractions
Plan the attractions with the highest individual admission prices at the beginning of your program. This way you will quickly reach the break-even point of the ticket and everything after that is pure profit.
Particularly worthwhile attractions for the Lisboa Card:
- Mosteiro dos Jeronimos - regular 18 €, free of charge with Lisboa Card
- Castelo de Sao Jorge - regular 17 €, free of charge with Lisboa Card
- Torre de Belem - regular 15 €, free of charge with Lisboa Card
- Museu Nacional dos Coches - regular 15 €, free of charge with Lisboa Card
- Panteao Nacional - regular 10 €, free of charge with Lisboa Card
Use public transport right from the start
The Lisboa Card includes unlimited access to all public transport in Lisbon: metro, buses, streetcars (including the famous line 28), elevators, funiculars and suburban trains to Sintra and Cascais. This alone will save you several euros per day.
From the moment you activate it, take public transport every journey instead of walking or taking a cab. Every journey increases your savings effect.
Pick up the card strategically
After purchasing online, you will receive a voucher by e-mail. You can exchange this for the physical card at one of the Ask Me Lisboa points of sale. You have 28 days from the selected collection date to do this.
Most travelers pick up their card at the airport, where the Ask Me point is located directly in the arrivals hall. Alternatively, there are points in the city center, including at Praca do Comercio and Terreiro do Paco.
Plan Belem as a coherent block
The Belem district is located just outside the city center and is home to several of the most valuable attractions: the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, the Torre de Belem, the Museu Nacional dos Coches and the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology). Depending on your pace, you can easily spend a whole day here - and the Lisboa Card is still worth it.
Visit attractions in the morning
Popular sights such as the Castelo de Sao Jorge or the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos get very crowded in the afternoon. Plan the highlights for the morning - ideally right at opening time. You avoid queues and have more time for spontaneous discoveries in the afternoon.
Don't forget the discounts
In addition to the completely free attractions, the Lisboa Card also offers discounts at over 30 other providers - from restaurants and boat tours to museums that are not included in the free catalog. Always show the card at the cash desk, even if you're not sure whether you'll get a discount.
- Oceanario de Lisboa: 20 % Reduction
- Certain boat trips and ferry connections: 10-20 %
- Selected restaurants and stores: 10-15 %
Use the last hour for public transport
When the validity period of your card expires, it is no longer worth visiting a museum. But you can still use public transport until the last minute. For example, take the famous Tram 28 through the old town or take one of the funiculars to a viewpoint - everything is valid until the last second of your card.
Children under the age of 4 do not need a card
Children under the age of 4 have free admission to most attractions in Lisbon and travel free on public transport. There is a discounted children's ticket for children aged 4 to 15. Children aged 16 and over require the regular adult ticket.
Check current closures in advance
Individual attractions may be temporarily closed due to renovation or seasonal maintenance. Check the current status before your visit so that you don't plan your route in vain. The official websites of the museums and attractions provide information on this.
What many visitors don't know
- The Lisboa Card is also valid on the CP trains to Sintra and Cascais. This means that a day trip to Sintra is possible without an additional ticket - the train journey alone regularly costs 4,50 € there and back.
- The ferry to Cacilhas is not included in the Lisboa Card, but is still worth it: for around €1.50 per trip, you have the best view of Lisbon's old town - especially at sunset.
- At some attractions there are separate entrances or queues for cardholders. Look out for signs with the Lisboa Card logo.
- You will receive a digital voucher by email when you make your purchase. To be on the safe side, print it out or save it offline on your cell phone - the QR code will be scanned at the pick-up point.
- The card can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours before the selected pick-up date. So if your travel plans change, you are flexible.
Need more inspiration?
Route for 2 days LisbonGet your Lisboa Card now
- Over 50 attractions free of charge and unlimited public transport included.
- Voucher immediately by e-mail - 28 days for collection in Lisbon.
- Can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours before the selected pick-up date.
- Secure SSL payment - instant voucher by e-mail
- Can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance