First-time visitors to Lisbon tend to make the same handful of avoidable mistakes — showing up without a plan for Belem Tower, underestimating how much walking is involved, or skipping the kind of local knowledge that makes a trip run smoothly. A little preparation goes a long way.
Quick Answer: Top Tips for First-Time Visitors to Lisbon
Book Belem Tower in advance, pace your days realistically, and plan transport from Lisbon airport before you land — these three things solve most of the friction first-time visitors run into.
Top-Rated Lisbon Tours & Experiences
Before You Go
Book tickets for Belem Tower ahead of time. Walk-up lines can eat hours out of your day, especially during June, and advance booking is usually the single biggest time-saver for first-time visitors.
Learn a few basics about getting around before you land. Figuring out transport from Lisbon airport on arrival, tired and jet-lagged, is a common first-timer mistake that’s easy to avoid with a little research.
Common First-Timer Mistakes in Lisbon
Many first-time visitors try to fit in a day trip to Sintra without realizing how much it cuts into time at the main sights — it’s worth planning deliberately rather than squeezing it in.
Getting Around Lisbon
Most travelers arrive via Lisbon airport. Research your transport options into the city center before you land, so you’re not figuring out logistics while jet-lagged on day one.
Lisbon First-Timer Checklist
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Book Belem Tower tickets ahead | Relying on walk-up lines during June |
| Plan 2-3 priorities per day | Overpacking the itinerary |
| Research transport from Lisbon airport | Figuring it out on arrival, tired |
Frequently Asked Questions
What should first-time visitors know before going to Lisbon?
Book key attractions like Belem Tower in advance, pace your days realistically, and don’t try to see everything — Lisbon rewards travelers who prioritize rather than rush.
What is the biggest mistake first-time visitors make in Lisbon?
Underestimating how much time Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery take, and not booking tickets in advance, especially during June when lines are longest.
Is it worth booking tours in advance for Lisbon?
Yes — popular options like a Sintra day trip can sell out during busy periods, and booking ahead also saves time that would otherwise go toward figuring out logistics on the ground.
How many days should first-time visitors spend in Lisbon?
Most first-time visitors find that a few focused days covering Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, without over-scheduling, works better than trying to see everything on a rushed itinerary.
Related: Lisbon Cruise Port Guide: Best Shore Excursions & One Day in Lisbon (2026)
Plan Your Tours in Lisbon
Ready to book? See our full roundup of the best tours and experiences in Lisbon for guided options, skip-the-line tickets, and day trips.
Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!