According to forum posts, Lisbon offers a robust public transportation system that includes metros, trams, buses, and trains, suitable for both short and long-distance journeys.

Travelers have highlighted that Lisbon's metro and tram services are efficient and cost-effective. A one-day pass for metro, trams, and buses costs approximately €7.10, with subsequent days costing slightly less when using the same rechargeable card. Single metro rides are priced around €1.65 to €2.15, while tram fares can be as high as €3 if paid in cash on board.

Some users noted that bus routes cover extensive areas of Lisbon, with electronic boards at stops providing real-time tracking of buses. Bus 736, for example, was mentioned as a direct route to central areas like Rossio from various starting points.

For regional travel, trains connect Lisbon to nearby towns like Cascais and Sintra. The Viva Viagem card, which is used across various transport modes, was frequently recommended. This rechargeable card costs €0.50 and can be loaded with amounts suitable for multiple trips, making it convenient for both metro and regional train travels.

Forum contributors often advise against driving in Lisbon due to challenging navigation and parking issues, suggesting public transport as a preferable option. For travel flexibility, the zapping fare mode on the Viva Viagem card allows for easy transition between different transport services without needing multiple tickets.

According to forum posts, the Baixa area is highly recommended for its central location and flat terrain, making it suitable for those who prefer less walking on steep hills. It has easy access to Rossio Square, Rossio train station, the Metro, trams, and buses, making it convenient for mobility.

Some travelers have mentioned the Alfama district as a desirable area due to its medieval, old-world charm and availability of trams and buses. Although it lacks metro stations, its quaint ambience attracts many visitors.

For visitors looking for a quieter yet centrally-located area, the Pousada da Lisboa on Praça do Comércio has been praised. This location offers proximity to major attractions and minimal noise disturbance at night, according to some users.

Travelers have suggested that areas within 1.5 miles of Praça do Comércio are best for first-time visitors, as they are central and have fewer hills. This includes neighborhoods like Baixa, Bairro Alto, and Rossio, known for their lively evening atmospheres and proximity to cafes and restaurants.

The Viva Viagem card is a rechargeable card used for public transport in Lisbon, costing €0.50. It can be loaded with credit for buses, metro, trams, and trains to Sintra and Cascais. The card cannot have different ticket types loaded simultaneously if it still has credit.

Travelers can load the card with a specific amount, known as zapping, which deducts a set fare per journey, making it cheaper than single tickets. For example, tram rides cost €1.61 instead of €3.10 with zapping. The card is physical, not available online, and must be purchased and recharged at stations.

There are two types of Viva Viagem cards—green and white. Both function similarly but may have specific differences in usage across various transport modes. The cards' validity extends for one year from the date of the last recharge.

Tourist-specific options like the Lisboa Card, which includes public transport and entry to several tourist spots, might be preferable for heavy sightseeing. However, for regular public transport, the Viva Viagem card suffices. Some machines accept cash for loading the card, beneficial for travelers preferring not to use cards.

According to forum posts, many establishments in Lisbon accept Visa and Mastercard, especially in restaurants and larger stores. However, smaller venues in areas like Cascais might only accept cash. Recently, Lisbon's metro started accepting direct contactless payments, but buses and most trams still require a pre-paid card.

Travelers have noted that cash is necessary for smaller transactions such as coffee and pastries, and in places where signs indicate Não há Multibanco (no card accepted). It's also essential for taxis and small purchases in local diners and corner stores.

Some users mentioned the convenience of withdrawing euros from Multibanco ATMs, which are widespread and do not charge local fees. However, they advised against accepting the ATMs' conversion rates and suggested letting one's home bank handle the conversion for better rates.

According to forum posts, travelers inquiring about early morning flights are concerned about the customs opening hours at Lisbon Airport for VAT refund processes. However, specific opening times are not detailed in the posts.

Some travelers reported that upon arriving in Lisbon from non-Schengen countries, they had to go through passport and customs control. For those arriving from Schengen areas like Frankfurt and Zurich, there was no need for passport control in Lisbon, and they proceeded directly to baggage claim and exited via the nothing to declare route without their luggage being inspected.

A traveler mentioned arriving with a dog from the US, focusing on the smoothness of the process and the attention to required documentation and vaccinations without detailing the exact steps involved at customs.

Travelers have raised questions about how easy it is to get shopping invoices validated at Lisbon Airport for VAT refunds, particularly at different terminals, but specific experiences regarding ease or difficulty were not detailed.

According to forum posts, tickets for football matches in Lisbon are typically available about a week or two before the game on the official club websites like www.sporting.pt for Sporting Lisbon and www.slbenfica.pt for Benfica. Some travelers mentioned that tickets might not be on general sale until close to the event date, especially for high-demand games like derbies.

Travelers have called out that club members often get priority access to tickets, and remaining tickets are then sold to the general public. It's advised to avoid third-party sellers like Viagogo or StubHub, as these tickets are often overpriced or potentially invalid.

For many users, purchasing tickets directly at the clubs' official store in Lisbon is a viable option. This can be particularly useful if online purchases are challenging due to payment method restrictions or if tickets are sold out online.