Living Like a Lisboeta: 15 Local Secrets for an Authentic Lisbon Experience

Let's be honest—while Tram 28 is charming, it's also a pickpocket paradise and usually packed tighter than a tin of Portuguese sardines. Instead, do what locals do and grab a Viva Viagem card (€0.50 for the reusable card itself) from any metro station. Load it with a 24-hour unlimited pass (€6.60) that covers all public transportation including the elevators like Elevador da Bica.

My favorite local hack? The ascensores (funiculars) and elevators aren't just transportation—they're historic attractions themselves. The Elevador de Santa Justa costs €5.30 for tourists, but with your Viva Viagem card, it's just a standard fare! For longer stays, consider renting an electric bike from electric bike rental. I spent three days exploring the city this way, and the pedal assist made those infamous hills feel like gentle slopes.

The most sustainable way to explore central neighborhoods like Baixa, Chiado, and Alfama is simply on foot, though. I tracked over 20,000 steps daily during my last visit! Just make sure to bring a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes with good grip for those slippery cobblestones.

Forget São Pedro de Alcântara and Santa Luzia—they're gorgeous, but you'll be sharing the view with hundreds of other tourists. Instead, head to these lesser-known miradouros (viewpoints) that locals actually frequent:

Miradouro do Monte Agudo in Anjos offers spectacular views and a local kiosk serving €1.50 beers. I stumbled upon this gem while getting completely lost (the best way to explore Lisbon, honestly) and ended up chatting with an elderly Portuguese couple who'd been living in the neighborhood for 60 years.

Jardim da Cerca da Graça is another favorite—this terraced garden has olive trees, vegetable patches, and breathtaking views. Bring a picnic from the nearby Mercado de Arroios and watch the sunset alongside studying university students and local families.

For the ultimate secret spot, trek up to Panorâmico de Monsanto. This abandoned restaurant-turned-viewpoint sits in Monsanto Forest Park and offers 360° views of the entire city. It's covered in street art and feels wonderfully post-apocalyptic. The 1-hour hike there is worth it, but bring your headlamp if you're staying for sunset, as the path back can be dark.

Yes, pastéis de nata are delicious (and Manteigaria makes my favorite), but Lisbon's culinary scene goes so much deeper. For an authentic breakfast, skip the hotel buffet and head to any local pastelaria. Order a meia de leite (coffee with milk) and torrada (thick-cut toast with butter) for about €2.50 total. Watch locals standing at the counter knocking back quick espressos before work.

For lunch, seek out tascas—small, family-run eateries serving pratos do dia (daily specials) for €7-10 including bread, wine, and coffee. My go-to is Tasca da Esquina near Campo de Ourique market, where the owner Rosa still cooks everything herself. The bacalhau à brás (shredded codfish with eggs and potatoes) changed my life.

Lisbon is also embracing sustainable dining. Damas in Graça serves incredible vegetarian options using locally-sourced ingredients, while Brio Supermercado in Príncipe Real is perfect for stocking up on package-free groceries for picnics. I always pack my reusable food containers to carry snacks and reduce plastic waste while traveling.

Most importantly, eat dinner on local time—restaurants fill with tourists at 7pm, but Lisboetas rarely dine before 9pm. Show up at 8:30pm to snag a table just as locals arrive.

Skip the mass-produced magnets and cork trinkets on Rua Augusta. Instead, head to Feira da Ladra (Thieves' Market) on Tuesday and Saturday mornings in Alfama. This sprawling flea market dates back to the 12th century and sells everything from antique azulejos (those iconic blue tiles) to vintage clothing. I found a 1930s Portuguese compass for €15 that's now my prized possession.

For sustainable fashion, A Vida Portuguesa stores sell beautiful, locally-made goods that support traditional Portuguese crafts. Their hand-woven baskets make perfect beach bags and shopping totes. I also love Embaixada in Príncipe Real, a concept store in a restored 19th-century palace featuring independent Portuguese designers focusing on sustainable practices.

Lisbon's indoor markets are transforming into sustainable food hubs. Mercado de Campo de Ourique is less touristy than the famous Time Out Market and offers a perfect blend of traditional vendors and innovative food stalls. I spent many mornings writing in my travel journal while sipping Portuguese coffee and watching locals shop for their daily groceries.

For the ultimate local experience, visit LX Factory on Sundays for their market. This revitalized industrial complex hosts independent designers, vintage dealers, and artisanal food producers. The entire area runs on renewable energy and many shops focus on upcycled products.

Lisbon is rapidly becoming one of Europe's greenest capitals, with innovations that most tourists completely miss. Start by exploring Parque das Nações, where the former Expo '98 site now showcases renewable energy installations and sustainable architecture. The interactive science museum focuses on environmental conservation and is powered entirely by solar energy.

For a truly local experience, volunteer at Horta do Monte community garden in Graça. I spent three wonderful mornings helping tend vegetables alongside residents during my last visit. They welcome drop-in volunteers on Wednesday and Sunday mornings—just bring water, sunscreen, and a willingness to get your hands dirty.

Explore Lisbon's growing network of cycle paths with a bike from the Gira bike-sharing program. Their electric bikes make those hills manageable, and the system uses a simple app for rentals. I recommend the riverside path from Cais do Sodré to Belém—it's flat, scenic, and connects major attractions.

To truly understand Lisbon's sustainable transformation, take the Sustainable Lisbon Walking Tour run by a local environmental collective. They highlight urban gardens, renewable energy projects, and water conservation efforts that are changing the city. I use my portable solar charger to keep my phone powered during these longer exploration days.

Finally, cool off at Piscina Oceânica in Oeiras—a seawater swimming pool that uses tidal energy and natural filtration systems. It's where locals escape the summer heat without the crowds of Cascais beaches.