Apps for you to travel in Lisbon like a Pro
In an age where technology permeates every facet of our lives, it’s tempting to rely on it for everything, especially when navigating the unknown streets of a new city. At Taste of Lisboa, while we cherish the serendipity of unplanned adventures and the authentic experiences that come from exploring a city beyond its digital footprint, we also recognize the invaluable role technology can play in enhancing travel experiences. The key lies in striking the perfect balance, making the most of technology to complement your journey through Lisbon, without allowing it to dictate it as such.
Navigating Lisbon with a blend of tech-savvy and spontaneity can make you feel more like a traveler and a little less like a tourist. We have curated a list of useful Lisbon travel apps so that you can make the most of your explorations in our city and the rest of Portugal. So check them out and make every moment count, but be careful not to let technology overshadow the invaluable ‘real-life’ experiences that await when you allow yourself to go with the flow.
Lisbon restaurant booking and food related apps
TheFork
Partnering with an extensive list of dining establishments, TheFork not only helps you secure a reservation but often provides discounts, making your gastronomic exploration both delicious and more economical.
TheFork was designed to simplify the process of discovering and securing reservations at a wide range of restaurants. You can rely on us to share with you what are the best Portuguese food restaurants in Lisbon. But once you have selected where you’d like to go, it can be a good idea to check out the establishment on TheFork, not just for the sake of booking a table in a super convenient manner, but possibly to even enjoy a discount.
TheFork’s listings are comprehensive, complete with photos and menus, which can be particularly useful for those with more specific dietary patterns, or if you’re going out to eat in a group, to make sure in advance that there’s something in the list adequate for everyone.
Our favorite feature of TheFork is that the app frequently offers discounts, ranging from a percentage off your total bill to special set-menu prices, available exclusively to TheFork users – registering is easy enough, even if you’re just in town for a few days. These discounts are applied automatically when you book through the app. To increase your chances of enjoying a discount, look for restaurants during weekdays, as weekends are naturally busier and promotions for those days are rarer.
Furthermore, TheFork hosts themed discount weeks, such as ‘TheFork Fest’ where diners can enjoy specially priced menus at some of the city’s best restaurants. These promotions not only provide an excellent opportunity to sample high-end dining at a fraction of the cost but also encourage exploration of new culinary experiences. Whether you’re a local foodie or a traveler eager to taste the best of Lisbon, these themed weeks are a fantastic way to dive deep into the city’s gastronomic offerings without breaking the bank.
Photo by Hospitality Magazine
Veond – Vegan Deals
For those embracing a plant-based lifestyle or simply curious about vegan dining options in Lisbon, Veond emerges as a pioneering platform that caters uniquely to your needs. This Portuguese in-app marketplace offers a comprehensive guide to living a more ethical and sustainable lifestyle, offering discounts on a vast array of vegan products, restaurants, and experiences.
Veond is designed with the modern, eco-conscious consumer in mind, providing an easy-to-navigate interface where users can discover exclusive deals and book meals at some of the best vegan restaurants in Lisbon. This feature is particularly appealing for travelers following a vegan diet or anyone eager to explore the city’s plant-based culinary scene without compromising on quality or affordability. Whether you’ve found a cool vegan spot via Taste of Lisboa’s very own veggie recommendations, or stumbled upon a hidden gem via HappyCow, Veond offers the added benefit of checking if your chosen restaurant is offering a special deal, making your dining experience not only delicious, but also more budget-friendly.
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/veond-vegan-deals/id1459757446
Photo by Casa do Impacto
Too Good To Go
Too Good To Go is an innovative app that’s transforming the way we think about food waste and consumption, offering a sustainable solution to both businesses and consumers. The concept is simple yet impactful: restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, and other food establishments sell their surplus food at reduced prices to app users, thereby reducing food waste and providing delicious meals at a fraction of the cost.
Originating in Denmark in 2016, Too Good To Go quickly spread across Europe, making its way to Lisbon as part of its mission to fight food waste globally. The app’s arrival in the Portuguese capital was met with enthusiasm from both local businesses and eco-conscious consumers, eager to embrace a solution that benefits the environment, the community, and their wallets. If you are a traveler on a budget, or simply care about food waste, we think Too Good To Go would be a great download for you too, even if you do not live in Lisbon per se. In fact, the app works in other parts of Portugal too – so wherever you end up going, you can open it on your phone with your location settings on, and browse what might be available in the area.
In Lisbon, Too Good To Go offers a wide variety of food options. Users can find everything from freshly baked bread and pastries to gourmet restaurant meals, supermarket deals, and even hotel breakfasts and brunches. Navigating the app is straightforward: after downloading it and creating an account, you can browse the available ‘surprise bags’ near your location. These bags, often sold at a significant discount, contain food that is perfectly good to eat but would otherwise go to waste due to overproduction or the end of the day.
The app is perfect for various scenarios, particularly for those looking to enjoy a picnic in one of Lisbon’s picturesque parks or scenic miradouros when the weather is inviting. It’s also ideal for travelers staying in Airbnbs or home rentals who prefer to grab food to take home, offering a convenient and affordable way to enjoy a wide range of cuisines. Furthermore, Too Good To Go has become a favorite among those looking to enjoy a leisurely first meal of the day without the constraints of hotel breakfast timings or the high cost of dining out. Many hotels in Lisbon have partnered with the app to offer their surplus breakfast and brunch items, allowing users to enjoy high-quality hotel dining experiences, in take-away format, at a fraction of the usual price. Late risers can get their kicks in a more sustainable and budget-friendly way!
Photo by Distribuição Hoje
Glovo
Glovo is a versatile option for home delivery, offering more than just food from local restaurants. Originally founded in Barcelona, Spain, in 2015, Glovo quickly expanded its services across various countries, making its debut in the Portuguese market to bring convenience and efficiency to the doorstep of its users. Glovo’s unique selling proposition lies in its ability to deliver virtually anything within a city’s limits, and not just meals.
The app is particularly advantageous for those indulgent nights in, whether you’re a local or a traveler staying in an Airbnb. Glovo’s expansive range of options includes a wide variety of fast-food outlets, but its offerings are far from limited to this category. Users can order their favorite dishes or explore new restaurants nearby, ensuring that every craving is satisfied without stepping outside.
But what truly sets Glovo apart from other popular delivery services like Uber Eats and Bolt Food (which we also explore below, in the transportation section), is its extensive selection of non-food items. With Glovo, you can find anything you need, from supermarket goods to pharmacy items, flower shops, and beyond. It’s this versatility that makes Glovo an invaluable tool for those unexpected moments or specific needs that arise at the least convenient times. Imagine you’re hosting a home party and realize you’ve forgotten something essential: Glovo can deliver food, drinks, and even that last-minute package of aspirin to counteract the effects of a potential hangover, all through a few taps on your phone.
When it comes to trying food in Lisbon, we would most of the time recommend going out, as dining is not only about what appears on the plate, but also about the atmosphere one can enjoy at a restaurant and the overall experience provided by establishments and their teams. However, we do recognize that sometimes, it’s just convenient or indulgent to order in, and via Glovo you can do so without necessarily compromising on the authentic Lisbon experience.
Photo by Glovo
Most useful transportation apps in Lisbon
Carris Metropolitana
Known for its yellow buses and city trams, the company Carris Metropolitana is a pivotal component of Lisbon’s public transportation network, covering not just the urban heart of the city but also the broader Greater Lisbon area. Through its app and website, Carris Metropolitana offers a comprehensive resource for navigating the complexities of the area’s bus services. Users can access schedules, routes, stops, and alerts for their specific line, making travel planning both inside Lisbon and for day trips around the city a little more straightforward. Saying that it will be seamless using the app wouldn’t be the complete truth, but this is perhaps as convenient as it gets, at least for now.
The pricing system for Carris Metropolitana includes options of onboard fares as well as prepaid tariffs. The onboard fare may be convenient for infrequent or spur-of-the-moment trips, allowing passengers to pay directly on the bus. However, for regular commuters or even if you’re just in Lisbon for more than a couple of days and planning to get around, opting for a prepaid card, which you can purchase at designated ticket offices and kiosks throughout the city, is significantly more cost-effective.
The Carris Metropolitana app is particularly useful for several reasons. First, it allows travelers to check real-time bus schedules and plan their journeys with up-to-date information on delays or disruptions. Additionally, the app provides detailed route maps, helping users to visualize their travel plans and identify the most convenient stops and connections for their needs. For those exploring Lisbon and its surroundings, the app facilitates the discovery of new areas and attractions by offering a reliable means of transportation. Whether planning a day trip to a nearby town or navigating the bustling streets of Lisbon, the Carris Metropolitana app ensures that travelers have the necessary information at their fingertips to make the most of their time in the region.
Photo by Lisboa Para Pessoas
Citymapper
Citymapper is a comprehensive travel app that significantly simplifies the process of navigating Lisbon for travelers. Unlike other apps that focus on a specific mode of transportation, such as Carris Metropolitana above for buses and city trams, but also the Lisbon Metro, or CP (Comboios de Portugal) for trains, Citymapper consolidates in one place all the information regarding transportation that most travelers visiting Lisbon may need.
Citymapper offers real-time updates and a wide array of transportation options, from buses and trams to trains and even walking and biking routes. By inputting your destination, Citymapper presents you with several routes, each detailing the estimated time, the most efficient path, and any transfers you may need to make along the way. This allows travelers to compare options and choose the one that best suits their preferences, be it the fastest route, the least amount of walking, or the most scenic path.
Furthermore, Citymapper’s integration with local transportation services like Carris Metropolitana and the Lisbon Metro ensures that users have access to the latest schedules, delays, and disruptions. This real-time information is crucial for planning your day around Lisbon, helping to avoid any unexpected delays and ensuring a smooth travel experience. The app also includes helpful features like step-by-step navigation, alerts when it’s time to get off at your stop, and even where to find the best exit to save you time on your journey.
For travelers interested in exploring Lisbon’s surrounding areas, Citymapper’s coverage extends to regional trains operated by CP, making day trips outside the city as straightforward as urban navigation. This feature is especially useful for those looking to venture to nearby destinations like Sintra or Cascais, as it removes the guesswork from public transportation schedules and connections.
In addition to its comprehensive transportation planning features, Citymapper also caters to the needs of various travelers by offering cycling routes and bike share information, reflecting Lisbon’s growing bike-friendly infrastructure. This is particularly appealing for those looking to explore the city at a slower pace, enjoy its scenic beauty, or simply get some exercise.
https://citymapper.com/lisboa?lang=en
Photo by Lisboa Para Pessoas
Gira
Amongst a variety of companies and services offering similar amenities (for example Uber or Bolt), Gira is, hands down, our preferred choice for bike rental in Lisbon, and the one we always recommend to travelers coming to our city. Gira was a pioneer in the city’s bike-sharing landscape, being operated by EMEL, the municipal entity responsible for mobility and parking management in Lisbon. Gira is not only a bike rental service but, being run by EMEL, it is also an integral part of the city’s broader transportation strategy, designed to promote sustainable mobility and enhance urban living.
The Gira system is user-friendly and accessible, making it easy for both residents and visitors to navigate Lisbon on two wheels. Through the Gira app, users can locate and unlock bikes from various docking stations spread across the city. The app provides real-time information on the availability of bikes and docking spaces, which is particularly useful during peak hours or in high-demand areas, ensuring that users can plan their journeys efficiently.
Wondering if you should download Gira? Here’s how the app works:
- Locate: The app shows a map of nearby docking stations, along with the number of bikes available and open docks for returning bikes.
- Unlock: Once at the station, users can easily unlock a bike using a code or QR scan feature provided through the app.
- Ride: With bikes designed for various levels of cycling proficiency, including electric bikes for those looking for a less strenuous ride, users can enjoy exploring Lisbon at their own pace.
- Dock: After completing their journey, users can return the bike to any Gira docking station, ensuring flexibility and convenience.
Easy, convenient and environmentally friendly, as bikes help explore Lisbon in a fun and even healthy way, while also contributing to reducing traffic congestion and pollution.
www.gira-bicicletasdelisboa.pt/aplicacoes
Photo by Lisboa Para Pessoas
Bolt / Bolt Food
Bolt has proven to be an indispensable tool for many travelers in Lisbon, not only for its efficient ride-hailing service but also for its competitive edge in affordability, particularly when compared to other somewhat more popular options, such as Uber. Often considered slightly more economical, Bolt offers a cost-effective means of private transportation, particularly when compared to traditional taxis and even with how much it would cost to drive and particularly park in the city center – not to mention the actual hassle of getting a car in Lisbon’s maze-like streets, for those who aren’t used to it.
The app simplifies the process of getting around Lisbon by connecting users with local drivers through just a few taps on their smartphone. Whether you’re looking to explore the historic neighborhoods, visit iconic landmarks, or simply travel from your accommodation to a restaurant, Bolt provides a seamless service. The app’s interface is intuitive, displaying the driver’s location in real time, estimated arrival time, and journey duration, thereby ensuring a hassle-free travel experience. You could get a Bolt car, but also drive yourself using one of their bikes or scooters.
Bolt (just like Uber below) extends its services beyond ride-hailing with Bolt Food, an addition that enhances the travel experience for those exploring Lisbon. Bolt Food delivers a wide range of culinary options directly to your location, whether you’re craving traditional Portuguese dishes or international cuisine. This service is particularly appealing for travelers staying in accommodations with limited access to dining facilities, such as Airbnbs, or for those moments when you prefer the comfort of dining in.
https://bolt.eu/en-pt/cities/lisbon
https://food.bolt.eu/en-US/386-lisbon
Photo by Echo Boomer
Uber / Uber Eats
Uber remains a prominent choice for travelers in Lisbon, offering a comprehensive suite of transportation options that cater to a wide range of preferences. Despite being slightly more expensive than competitors like Bolt, Uber’s global presence and the familiarity that comes with it make it a go-to option for many international travelers. The convenience of having a single app that works in numerous cities around the world cannot be understated, especially if the app covers different methods of transportation as well as food delivery options.
Uber’s transportation services in Lisbon include a variety of modes designed to suit different budgets and travel styles. From the standard UberX, which offers affordable rides for up to four passengers, to Uber Green, providing environmentally friendly options for those conscious of their carbon footprint, Uber caters to the modern traveler. For larger groups or those desiring more space, UberXL accommodates larger parties or more luggage. Additionally, Uber Black offers a premium service for those looking for luxury and style, featuring high-end vehicles and professional drivers. Uber also offers an eco-friendly and fun alternative for navigating the city through its bikes and scooters service.
Uber’s safety features, such as driver profiles, real-time GPS tracking, and the ability to share your trip details with friends or family, provide an added layer of security and peace of mind for travelers. These aspects are especially valued in a foreign city where navigating unfamiliar streets can be daunting, even though, generally speaking, Lisbon is a safe city and Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world.
In addition to its transportation services, Uber also offers Uber Eats in Lisbon, providing convenient access to a wide array of local and international cuisines. While the focus here is on transportation, the added benefit of being able to order food through the same app enhances the overall travel experience, offering comfort and convenience to those looking to sample Lisbon’s culinary gems without leaving their accommodation.
www.uber.com/global/en/cities/lisbon
www.ubereats.com/pt-en/city/lisboa-lisboa
Photo by Time Out Lisboa
If you are planning further travels across Portugal, we would also recommend checking out Rede Expressos and FlixBus, which are the companies with the most extensive bus routes around the country.
Lisbon sightseeing and activities apps
SmartGuide
SmartGuide turns your smartphone into a personal tour guide, offering an innovative way to explore destinations, including Lisbon, with ease and relative depth. This app is perfect for travelers who cherish the freedom of independent exploration but also appreciate having contextual information to enrich their experience. By providing audio guides and detailed information about various points of interest, SmartGuide empowers users to discover the rich history, culture, and hidden gems of their chosen destination at their own pace.
Once you have had the most delicious introduction to Portugal’s food and culture joining one of Taste of Lisboa’s walking tours, it would be safe to say that SmartGuide is ideal to continue your explorations of our city more independently. Using the app you have total flexibility to start, pause, or skip content according to personal interests and schedules, making it perfect for travelers who value spontaneity. SmartGuide typically offers free content with the option of in-app purchases for more comprehensive guides and features. Prices for premium content vary, providing flexibility depending on how much or how little guidance you need.
The app provides engaging audio guides and written content about landmarks, historical sites, and local culture, offering quite some insights. The app guides you from one point of interest to the next with clear directions, ensuring that you don’t miss out on any must-see attractions.
If your travels in our country are taking you beyond Lisbon, SmartGuide offers an extensive range of destinations across Portugal, available in several languages, such as English, Spanish, French, German, and Portuguese, among others.
https://www.smart-guide.org/destinations/en/lisbon
Photo by SmartGuide on Facebook
Walkbox
Walkbox is another standout app for travelers who cherish the freedom to explore at their own pace, offering a unique blend of independence and insightful exploration that is particularly appealing for visitors to Lisbon. This app provides self-guided walking tours that focus into the city’s rich history and culture, facilitating users to immerse themselves in Lisbon’s undeniable charm.
Walkbox curates engaging routes that guide visitors through Lisbon’s diverse neighborhoods. We do not believe that these self guided tours are a replacement for live experiences with native people from Lisbon, such as the very tours we curate at Taste of Lisboa, but they can offer a good complement for the days when travelers feel like doing something more of their own terms. We love that this app is entirely focused on Portugal and it was developed in our country, by locals, who indeed generally know best.
The app’s design emphasizes flexibility, enabling travelers to navigate Lisbon according to their preferences. Moreover, Walkbox goes beyond merely guiding visitors from point A to point B. By focusing on immersive experiences and the power of storytelling, the app helps users form a deeper connection with the city, moving beyond the surface-level tourist experience to foster a genuine appreciation for Lisbon’s beauty, complexity, and historical depth.
Photo by Walkbox on Visit Lisboa
Beachcam
Beachcam is an essential app for travelers heading to the Portuguese capital with an eye on enjoying the beautiful nearby beaches, whether for a leisurely day of sunbathing or an adventurous session of surfing. Portugal is renowned for its stunning coastline, and Lisbon is uniquely positioned within easy reach of several world-class beaches.
Beachcam offers real-time information on beach conditions. The app provides live feeds from cameras stationed at various beaches, giving users a visual overview of the current conditions, including crowd levels, weather, and surf. This feature is particularly useful for surfers, who can check wave sizes, wind conditions, and tides to find the best times to hit the water. For those planning a day out at the beach, Beachcam’s live feeds and weather reports help in selecting the perfect spot, ensuring that you arrive at a beach that matches your preferences for tranquility or activity. Beyond just live feeds, Beachcam also offers detailed forecasts, including weather, wind, and wave predictions, allowing beachgoers to plan their visits several days in advance.
For individuals interested in exploring beyond the typical tourist spots, Beachcam can guide you to lesser-known beaches that might offer a more secluded or unique experience. This exploration can lead to discovering hidden gems along the Portuguese coast, away from the more crowded or popular destinations. This is a must-have app for beach lovers visiting Lisbon!
https://beachcam.meo.pt/livecams
Photo by Beachcam on Google Play
InfoPraia
The InfoPraia app presents a focused approach to beach information, catering specifically to those looking to spend their day at the beach with up-to-date details about water quality, beach occupancy levels, and flag status. While Beachcam which we explored above offers live feeds and surf conditions, InfoPraia is more about the environmental and safety aspects of beachgoing, making it an essential companion for families, swimmers, and anyone concerned with the cleanliness and safety of their beach destination.
InfoPraia provides real-time information on the water quality at various beaches, which is crucial for swimmers and families with children. This feature ensures that users can select beaches where the water is clean and safe for swimming, thereby avoiding areas that might be temporarily affected by pollution or other environmental issues. The app sources its data from official environmental agencies, ensuring that the information is both reliable and up-to-date.
Another key feature of InfoPraia is its ability to inform users about the current occupancy level of beaches. This is particularly useful during the peak summer months when some beaches can become overcrowded. Additionally, InfoPraia provides information on the flag status at each beach, indicating whether it is safe to swim. The flag system, used widely across Portuguese beaches, alerts swimmers to current sea conditions, with different colors signifying safe conditions, caution due to rough seas or dangerous currents, and prohibitions against entering the water. This immediate access to flag status helps users ensure their safety and the safety of their families while enjoying the beach.
https://infopraia.apambiente.pt/about
Photo by Montepio
In Lisbon, let technology be your guide, not your itinerary. Use these apps to navigate and plan, but also allow room for spontaneity. And, as always, you can count on our regular tips during our in-person experiences in Lisbon, via this blog and on Instagram, where we’re always happy to hear from you! #tasteoflisboa
If you can think of further tips that should be included here, please don’t forget to share them with us via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and tag us @tasteoflisboa or #tasteoflisboa.
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