Lisbon, Portugal - Do's and Don'ts

Wednesday July 17, 2024

We arrived in Lisbon around 9:00 a.m. this morning, tired and a little jet lagged. Fortunately going through customs was quick and easy, and the Viking representatives were there to meet us outside the baggage claim area. After checking in to our room we took a walk, and then a short tour around the area by our hotel.

hotel

Lisbon Aquaduct

Corinthia Hotel Lisbon Aqueduct

So, based on what we have learned so far in Portugal, here are some "Do's and Don'ts" while in Lisbon:

DO

• Do notice the wide sidewalks
  

• Do enjoy the beauty of the tree-lined streets, frequently with nicely landscaped medians

• Do appreciate the many parks and green areas throughout the city, including green buildings.
  

DON'T

• Don't trip on the cobblestones and uneven pavement on the sidewalks
  

Cobblestone sidewalk

• Don't assume that if you speak Spanish you will be able to speak and/or understand Portuguese. It is very different, and even words that look the same as Spanish are pronounced very differently. (You can find a list of some common Portuguese words under the "Resources for Educators" tab on the web page)

• Don't use whatever ATM you see first. Some ATMs charge a 25% conversion fee. Look for ones that are "MB" ATMs (see picture below), and click "No" when the machine asks if you approve the conversion fee.
  

• Don't - Eat food that is placed on your table right after you sit down (starters) at a restaurant (like bread). They are not free! If you don't want it, don't eat it. Or send it back. Otherwise you will be charged for for it! When we ate at a restaurant in Lisbon, the waiter brought us little chicken pies (picture below) and stuffed mushrooms. Even though we knew we didn't have to accept and pay for them, they looked so yummy we gobbled them up!!

Thanks to our wonderful Viking representative, Hugo. He has been so helpful as we get to know Portugal and particularly the area our hotel is located. He gave us ideas on where to go for a walk in the afternoon, and he led us on a great walking tour around this area of town, as well as sharing lots of tips for tourists. He, and all the other Viking personnel we have encountered so far, have been awesome!

Tomorrow we take an excursion, Cosmopolitan Lisbon , in the morning and eat more good food in the afternoon on an excursion called "Flavors of Lisbon" which will also include wine - can't wait!