Lisboa Card: Is it really worth it? Opinions and Reviews 2024

If you are planning a visit to Lisbon, it is likely that you have heard of the Lisboa Card, the official tourist card that offers free or discounted access to many attractions, museums and public transportation in the city.

But the real question is: Does it really pay off? In this article, we will explore together the advantages and disadvantages of the Lisboa Card, how to buy it and how to maximize its use, based on real experiences and reviews from visitors who have used it.

Are you ready? Let's get started!

Lisboa Card: When is it worthwhile?

The Lisboa Card could prove to be convenient, depending on your visit intentions and the activities you plan to do during your stay in the city.

If you plan to use public transportation frequently and of Conduct numerous sightseeing tours in a short period of time, it might be advantageous to opt for a Lisboa Card, as this could result in financial savings.

Let's see in detail when it is worthwhile to buy the Lisboa Card.

If you plan to use public transportation in Lisbon.

If you plan to use public transportation to get around Lisbon, the Lisboa Card may be for you. The Lisboa Card includes. Unrestricted use of public transportation, including buses, streetcars, subways and suburban trains. Even the world-famous streetcar number 28 Is included in the convention.

If you plan to visit multiple places of interest

If you are going to visit numerous attractions included in the Lisboa Card, such as museums, monuments and buildings, the card is likely to be convenient. In particular, more expensive attractions can lead to significant savings.

If you are planning to visit two or more places of interest, you could reach the equivalent cost of a Lisboa Card valid for 24 hours. On the other hand, if you plan to see several attractions each day over a three-day period, the 72-hour Lisbon tourist pass could save you money.

If you are visiting Lisbon for the first time

The Lisboa Card is particularly suitable For those who are visiting Lisbon for the first time or for anyone who wishes Make the most of the city in a limited time frame.

During my first visit to Lisbon (which was several years ago now), I experienced the added value of the Lisboa Card. It offered me freedom and flexibility, saving me the worry of having to Purchase separate tickets for attractions and transportation, thus simplifying travel within the city.

If you wish to skip the queue at attraction entrances

If you want to visit Lisbon's attractions but are short on time, the Lisbon card may be for you, saving you from having to spend a lot of time in the queue (especially in high season, when the line at the entrance of attractions could be really long). In my case, the priority access offered by the Lisboa Card was particularly useful during my visit to the renowned Jerónimos Monastery, allowing me to avoid the long line that had formed at the ticket office.

If you want to visit Sintra

In addition to free access to attractions, the Lisboa Card offers discounts on some out-of-town excursions and on the train tickets to Sintra, the city that looks like something out of a fairy tale, located just a few kilometers from Lisbon. Consider whether you plan to make such excursions during your stay.

When is it not worthwhile to purchase the Lisboa Card?

The Lisboa Card may not be beneficial for everyone. Therefore, it is important to consider whether it fits your individual situation.

What are the conditions for which may not be convenient purchase a Lisboa Card?

If you do not wish to visit many attractions

It is clear that its value will be limited If you are not interested in visiting numerous attractions included in the charter. In case you wish to explore just one or two of the cheaper options, it may make more sense to purchase admission tickets individually.

If you are a student or a young European

It may not be conveniently beneficial to you whether you are a student or a young European (since most attractions offer reduced rates for visitors under 14 or for students). Since it is not possible to obtain a reduced version of the Lisboa Card (except for children ages 4 to 15), the potential savings may not be as significant.

If you visit Lisbon on a Monday (a day when many attractions are closed).

You should also consider whether it is worth purchasing the card in case one of the days of your stay falls of Monday. In fact, many museums and monuments remain closed during such a day, leading to possible restrictions on your planned activities.

However, it is important to note that several attractions, such as all those of Sintra, remain open on Mondays, thus allowing you to plan your itinerary sensibly to make the most of your visit.

If you don't want to use public transportation

If you plan to move to Lisbon on foot or by private transportation (cars, Uber or cabs) then the Lisboa Card may not be for you. The main convenience of the Lisbon tourist pass is related to transportation: with the Lisboa Card you will have free and unlimited access to the metro, buses, city and suburban trains. Even the famous Streetcar 28 Is included in the convention.

To recapitulate, Lisboa Card pays off if:

• you plan to travel around Lisbon by public transportation
• plans to visit more than one attraction in Lisbon
• you visit Lisbon for the first time
• you wish to skip the queue at the entrance to the attractions
• you want to visit Sintra

It is not convenient if:

• you are a young European or student
• you want to get around Lisbon on foot or by car
• do not wish to visit many attractions
• visit Lisbon on a Monday (a day when many attractions are closed)

How to plan a visit to Lisbon with the Lisboa Card?

If you are planning a visit to Lisbon, you are most likely uncertain about the best way to explore this fascinating city rich in history, culture and beauty. If you have decided to purchase the Lisboa card to accompany you on this journey of discovery of the Portuguese capital, here you will find an example of Recommended itinerary for visiting Lisbon in one, two or three days Making the most of the Lisboa Card.

A day in Lisbon with the Lisboa Card

If you only have one day to explore Lisbon, the Lisboa Card can still offer considerable value. Here is a detailed itinerary for Maximize your card utilization in one day:

Morning in Belém

Start your day exploring the iconic Belém area. Use the Lisboa Card to visit:

• Belém Tower: A majestic structure that was once a defense tower and a starting point for maritime exploration. ($6 savings)
• Jerónimos Monastery: An architectural masterpiece with intricate details and a fascinating history. (€10 savings)
• National Carriage Museum or MAAT: Choose from these museums to explore the art and culture of Portugal. (€8 and €9 savings)

Afternoon in the historic center

In the afternoon, move to Lisbon's historic center to explore additional attractions:

• National Museum of Ancient Art: Behold works of art spanning centuries of history. (€6 savings)
• Lisboa Story Center: An immersive experience that will immerse you in Lisbon's history. (€6.50 savings)
• National Pantheon: An impressive structure with a panoramic view from the dome. (€ 4 savings)
• Pilar 7 Bridge Experience: A unique perspective on the 25 de Abril Bridge. (€5 savings)

In addition, public transportation, including the train to Belém and the subway, are free with the Lisboa Card.

Savings offered by the Lisboa card 24 hours: Also calculating the cost of an unlimited public transportation card for one day (€ 6), the total of attractions visited would be € 60.50. The 24-hour Lisboa Card costs only €21, providing a savings of €39.50 in a single day. Although this itinerary is challenging, it offers a excellent value for money.

Two days in Lisbon with the Lisboa Card

If you have available Two days to discover Lisbon, you can further optimize the use of the Lisboa Card. Here's how:

First day in and around Belém

Day 1, Follow an itinerary similar to the one described above, focusing your attention on Belém and its surrounding attractions.

Second day in the heart of Lisbon

For the second day, focus your activities in downtown Lisbon:

• National Tile Museum: Behold the beautiful azulejos, Portuguese decorative tiles. (€5 savings)
• National Pantheon: Explore this impressive structure and take in the panoramic views from the top. (€4 savings)
• National Museum of Contemporary Art: Immerse yourself in contemporary Portuguese art. (€4.50 savings)
• National Museum of Ancient Art, Arch of Rua Augusta: Explore additional attractions in the heart of Lisbon. (€6 and €3 savings)
• Roman Theater Museum, Museum of St. Anthony, Santa Justa Elevator: Take advantage of free admissions. (various savings)

Savings offered by the Lisboa card 48 hours: With an estimated total of €88.30 for all these attractions, the 48-hour Lisboa Card for only €35 saves you €53.30 over two days.

Three days in Lisbon with the Lisboa Card

If you are lucky enough to spend three days in Lisbon, you can really explore the city and its surroundings in depth with the help of the Lisboa Card. Here's an idea of how you might organize your itinerary:

First two days as suggested above

The first two days will follow the itineraries described above, exploring Belém, Lisbon's historic center and adjacent attractions.

Day three: discoveries outside the city

On the third day, focus your activities outside Lisbon:

• Monastery of Batalha, Abbey of Alcobaça, Convent and Castle of Tomar, Royal Palace of Mafra: Explore some of the out-of-town attractions included in the Lisboa Card. (various savings)
• Bordalo Pinheiro Museum, Dr. Anastácio Gonçalves House Museum, Air Museum, National Museum of Costume and Fashion, National Museum of Theater and Dance: Take advantage of small but fascinating museums to enrich your experience. (various savings)

Savings offered by the Lisboa Card 72 hours: The 72-hour Lisboa Card gives you the opportunity to discover both the city's main attractions and some lesser-known gems outside the city. At only €9 more than the 48-hour Lisboa Card, this option allows you to save even more money and explore in depth.

Can you save money with the Lisboa card? User reviews

To get a better idea of other visitors' experience with the Lisboa Card, let's take a look at some online reviews and opinions:

"The Lisboa Card has been an incredible investment. We visited many attractions without having to worry about ticket costs. Also, the free public transportation saved us time and money." - Marco, Italy.

"We opted for the 48-hour Lisboa Card and it was the right choice. We explored the historic center and visited some museums. The savings were substantial and we felt free to move around the city without worries." - Sarah, UK.

"I purchased the 72-hour Lisboa Card and was thrilled with it. I took an excursion to Sintra and was able to use public transportation without any problems. Some small museums were also included, which made the experience even more complete." - Juan, Spain.

Frequently asked questions about Lisboa Card

What is included with the Lisboa Card?

Through the Lisboa Card, you can travel for free on all means of transportation in Lisbon, an efficient way to get around easily and unlock the city's secrets. But its value extends beyond transportation, granting you take advantage of free admission to well 39 museums, monuments and places of interest. Finally, you will be able to offer significant discounts, which range from 10% to 50%, about local services and cultural and tourist activities. Find out about all the attractions included in Lisboa Card.

What can I do with the Lisboa Card?

1. Thanks to the Lisboa Card, you can enjoy free rides on all public transportation of Lisbon, an effective way to explore the city in comfort and discover its secrets.
2. You can enter for free in as many 39 museums, monuments and places of interest.
3. In addition, you will have access to significant discounts ranging from 10% to 50% On local services, cultural and tourist activities. Learn about all the attractions included in the Lisboa Card.

How does the Lisboa Card work?

You can choose the Lisboa Card of 24, 48 and 72 hours, buy it online and activate it the first time you use it. Just present it at the entrance of the attractions to enjoy free or discounted access to different activities.

How much does the Lisboa Card cost?

Lisboa Card 24 hours costs €27, that 48 hours costs 44€, while the price for the Lisboa Card 72 hours is 54€. The price reduced (for children and teens ages 4 to 15) is 18€ for the 24-hour, 24.50€ for the 48-hour and 30.50€ for the 72-hour Lisboa Card.

Is it worthwhile to make the Lisboa Card? Conclusions

In conclusion, If you are interested in visiting various museums and attractions, this option is advantageous. It is perfect for those who have a 3-day stay, allowing Significant savings on inputs and transportation. You can even include a day trip to Sintra.

The Lisbon tourist pass is also recommended for those who have only one day, as it allows you to avoid queues at ticket offices of major attractions and move nimbly between neighborhoods. It also gives you free access to the Streetcar 28 and to city elevators.

However, the Lisboa Card could not be convenient If you plan to spend only one day in Lisbon and prefer to explore on foot the picturesque quarters of the old town Without visiting museums or specific attractions. If you are a student, consider your purchase carefully: you may benefit from discounts on admissions to Lisbon's various attractions. The convenience will therefore depend on the travel plan you have in mind.

Do you have any doubts or questions? Leave a comment below And I will be happy to answer you.