The capital city of Portugal, Lisbon is a great place to explore for any travelers making their way through the south of Europe. The city is filled with awe-inspiring vistas and historical monuments, and is known worldwide for its rich cultural heritage. As you make your way through the city, you will be continually surprised by the diverse neighborhoods and vibrant street scenes.
Lisbon sits on a hilly coast surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River. The city is known for its pastel-colored buildings that date back several centuries, as well as its windy streets in which you can hear Fado music being played at all times of the day. Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world and the second oldest capital in Europe, with a rich history encompassing Roman, Germanic, and colonialist periods. On top of all its history, the city is now a center for finance, media, and all types of modern commerce. Just outside the city lies a span of beautiful beaches on the Atlantic Ocean. The city of Lisbon truly has something for every kind of traveler, and the best way to make the most of your time in Lisbon is to rent a motorcycle.
This post will cover:
- Safety issues concerned with driving in Lisbon
- The best places to rent a motorcycle in Lisbon
- The price of motorcycle rental in Lisbon
- Whether you need an international driving permit in Portugal
- The best places to visit by motorcycle in Lisbon
Is it safe to drive a motorcycle in Lisbon, Portugal?
While driving a motorcycle in Lisbon can be an extremely rewarding experience, it can also be very challenging. Roads in Lisbon are generally very old and narrow and not very well maintained. Portugese drivers are notoriously erratic and reckless. Signage is often missing and parking can be very difficult to find. Unless you have a great deal of experience driving a motorcycle, it’s probably best not to drive during your stay in Lisbon.
Public transportation is very reliable in Lisbon and will take you almost everywhere in the city. There are trains, buses, and taxis that will take you to all of the most popular destinations in Lisbon, so there’s really no need to rent your own vehicle unless you plan on traveling to the remote areas around the city.
That being said, renting a motorcycle in Lisbon does give you the freedom to travel at your own pace. However, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times and to drive defensively, as you will inevitably encounter some reckless drivers in Portugal’s capital city.
Where can you rent a motorcycle in Lisbon, Portugal?
If you plan on flying into Lisbon Portela Airport, there are several motorcycle rental services open 24/7 right outside the airport terminals. That way you can rent your motorcycle and drive it directly to your accommodation.
If you’d prefer to get into the city of Lisbon before renting your motorcycle, there are plenty of rental shops all around the city center. The Historic Center and Central Lisbon areas have the highest concentration of rental shops. However, you should have no problem finding motorcycle rental in Western Lisbon or in the parts of Northern Lisbon closer to the city center.
How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Lisbon, Portugal?
The most cost-effective way to rent a motor vehicle in Lisbon is to rent a motor scooter. Scooter rentals can start at as low as €30 per day. However, if you’d prefer to ride a proper motorcycle, rental rates are typically still pretty affordable. You can find 125cc motorcycles renting for as low as €45 per day. Rental shops will also typically grant discounted rates for long-term rentals, so it’s worth inquiring with your rental shop if you plan to stay in Lisbon for an extended period.
If you want a more powerful motorcycle, most rental shops do have higher-spec options in their fleets. You should be able to find a 300cc or 500cc motorcycle for around €70 per day. Most shops also include some sort of insurance policy in their rental agreement, but it’s always good to make sure.
Do you need an international driving permit to ride a motorcycle in Portugal?
Unlike surrounding European countries, drivers from the United States are not required to carry an international driving permit while driving a motorcycle in Portugal. However, if you should have to interact with Portugese police, it may be helpful to have an international driving permit for translation purposes.
If you want to get an international driving permit, you can apply for one here. The application fee is $20 and it usually takes about two weeks to process. Once you have your permit, it is valid for one year.
Where are the best places to go by motorcycle in Lisbon, Portugal?
Now that you have all the knowledge you need to find a rental motorcycle in Lisbon, here are some of the best places to visit in the city:
- Located about a 15 minute drive from Lisbon’s city center, Belem is a neighborhood full of historical monuments and museums. You can either explore the neighborhood on your motorcycle, or park and walk along the Tagus River. Notable sites in Belem include the Torre de Belem, a tower built in the 16th century that’s been used as an embarking point for Portugese explorers, and the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome that’s been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Drive 20 minutes east along the Tagus River and you can go to one of the most magnificent museums in Lisbon, the Museu Nacional do Azulejo. As you walk around the city of Lisbon, one of the most notable features are the ornate tiles that cover the city’s buildings. The Museu Nacional do Azulejo preserves this tradition and houses tiles taken from the city over 5 centuries. There is a parking area right outside the museum and entry costs €5.
- If you feel like getting out of Lisbon’s bustling streets for a relaxing day on the beach, take a 40 minute drive west out of the city to the coastal town of Cascais. The town was once a fishing village, but has since become a wealthy tourist destination. Its coast is lined with forts that were built to protect against pirates, luxurious resorts, and beautiful sandy beaches.
Although driving in Lisbon can be a bit stressful, renting a motorcycle will give you the freedom to explore everything in the city as well as the hidden gems outside the city limits. From beaches to monuments to culture to nightlife, Lisbon has sights and activities for any taste!
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