Lisbon, known as the "Capital of the Sun" due to its over 3,000 hours of annual sunshine, is steadily gaining popularity as one of the top European capitals to visit, despite not being as well-known as Paris or London.
As the largest city in Portugal and the country's capital, Lisbon is located at the mouth of the Tagus River and is home to approximately 550,000 residents, with a metropolitan area that boasts a population of nearly 3 million people spread over 2921.90 km², accounting for roughly 25% of Portugal's total population of 10.5 million.
The city is divided into 24 neighborhoods, or parishes, but is not particularly accommodating for those with mobility limitations. Despite efforts to improve, the public transportation system is not yet fully accessible, and the cobbled streets and limited number of lowered sidewalks can make navigating the city challenging for those in wheelchairs.
Despite this, Lisbon is a budget-friendly capital with a vibrant nightlife, featuring numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars.
It's also important to note that Lisbon is known as the "City of the 7 Hills," with many steep streets and inclines to consider. If you're traveling by wheelchair, this is something to keep in mind.
With its rich local culture and numerous historical attractions, the beautiful old city of Lisbon is a wonderful destination for a relaxing vacation. Whether you're seeking informative or fascinating facts about the city or country, there's plenty to discover.
- The currency used in Lisbon is the Euro (€).
- The international telephone code for Lisbon is (+351).
- The time zone in Lisbon is GMT+0. Lisbon is famous for its cod dishes, and popular options include cod a brás (scrambled cod with potatoes and eggs), caldo verde, seafood rice, caldeirada (fish stew), and cataplana.
- The Portuguese people are known for their welcoming, calm, and friendly nature.
At www.motion4rent.com, we provide important information for travelers with reduced mobility, including accessible beaches, adapted excursions, theme parks, accessible restaurants, and other offers for visitors. Enjoy your stay in Lisbon!
Airport office:
The airport office is designed to be accessible for individuals with mobility limitations and is located in the arrivals terminal. It operates 7 days a week, from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and is staffed by multilingual employees who are ready to assist with a variety of needs, including booking accommodations, recommending transportation, answering questions about tourist attractions and monuments in the city, and more.
- Address and Contact:
- Arrivals terminal of Lisbon international airport.
- Telephone (+351) 218450660
- Email: aeroreservas@lismarketing.pt
Tejo Center Tourism Office:
This tourist information office is located in the heart of the city and offers assistance with various needs and questions regarding the city, including accommodation, transportation, and monuments. It operates from Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
- Address and contact:
- Terreiro do Paço 1100-016 Lisbon
- Telephone (+351) 211163426
- Email: centrotejo@lismarketing.pt
Tourist Office of the interpretive center of the history of Cod:
In this office located very close to the banks of the Tagus, you will find useful information on transport, tourism information, events, heritage, culture, accommodation reservations, souvenirs, maps, guides... Its staff speaks several languages.Its hours are from Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m. and from 14:00 p.m. to 19:00 p.m. .
- Address and contact:
- Terreiro de Paço – Torreao Nascente 1100-148 Lisbon
- Telephone: (+351) 211125155
- Email: info@historiabacalhau.pt
Lisbon Story Center Tourist Office:
This tourist information office is located within the Lisbon History Museum, which we highly recommend as it is accessible for people with mobility limitations. The office is also accessible and provides information on transportation, tourism, events, heritage, culture, accommodation reservations, souvenirs, maps, and guides. The staff speaks multiple languages. It operates from Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Foz Palace Tourism Office:
This office located in Bairro Alto (Lisbon Center) is also accessible to people with mobility problems and there you can find useful information on transport, tourism information, events, heritage, culture, accommodation reservations, souvenirs, maps, guides... Its staff speaks several languages. Their hours are Monday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 18:30 p.m. .
- Address and contact:
- Praça des Restauradores. Lisbon
- Telephone (+351) 213463314
- Email: Palaciofoz@lismarketing.pt
Lisbon also has its tourist and transport card for short-term tourists, this is called "LISBOA CARD". You can buy this card with 3 types of duration:
- 24 hours
- 48 hours
- 72 hours
With this card you will have unlimited trips on the CARRIS metro, buses, trams and funiculars. It also includes CP Train to Sintra, Cascais and the southern bank of the Tagus River and on the other hand you will have free entry to 35 places of interest, including the main monuments and attractions of Lisbon. In addition to transportation and tickets to tourist sites, you will be given a city guide full of useful information about Lisbon.
You can get this card at:
- Lisbon Airport – Arrivals Hall: Alameda das Comunidades Portuguesas, 1700-111 Lisboa, 7am-10pm
- Palácio Foz (Praça dos Restauradores): Calçada da Glória nº9, 1250-112 Lisbon, 10am-7pm
- Lisbon Welcome Center (Praça do Comércio): Rua do Arsenal nº 21, 1100-038 Lisbon, 10am-7pm
- Ask Me Lisbon Rossio: Praça D. Pedro IV, Rossio, Lisbon, 10am-1pm | 2-6 p.m. | closed on sundays
Airport:
Lisbon Airport, also known as Humberto Delgado Airport or Aeroporto da Portela, is located just 7 km from the city center in the Olivais parish. It is the largest airport in Portugal and offers the "MyWay" service to assist passengers with reduced mobility. We recommend that those who require this service inform their airline or travel agency in advance to ensure a smooth arrival experience.
The "MyWay" service is easily recognizable at the airport by designated contact points, which provide access to all available resources and mechanisms to assist passengers with reduced mobility.
How to get from the airport to the center:
Metro:
The metro is a convenient and affordable mode of transportation, and it is also accessible for passengers using wheelchairs. The red line connects Lisbon Airport with the Baixa-Chiado station in about 30 minutes. The red line station is located in Terminal 1 of the airport, so passengers arriving at Terminal 2 should take the free and accessible bus to Terminal 1.
The metro operates daily from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM. Upon reaching the city center, passengers can transfer to other metro or bus lines to reach their final destination.
Aerobus:
The Aerobus is an ideal option for passengers traveling with a lot of luggage, and all vehicles are accessible for wheelchairs and stop at both airport terminals. The service operates daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM with a frequency of 20 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the airport ticket office or from the driver, using cash. Online purchases through the official Aerobus website offer a 10% discount, but require printed tickets. Children under 4 years old travel for free.
Bus Line:
The bus line is a cost-effective option, but it makes more stops, leading to a longer travel time. Most of its fleet is accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. The lines serving the airport are 705, 722, 744, 783 and 208, with the latter being a night line operating from 11:30 PM to 4:30 AM. In case of a late arrival, it is recommended to take a taxi. Tickets can be purchased at the airport ticket office or from the bus driver.
Taxi:
Due to its close proximity to the city center, taking a taxi is a convenient option for passengers using wheelchairs. The journey time ranges from 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic. It is recommended to agree on a price with the driver or, alternatively, make sure the meter is turned on. Additionally, it's important to note that an extra charge for luggage may apply.
Transportation within Lisbon:
Public transport in Lisbon is affordable compared to other European capitals, with the main operator being Carris. Over 75% of their vehicles are equipped for people with disabilities.
Train:
Lisbon's central train station is Rossio, located in a historic building in the heart of the city. Trains from here travel to destinations throughout Portugal and Europe. The station is accessible with ramps and elevators, and staff is available to provide assistance. The platform ceilings, designed by Gustave Eiffel, are a notable feature of the station. Ticket offices are open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, but there are ticket vending machines available 24/7. The Rossio station is served by the green metro line, while the Restauradores stop is served by the blue line. The station also features accessible public restrooms.
Metro:
Lisbon's metro system is a convenient and affordable option for travel, with many stations being accessible for those with disabilities. The metro is reliable and comfortable, although service may be limited in some areas of the city. Check the station map before traveling to ensure that your stop is accessible.
In Lisbon there are 4 lines:
- Blue line: It begins in the neighboring district of Amadora and reaches the Santa Apolónia train station. It is perfect to get to the center of Lisbon after taking the red line from the airport, which leaves you in São Sebastião. It also allows easy connection with the Plaza del Comercio.
- Red line: It is the most modern line of all – it was inaugurated in 1998 and in 2012 it was extended to reach the airport, making the connection between it and the city very easy. The last stop on the red line is São Sebãstião (from which you can connect to the blue line and get wherever you want).
- Green Line: The green line connects Cais de Sodré with the Telheiras station, in the northern part of the city, very close to the University of Lisbon. It is much less touristy than the previous ones and has two important stops: Martim Moniz and Alameda.
- Yellow line: Probably the least touristy of all, it begins in the Lisbon municipality of Odivelas and its last stop is in Rato. You can transfer to the blue line at the Marqués de Pombal stop and to the red line at Saldanha.
Bus:
The main bus station in Lisbon is called the Estacao Do Oriente. The station was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava in 1998 for the Lisbon Expo. It is fully accessible for people with reduced mobility, with ramps and elevators for ease of movement.
From the station, buses depart for destinations across the country and Europe, and it is a main stop for many urban buses that serve the city. The main bus company in Lisbon is Carris, which operates 95 lines: 69 urban, 17 suburban, 1 zonal, and 8 early morning lines (running from 11:45 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.). Most buses are accessible for wheelchairs and have designated spaces and seat belts.
Tram:
The historic trams are a well-known icon of Lisbon, but they can be difficult for people with reduced mobility as they are not wheelchair accessible. However, the city is gradually replacing the old trams with electric trams (identifiable by the letter "E" in the line number) that are accessible. The tram network consists of 5 lines and covers a total of 48 km in Lisbon. Please check if your destination stop is adapted before taking the tram.
Taxi:
Taxis are a convenient option for getting around Lisbon as they are reasonably priced and can take you directly to your destination. It is recommended to agree on a price with the taxi driver or make sure the meter is on.
Alfama neighborhood:
Alfama is a renowned neighborhood in Lisbon that was spared from the 1755 earthquake. A visit to its historic streets, especially the old fishing area, is highly recommended for a true taste of the city's soul and birthplace of the famous Portuguese fado. It's a must-see destination in Lisbon.
The neighborhood's name has Arabic roots, derived from the word "Al-Hammã" meaning "source." Alfama is a charming neighborhood with a network of alleyways and squares, dotted with old homes and historical details. It has a rich atmosphere both day and night, with plenty of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy authentic fados. In short, it is a microcosm of the most genuine Lisbon and showcases its Arab heritage if you look closely.
Please note that Alfama is not easily accessible for those in wheelchairs.
Time Out Market
We recommend a visit to the Time Out Market, a traditional yet culinary market located near the Cais do Sodré station (from which trains depart for Cascais). The building dates back to 1892, where it originally operated as a marketplace for fruits, vegetables, fish, and flowers. In 2014, Time Out transformed half of the market into a gourmet food court, attracting locals and tourists alike.
Inside, you'll find 26 restaurants and 8 bars serving traditional Portuguese and international cuisine, including stalls from Michelin-starred restaurants such as Miguel Castro Silva and Henrique Sá Pessoa, offering a chance to enjoy gourmet dishes at affordable prices. The market also features more than a dozen shops and a concert hall.
The ground floor features the traditional market stalls selling produce, while upstairs you'll find restaurants, a wine shop, and a bookstore. On Saturdays, a craft, art, book, and antique market takes place, giving artists and artisans the opportunity to showcase their latest works. You can also find the famous ice cream parlor Santini, known for serving the best ice cream in Portugal.
Please note that the main level of the market is wheelchair accessible with some inclines at the entrance.
Entrance:
Admission to Time Out Market is free and accessible for people with disabilities. It is open from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM from Sunday to Thursday and from 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM on Friday and Saturday
Toilets:
The building has bathrooms adapted for people with reduced mobility.
Accessibility:
To get to the market there are several public transport options
- Metro: Cais do Sodré (Linha Verde) It stops if it is accessible to people in wheelchairs.
- Bus: buses with numbers 706, 728, 732 and 760 (Accessible)
- Tram: 15E (This one is accessible to people with reduced mobility) and 28E is not adapted.
- Private car, there is a parking lot with places reserved for people with reduced mobility
Address and contact:
- Ribeira Market: Avenida 24 de Julho 1200-479 Lisbon, Portugal
- Telephone: (+351) 210607403
- Email: infolisboa@timeoutmarket.com
Comedouro Restaurant: http://www.comedouro.pt/
This is a great place to enjoy quality service, a peaceful atmosphere, good background music, and locally sourced food. We especially recommend trying the Tartar. The restaurant is accessible for people with disabilities and is open from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM daily.
- Address and contact:
- Rua. Castilho 90. 1250-096 Lisbon
- Telephone: (+351) 213880550
Balcao Henrique Sa Pessoa Restaurant: https://balcaohenriquesapessoa.pt/
Additionally, Balcão Henrique Sá Pessoa is known for its innovative and creative dishes, which are carefully crafted with high-quality ingredients and exceptional attention to detail. With its focus on local and seasonal ingredients, this restaurant offers a unique and elevated dining experience that is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Whether you're in the mood for a romantic dinner for two or a celebration with friends and family, this restaurant is an excellent choice for a memorable meal in Lisbon.
We recommend the menu offered by chef Henrique Sa Pessoa, based on raw food, vegetables, fish, meat and desserts. Its hours are Monday through Thursday from 12:00 to 23:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 12:00 to 00:00 p.m. and Sundays from 12:00 to 22:00 p.m. (You must call to reserve in advance.)
- Address and contact:
- Av Antonio Augusto de Aguiar 31. 7th floor 1069-413 Lisbon
- Telephone: (+351) 213 420 681
Alem Tejo: https://alemtejo.eatbu.com/?lang=es
Alem Tejo is open Monday through Thursday from 12:00 to 15:00 and from 19:00 to 22:30, Fridays from 12:00 to 15:00 and from 19:00 to 23:00, Saturdays from 19:00 to 23:00 and Sundays from 12:00 to 15:00. You can make a reservation in advance by calling or through their online platform. It's a good option to enjoy traditional Portuguese dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Address and contact:
- Alameda dos Oceanos 104. 1990-352 Lisbon
- Telephone: (+351) 216075517
- Email: cdrprodcoes@hotmail.com
Suba Restaurant: https://subarestaurante.com/
In this restaurant you will feel at home, and for us, the best thing is its views of the Tagus River... Its chef will surprise you with sophisticated and innovative recipes in a cozy atmosphere. Its hours are from Monday to Sunday from 12:30 to 14:30 and from 19:00 to 22:30
The restaurant is accessible for people with reduced mobility.
- Address and contact:
- Rua Santa Catarina 1. 1200-401 Lisbon
- Telephone: (+351) 211573055
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