What not to do in Lisbon: 12 Mistakes tourists make

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With its delicious food, postcard-perfect views, sunny skies, and welcoming locals, it’s no wonder more and more travelers are adding Lisbon to their must-visit list. But while there’s a ton of info out there about what to do in Lisbon, no one really talks about what not to do. And trust me, avoiding these common tourist missteps can make or break your trip, especially if it's your first time.

So if you're planning a Lisbon adventure soon, these are the top mistakes to avoid in Lisbon, plus what to do instead, like letting LUGGit deal with your bags so you can actually enjoy your first (or last) day luggage-free.

Mistake #1: Dragging your luggage around the city

Lisbon is known as the City of Seven Hills for a reason. The city’s charm lies in its hills, narrow sidewalks, cobblestone streets, and staircases, but they are not so charming if you’re dragging a heavy suitcase with you. Whether you're waiting for check-in or you just checked out and have a few hours to kill, carrying your bags around is a bad idea.

Have LUGGit pick up your luggage instead

With LUGGit, a Keeper will come to you wherever you are, pick up and store your luggage, and deliver it wherever you want (hotel, Airbnb, airport). No need to find lockers or to drag your bags up São Jorge Castle.

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Mistake #2: Expecting warm weather year round

Sure, Lisbon gets around 300 days of sunshine a year, but that doesn’t mean it’s always warm. Winters can dip below 10°C (or 50°F), and it rains more than you’d think between November and March.

If you're visiting in fall, winter, or early spring, bring a jacket, closed shoes, and a small umbrella. And always check the local forecast before you go.

Mistake #3: Eating at tourist trap restaurants in Baixa

Those restaurants with laminated menus in 4 different languages at the entrance and waiters trying to lure you in are only catered to tourists, which means they’re less authentic and very overpriced.

Instead, look for traditional tascas outside the main tourist areas. These usually have daily menus with big portions for less than 10€ and are mostly frequented by locals. If you need a recommendation for a place to eat, the best way to do it is to ask a local worker.

Mistake #4: Speaking Spanish to the locals

Portuguese and Spanish might sound similar, but locals will instantly notice the difference, and they’re not fans of being mistaken for Spaniards, so just speak English (unless you’re from a Spanish-speaking country).

Most people in Lisbon speak some English, especially yonger generations, but if you can manage a polite “Olá” (hello), “Por favor” (please), and “Obrigado/a” (thank you), you'll get a lot more smiles.

Mistake #5: Wearing the wrong shoes

Have we mentioned Lisbon’s hills and cobblestones? You’ll regret wearing high heels or flip-flops if you’re visiting Lisbon, unless you want to increase your chances of twisting an ankle.

You’ll probably spend a lot of your time walking, as Lisbon is a very walkable city, so wear sneakers or comfortable walking shoes. And if you're visiting during the rainy months, make sure they’ve got good grip because the stones get seriously slippery when wet.

Mistake #6: Assuming everything happens early

In Lisbon, life starts late. Don’t expect to find everything open at early hours. Shops tend to open around 10 AM and often close for one hour around 12 PM to 1 PM for lunch break (not the case with bigger chains).

You’ll also probably not find a lot of restaurants open before 8 PM, as it’s common to eat dinner at 8 or 9 PM. If you want to experience the city’s nightlife, the party starts after midnight.

Mistake #7: Thinking Lisbon is a beach destination

Portugal is known for its coastline, but don’t expect to walk to the beach from Lisbon. The closest beaches aren’t in the city, and the actual coastline is about 20–40 minutes away, depending on where you go. There are no beaches in central Lisbon.

If you're craving some sun and sand, go to nearby towns like Cascais, an upscale, charming town that's easy to reach by train (as shown in the photo above), or Costa da Caparica, a more relaxed, surfer-friendly option.

Mistake #8: Ignoring local etiquette

Lisboetas are friendly, but being respectful goes a long way. When you’re speaking with someone, start with “Olá” and say “Obrigado/a.” People will appreciate the effort.

Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases:

“Por favor” – Please
“Desculpe” – Excuse me
“Fala inglês?” – Do you speak English?

Mistake #9: Assuming the couvert is free

You sit down at a restaurant, and before you order, the waiter brings bread, butter, maybe some olives. This is common practice in some more traditional restaurants, and it is not a free welcome snack, you will be charged for it.

Couvert (starters) usually costs 1–3€ and gets added to your bill. If you don’t want it, just say “Não, obrigado/a” and it’ll be taken away. If you eat it, it will be added to your check.

Mistake #10: Overpaying for taxis

Unfortunately, there are taxi drivers in Lisbon who will try to scam tourists, especially if you’re taking a taxi from the airport. Often, they will “forget” to turn on the meter and charge you way more than the normal fare.

Instead, use Uber or Bolt, which are much cheaper and reliable, or use Lisbon’s public transport system for the most affordable option.

Mistake #11: Visiting Belém at the wrong time

Belém is amazing, but not when you’re stuck in a crowd of tour buses. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to avoid crowds and long queues.

If possible, go during the week and hit Jerónimos Monastery first, then the tower of Belém, and wrap it up with a pastel de nata from Pastéis de Belém. Another option is to book a guided tour, since they can usually skip the lines.

Mistake #12: Forgetting sunscreen (even in winter)

The Lisbon sun doesn’t play around. Even when it’s cool out, the Atlantic sun can still burn your skin, and UV rays are stronger near the water. If you forgot to pack sunscreen, visit any local pharmacy and ask for “protetor solar”. Your future sunburn-free self will thank you.

Make the most of your Lisbon trip (luggage-free!)

So there you have it, your Lisbon cheat sheet for what not to do. The city's full of magic, but it's way better when you avoid the obvious (and not-so-obvious) tourist mistakes.

Let LUGGit take care of your bags so you can take care of the adventure. Use code BLOG10 for 10% off your luggage storage and delivery in Lisbon!