In Lisbon and it’s … not all that?

[sellotape12]

Hmm am I missing all the hype about Lisbon? We’re here with a big family thing and whilst I was really looking forward to it I’m surprised how unimpressed we are. It’s dirty, polluted, congestion means it’s hard to walk or cross roads, we keep getting offered drugs and there’s so many identical tacky souvenir shops. Also it’s cloudy which isn’t helping as everything looks a bit grey and dead. Beautiful in the sun no doubt.
It feels like an upcoming city.

feel like I’m in the minority though!

am I missing all the hype about Lisbon?

I've literally never heard anyone hyping up Lisbon?

Aw no. I went there a few months ago and loved it. But I was staying down near the main shopping area so it wasn't quite as, ahem, colourful as bairo alto. It's definitely got some rough corners. The weather was lovely, so there was always somewhere to sit with a drink and a custard tart.
Full disclosure, we did get offered drugs one evening. We politely declined. Not sure it's the place for kids.

Agreed. Better spent in Italy!

We went in Feb and had a very different experience. We even had some grey skies and rain, and I was ill.

We stayed in Saldahna and there were plenty of nice restaurants. We used the metro trams and husses which were clean and easy. We also enjoyed Belem, LX factory, Barrio Alto. No one tried to sell us drugs, don't recall it being particularly dirty or polluted. Lots of shops, castles, museums and cafes.

Omg I was in Lisbon this summer and the airport was amazing!! We spent an hour in there browsing the shops before we remembered to leave and go to our hotel!

We were there for a gig, but loved it.

Have you been to the LX factory? That is a lovely street with nice bars, cafes and shops. The Time Out Market is a must too xx

Oh no! Lisbon is on my list. We were thinking of basing ourselves in Sintra and doing day trips. Would that be better?

Also while you are up that way near LX factory and the street it is on the MMAT museum has lovely views and a nice cafe and bar xx

Went a few weeks ago for 5 days and really enjoyed it. Stayed in a nice Air bnb. Weather was in the low 20s. Went to Sintra, Belem and Cascais. Went on tram 28. Did 2 walking tours.
Enjoyed the food and drink which was reasonably priced. Liked the tiled streets and buildings. Went to a rooftop bar - Hotel Mundial. Think the weather made it especially in Cascais as we were on the beach.

Gutted for you OP, I’ve crossed it off my list too! I nearly went this year with my teenage DC but we opted for Prague instead, and after reading this I’m so glad we did!

I’m glad it’s not just me! God knows which part of Lisbon you’re in but I wasn’t aware of any dog shit or Class A drugs - absolutely loved it 🤷‍♀️

What had you planned to do while you were there? What do you have planned food-wise? Maybe if you share what's not working people can suggest what might.

I absolutely love lisbon. Been twice and would go again.

We have booked to go in 3 weeks time, with our two children.Feel sad and a bit worried now after reading this.
However I chose lisbon after reading lots of threads on here about it, and everything was positive.
We have planned things and booked places to eat already going off trip advisor so I hope it will be ok.

That's what I'd do. Stay in Sintra then go into town a few times to see the monastery and the castle. I loved Lisbon but I wish I'd spent way more time in Sintra.

Also it’s massive but taxis in my experience were cheap so defo get taxis between LX factory/MMATT museum and Time out food market. At night there was music and dancing in the food market. Car park roof bar was good too and that area looked nice for shops. The area around the gates to the castle was good in the day (if busy) but if the weather if bad defo do taxis from good bit to good bit x

Lisbon was the only place I could t wait to leave, me and my friend went for a long weekend and it was horrible. Dog crap everywhere, dirty, offered drugs constantly, horrible place.

We went in November and loved it. Lots to see, lovely seafood. Went to a fado evening. Lovely vibe, very youthful. I didn’t notice any dog shit. The pebbled roads and pavements are treacherous in the rain.

No way! 😮 I loved Lisbon. I stayed in the hotel across the road from the main station and in a pedestrianised square. Loved just walking around. Great food & wine.

It's the only city I've been too where I thought the food was mainly terrible - we were there with work and the hospitality by the promoters ( entertainment business) was lousy too , unlike the Spanish or Greeks who can't do enough for you - - mind you I wasn't blown away by the Algarve either . I just think there are better places in Spain to be honest

And I agree about the drugs too -

I agree. Lisbon is boring ish....

Do a day trip
Cascais and Evora are great

We've just left and had a lovely couple of days in the sun. It was still lovely at 6.30...Did a free walking tour that was great and got us our bearings.

there's a lovely square at the top of the picturesque lift, walk up the stairs beside the lift rather than queuing and keep going up to the church. Lovely square with beer and cocktails and gorgeous trees.

There's some good shops under Costello st Jorge as you head back down to city.

There's a square with a view by Costello st Jorge...above a restaurant called Sol.

Sintra in the sun was lovely (busy).

The weather helps.

There's a lot of dog shit, just ignore the tuck tuck drivers, use Uber too...
Agree

I loved it (many years ago). I did get relieved of my passport and all my money whilst getting of a bus.10 seconds and it was gone. Yes, it could have been any city, I know. Right royal pain in the bum to sort out on an Easter weekend, I'll tell you. I'd be much more vigilant these days.

Sunshine does make a difference to how much you enjoy somewhere.