I'm portuguese and it makes me so happy when foreigners talk good and/or acertive things about my home land. Thank you for discovering Portugal the right way!
Your ego is also going high as mine... Espera um minuto é claro que vou falar português pra um português, não é sempre que consigo ter a chance de achar em vídeos em inglês que falam português à portuguesa. (Talvez a minha pronuncia portuguesa seja misturada com a brazileira.)
As a Portuguese, born and raised in Lisbon, I can 100% approve this whole video. From the list to the details you gave, it couldn't be more accurate. To everyone visiting our beautiful country/city: welcome, be careful and have fun!
@@eternalreturnal No que toca a comida típica e pura portuguesa, é quase inexistente. Maioritariamente restaurantes detidos por grandes empresários externos, a comida não é nada tipicamente português e caríssimo. Tudo pensado e criado para estrangeiros, não nativos.
I want to move in Portugal forever I love everything about it just the perfect place for me and my son im just looking to go in a city that let's me work full time and be able to pay for 1 bedroom or a 2 bedroom by myself I hope to god that I get to move there this is my dream 😊
Attention, there are actually good authentic restaurants in Baixa (tascas), the thing is: you need to know where they are because they are not on tourist streets. You have to have some locals pointing where to go.
Olá Miguel! Would you recommend some tascas in Baixa yourself? I will be in Lisbon Metropolitan Area for 8 days in total, and will be staying in Baixa-Chiado. I am obviously planning to go to a different suburb and/or district per day plus Sintra and maybe Cascais but I would like to explore Baixa-Chiado during my first full day.
@@unofficiallatinamericanist Go try Casa do Alentejo, you have typical food from Alentejo, the building is beautiful and the food is not very expensive!
@@filipemadeira3664 Oooh! Great tip! I am unfortunately not going to the Alentejo but I am going to four other regions. I will check out Casa do Alentejo. Thank you so much!
@@v.miguel.almeida Thank you for this! They all look great and have good reviews. How about O Trevo? I recently came across the restaurant online and can have breakfast/lunch/dinner there lol.
Unless a person has issues walking, everyone should sign up for a walking tour or bike tour. You get to see more and it's one half to one tenth the money. A nice 4 hour walking tour is $40 per person vs a tuk tuk is $100/hr. Even if you put 4 people in the tuk tuk, that's 2.5 times more expensive to ride
A little local secret if you’re in Lisbon and looking for some canned fish: there’s a small supermarket at one of the busiest streets, rua Morais Soares, called Japão. They have a great selection of Portuguese canned fish for decent prices and you’ll be genuinely helping a small local business. Other highlights in this gem from older times is the selection of sausages and cold cuts from great suppliers from around the country and the corn bread (fresh on Tuesday and Friday). Mr. Simões will be happy to help if you need anything. You might find the street a bit sketchy, it’s a bit off the beaten path and it’s very multicultural but that’s one of the last authentic local experiences you can have in Lisbon. Other highlights on this street are the grilled chicken restaurants (several places!) and the overall sense of the melting pot that Lisbon has become, without any of the “sophistication” of tourism.
Lisboa and Porto were transformed over the last years in huge tourist traps. My advice, as a born and raise Portuguese, venture to other cities, and you will have a much better time and avoid lot's of problems. Cheers!
@@kgcg202126 Yes they are. Mostly. The "portuguese calçada" is all over the country. As a 36 yo portugusese man, I don't really see the issue. I have never fell on the street in my life. You just have to be more aware when the ground is wet. As easy as that. But the tourists do seem to fall a bit more than the locals. Some of the main cities, like Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, etc are hilly, therefore more slipery. Still, Porto can be less slipery, as they don't use as much limestone for calçada as in Lisbon and the rest of the county.
@@kgcg202126 both are less slippery than north european cities when it snows. Problem is only with old stone paved streets, when it rains. Porto recently mafe a lot of city renovation and got rid of most "calçada portuguesa" in favor new materials. Maybe i am used to this, but with any good walking shoes you will be allright.
Great advice! We were approached about buying drugs in the Praça do Comércio area. I was shocked because I’d never had this happen in any of my previous world travels. We also bought all of our canned fish from a local grocery store instead of the flashy canned fish spots. Huge savings.
Normally its "gipsys" selling compressed bay leaf .. And if they are stoped by tthe Police..they cant do anything..because they dont have nothing with them...
@@daveinportugal Well..... you can buy it on the streets, if you know the seller. Don't buy at the touristic places, still. But, if you don't get it from your local dealer, where will you get it? You can't get it on a store... Ask a young local if you "need" the stuff.
As a center Lisbon raised person I could not make a better video. The sad thing is 10 years ago none of this would make sense. I miss the old Portugal.
when not eating in baixa, i believe this applies mostly to 'rua augusta' and adjacent streets and the 'rossio square'. you can still find good affordable restaurants there but you need to know where to find them. for example right next to 'rossio square' there is a small rastaurant called "o marques" near the 'restauradores' subway station and it is not only affordable but the food is extremely good. keep in mind, it's small and is often packed, they usually open at 7pm for dinner, so if you want a table early, be there before 7. or prepare to wait about an hour or more. they also do not reserve table (at least for dinner). it's first come first served.
Dave, we've viewed many of your INVALUABLE videos. You are straightforward, honest and considerate of any Lisbon tourists, and the Portugese peoples. We depart for Portugal in a few weeks. You've eliminated any potential anxiety and uncertainty and we THANK YOU!!!!
Great stuff! Please add: 11- don’t restrict your walks to town centre. 12- book your meals in advance. This applies to the foodies out there. Portugal is becoming a great foodie spot with plenty of Michelin guide restaurants. Book in advance. 13- always carry water. If you’re travelling in the summer, it’s not unusual to have temps above 35°C. Keep hydrating. 14- don’t Uber unless you really have to. Lisboa does have great public transportation. From buses to underground/tube/metro, to trains over the river. These options will be cheaper, specially if travelling alone. 15- don’t use taxis.
Public transport in Lisbon is good but not great. The metro can be late often and the escalators never work. However Uber is extremely cheap in Portugal.
I'm also from Lisbon, and I disagree with two points. Definitely don't buy drugs from random guys on the street (it won't be drugs, it will only look like drugs), but if someone is trying to sell you a tour, you should always be willing to listen, if you're looking for that kind of service. Yes, it's true that sometimes they do charge overprice, but it is also true that many of them are professionals, who have been doing this for years, and will provide you an amazing personalised service, while giving you a history lesson and including local tips for restaurants and places to go. Plus, not every body is trying to rip you off, a lot of people actually want to provide you a good service and be helpful in any way they can. Getting a private tour guide will definitely beat going around in a packed bus or metro, or getting a random uber from an emigrant (nothing against them, but their service is different) who doesn’t even speak Portuguese. Of course it will be more expensive, but it's worth it for some people. Also don't agree when you say don't drive the tuk tuk. No, the locals never do it, but if you're here for one day, it is a nice way to see the city in a fast way. Of course you won't be able to actually feel the city, but some people are just looking for a quick tour or transfer, and for that the tuk tuk works just fine. Plus, if you feel like the price they charge is not fair, you will always be welcome to haggle a better deal. I think the tuk tuks are much better than getting an uber, you will be able to see more of the views, and most drivers will also give you a lot of helpful information during the ride, unlike the uber. Other than that, I do agree with everything, and it's true that Lisbon has a lot of tourist traps, so beware of that. This was an entertaining video! I'll subscriber to keep in touch with your takes on Lisbon, and I'll be happy to provide my feedback, even if we don't always agree. All the best!
Thank you for that info about the tuk tuks. I have knee issues and I'm planning to visit family who live in Lisbon, so I need a tour that lets me avoid the hills. The prices also aren't outrages from what I can tell.
@@clarissacantu8518 depends on your budget.. staying just east of Baixa (close to the castle) is good. You want to enjoy being in the centre of it all..
Hi Dave, As a single male who will be a "Portuguese Native" kinda' at the end of August - depending on SEF delays. I have always found your videos, since the initial ones, incredibly informative and full-on filled with great advice. When I arrive in Portugal, I think I owe you a bottle or two of Portugal's best wine., Jim
Oh that's real cool. Do you also think that white americans are american natives because they were born there? I guess genetics and family ancestry plays no part nowadays. Sure you're as native portuguese as the descendants of those who lived here for thousands of years 👍
@@DarthFurball If you aren't born in a country or at least grown up in that country you can't be a native, you can become a citizen and have that countries nationality, but you can't become a native. I'm basing this on the English dictionary definition.
@@franciscovs001 wtf... you can clearly understand he means citizenship... not native. He even put it on brackets! Don't be so literal... You make a fool of yourself.
I told some friends of mine about your channel. They visited Portugal earlier this year and will be back in June. They have decided to move to Portugal but they are still scoping it out. Their next trip will include The Algarve.
Pasteis de bacalhau is tipical. Queijo da Serra is typical. Both delicious. Pasteis de bacalhau with queijo da Serra inside is a tourist trap. Just a recent invention for ripping off tourists.
Hello Dave, as a tuk driver in Lisbon i can tell you that for sure some people are the ripoff you talk about, but by telling people to avoid completely because it's a scam !? What about the others ?! The company i work for has partnerships with some of the biggest hotels of Lisbon such as Four Seasons or the group Sana, we also work with international Cruise Ship agencies such as P&O or the Italian Costa, we have done tours for the Ritz Carlton Cruise Ship, do you think such companies would partner with a ripoff !? I think that would be nice if you could review your words instead of shooting towards a whole working class where most of us are honest workers who charge a fair price for the work they deliver. Another false claim is that the tuk tuk is dangerous, i've seen more people falling on the slippery sidewalks of Lisbon than having an accident on a tuk tuk. The point here is to learn how to choose your driver, make sure to search in Google the company you are getting your tour from, if the tuk doesn't even have the logo of the company something is not right, learn how to be smart and detect all of this stuff when you travel, just don't blame all of us for the works of a few, you have guys on the street that don't even talk portuguese how can they show you the capital of my country and tell you it's history ?! With all of this said, i admire the work you have on showing my beautiful country to people who don't know it, been watching your videos for a while now and they are really good. I am available to tour with you in Lisbon someday if you wish, maybe i will be able to change your mind. Cheers.
I have been studying my Portuguese during my long visits in the spring and fall every year! You accent is really good, and love all your videos. I recommend Memrise for a good online app for EU Portuguese to listen to locals vs. Brazilian apps for Portuguese.
"Como guia turístico em Portugal há 10 anos, respeito a opinião de Dave, mas sinto que é importante destacar que cada experiência de Tuk Tuk é única e pode ser extremamente agradável e informativa quando conduzida por guias locais experientes, como eu. Estou empenhado em proporcionar aos meus clientes uma experiência memorável e segura, mostrando-lhes o melhor da nossa bela cidade. Obrigado pelo seu apoio!" Acredito que o melhor seria retificar este vídeo, pois continua a dar a entender.
What I find interesting is that, as a Portuguese person, I never met with those people selling things in the central areas of Lisbon for a very long time. It seems that they understand that most Portuguese people won't ever buy anything from them so they don't even try to ask anything to me. That's a big plus actually! 😂
i think the police has cracked down on a lot of this recently. they simply went away. most likely either got caught or simply changed areas and are laying low for a while
Also the police have announcements all over the city in English to don’t buy fake drugs but most tourists just take it as a Police thing, in reality they are trying to help avoid you getting scammed 😂
I was in Portugal a couple of weeks ago in Lisbon and Porto and must have stood out like a sore thumb. I got lot's of guys trying to sell me coke, hash and weed on the streets. They never bothered me much, said no and they leave you alone but I either look like a mad drug addict, stereotypical tourist or maybe even both 😂
That's right. Americans for some reason seem to be blind to the order of letters in a word. Barrio and Bairro don't have the "i" in the same place. So, they are not pronunced the same.
@@kikoempis it’s not only Americans but English speakers in general. I think it happens because of the pronunciation of the “a” and “o” sounds at the end of words with a slightly closed mouth. English speakers can’t hear the difference, It has to do with phonetics of English vs. Portuguese and it resembles the struggles of Asians to differentiate between “R” and “L” sounds.
Hummmm.... depends on where you are from. If you are a spaniard, well.. they don't speak any other language mostly, so it's ok. If you are german and (somehow) you don't speak english, it's fine. But, if your first language is english, and you speak spanish... yeah... that's awkward. Specially the "gracias", just don't.
Hi Dave, this helped me understand not to take it personally that the realtor did not call me back or email me as discussed. I love Portugal and can’t wait to get back! Thank you
As for restaurants in Baixa district, you're partially correct. Some are tourist traps, and most of those places in Rua dos Coreeiros or Rua Portas de Santo Antão are just like that. But there are exceptions and really good ones. It's just a case of knowing the right spots. Here's a good example; Travessa do Forno, just behind Dona Maria II national theatre, and a small side street that leads to Rua Portas de Santo Antão; 4 genuine Portuguese resteurants all owned by locals. No reserves and tend to fill up quite quickly at meal Times. Just talk with the ownerrs, wuch normally are handling the crowds and they will tell you to wait for your turn. All affordable, genuine and pretty good. As for Tram 27, there's another trick; ride it early, preferably before 8:30 AM (departures Start around 6:40 AM, depending of the days of the week; a little later on weekends and hollydays). You will avoid the crowds, with a big probability of getting a seat and will be able to see all the stuff in a tranquil manner. Another way to avoid crowds is riding other routes: 24 is a good ootion, with a nice Kiosk just next to the terminal at Campolide. And one will get to know a different, and also nice, area of the city
Thanks Big D. Great advice. How about the 10 things TO DO in Lisbon from that same local friend of yours. Love your channel Dave. The fam and I are moving to PT end of this year. Your channel is a much watch.
@@daveinportugal Lots of questions for you! And, I’d appreciate something upbeat and positive too! Borderline 63 y.o. female, bucket-listing it solo…. Grew up in NYC during the crack years, and purchased more than my fair share of oregano weed! Um…H&M instead of elevator? Tasha’s are good? Any recommendations? Less dangerous to slip in July? Do Uber drivers mind short drives to get older folks up those hills? How many pasteis de nata per day before getting arrested for gluttony? Do places that do take credit card ONLY take Mastercard, and not Visa? Sounds like a lot of places are cash only, or debit… And finally, do you know which of those free walking tours is best?
Just a few things: There are great places to eat in the Baixa, but you need to know where to find them. The Tram 28 is a great experience if you catch it early enough in the morning. And the Santa Justa Lift is expensive if you buy the tickets on board, but it's included in the 24-hour Lisbon travel card (as are the trams and averything else).
Another scam is selling pineapple Pina colada on the roadside for 15 Euros and not disclosing the price before you buy. This happened to me in Nazare. Then she offered a refill for 5 euros. That means original price was euro 5 and she charged 200% extra. I saw something similar outside Belem Tower but don't know the price there
Hi Dave! I had a lot of laughter with your tips! You are 100% right in what you said! Thank you for making such an honest and fair assessment of the tourist traps in the city of Lisbon. All the best!
Dave: my husband and I have decided to move to Portugal, and I’ve been bingeing on your videos! Very useful! Thanks! (Any referrals to an English speaking real estate agent?)
You can go to BAIRRO Alto,, simply, as Dave said, do not accept the drink. And please do NOT make noise after 01:00 (can not remember what is end time for close there right now). Bairro Alto is also a residential area.
it's up until 3am i think. people will still be noisy until that time and move down to cais sodre or go home. some bars still get hassled for noise by police even within that time frame though
I took tuk tuk because my son loved it and nice breeze you get in the heat they hav down there, yesbwe avoided tuk tukn1ha tour offer because they asked for €90 But we used as a taxi instead which cost us €25 and regular taxi for the same trip would be just about €10
Hi Dave. Been subscribing your channel and watching your videos for a while now, and i really liked most of them. I am sad to say that today, after watching this video, i unsubscribed, because I couldn't believe how biased this video was. have you even riden in a tuktuk...? If not, how can you say that they're all a ripoff? Just because some friend told you so...?! If that same friend told you that buying the April 25th bridge was an excellent deal, would you believe him without doing some research on your own...?! Beeing a tuktuk driver/guide for 8 years now, I will gladly take you on a tour of my beautiful city (where I was born and raised) and THEN you can tell me, and everyone else, how much of a ripoff tuktuk tours are... Of course, if people get into tuktuks driven by people who are OBVIOUSLY not portuguese natives, you will probably get less than you pay for. But a tuktuk tour can be an amazing experience, if you get a good local guide/driver, of which there are a lot of in this city. Just don't be STUPID and get a ride with someone who just came out of an airplane two weeks ago and actually knows less about this city and this country than you do... Please contact me and I will gladly take you on a tour FREE OF CHARGE to show you that generalization is dangerous. As in every other professions, there are good and bad professionals in the tuktuk tour business. Choose them wisely, like you do restaurants and bars. Try to find local drivers. And you will most likely be very surprised... All the best, and next time try to check your information before badmouthing an entire professional group who do the best they can to give people a good experience and a memorable way to get to know this beautiful, ancient city. BTW, the other things that you mentioned on your video are mostly correct. But try to check your facts before you "print" them. It will increase the value of your channel.
I broke my leg hiking down from Pena palace in Sintra and a tuk tuk driver rescued me and brought me down, so you all will forever hold a special place in my heart ❤️
@SuperMario_the_Tuktuk_driver I will be in Lisbon in April! Can I pre-book a TukTuk tour with you? I loved the insight you were giving Dave, and as a first-time visitor to Lisbon, I think that your tour would be the perfect introduction. Please let me know, and what your pricing is. We will be there April 11-18. Thank you!!
We spent a month in Lisbon (Barrio Alto). We toad Tram 28 several times with no issues. We didn't experience the issues you mentioned. I do agree about the rip-off costs. Avoid the fancy sardine stores.
Great advice! We were in Lisbon last week (3rd trip) and we were not approached by anyone on the streets trying to sell us something. I hope that means that we were not looking like tourists 😂
Dave, I am a fan of your videos and have watched most of them. It bothers me that you have not edited the Tuk-Tuk part. I know you and Mario have become very good friends and I would like you to give more details on these Tuk-Tuk tours as they evolve. Thank You!
All true. I would also add the Time Out Market, definitely tourist trap. Some might find the food good there but they also offer a variety of alternatives to traditional recipes, like chocolate pastel de nata or pasteis de bacalhau with cheese. And the damn avocado. Sacrilegious really 😆
I am from Lisbon and I fully agree with the 10 points, the Santa Justa lift used to be cheap when I was a kid, gosh 5€ WTF.... There still are a few places to eat in eat in Baixa, though the best offer is around Martin Moniz up to Intendente Square (it's not squared though), always ask a local and read the reviews. Those sardines shops are modern and a truly annoying trap, good sardine, tuna and other fish tins can be purchased at supermarkets from about 1€ each.
For the elevators, including the Santa Justa, purchase a Lisboa Viva Card for public transport. You'll be charged a lot less - the price of a bus ticket. The same for the 15 tram. Do not buy tickets inside, they're much more expensive.
Hey Ladies ; cue this highly regarded advice on no heels if you’re walking all day long around Lisbon. Bring your comfy memory foam sketchers/new balance/ high arch tennis or running shoes with good non-slip tracks. As someone visiting Lisbon these past 2 weeks; most of the advice here is solid!!! Ps ; ask the locals or your hotel concierge for restaurant recommendations; they are locals & pretty much know all the hidden off the beaten path gems with very delicious Portuguese cuisine (that’s what we did ) & create time to visit the Time -out Market in Lisbon; totally worth it😋😋!!!
well, YMMV, but i liked the TukTuks on occasion. Maybe overpriced, but if the weather is nice, the trip can be nice. 5euro for the elevator isn't the rip off, it's the wait/line that's the rip off lol. I think the best advice is would be to go off-season. I went in.. october, i think, the tail end of tourist season. Probably would have been better/cheaper 2 weeks later. Great vid though, appreciate the advice.
Santa Justa Lift, if you buy a day ticket for public transport €6.80 at present, it includes the lift, and the tram style elevadores. Or just walk around to Rossio Station, and use the escalators if you need to gain height and want it to be free, then use the station side exit.
Let the people use the Santa Justa elevator. It’s kind of a national monument it cost money to operate it and tbh it’s a cool thing even if you get the great view from top for free 😊
Great advice, thanks. I'm from Holland and although I speak Spanish very well, being married to a Spanish guy, I'll learn some Portuguese when going there this September.
Good advice! On the 28 tram topic, I would also recommend taking it at night! Lisbon is still very beautiful at night, and you'll be alone in it! Just another thing, it's "bairro alto" and not "barrio alto" :D
Just you and the pickpockets? Hahaha. Maybe they call it a day after becoming wealthy during the crowded times? But really, thanks for that advice. I don’t care how touristy Tram 28 is, I’m looking forward to it.
@@largelingerie ahahah if you get in at like 22, probably not, but it will be easier to see if someone sits near you when it’s empty. It’s weird 😂 for real, as someone that couldn’t use the 28 as public transportation, I was very happy to catch it at night when it was empty
In a follow-up to my previous post, my friends went back to Portugal and decide to move to the Algarve. The are apartment hunting now and moving in August. Also, they love your channel.
Good advice on the whole, but I would disagree with the Tuk Tuk part. My wife is a Lisboeta and I have gotten to know Lisbon very well over the last 30 years. We had a lovely and charming young Lisboeta tuk tuk driver who was so chill and fun flying around the city. My young sons were smitten, and my wife and I were genuinely loving the tour. We spent a couple of hours snaking down the narrow streets of alfama where no car could pass and wound up behind the castelo São Jorge and chatted for a bit and then took the long way back to Camões. Maybe we just got lucky. We weren't planning on a ride, but happened to walk by her Tuk Tuk and she seemed like someone whose view of the city would be interesting and would be fun to spend a couple of hours with. We were very glad to have taken the opportunity.
Some corrections: 1) Baixa, not bisha (basically downtown - Baixa - Lisbon). 2) Bairro Alto, not bacio alto (yeah, not far from a "bacio", but that's just my opinion). I will add a suggestion - avoid the Taxi drivers at the airport. They form sort of a Mafia in Lisbon and many, if not most, are there to scam tourists. The ones that work in the center of the city are ok, for the most part. They are often elderly gentleman that often know the city better than anyone. In my opinion, they are better than the Uber drivers and the sorts. At the airport you can take the Metro train or call an Uber (or equivalent).
Very true. I am living in Portugal for close to 4 years now. One of the first things I did was to buy a bifana in a known place. It was terrible and tough as a shoe. I gave up on that dish. Then just recently I was in Almada and came across a little of the road bar. I saw people munch of bifanas and decided to give it another try. Man, it was thinly sliced and juicy meat. A damn good sandwich.
I agree with this, although the drugs I have never been approached about. I have been visiting for the past 20 years and never seen drugs being offered.
As Spanish (and in my opinion) I would say that Spanish, Portuguese and French cuisines are the best in Europe (well, the Francesinha isn't for me xD) I think I didn't do any of your DONTs (well...Speaking Spanish but understanding almost all thrown in Portuguese xD) BTW that tunna can boutiques were very cool to visit (and the prices scaring)!! Muito Obrigado for the video!
For point #1 - feel free to buy ginja that the women sell on the streets in Alfama. In some cases it is homemade, and is cheaper and tastier than what you can buy in the regular places!
Right on. Why pay good money to take the Santa Justa lift when you can get to the top for free and enjoy a pleasant walk in the process. The sardine cans shops, a tourist trap to be avoided. But I have to say street hustling is less intrusive than in other cities, and is rare outside the touristy areas. And in my experience, never aggressive or pushy.
Which areas do you recommend tourists go for good local food? BTW, we stumbled upon the area behind the Lift. The walk up the stairs behind the lift brought us to Carmen convent, good restaurants, and amazing views.
Bit unfair not to recommend restaurants in Baixa-Chiado. Yes, some of them are a bit dodgy (price and food-wise) but many are fine. My advise would be 'if you see mainly locals inside a restaurant / café, go in because the food and the prices will be excellent'.
1. Don't buy anything from street sellers 2. Don't eat in the Baixa District (almost 3-4x the cost of a traditional Portuguese restaurant) 3. Don't get trapped in Barrio Alto (party, central place - tons of ppl at night, can get dodgy): if you see a bar trying to give you a free shot - avoid 4. Don't ride in the tuktuks (dangerous and a complete rip-off) - ubers are affordable to get around the city 5. Do not speak spanish 6. Don't assume everyone speaks English 7. Don't get on Tram 28 at the starting point: get on at Campo do Orique to ride it in the other direction 8. Don't ride the Santa Justa Elevator (huge scam) - you can walk around it, cross the land bridge and walk up the tower (free) 9. Do not buy sardines from a sardine circus store (one of the biggest tourist traps!) 10. Don't forget your good shoes! Lisbon can be very slippery (after rain)
Yes, this is spot on for all "Don't do's" especially for not eating in the Baixa. The one exception is a bakery/ bar that has really good fresh fruit such as fantastic melon and watermelon plus good coffee. Order it at the bar. I believe it is called Casa Brasileira but it isn't the Bar Brasilia. Its next to one of those Fabrica de Natas right on the pedestrian street that leads down to Praça do Comercio. Prices are pretty good if you order at the counter. I always go there while in Lisbon. About the tuktuks, I saw on TripAdvisor a tours for $140 per person. That is crazy!
I am driver and guide. In the company I work for, which is a very serious company I can say, €140 is for a 2 hour tour by Tuk and not per person (up to 6 people can fit). Anyone who doesn't speak well of tuktuks has never had a good tour in Lisbon. It is the best way to get to know the city, which has many hills to climb.
@@simonledoux8519 O passeio de tuk é uma experiência, você vê muito mais coisas em menos tempo, que é o que a maioria procura numa viagem rápida, aproveitar ao máximo. Pode descobrir lugares lindos e nem tão turísticos assim e ainda conhecer um pouco da história.
You could also add to this video "Don't use the hop-on hop-off buses in in Lisbon or Sintra." I've been on these buses in Dublin, Rome, Paris and San Diego and they are a great way to see the city. But both my experiences with these buses in Lisbon and Sintra were absolute disasters! In Lisbon it was chaos personified. You can buy a ticket with no problem, but getting onto the bus is a nightmare. We stood in the hot sun for 45 minutes waiting for a bus at the starting point. They simply didn't have enough buses. The on-board narration audio didn't work and the bus driver didn't stop at any of the assigned stopping points, even when were pressed the "Stop" button. In Sintra, there were no signs indicating the pick-up point and I watched the driver pass several people who tried to flag him down, even though there was plenty of room on the bus. Portugal's hop-on hop-off buses are a massive rip-off. Don't take my word for it. Check the Travelocity reviews. They are consistently rated one or two stars by travelers.
I'm Portuguese and it's nice to see and hear someone from outside Portugal talking about my country! Of course, not everything is good and often for the common tourist, Portugal is very beautiful and everything works well, but only for tourists! And one thing I really like about your videos is sincerity! You could only talk about good things, or less good things... but as they say in Portugal, "you put your finger on the wound"!! As for the exploitation of tourists, it makes me sad to know that there is so much malice and greed for those who visit Portugal... from the outrageously high prices for food, drink and entertainment. Tuk Tuks and drugs are unfortunately a sad reality in Portugal, but especially in big cities like Lisbon and Porto... there are many beautiful things to do and see outside the big cities, but unfortunately tourism only focuses on big cities! We have wonderful beaches, mountains, rural paths, so much to explore that there isn't time to explain everything. Continuation of good videos and good luck in Portugal
My husband and I do not have drivers licenses therefore it is easier to visit big cities when we travel. We would love to visit small towns and the country side instead. It's very expensive to get a driver's license in some countries including ours.
6:24 I chuckled a bit because I know exactly the place you talk about. my hotel was right next to the O Mundo Fantastico da Sardinha Portuguesa. Ironically, I never bothered walking inside. I would say Tip #11 is to walk much more often before visiting Lisbon. It is a hilly city with lots of stairs. By Day 3, I wanted a cane to help me go up the stairs, but I was too embarassed to do that.
i feel like all of these are true besides the restaurants in baixa one. there are some restaurants that are tourist traps, but you can still find a lot of really good portuguese restaurants even if some are a little bit more expensive since it’s a very touristy area
Are you a local ? Did you already try a Tuc Tuc ? You should. Maybe your opinion can change. :) theres a lot of local and Good restaurants in “baixa”. You just need to ask to the right person :)
To be fair, it isn't as if there are swarms of street vendors and drug dealers ambushing innocent travelers at every turn. I've lived here for about a year. My wife and I have language classes every Tuesday and Thursday in the Cais do Sodré area and will typically go for dinner or a couple drinks after every class. This has us walking around the Pink Street area and other well-known party and tourist areas quite a bit. We rarely get approached by anyone offering to sell us anything (tourist trinkets, drugs, etc...) It will happen, but maybe once a month. I've never encountered anyone being aggressive about it, either. A simple "nāo obrigrado" is all it takes, especially with the guys selling weed n coke. So, based on my experience, this has never been more than an annoyance.
Hey, great video but just a small notice. If you are a male you should say "Obrigado" and if you are a female you should say "Obrigada", regardless of the gender of the other person. Most foreigner people usually say "Obrigada" and I honestly don't know where they got it from.
Attention: Say Obrigado if you are a man and obrigada if you are a women, not if the person you're speaking to is a man or a woman. Just to clarify.
As a intersex/nonbinary trans person would I go with abrigade?
@@sapphomet.7777 lol
@@sapphomet.7777 just say brigad, like, dont say the 1st and last o of obrigado, its also a faster way to say it, so many people use it
You are talking nonsense, I also speak Russian!!!
Thank you!
I'm portuguese and it makes me so happy when foreigners talk good and/or acertive things about my home land. Thank you for discovering Portugal the right way!
I'm going to Portugal in November (only for 2 days) but as an Englishman, I love you all and will come back for longer
@@AvengedKittyLPhaha I’m going too on the 17th November
Your ego is also going high as mine...
Espera um minuto é claro que vou falar português pra um português, não é sempre que consigo ter a chance de achar em vídeos em inglês que falam português à portuguesa. (Talvez a minha pronuncia portuguesa seja misturada com a brazileira.)
I come to the lisbon area every year and just love it. I stay 3 months. Great people. Great culture and history. Just lovely.
@@brucewessel7753 Thanks for the compliment mate, you also seem a nice fella as well.
As a Portuguese, born and raised in Lisbon, I can 100% approve this whole video. From the list to the details you gave, it couldn't be more accurate. To everyone visiting our beautiful country/city: welcome, be careful and have fun!
Não entendi o comentário sobre os restaurantes na zona da Baixa? Há montes de restaurantes bons, pelo menos na zona do Chiado.
@@eternalreturnal No que toca a comida típica e pura portuguesa, é quase inexistente. Maioritariamente restaurantes detidos por grandes empresários externos, a comida não é nada tipicamente português e caríssimo. Tudo pensado e criado para estrangeiros, não nativos.
Thank you! Visiting my parents home country for first time from Canada at 50 years old!
I am in Lisboa soon! Cannot wait to see your beautiful city
I want to move in Portugal forever I love everything about it just the perfect place for me and my son im just looking to go in a city that let's me work full time and be able to pay for 1 bedroom or a 2 bedroom by myself I hope to god that I get to move there this is my dream 😊
Attention, there are actually good authentic restaurants in Baixa (tascas), the thing is: you need to know where they are because they are not on tourist streets. You have to have some locals pointing where to go.
Olá Miguel! Would you recommend some tascas in Baixa yourself? I will be in Lisbon Metropolitan Area for 8 days in total, and will be staying in Baixa-Chiado. I am obviously planning to go to a different suburb and/or district per day plus Sintra and maybe Cascais but I would like to explore Baixa-Chiado during my first full day.
@@unofficiallatinamericanist Go try Casa do Alentejo, you have typical food from Alentejo, the building is beautiful and the food is not very expensive!
@@unofficiallatinamericanist
A Provinciana @ Travessa do Forno, 23
Casa da Índia @ Rua do Loreto, 49
Príncipe do Calhariz @ Calçada do Combro, 28
@@filipemadeira3664 Oooh! Great tip! I am unfortunately not going to the Alentejo but I am going to four other regions. I will check out Casa do Alentejo. Thank you so much!
@@v.miguel.almeida Thank you for this! They all look great and have good reviews. How about O Trevo? I recently came across the restaurant online and can have breakfast/lunch/dinner there lol.
I am a tuk tuk driver proud of the immense kindness received in the form of feedback from former guests
Unless a person has issues walking, everyone should sign up for a walking tour or bike tour. You get to see more and it's one half to one tenth the money. A nice 4 hour walking tour is $40 per person vs a tuk tuk is $100/hr. Even if you put 4 people in the tuk tuk, that's 2.5 times more expensive to ride
A little local secret if you’re in Lisbon and looking for some canned fish: there’s a small supermarket at one of the busiest streets, rua Morais Soares, called Japão. They have a great selection of Portuguese canned fish for decent prices and you’ll be genuinely helping a small local business. Other highlights in this gem from older times is the selection of sausages and cold cuts from great suppliers from around the country and the corn bread (fresh on Tuesday and Friday). Mr. Simões will be happy to help if you need anything.
You might find the street a bit sketchy, it’s a bit off the beaten path and it’s very multicultural but that’s one of the last authentic local experiences you can have in Lisbon. Other highlights on this street are the grilled chicken restaurants (several places!) and the overall sense of the melting pot that Lisbon has become, without any of the “sophistication” of tourism.
nice information Raistaparta. nice tips.
Thanks much ill check it out in June 😊.
@GreatCityAttract😂😂😂😂😂ions
Thanks a lot! I will visit Snr. Simões!😊
Lisboa and Porto were transformed over the last years in huge tourist traps. My advice, as a born and raise Portuguese, venture to other cities, and you will have a much better time and avoid lot's of problems. Cheers!
Hello Jose, do you know if Porto or other cities in Portugal are as slippery as Lisbon? Thanks!
@@kgcg202126 Yes they are. Mostly. The "portuguese calçada" is all over the country.
As a 36 yo portugusese man, I don't really see the issue. I have never fell on the street in my life. You just have to be more aware when the ground is wet. As easy as that.
But the tourists do seem to fall a bit more than the locals.
Some of the main cities, like Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, etc are hilly, therefore more slipery. Still, Porto can be less slipery, as they don't use as much limestone for calçada as in Lisbon and the rest of the county.
@@kgcg202126 both are less slippery than north european cities when it snows. Problem is only with old stone paved streets, when it rains. Porto recently mafe a lot of city renovation and got rid of most "calçada portuguesa" in favor new materials. Maybe i am used to this, but with any good walking shoes you will be allright.
@@jmbpinto73 great information thank you! I appreciate it.
@@kikoempis great information thank you! I appreciate it.
Great advice! We were approached about buying drugs in the Praça do Comércio area. I was shocked because I’d never had this happen in any of my previous world travels. We also bought all of our canned fish from a local grocery store instead of the flashy canned fish spots. Huge savings.
Smart move! 🐟
Normally its "gipsys" selling compressed bay leaf .. And if they are stoped by tthe Police..they cant do anything..because they dont have nothing with them...
@@daveinportugal Well..... you can buy it on the streets, if you know the seller. Don't buy at the touristic places, still. But, if you don't get it from your local dealer, where will you get it? You can't get it on a store... Ask a young local if you "need" the stuff.
As a center Lisbon raised person I could not make a better video. The sad thing is 10 years ago none of this would make sense.
I miss the old Portugal.
when not eating in baixa, i believe this applies mostly to 'rua augusta' and adjacent streets and the 'rossio square'. you can still find good affordable restaurants there but you need to know where to find them. for example right next to 'rossio square' there is a small rastaurant called "o marques" near the 'restauradores' subway station and it is not only affordable but the food is extremely good. keep in mind, it's small and is often packed, they usually open at 7pm for dinner, so if you want a table early, be there before 7. or prepare to wait about an hour or more. they also do not reserve table (at least for dinner). it's first come first served.
Dave, we've viewed many of your INVALUABLE videos. You are straightforward, honest and considerate of any Lisbon tourists, and the Portugese peoples. We depart for Portugal in a few weeks. You've eliminated any potential anxiety and uncertainty and we THANK YOU!!!!
Great stuff!
Please add:
11- don’t restrict your walks to town centre.
12- book your meals in advance. This applies to the foodies out there. Portugal is becoming a great foodie spot with plenty of Michelin guide restaurants. Book in advance.
13- always carry water. If you’re travelling in the summer, it’s not unusual to have temps above 35°C. Keep hydrating.
14- don’t Uber unless you really have to. Lisboa does have great public transportation. From buses to underground/tube/metro, to trains over the river. These options will be cheaper, specially if travelling alone.
15- don’t use taxis.
Great additions! Thanks Pedro
Why no taxis?
@@kristyeldredge2308 very overpriced and famously known for being a tourist scam. Use Uber instead!
Public transport in Lisbon is good but not great. The metro can be late often and the escalators never work. However Uber is extremely cheap in Portugal.
I'm also from Lisbon, and I disagree with two points.
Definitely don't buy drugs from random guys on the street (it won't be drugs, it will only look like drugs), but if someone is trying to sell you a tour, you should always be willing to listen, if you're looking for that kind of service. Yes, it's true that sometimes they do charge overprice, but it is also true that many of them are professionals, who have been doing this for years, and will provide you an amazing personalised service, while giving you a history lesson and including local tips for restaurants and places to go. Plus, not every body is trying to rip you off, a lot of people actually want to provide you a good service and be helpful in any way they can. Getting a private tour guide will definitely beat going around in a packed bus or metro, or getting a random uber from an emigrant (nothing against them, but their service is different) who doesn’t even speak Portuguese. Of course it will be more expensive, but it's worth it for some people.
Also don't agree when you say don't drive the tuk tuk. No, the locals never do it, but if you're here for one day, it is a nice way to see the city in a fast way. Of course you won't be able to actually feel the city, but some people are just looking for a quick tour or transfer, and for that the tuk tuk works just fine. Plus, if you feel like the price they charge is not fair, you will always be welcome to haggle a better deal. I think the tuk tuks are much better than getting an uber, you will be able to see more of the views, and most drivers will also give you a lot of helpful information during the ride, unlike the uber.
Other than that, I do agree with everything, and it's true that Lisbon has a lot of tourist traps, so beware of that. This was an entertaining video! I'll subscriber to keep in touch with your takes on Lisbon, and I'll be happy to provide my feedback, even if we don't always agree. All the best!
Thank you for that info about the tuk tuks. I have knee issues and I'm planning to visit family who live in Lisbon, so I need a tour that lets me avoid the hills. The prices also aren't outrages from what I can tell.
Your city most likely used to be nice but now is more like a dump. I feel sorry for you
An someone please recpmmend best neighborhood to stay in? He makes it sound like Baixa is a tourist trap
Sorry for typos! Can someone please recommend best area to stay in when visiting
@@clarissacantu8518 depends on your budget.. staying just east of Baixa (close to the castle) is good. You want to enjoy being in the centre of it all..
Hi Dave, As a single male who will be a "Portuguese Native" kinda' at the end of August - depending on SEF delays. I have always found your videos, since the initial ones, incredibly informative and full-on filled with great advice. When I arrive in Portugal, I think I owe you a bottle or two of Portugal's best wine., Jim
Oh that's real cool. Do you also think that white americans are american natives because they were born there? I guess genetics and family ancestry plays no part nowadays. Sure you're as native portuguese as the descendants of those who lived here for thousands of years 👍
@@franciscovs001 I think you misunderstood his use of the term native - in this context, the English use refers to resident, not genealogy.
@@DarthFurball If you aren't born in a country or at least grown up in that country you can't be a native, you can become a citizen and have that countries nationality, but you can't become a native. I'm basing this on the English dictionary definition.
Are you going to "reborn" in August, in Portugal ?
@@franciscovs001 wtf... you can clearly understand he means citizenship... not native. He even put it on brackets! Don't be so literal... You make a fool of yourself.
As Portuguese we find your video very funny and informative. Right on the money!
Thank you Dave!! We are heading to Portugal in Nov and appreciate all yours tips!!
I told some friends of mine about your channel. They visited Portugal earlier this year and will be back in June. They have decided to move to Portugal but they are still scoping it out. Their next trip will include The Algarve.
Why the initial t of "the" in uppercase ? Here the is the article, the name is just Algarve. You say the USA, not The USA
@@imeandmyself525 Typo. Forgive my humanity.
Pasteis de bacalhau is tipical. Queijo da Serra is typical. Both delicious. Pasteis de bacalhau with queijo da Serra inside is a tourist trap. Just a recent invention for ripping off tourists.
Hello Dave, as a tuk driver in Lisbon i can tell you that for sure some people are the ripoff you talk about, but by telling people to avoid completely because it's a scam !? What about the others ?! The company i work for has partnerships with some of the biggest hotels of Lisbon such as Four Seasons or the group Sana, we also work with international Cruise Ship agencies such as P&O or the Italian Costa, we have done tours for the Ritz Carlton Cruise Ship, do you think such companies would partner with a ripoff !? I think that would be nice if you could review your words instead of shooting towards a whole working class where most of us are honest workers who charge a fair price for the work they deliver. Another false claim is that the tuk tuk is dangerous, i've seen more people falling on the slippery sidewalks of Lisbon than having an accident on a tuk tuk. The point here is to learn how to choose your driver, make sure to search in Google the company you are getting your tour from, if the tuk doesn't even have the logo of the company something is not right, learn how to be smart and detect all of this stuff when you travel, just don't blame all of us for the works of a few, you have guys on the street that don't even talk portuguese how can they show you the capital of my country and tell you it's history ?!
With all of this said, i admire the work you have on showing my beautiful country to people who don't know it, been watching your videos for a while now and they are really good. I am available to tour with you in Lisbon someday if you wish, maybe i will be able to change your mind.
Cheers.
tuktuk is very nice!
@@alexbeltrao2535 I enjoyed tuktuk in Nazaré
I have been studying my Portuguese during my long visits in the spring and fall every year! You accent is really good, and love all your videos. I recommend Memrise for a good online app for EU Portuguese to listen to locals vs. Brazilian apps for Portuguese.
Learnt a lot, thanks for this 😊
"Como guia turístico em Portugal há 10 anos, respeito a opinião de Dave, mas sinto que é importante destacar que cada experiência de Tuk Tuk é única e pode ser extremamente agradável e informativa quando conduzida por guias locais experientes, como eu. Estou empenhado em proporcionar aos meus clientes uma experiência memorável e segura, mostrando-lhes o melhor da nossa bela cidade. Obrigado pelo seu apoio!" Acredito que o melhor seria retificar este vídeo, pois continua a dar a entender.
What I find interesting is that, as a Portuguese person, I never met with those people selling things in the central areas of Lisbon for a very long time. It seems that they understand that most Portuguese people won't ever buy anything from them so they don't even try to ask anything to me. That's a big plus actually! 😂
i think the police has cracked down on a lot of this recently. they simply went away. most likely either got caught or simply changed areas and are laying low for a while
They target mostly white skin blonde and blue eyed/green eye people because I was never approached unless with friends meeting the above criteria 😂
Also the police have announcements all over the city in English to don’t buy fake drugs but most tourists just take it as a Police thing, in reality they are trying to help avoid you getting scammed 😂
I was in Portugal a couple of weeks ago in Lisbon and Porto and must have stood out like a sore thumb. I got lot's of guys trying to sell me coke, hash and weed on the streets. They never bothered me much, said no and they leave you alone but I either look like a mad drug addict, stereotypical tourist or maybe even both 😂
Great video man, as it is common in your channel! Keep up with the good job!
This is fantastic information. Im learning more from your videos than from the fancy guy with a TV programme
Hello Dave, in number 3 you use Spanish "Barrio" instead of Portuguese "Bairro". "Bairro Alto" means/refers to the city "High Quarter".
That's right. Americans for some reason seem to be blind to the order of letters in a word. Barrio and Bairro don't have the "i" in the same place. So, they are not pronunced the same.
@@kikoempis it’s not only Americans but English speakers in general. I think it happens because of the pronunciation of the “a” and “o” sounds at the end of words with a slightly closed mouth. English speakers can’t hear the difference, It has to do with phonetics of English vs. Portuguese and it resembles the struggles of Asians to differentiate between “R” and “L” sounds.
Dutch people do exactly the same! Kind of annoying...
@@TheLexy131313 it’s ok, it’s not done on purpose. Think of it as the same as a colorblind person not being able to see colors has others.
@@telmomoreira4075 I understand, but when you think of nr. 5.... the irony is kinda funny.
As a native I have to say these are pretty spot on!
Perfect point about the tram 28 - pretty much the only thing I regret doing in Portugal.
"If you speak spanish, portuguese people will understand you, but you will look like a TOTAL IDIOT." That's exactly it. thanks for summarizing it.
Hummmm.... depends on where you are from. If you are a spaniard, well.. they don't speak any other language mostly, so it's ok. If you are german and (somehow) you don't speak english, it's fine. But, if your first language is english, and you speak spanish... yeah... that's awkward. Specially the "gracias", just don't.
"Total idiot" is an exaggeration, more like a careless tourist. There are plenty of them, so we're used to it.
@pedrob3953 Literally me today speaking Italian to a taxi driver and him replaying in Portuguese 😅 I have to say, we had the full on conversation 😅
Thanks for all your great advice.
Very informative video.
Keep up the great 👍 work!
Hi Dave, this helped me understand not to take it personally that the realtor did not call me back or email me as discussed. I love Portugal and can’t wait to get back! Thank you
We are going to Lisbon in a couple of months. This video was very helpful. Thanks
As for restaurants in Baixa district, you're partially correct. Some are tourist traps, and most of those places in Rua dos Coreeiros or Rua Portas de Santo Antão are just like that. But there are exceptions and really good ones. It's just a case of knowing the right spots. Here's a good example; Travessa do Forno, just behind Dona Maria II national theatre, and a small side street that leads to Rua Portas de Santo Antão; 4 genuine Portuguese resteurants all owned by locals. No reserves and tend to fill up quite quickly at meal Times. Just talk with the ownerrs, wuch normally are handling the crowds and they will tell you to wait for your turn. All affordable, genuine and pretty good.
As for Tram 27, there's another trick; ride it early, preferably before 8:30 AM (departures Start around 6:40 AM, depending of the days of the week; a little later on weekends and hollydays). You will avoid the crowds, with a big probability of getting a seat and will be able to see all the stuff in a tranquil manner. Another way to avoid crowds is riding other routes: 24 is a good ootion, with a nice Kiosk just next to the terminal at Campolide. And one will get to know a different, and also nice, area of the city
Casa do Alentejo is an excellent restaurant in that area with fair prices and the architecture in Arabic style is fascinating.
as a local I can say this is reliable information. good job, gonna send this to my mates before they come over
Dave, amazing video!!!
Thanks Big D. Great advice. How about the 10 things TO DO in Lisbon from that same local friend of yours. Love your channel Dave. The fam and I are moving to PT end of this year. Your channel is a much watch.
Jack thank you so much bud! We have something very special planned for Lisboa coming very soon 😉
@@daveinportugal Lots of questions for you! And, I’d appreciate something upbeat and positive too! Borderline 63 y.o. female, bucket-listing it solo…. Grew up in NYC during the crack years, and purchased more than my fair share of oregano weed! Um…H&M instead of elevator? Tasha’s are good? Any recommendations? Less dangerous to slip in July? Do Uber drivers mind short drives to get older folks up those hills? How many pasteis de nata per day before getting arrested for gluttony? Do places that do take credit card ONLY take Mastercard, and not Visa? Sounds like a lot of places are cash only, or debit… And finally, do you know which of those free walking tours is best?
Just a few things: There are great places to eat in the Baixa, but you need to know where to find them. The Tram 28 is a great experience if you catch it early enough in the morning. And the Santa Justa Lift is expensive if you buy the tickets on board, but it's included in the 24-hour Lisbon travel card (as are the trams and averything else).
Another scam is selling pineapple Pina colada on the roadside for 15 Euros and not disclosing the price before you buy.
This happened to me in Nazare.
Then she offered a refill for 5 euros.
That means original price was euro 5 and she charged 200% extra.
I saw something similar outside Belem Tower but don't know the price there
Hi Dave! I had a lot of laughter with your tips! You are 100% right in what you said! Thank you for making such an honest and fair assessment of the tourist traps in the city of Lisbon. All the best!
Dave: my husband and I have decided to move to Portugal, and I’ve been bingeing on your videos! Very useful! Thanks! (Any referrals to an English speaking real estate agent?)
You can go to BAIRRO Alto,, simply, as Dave said, do not accept the drink.
And please do NOT make noise after 01:00 (can not remember what is end time for close there right now). Bairro Alto is also a residential area.
it's up until 3am i think. people will still be noisy until that time and move down to cais sodre or go home. some bars still get hassled for noise by police even within that time frame though
I took tuk tuk because my son loved it and nice breeze you get in the heat they hav down there, yesbwe avoided tuk tukn1ha tour offer because they asked for €90 But we used as a taxi instead which cost us €25 and regular taxi for the same trip would be just about €10
Hi Dave. Been subscribing your channel and watching your videos for a while now, and i really liked most of them. I am sad to say that today, after watching this video, i unsubscribed, because I couldn't believe how biased this video was. have you even riden in a tuktuk...? If not, how can you say that they're all a ripoff? Just because some friend told you so...?! If that same friend told you that buying the April 25th bridge was an excellent deal, would you believe him without doing some research on your own...?! Beeing a tuktuk driver/guide for 8 years now, I will gladly take you on a tour of my beautiful city (where I was born and raised) and THEN you can tell me, and everyone else, how much of a ripoff tuktuk tours are... Of course, if people get into tuktuks driven by people who are OBVIOUSLY not portuguese natives, you will probably get less than you pay for. But a tuktuk tour can be an amazing experience, if you get a good local guide/driver, of which there are a lot of in this city. Just don't be STUPID and get a ride with someone who just came out of an airplane two weeks ago and actually knows less about this city and this country than you do... Please contact me and I will gladly take you on a tour FREE OF CHARGE to show you that generalization is dangerous. As in every other professions, there are good and bad professionals in the tuktuk tour business. Choose them wisely, like you do restaurants and bars. Try to find local drivers. And you will most likely be very surprised...
All the best, and next time try to check your information before badmouthing an entire professional group who do the best they can to give people a good experience and a memorable way to get to know this beautiful, ancient city.
BTW, the other things that you mentioned on your video are mostly correct. But try to check your facts before you "print" them. It will increase the value of your channel.
Tuktuks are extremely unnatural thing for Portugal, and nothing than a tourist trap. Cant wait when they disappear from streets.
I broke my leg hiking down from Pena palace in Sintra and a tuk tuk driver rescued me and brought me down, so you all will forever hold a special place in my heart ❤️
yes tuktuk is awesome ride!
Sure let’s do it! Are you available today? Message me on Instagram: daveinportugal
@SuperMario_the_Tuktuk_driver I will be in Lisbon in April! Can I pre-book a TukTuk tour with you? I loved the insight you were giving Dave, and as a first-time visitor to Lisbon, I think that your tour would be the perfect introduction. Please let me know, and what your pricing is. We will be there April 11-18. Thank you!!
We spent a month in Lisbon (Barrio Alto). We toad Tram 28 several times with no issues. We didn't experience the issues you mentioned. I do agree about the rip-off costs. Avoid the fancy sardine stores.
Very good comments indeed! Pay special attention to the last one. The rocky sidewalks are very slippery, no matter wet or dry.
Great advice! We were in Lisbon last week (3rd trip) and we were not approached by anyone on the streets trying to sell us something. I hope that means that we were not looking like tourists 😂
Do not know if that is the case, they also approached natives so.... 😅😅😅
Nah, you’re tourists!
no, it just means they kind of vanished, most likely police started to crack down on them more.
Dave, I am a fan of your videos and have watched most of them. It bothers me that you have not edited the Tuk-Tuk part. I know you and Mario have become very good friends and I would like you to give more details on these Tuk-Tuk tours as they evolve. Thank You!
All true. I would also add the Time Out Market, definitely tourist trap. Some might find the food good there but they also offer a variety of alternatives to traditional recipes, like chocolate pastel de nata or pasteis de bacalhau with cheese. And the damn avocado. Sacrilegious really 😆
I am from Lisbon and I fully agree with the 10 points, the Santa Justa lift used to be cheap when I was a kid, gosh 5€ WTF.... There still are a few places to eat in eat in Baixa, though the best offer is around Martin Moniz up to Intendente Square (it's not squared though), always ask a local and read the reviews. Those sardines shops are modern and a truly annoying trap, good sardine, tuna and other fish tins can be purchased at supermarkets from about 1€ each.
Please dont take the n* 28 tram also because is a PUBLIC transport for commuters that use it for getting to work every day. Just enjoy the foot walk
For the elevators, including the Santa Justa, purchase a Lisboa Viva Card for public transport. You'll be charged a lot less - the price of a bus ticket. The same for the 15 tram. Do not buy tickets inside, they're much more expensive.
Thanks for the tips. Your videos are fun to watch. 🥰
Hey Ladies ; cue this highly regarded advice on no heels if you’re walking all day long around Lisbon. Bring your comfy memory foam sketchers/new balance/ high arch tennis or running shoes with good non-slip tracks. As someone visiting Lisbon these past 2 weeks; most of the advice here is solid!!! Ps ; ask the locals or your hotel concierge for restaurant recommendations; they are locals & pretty much know all the hidden off the beaten path gems with very delicious Portuguese cuisine (that’s what we did ) & create time to visit the Time -out Market in Lisbon; totally worth it😋😋!!!
well, YMMV, but i liked the TukTuks on occasion. Maybe overpriced, but if the weather is nice, the trip can be nice. 5euro for the elevator isn't the rip off, it's the wait/line that's the rip off lol. I think the best advice is would be to go off-season. I went in.. october, i think, the tail end of tourist season. Probably would have been better/cheaper 2 weeks later. Great vid though, appreciate the advice.
Going off season is always great advice! Thanks Steve
@@daveinportugal p.s. good advice, tuk tuk is not Portuguese 👌
Santa Justa Lift, if you buy a day ticket for public transport €6.80 at present, it includes the lift, and the tram style elevadores. Or just walk around to Rossio Station, and use the escalators if you need to gain height and want it to be free, then use the station side exit.
Lisboeta here! And yes yes to all these things! short and sweet video! thanks
Wow! The way you said "Baixa" was perfect.
I loved the video
Thanks Dave, looking forward to my 3 day trip in Lisbon tomorrow!!
Thanks for sharing useful information in Lisbon
Thank you very much for your insights. My family/I will visit Lisbon 2/17/24 - 2/23/24 and we surely would deploy your advice during our stay there.😇
Let the people use the Santa Justa elevator. It’s kind of a national monument it cost money to operate it and tbh it’s a cool thing even if you get the great view from top for free 😊
Great advice, thanks. I'm from Holland and although I speak Spanish very well, being married to a Spanish guy, I'll learn some Portuguese when going there this September.
Good advice! On the 28 tram topic, I would also recommend taking it at night! Lisbon is still very beautiful at night, and you'll be alone in it! Just another thing, it's "bairro alto" and not "barrio alto" :D
Just you and the pickpockets? Hahaha. Maybe they call it a day after becoming wealthy during the crowded times? But really, thanks for that advice. I don’t care how touristy Tram 28 is, I’m looking forward to it.
@@largelingerie ahahah if you get in at like 22, probably not, but it will be easier to see if someone sits near you when it’s empty. It’s weird 😂 for real, as someone that couldn’t use the 28 as public transportation, I was very happy to catch it at night when it was empty
In a follow-up to my previous post, my friends went back to Portugal and decide to move to the Algarve. The are apartment hunting now and moving in August. Also, they love your channel.
Thanks a lot ! Good job ! 👍
Good advice on the whole, but I would disagree with the Tuk Tuk part. My wife is a Lisboeta and I have gotten to know Lisbon very well over the last 30 years. We had a lovely and charming young Lisboeta tuk tuk driver who was so chill and fun flying around the city. My young sons were smitten, and my wife and I were genuinely loving the tour. We spent a couple of hours snaking down the narrow streets of alfama where no car could pass and wound up behind the castelo São Jorge and chatted for a bit and then took the long way back to Camões. Maybe we just got lucky. We weren't planning on a ride, but happened to walk by her Tuk Tuk and she seemed like someone whose view of the city would be interesting and would be fun to spend a couple of hours with. We were very glad to have taken the opportunity.
I’ll like to add one, do not use euro net ATMs they charge huge fees instead use notional banks mostly found inside stations to withdraw cash.
Thanks for the tips my guy!
Some corrections:
1) Baixa, not bisha (basically downtown - Baixa - Lisbon).
2) Bairro Alto, not bacio alto (yeah, not far from a "bacio", but that's just my opinion).
I will add a suggestion - avoid the Taxi drivers at the airport. They form sort of a Mafia in Lisbon and many, if not most, are there to scam tourists. The ones that work in the center of the city are ok, for the most part. They are often elderly gentleman that often know the city better than anyone. In my opinion, they are better than the Uber drivers and the sorts. At the airport you can take the Metro train or call an Uber (or equivalent).
Very true. I am living in Portugal for close to 4 years now.
One of the first things I did was to buy a bifana in a known place. It was terrible and tough as a shoe. I gave up on that dish.
Then just recently I was in Almada and came across a little of the road bar.
I saw people munch of bifanas and decided to give it another try.
Man, it was thinly sliced and juicy meat.
A damn good sandwich.
I agree with this, although the drugs I have never been approached about. I have been visiting for the past 20 years and never seen drugs being offered.
Currently in Lisbon and stumbled on this... thx!!! 😊
Danke fur diese information 🇵🇹👍
As Spanish (and in my opinion) I would say that Spanish, Portuguese and French cuisines are the best in Europe (well, the Francesinha isn't for me xD)
I think I didn't do any of your DONTs (well...Speaking Spanish but understanding almost all thrown in Portuguese xD)
BTW that tunna can boutiques were very cool to visit (and the prices scaring)!!
Muito Obrigado for the video!
🤡🤡🤡
For point #1 - feel free to buy ginja that the women sell on the streets in Alfama. In some cases it is homemade, and is cheaper and tastier than what you can buy in the regular places!
Right on. Why pay good money to take the Santa Justa lift when you can get to the top for free and enjoy a pleasant walk in the process. The sardine cans shops, a tourist trap to be avoided. But I have to say street hustling is less intrusive than in other cities, and is rare outside the touristy areas. And in my experience, never aggressive or pushy.
Which areas do you recommend tourists go for good local food? BTW, we stumbled upon the area behind the Lift. The walk up the stairs behind the lift brought us to Carmen convent, good restaurants, and amazing views.
Obrigada! Will be traveling to Portugal in Sept (2023) and this will help prevent me from looking like a douche ;)
Hope you have a wonderful trip!
Don't worry about that... that us, Portuguese people aren't that fancy as well xD and..welcome!
@@brunothef0x Fancy word means a lot of things (sex, preference, luxury). So I wonder, what do you mean Portuguese people are not that fancy?
@@carlosspaniard It means that when she says that she does not want to look like a douche... we aren't perfect either
@@brunothef0x Mankind are far from perfect, only God is
Bit unfair not to recommend restaurants in Baixa-Chiado. Yes, some of them are a bit dodgy (price and food-wise) but many are fine. My advise would be 'if you see mainly locals inside a restaurant / café, go in because the food and the prices will be excellent'.
1. Don't buy anything from street sellers
2. Don't eat in the Baixa District (almost 3-4x the cost of a traditional Portuguese restaurant)
3. Don't get trapped in Barrio Alto (party, central place - tons of ppl at night, can get dodgy): if you see a bar trying to give you a free shot - avoid
4. Don't ride in the tuktuks (dangerous and a complete rip-off) - ubers are affordable to get around the city
5. Do not speak spanish
6. Don't assume everyone speaks English
7. Don't get on Tram 28 at the starting point: get on at Campo do Orique to ride it in the other direction
8. Don't ride the Santa Justa Elevator (huge scam) - you can walk around it, cross the land bridge and walk up the tower (free)
9. Do not buy sardines from a sardine circus store (one of the biggest tourist traps!)
10. Don't forget your good shoes! Lisbon can be very slippery (after rain)
Also great video, thanks Dave!
Yes, this is spot on for all "Don't do's" especially for not eating in the Baixa. The one exception is a bakery/ bar that has really good fresh fruit such as fantastic melon and watermelon plus good coffee. Order it at the bar. I believe it is called Casa Brasileira but it isn't the Bar Brasilia. Its next to one of those Fabrica de Natas right on the pedestrian street that leads down to Praça do Comercio. Prices are pretty good if you order at the counter. I always go there while in Lisbon. About the tuktuks, I saw on TripAdvisor a tours for $140 per person. That is crazy!
I am driver and guide. In the company I work for, which is a very serious company I can say, €140 is for a 2 hour tour by Tuk and not per person (up to 6 people can fit). Anyone who doesn't speak well of tuktuks has never had a good tour in Lisbon. It is the best way to get to know the city, which has many hills to climb.
@@dheboraproenca Para mim seria um preço um pouco salgado! Prefiro caminhar e não é tão difícil mesmo com tantas laderas. O exército faz bem!
are u mad? $120 is the price for almost 2 hour in Lisbon... doenst matter if is 1 person or 6
@@simonledoux8519 O passeio de tuk é uma experiência, você vê muito mais coisas em menos tempo, que é o que a maioria procura numa viagem rápida, aproveitar ao máximo. Pode descobrir lugares lindos e nem tão turísticos assim e ainda conhecer um pouco da história.
@@simonledoux8519 é mais barato ir a pé com certeza 😊
Thanks Dave!
You could also add to this video "Don't use the hop-on hop-off buses in in Lisbon or Sintra." I've been on these buses in Dublin, Rome, Paris and San Diego and they are a great way to see the city. But both my experiences with these buses in Lisbon and Sintra were absolute disasters! In Lisbon it was chaos personified. You can buy a ticket with no problem, but getting onto the bus is a nightmare. We stood in the hot sun for 45 minutes waiting for a bus at the starting point. They simply didn't have enough buses. The on-board narration audio didn't work and the bus driver didn't stop at any of the assigned stopping points, even when were pressed the "Stop" button. In Sintra, there were no signs indicating the pick-up point and I watched the driver pass several people who tried to flag him down, even though there was plenty of room on the bus. Portugal's hop-on hop-off buses are a massive rip-off. Don't take my word for it. Check the Travelocity reviews. They are consistently rated one or two stars by travelers.
I'm Portuguese and it's nice to see and hear someone from outside Portugal talking about my country! Of course, not everything is good and often for the common tourist, Portugal is very beautiful and everything works well, but only for tourists! And one thing I really like about your videos is sincerity! You could only talk about good things, or less good things... but as they say in Portugal, "you put your finger on the wound"!! As for the exploitation of tourists, it makes me sad to know that there is so much malice and greed for those who visit Portugal... from the outrageously high prices for food, drink and entertainment. Tuk Tuks and drugs are unfortunately a sad reality in Portugal, but especially in big cities like Lisbon and Porto... there are many beautiful things to do and see outside the big cities, but unfortunately tourism only focuses on big cities! We have wonderful beaches, mountains, rural paths, so much to explore that there isn't time to explain everything. Continuation of good videos and good luck in Portugal
My husband and I do not have drivers licenses therefore it is easier to visit big cities when we travel. We would love to visit small towns and the country side instead. It's very expensive to get a driver's license in some countries including ours.
6:24 I chuckled a bit because I know exactly the place you talk about. my hotel was right next to the O Mundo Fantastico da Sardinha Portuguesa. Ironically, I never bothered walking inside. I would say Tip #11 is to walk much more often before visiting Lisbon. It is a hilly city with lots of stairs. By Day 3, I wanted a cane to help me go up the stairs, but I was too embarassed to do that.
Great advice for visitors. Being Portuguese I totally agree.
i feel like all of these are true besides the restaurants in baixa one. there are some restaurants that are tourist traps, but you can still find a lot of really good portuguese restaurants even if some are a little bit more expensive since it’s a very touristy area
Thank you, Dave!
Are you a local ? Did you already try a Tuc Tuc ? You should. Maybe your opinion can change. :) theres a lot of local and Good restaurants in “baixa”. You just need to ask to the right person :)
You are very right, the elevator is a very big Nepp for 6 Euros.
To be fair, it isn't as if there are swarms of street vendors and drug dealers ambushing innocent travelers at every turn. I've lived here for about a year. My wife and I have language classes every Tuesday and Thursday in the Cais do Sodré area and will typically go for dinner or a couple drinks after every class. This has us walking around the Pink Street area and other well-known party and tourist areas quite a bit. We rarely get approached by anyone offering to sell us anything (tourist trinkets, drugs, etc...) It will happen, but maybe once a month. I've never encountered anyone being aggressive about it, either. A simple "nāo obrigrado" is all it takes, especially with the guys selling weed n coke. So, based on my experience, this has never been more than an annoyance.
Absolutely right. There are some, but I would say not more than in other major cities. And never pushy. Ignore them, or say no thanks. End of problem.
tourists traps are the same anywhere, not only in Lisbon
Great advice Dave. Obrigado
Hello from Aveiro! Excellent video.
Adorei os teus comentários 😂concordo totalmente! És Português?
🙏Thanks for giving important information 👍👍
Hey, great video but just a small notice. If you are a male you should say "Obrigado" and if you are a female you should say "Obrigada", regardless of the gender of the other person. Most foreigner people usually say "Obrigada" and I honestly don't know where they got it from.
Pretty valuable advice. Obrigado, Sir.
Merendinha do Arco is a good option for portuguese cuisine that is located in baixa Lisbon.