Which means of transport to use Lisbon?

From the airport to the city centre Lisbon

Lisbon airport is very close to the city center, making it easily accessible by metro. A bus service (the aerobus) also takes you into the center, serving a few places that the metro doesn't reach. If you wish to take a cab (preferable if your accommodation is in Alfama or Graça), don't hesitate to ask the fare before you get in. Some cabs are a bit thieving. You can also order a VTC from the departures drop-off parking lot.

Arrival by train Lisbon

Portugal's train company is called Comboios de Portugal(www.cp.pt). Several major stations are located in Lisbon, providing connections to Portugal's major cities and to a number of towns in France and Spain. You'll probably arrive from Santa Apolonia, Oriente or Sete Rios. From there, you can take the metro into the city center.

Arrival by boat Lisbon

There is currently no regular maritime link between France and Portugal. Only cruises will allow you to make this type of connection, with a short stopover, by sea (consult a specialized agency). Lisbon is increasingly even a port of call for cruise ships from all over the world.

Public transport Lisbon

Lisbon has a metro(www.metrolisboa.pt), bus and streetcar network(www.carris.pt). The metros work well, but there is little frequency (sometimes 10 to 15 min between two metros). Buses are a little more unpredictable and can get stuck in rush-hour traffic. In short, since distances are fairly short in the center, you'll often find it easier to walk. To use public transport, the easiest way is to buy the viva viagem card (€0.50), valid for one year, and load it with the zapping formula (i.e. with a sum of money). A bus ticket purchased on board costs €2. If you use your card with the zapping formula, it will cost you €1.47. One ticket does not allow you to make a trip combining bus and metro, or you have to load your transport card with a special ticket ("combinado carris/metro") which costs €1.65. A ticket for the streetcar costs €3 (yes, you read that right). Likewise, it's much cheaper if you pay with your transport card.

Bike, scooters & co Lisbon

With its ups and downs, narrow roads and cobblestones, the city isn't exactly bike-friendly (apart from the banks of the Tagus). However, as in many big cities, you'll find the famous electric bike, scooter and scooter companies. For scooters, Lime is the most common. The city also has a service equivalent to Paris's Velib': Gira. There are a few stations along the river and in Martim Moniz square. There are many more outside the historic center, especially where there are bike paths. As a tourist, you can buy a daily pass for €2 and then take an electric or non-electric bike (free for the first 45 minutes).

With a driver Lisbon

In recent years, Uber and other VTC companies (Taxify, Bolt...) have set up in Lisbon. So far, Uber operates differently from France. You have the option of Uber X (the fare is announced in advance) and Uber black (a little more expensive). Fares change regularly, so it may or may not be cheaper than a cab. You'll recognize official cabs by their color (black and green). If you're lucky, you'll get to your destination in no time, as the drivers know the city like the back of their hand. They set a pick-up charge and then you pay by kilometer and time.

By car Lisbon

As in all major Portuguese cities, driving is exhausting and parking spaces are scarce. There are a few underground parking lots in the center (São Roque and Antigo Teatro Gymnásio - both in Bairro Alto -, Santa Apolonia, Chão do Loureiro, Picoas, Marquês de Pombal - Parque Eduardo VII, Martim Moniz). One of Lisbon's most interesting jobs is that of arrumadores, who, for a small fee (minimum €0.50), take over a piece of the street, show you where to park, help you maneuver and make sure no one blocks your car. This dramatically increases the opportunities for (often illegal) parking. In metered zones (paid on weekdays from 8am to 8pm), you can park for up to 4 consecutive hours. Be careful, though, as it seems that the company that controls parking (Emel) is very vigilant, and you could find your car impounded very quickly.

Accessibility Lisbon

Little infrastructure has been put in place for accessibility in Lisbon. There are many steps and staircases all over the city. In fact, you'll hardly see anyone with reduced mobility! If you're coming with a child, remember to take a sturdy stroller.

Tourist traps Lisbon

Beware: some cab drivers take advantage of your unfamiliarity with the city to make detours and increase the fare. Remember to ask for a price range at the outset.