Lisbon — main port of Portugal, located at the mouth of the Tagus River. This city is located in a picturesque hilly area, it is called the "City with seven hills". Initially founded as a major settlement of the Iberian tribe of Lusitania, Lisbon began to develop rapidly due to its convenient location, after which it was conquered by the Roman Empire, first under the rule of the Arab Caliph, and then the French knights. It wasn't until 1256 that Lisbon officially became the capital of Portugal, but after a massive earthquake that destroyed many historic buildings, it often became a battleground for numerous political powers. The years after the Second World War finally brought the long-awaited peace to the city.
Lisbon was already a city in Roman times. In the VIII century, it was occupied by the Arabs, who ruled Lisbon until 1147, when the first king retreated. During the period of great geographical discoveries, in particular, Prince Henry the Navigator, Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan set off on their sea expeditions from the Lisbon port of Belen. On November 1, 1755, a powerful earthquake struck Lisbon, which destroyed most of the city and killed more than 60,000 inhabitants. The city was rebuilt almost from scratch, achieving an attractive appearance, which is still proud of today. City official website: www.lisboa.pt.
Lisbon sights
Despite the devastating earthquake, many sights have been restored and they are becoming the most popular tourist destinations. One of the major buildings is the Vasco da Gama Bridge, which connects the city's airport with the motorway network, and is also a connecting point between Lisbon and the entire Europe.
Alfama - the oldest district of Lisbon, in the time of the Moors there was a city there. It opens on the slopes of the hill, from the shore of the Tag, the castle of San Jorge. It is a web of mostly winding and narrow streets. Fishermen and low-income people settled in Alfamie, and today it is an area for people, as a rule, not too rich. For some time, they were carrying out renovation work aimed at reviving the area.
Of course, you need to cross the streets of Alfama. From the banks of the Tegue, go to the Sé de Lisboa Cathedral, then Rua Augusto Rosa up the hill, along the tram tracks. Worth a look at Largo Santa Luzia and Largo das Portas do Sol, with panoramic terraces and a panorama of Alfama and Teg. Then further downhill, to the castle. The view is unforgettable.
Lisbon Cathedral is the oldest church in the city. Its history dates back to 1147 - from the moment Maurom recaptured the city, then began to build on the site of the former mosque. Since that time, the site has been reconstructed and rebuilt after the earthquake, so there are different styles of architecture. It was originally built in the Romanesque style, the chapels and the cloister in the Gothic style. Then, during the reconstruction, elements of baroque, or neoclassicism, were introduced. After a strong earthquake in 1755, the cathedral was partially restored, and the repair work was eventually completed at the beginning of the 20th century.
From the descriptions I found, it turned out to be an interesting object. From the outside, Sé de Lisboa looks quite interesting, unfortunately not very well lit, the austere interior is disappointing.
Saint George's Castle built on top of the highest hill in the historic center of Lisbon, is one of the main tourist attractions of the city. A well-fortified citadel was built by the Moors. After the conquest of Lisbon and the creation of the capital, the Portuguese rulers turned it into a royal palace.
For the sake of accuracy, it is worth explaining that there, behind the walls, has nothing. But the walls themselves look interesting, and the panorama of the city and its surroundings is amazing from them.
Lisbon Tours
There is one main airport in Lisbon — Aeroporto Humberto Delgado (LIS). You can rent a car directly from it and start unforgettable trips both inside and outside the city.
Sintra - This is a picturesque town nestled among the steep hills of the Serra de Sintra. This area was once popular among the Portuguese nobility, and even today extravagant palaces, rich 19th-century manors and the ruins of an ancient castle are hidden in the city itself.
The most unique attraction of the City is the magnificent Palácio Nacional da Pena, with its bright yellow and red towers high above the surrounding green forests. Other popular activities include the Gothic Palácio Nacional de Sintra and the Quinta da Regaleira with tunnels hidden under the gardens.
There are so many attractions in Sintra that in order to see the ruins of the Castle of the Moors, Monserrate Palace, Palácio de Seteais and the tracks in the surrounding hills of Vila Sassetti, you need to prepare for another day of visiting.
This the best place for a day trip from Lisbon, but unfortunately you can expect huge crowds of tourists. Travel tip: It's better to go to Sintra early in the morning and buy your ticket in advance to avoid waiting in long lines.
Although Setúbal — Mainly an industrial city and one of the area's main ports, one will find a surprising number of sights to see on a day trip. In the center of Setubalu lies the charming Old Town, and its beautiful boulevards open up at the mouth of the garden. From the bustling coastline, home to a group of bottlenose dolphins, you can see the Troy peninsula.
Major attractions in Setúbal include the Mercado do Livramento, Portugal's best fish market, and overlooking the city of Fortaleza de São Filipe. On a day trip, you can take a ferry to the Troy Peninsula and spend some time on the beautiful beaches of the region. Although Setúbal is not a popular day trip destination from Lisbon, it is a great place to experience modern authentic Portugal.
Evora is in the heart of the Alentejo, a region full of vast plains and olive trees sweating under the intense summer sun. It boasts a rich history — it used to serve as an important trading city of Rome and a fortress bastion of the Moors, and was also one of the main religious centers of the turn of the XIII -14th century
This turbulent past has left Évora with many fascinating tourist attractions, including a Roman temple, a spectacular aqueduct and the disturbing Chapel of the Skulls. Evora boasts the second largest number of national monuments in Portugal, second only to Lisbon. There, of course, there is something to see.
This is one of the most famous restaurants in Lisbon, where seafood is served, a must on the list of lovers of seafood delicacies. Undisputed number 1. in the rating of Lisbon seafood restaurants stations. Very often you have to wait for a free table in the evenings or on weekends, so it's better to make an early booking (you can do it online). Entering there will be no sanctions or crowds, let's enjoy great food that is worth the sometimes long wait for a table!
Sea Me – Peixaria Moderna ( +351 21 346 1564, Rua do Loreto 21 in the Chiado area)
Excellent location, in the heart of Lisbon. The Sea Me - Peixaria Moderna restaurant offers not only seafood, but also a wide range of fish dishes. The food is always fresh and the team in the restaurant kitchen knows how to cook food to perfection. An additional advantage of the restaurant is a large selection of wines. The restaurant also offers a pleasant interior and attentive staff.
This is one of the best restaurants in Lisbon serving excellent fresh seafood and fish, which is kept in a kind of unique style of elegant restaurants with a touch of antiquity. The cuisine and service are top notch. On the menu, you should try “lulas fritas a Andaluza”, i.e. fried squid or “camarao dourado com arroz de lima”, i.e. shrimp with lime rice. It is recommended to make a reservation in advance at this restaurant. The restaurant allows you to enjoy small snacks - Portuguese dishes and good beer / wine, and, by the way, peep at the work of the chef preparing dishes from always fresh ingredients.
Parking features in Lisbon
According to the Portuguese Automobile Club (ACP), for each parking space there are four cars in Lisbon. Therefore, traveling to Lisbon by car, mainly for Spaniards, may seem very tempting due to its proximity, but it can become a real nightmare if you need to park in the historical center or in tourist areas. Bookingautos can help you rent a car to get around the city comfortably.
There are three parking zones (EMEL) in Lisbon. Firstly, the green zone, which is the cheapest and includes some areas on the outskirts of Lisbon, prices range from 0.25 euros for 15 minutes to 3.80 for 4 hours, which is the maximum stay.
On the back streets of the city center is the yellow zone, it has a maximum parking time of 4 hours. Prices range from 0.35 to 4.60 euros.
Finally, the red zone, which consists of the streets of Chiado, La Baixa and some of the main streets of the city, including Liberdade, La Berne. The maximum stay in these areas is 2 hours and prices range from €0.35 to €4.80.
Good to know
Most Popular Agency
Avis
Most popular car class
Compact
Average price
29 € / Day
Best price
21 € / Day
Average cost for 7 days of rent:
January
€130
February
€103
March
€149
April
€161
May
€184
June
€251
July
€293
August
€210
September
€133
October
€97
November
€90
December
€140
* The average cost of renting a car in Lisbon for seven days. The data is calculated based on car bookings for the previous 365 days.
In August rental companies located in Lisbon rent much more cars than in the rest of the year. This month marks the smallest range of cars on offer and the highest rental prices. In such a high season, when the number of available cars is minimal, you should arrange a rental as early as possible. This will allow you to get the best rental option at the most favorable price.
The best time to rent a car in Lisbon is November. During this period the cost of renting a car of a compact category starts from €18, which is approximately 32% lower compared to the average price during a year.
In the summer, you should be prepared for an increase in the cost of rent. Price growth can be about 30-50% with a simultaneous reduction in the range of available offers. For example, the average price during July for Ford Fusion starts from €32per day.
Our fleet has cars of all price categories, from budget to premium: sedans, convertibles, SUVs, minivans, business class cars. You can choose a rental car based on your preferences and budget.
When calculating the rental price for a car in Lisbon, seasonal demand, the class of the car itself and the duration of the rental are taken into account. In winter, renting a car is the cheapest. In the summer, rent will cost more expensive. An additional discount for long-term rentals is provided by many car rental companies, which makes your trip even more profitable for the budget. For example, in the spring months, the compact VW Polomodel can be rented for just €18 per day. Renting the same car for a week will cost less and will be only €17. The situation is similar with other models of the budget segment. Among them are Ford Fusion, BMW 5 Series Estate, Toyota Rav-4, which can be rented for as little as €32-€48 per day. Approximately for €38in Lisbon you can rent a convertible car. Premium segment models are more expensive, the rental will cost from €230 per day. If we talk about exclusive models, then when ordering them, you should be prepared for an amount of 450€ or more for daily use.
Recently, in Lisbon has seen a rise in demand for electric car rentals. They do not pollute nature and save money. The city has free parking and cheap charging stations. To rent an electric car in Lisbon, select the appropriate filter in the car search and fill in the dates you need. The best option could be Audi-E-tron.
Required documents for rental cars
Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!
A valid international driver's license is required!
Car rental tips in Lisbon
Download Google maps offline
The presence of an offline navigator allows you to save on roaming. It is enough just to download the necessary maps from Google Maps and get directions even without a network connection. To do this, enter the phrase "OK MAPS" in the application, select the desired area and download offline maps to your smartphone.
Book a car 6 weeks in advance
Lisbon is now in ever-increasing demand, which affects the high demand for car rental. By booking online, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises after you arrive at your destination. Both with the car itself and with its rent.
It is better to book a car at least one and a half months before the trip. As the required date approaches, the number of available offers is reduced, and the cost of the remaining models increases. If plans change and the trip is postponed, then you can cancel the rental without any sanctions 2 days before it starts.
Which car to choose for rent
Choose a car according to the purpose of your trip. You can drive around the city and its surroundings in a compact car Fiat Panda or VW Polo. These models are the most popular with our customers in Lisbon.
In the mountains, more powerful transport will be required. Pay attention to the volume of the engine - it must be more than 1.6 liters. An all-wheel drive crossover would be ideal. BMW 5 Series Estate will cost €32 per day. By the way, before leaving, do not forget to refuel with a margin. On the rises, the fuel goes one and a half to two times more. Gas stations in mountain villages are rare.
What you need to pay attention to when receiving a car
Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.
The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.
Insurance recommendations
Rental companies in Lisbon may offer different insurance options. They differ in price and set of options. Here are the basic types:
Third Party Liability (TPL)/Third Liability Protection (TLP). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
Theft Insurance (TI)/Theft Protection (TP)/Theft Waiver (TW). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
Super Loss Damage Waiver (SLDW)/Theft Protection+Collision Damage Waiver (TP+CDW). Full protection against theft and damage, even if you are the culprit of the accident.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.
If you want to save money and choose the cheapest insurance, carefully inspect the car upon receipt. Make sure the machine is not damaged.
Fuel prepayment terms
For trips over long distances, it is better to choose the option with the already included payment for a full tank. If you have a short trip, then this service is inappropriate. Be sure to read the fuel policy before making a booking:
If necessary, use the special filter to select the most convenient option for you.
Mileage without limits
The rental company may set a daily mileage limit. You will have to pay extra for exceeding the limit. Please check this condition before booking. It is possible that a more expensive rental option will turn out to be more profitable in the end: it will not require any additional expenses. To filter cars with unlimited mileage - use the "Mileage" filter in the search results.
Compare prices and conditions from different car rental companies
When choosing a rental car in Lisbon, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.
Which rental company to choose
It is recommended to rent a car in trusted companies, that is, in those whose services you have already used. You can also focus on the rating of our site, which is displayed next to the name of the company in the search results.
Ceteris paribus, preference should be given to larger companies that have a high level of service and a large selection of cars. The best rental companies in Lisbon are EUROPCAR with an average rating of 9.9 points and SIXT (rating - 9).
Getting a car at a rental office
You should show a voucher and personal documents. A manager draws up a lease agreement. The deposit is blocked on the card.
Before leaving the rental, turn on the ignition, find out the amount of fuel and compare it with what is written in the contract.
Inspect the car carefully. Point out to the manager any paint chips and scuffs. The employee must record the damage. Take a photo yourself: they should show the defect, the number of the car and the employee of the rental company. This will help to avoid problems when returning the car: it will prove that it was not you who torn the upholstery or scratched the fender.
Our main advantages
24/7 support in all popular languages
Change or cancel within 48 hours for free!
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Car rental reviews: Lisbon - Downtown
Based on 8255 reviews
Rate 4,8/5
Based on 8255 reviews
Tony
4,8
Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Michael
4,7
Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!
Luna
4,5
The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.
Jody
4,9
Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.
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