Is the Lisboa Card Worth It?

Lisbon is one of Europe's oldest and most charming cities. The capital of Portugal is a traveler's paradise featuring dozens of sights and attractions to explore. If you're planning to visit a lot of paid attractions when visiting Lisbon, your trip can get expensive quite quickly.

Luckily, there's a solution that will not only simplify your itinerary but also save you money – the Lisboa Card.

The Lisboa Card is a tourist pass that offers a convenient and cost-effective way to explore a lot of Lisbon's most important sights. You get free admission to many of the city's museums, monuments, and historical landmarks, as well as free public transport and discounts on tours, and other activities.

But is the Lisboa Card worth it if you're not a museum buff? This post looks at what's included and whether or not it makes sense to get the card.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s included and how you can make the most of this pass during your travels.
 

What is the Lisboa Card?

The Lisboa Card is Lisbon’s official city travel pass. It looks like a credit card, but this shiny piece of plastic provides you with all the benefits without the crippling debt. 

You’ll get access to free, unlimited travel on public transport. That’s not just buses. It’s trams, the Metro, elevators such as the famous Santa Justa elevator, and funiculars. It even includes free trips on the CP train lines to Cascais and Sintra.

But this is just the beginning of the benefits. There are many others we’ll explore throughout this Lisboa Card review.
 

Lisboa Card Price

You’ve got options when it comes to buying a Lisboa City Card. Each one includes the same benefits. You only need to decide if you want to use the card for just one day, two days, or three.

• 24-hour Card: 22 USD / 21 EUR per adult and 14 USD / 13.50 EUR per child.
• 48-hour Card: 37 USD / 35 EUR per adult and 21 USD / 19.50 EUR per child.
• 72-hour Card: 46 USD / 44 EUR per adult and 24 USD / 23 EUR per child.

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An adult is considered anyone over the age of 15. It’s important to note that the clock starts once you start using it and not from the purchase date. For example, if you begin using the Lisboa Card discounts at midday on a Saturday, your 24 hours will end at noon on Sunday.
 

How to Buy the Lisboa Card?

You can buy the Lisboa Card online from Lisbon’s official website. However, I recommend ordering it on GetYourGuide as with them, you have the option to cancel it up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund in case you change your mind or need to postpone your trip.

Once you’ve arrived in the city, you can collect it from one of these locations:

• Lisboa Welcome Centre – the main tourist office located at the Comércio Plaza in Baixa.
• Foz Palace – tourist office next to the Rossio train station, which takes you to Sintra
• St. Apolónia International Railway Station – the main station for arrivals from international destinations and northern cities like Porto (also close to the cruise terminal).
• Designated kiosks at Rua Augusta in Baixa and Bélem.

 

What Does the Lisboa Card Include?


Lisbon has a lot to offer visitors to its gorgeous city, and the Lisboa Card is an excellent way to save money and make the most of your trip.

You get free transportation on the Lisbon Metro subway. It also includes free access to 39 museums, monuments, and places of interest as well as discounts ranging from 10% to 50% on local services and cultural and tourist activities. You even score 5% to 10% discounts on a wide range of Portuguese souvenirs and products at participating stores. 

Whether you're interested in exploring Lisbon's museums and landmarks or simply want to save money on transportation and shopping, the Lisboa Card is an excellent choice for any visitor to this beautiful city. Here’s a complete list of everything included in the Lisbon pass.
 

Monuments & Museums

Free entry:
Panteão Nacional / National Pantheon
Palácio Nacional da Ajuda / Ajuda Palace
Museu do Tesouro Real
Museo do Chiado – Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea
Museu Nacional de Etnologia
Museu Nacional do Traje
Museu Nacional do Teatro e da Dança
Museu Nacional de Arqueologia
Museu Nacional da Música
Casa Museu Dr. Anastácio Gonçalves
Museu da Guarda Nacional Republicana
Museu da Cerâmica de Sacavém
Museu do Ar
Mosteiro da Batalha
Mosteiro de Alcobaça
Convento de Cristo em Tomar
Museu do Neo Realismo – Vila Franca de Xira
Museu do Trabalho Michel Giacometti
Casa da Cerca – Museu de Arte Contemporânea – Almada
Capela do Espírito Santo dos Mareantes de Sesimbra
Galeria Municipal de Setúbal
Museu Marítimo de Sesimbra
Convento de Jesus/Museu de Setúbal
Moinho de Maré da Mourisca – Herdade da Mourisca
NewsMuseum
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos / Jerónimos Monastery (fast-track access!)
Torre de Belém / Belém Tower

Deals:
Fundação Arpad Szenes – Vieira da Silva – 50% discount
Museu da Água – 50% discount
Museu do Centro Científico e Cultural de Macau – 50% discount
Fundação Portuguesa das Comunicações – 50% discount
Museu de São Roque – 40% discount
Fundação Medeiros e Almeida – 40% discount
Museu Mundo Sporting – Estádio José Alvalade – 40% discount
Museu da Carris – Tram Museum – 30% discount
Futuro Museu de Arte Contemporânea MAC/CCB – 20% discount
Fragata D. Fernando II e Glória – 20% discount
Museu Calouste Gulbenkian – Coleção Moderna – 20% discount
Ruinas da Igreja do Carmo – Museu Arqueológico – 20% discount
Museu Arqueológico do Carmo – 20% discount
Quinta da Regaleira – 20% discount
Museu do Fado – 20% discount
Casa Museu Amália Rodrigues – 20% discount
Museu Nacional da Música Mecânica – Palmela – 20% discount
Atelier-Museu Júlio Pomar – 20% discount
Museu do Oriente – 20% discount
Museu do Aljube – 20% discount
Museu da Farmácia – 20% discount
Museu Escola de Artes Decorativas Portuguesas – 20% discount
Sé de Lisboa – 20% discount
Torre da Igreja do Castelo de São Jorge – 20% discount
Museu de Marinha – 20% discount
Palácio Nacional de Queluz – 20% discount
Museu Benfica Cosme Damião – 15% discount
MAAT – Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia – 15% discount
Palácio Nacional de Sintra – 10% discount
Palácio Nacional da Pena/Parque da Pena – 10% discount
Palácio Biester – 10% discount
Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência – 10% discount
Museu Coleção Berardo – 30% discount

 

Lisboa Card Attractions List

 
Free entry:
Arco da Rua Augusta
Cold Green House (Estufa Fria)
Centro Interpretativo da História do Bacalhau
Centro Interpretativo do Roaz do Estuário do Sado – Dolphins Centre (CIRES)

Deals:
EVOA – Tagus Estuary Bird Observatory – 30% discount
Planetário da Marinha – 20% discount
Padrão dos Descobrimentos – 20% discount
Centro Cultural de Belém – 20% discount for the exhibition, 10% discount for performances
Aquário Vasco da Gama – 20% discount
Fundação José Saramago – 1 USD / 1 EUR discount
Oceanário de Lisboa – 15% discount
Pavilhão do Conhecimento – 15% discount
Jardim Zoológico de Lisboa – 15% discount
Parques de Sintra – 15% discount
O Cubo – Immersivus Gallery Lisboa – 15% discount
Teleférico do Parque das Nações – 10% discount
Culturgest – 10% discount
 

Tours and Activities

 
Lisbon Walker – 33% discount
Barco Varino Liberdade – 25% discount
Tuk Guide Portugal – 25% discount
City Sightseeing Portugal – 25% discount
VR Tours Lisboa – 25% discount
Naturway – Circuitos em Jeep – 20% discount
Estrela d’Alva Tours – 20% discount
Selection Tours – 20% discount
SadoArrábida – 20% discount
Nosso Tejo – Lisbon Traditional Boat Tours – 20% discount
BOOST Portugal: Lisbon by Segway / GoCar Tours – 20% discount
BOOST Portugal: Scooter Solution / Bikes & Company – 20% discount
BOOST Portugal: Vox City Walks / Lisbon Escape Hunt – 20% discount
BOOST Portugal: Arrábida Boat / Eco Tuk Tour – 20% discount
SeaEO Tours – 15% discount
HIPPOtrip Turismo Anfíbio – 15% discount
Cityrama / Gray Line Portuga – 15% discount
PalmaYachts – 15% discount
Sailing Lovers – 15% discount
Lisbon Destination Tours – 15% discount
Lisbon by Boat – 15% discount
Cooltour Lisbon – 15% discount
Vertigem Azul – 10% discount
Yellow Boat River Tour – 10% discount
Yellow Bus – Hop on – off – 10% discount
Yellow Bus – Tramcar Tour – 10% discount
Belém Lisbon Bus Tour / Monumental Belém Bus Tour – 10% discount
Hills Tramcar Tour – 10% discount
Lisboat – 10% discount
Inside Lisbon Tours – 10% discount
FRS Portugal – 10% discount
Vertente Natural – 10% discount
Blue Cruises – 10% discount
Setúbal Alive – 10% discount
 

Transportation

Metro – Free to use
Carris trams, buses, and lifts – Free to use
CP – Comboios de Portuga – Free to use within Lisbon limits
Fertagus Trains – Free to use
AEROBUS – 25% discount
 

Also read: 15 Fun Day Trips From Lisbon.
 

Other benefits

Viniportugal –  One voucher for 20% wine-themed tasting and merchandise
Amoreiras Shopping Center – One voucher for a 5 USD / 5 EUR discount at participating stores and one voucher for 1 USD / 1 EUR discount to the viewing platform
Casa da Baía Setúbal – 15% discount in the Regional Products store
Mercearia Confiança de Troino – Setúba – 15% discount in the Regional Products store
Casa do Turismo – 15% discount
El Corte Inglés – 10% discount plus Welcome Pack
Lisboa Shop – 10% discount
Freeport Lisboa Fashion Outlet – 10% discount
Fado in Chiado – 10% discount
Fábrica de Faianças e Azulejos Sant'Anna – 5% discount
 

Is the Lisboa Card Worth It?


Maximizing the Lisbon city card to its full potential makes up for the Lisboa Card price. The best way to determine if it’s worth the investment is to see it in action. These three itinerary examples can help you decide whether you should buy it or not.
 

24-Hour Itinerary Example

• Museo Nacional de Arquelogia
• Museu Colecao Berardo
• MAAT

Without Lisboa Card: 20 USD / 19 EUR
With Lisboa Card discounts: 4 USD / 3.5 EUR

You’ll also save approximately an extra 3 USD / 3 EUR for transportation around the city to visit these popular attractions.
 

48-Hour Itinerary Example

Day One:

• Museo Nacional de Arquelogia
• Museu Colecao Berardo
• MAAT

Day Two:

• Museu Nacional do Traje
• Arco da Rua Augusta
• Centro Interpretativo da História do Bacalhau

Without Lisboa Card: 33 USD / 31 EUR
With Lisboa Card discounts: 4 USD / 3.5 EUR

You’ll also save approximately an extra 7 USD / 7 EUR for transportation around the city to visit these attractions.
  

72-Hour Itinerary Example

Day One:

• Museo Nacional de Arquelogia
• Museu Colecao Berardo
• MAAT

Day Two:

• Museu Nacional do Traje
• Arco da Rua Augusta
• Centro Interpretativo da História do Bacalhau

Day Three:

• Museu do Ar
• Quinta da Regaleira
• NewsMuseum

Without Lisboa Card: 55 USD / 52 EUR
With Lisboa Card discounts: 18 USD / 17 EUR

You’ll also save approximately an extra 10 USD / 11 EUR for transportation around the city to visit these attractions.

As you can see, even after three days of visiting some of Lisbon’s most popular attractions, the savings on tickets and transport can be significant. You'll get your money's worth if you are interested in the sites and activities the Lisboa Card offers, and have some budget left to try out the city's delicious pasteis de nata.
 

When is the Lisboa Card Not Worth It?


If you're still wondering, “Is the Lisbon card worth it for me?” then read on.

One factor to consider is how many attractions you plan on visiting. If you want to visit several of the museums, galleries, and historic sites the card gives access to, it might be worth it. But, if you only want to go to one or two of the cheaper attractions, it may make more sense to pay for admission instead of investing in the card.

Something else to consider is your eligibility for discounts or concessions at attractions. If you are, the savings from the Lisboa Card may not be significant. For example, many places offer discounted rates for visitors aged 65 or above and students with valid IDs. As the Lisboa Card does not provide concession pricing, it may not be the best option if you qualify for these rates.

When you’re visiting Lisbon is also a factor. Many museums and attractions are closed on Mondays. So your options might be limited if you visit the city on this day.

However, there are still plenty of sights to see on Mondays, particularly in nearby Sintra, where many top attractions are open. If you plan it right, you can still make the most of your Lisboa Card on this day.

Lastly, if you plan to visit all the sights on your list on foot, or just once or twice use public transport, you'll have to see if the money you save on entrance fees alone makes the Lisboa card worth it.
 

Practical Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Lisboa Card

There are many ways to maximize the benefits of the Lisboa Card. Consider implementing these tips to help you protect your budget while visiting the city.
 

Plan Ahead

Before you arrive in Lisbon, research the attractions eligible for free entry and discounts via the Lisboa Card. Next, work out how to get there. It will help you avoid wasting time and money on the day. You should also check to see if some attractions require reservations. You’ll want to book in advance if needed.
 

Use Public Transportation

One of the best benefits of the Lisbon city pass is unlimited access to public transport, including buses, trams, and the Metro. Take advantage of this offering to save money and time getting around the city. It is efficient and easy to use, and it can take you to most of the major attractions in the city.
 
 

Visit Multiple Attractions

The Lisboa Card offers free or discounted entry to dozens of museums, monuments, and other attractions in the city and surrounding areas. To get the most out of your card, try to visit at least three attractions daily.
 

Take Advantage of the Deals

In addition to free or discounted entry to attractions, the Lisboa Card also offers special rates on various kinds of experiences and services. Review the guidebook or website for a complete list of deals and take advantage of them to protect your budget while visiting Lisbon.
 

Stop by Sintra

You’ll find Sintra located a little outside of the city of Lisbon. Use your free transportation benefits for a day trip to this beautiful town. The Lisboa Card even gets you free entrance tickets to and deals on many of the top attractions, including the stunning palaces, gardens, and castles that make this area so unique.

Take a Shopping Break

You can use the Lisboa Card for more than just attractions. It also includes vouchers at some of Lisbon’s shopping centers. Don’t forget to claim these when you need a break from all the city's stunning sights and to pick up that souvenir you promised to get that one friend.
 

How to choose the best Lisboa Card for you?

Luckily, there aren't many decisions to make when it comes to buying the card. You just have to choose between a card for 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours.

The Lisboa Card can be an excellent way to save money and see more of Lisbon's top attractions. By following the practical tips in this post, you can make the most of it and have an enjoyable and memorable time in this beautiful city.
 

Where to stay in Lisbon

Looking for a place to sleep hotel in the Portuguese capital? Check out these accommodation options in the city center:

Flora Chiado Apartments: centrally located and well equipped.

Lisbon Woods House: great if you’re on a budget.

Palacio do Visconde: in the Arroios district this stylish, bright hotel has a roof terrace with views over the city.

The Felix 10 is a four-star hotel with lots of outdoor space to enjoy and within walking distance to the main sights of the city.

Want some refreshment after a day of exploring? We've put together this list of hotels in Lisbon city center with pools.

 

Don't forget about travel insurance

Plan for the best, prepare for the worst. Travel insurance covers you in case (part of) your trip to Lisbon gets canceled, you get sick or hurt while traveling, and sometimes even when your electronics break or get stolen. I always make sure I'm covered on every trip I go on.

Don't have travel insurance yet? Check out SafetyWing. They offer super flexible plans that you can even sign up for while you're already on your trip. On top of that, they were the first travel insurance to cover COVID, and when I got COVID, they reimbursed all of my expenses without making a fuss. Their customer support team is great and I can personally recommend them.
 

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