Eco-friendly ways to explore Lisbon and Porto
Portugal’s main cities, Lisbon and Porto, are rich in history and culture and offer countless opportunities for eco-conscious travel. Whether strolling through Lisbon’s sunlit streets by the Tagus River or enjoying Porto’s scenic beauty along the Douro, you can explore these destinations responsibly.
Lisbon’s efficient public transportation makes exploring the city simple. Buy the reusable Navegante occasional card for cost-effective travel across all public transport in the Lisbon metropolitan area, or the Lisboa Card, which offers free transport and discounts on monuments, museums, and attractions.
Exploring historic neighborhoods such as Alfama, Mouraria, and Bairro Alto by foot lets you immerse yourself in the city’s culture, with fado music filling the air. For a scenic ride, hop on the iconic Tram 28, or take funiculars like the Elevador da Glória to navigate the city’s steep hills with ease. Cycling is a great eco-friendly way to explore Lisbon, with bike-sharing services such as Gira offering electric bikes to tackle the hills. The city’s expanded bike paths, mainly along the waterfront, include a scenic route from Belém to Parque das Nações, passing iconic UNESCO sites such as Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower.
Ferries provide a unique view of Lisbon; a short ride across the Tagus to Cacilhas offers city skyline views. For destinations nearby like Sintra or Cascais, opt for the train — a more eco-friendly alternative to driving.
Located in Portugal’s oldest region, Porto is rich in heritage and history. Its UNESCO-listed historical center, with landmarks including Sé Cathedral, Clérigos, and Palácio da Bolsa, is best explored on foot. You can also stroll through the popular Ribeira with its café terraces and picturesque spots along the scenic River Douro waterfront.
The city’s public transportation system includes the rechargeable Andante card for all transport in the Porto Metropolitan Area, or the Porto.Card, which offers free transport, museum admission, and discounts on attractions. Take a nostalgic ride on Porto’s vintage trams from Ribeira to Foz, or cycle along the Douro River to Matosinhos. For a different perspective, the Funicular dos Guindais connects Porto’s lower and upper parts, offering stunning river views, while electric-powered boat tours provide an eco-friendly way to admire Porto’s bridges and the wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia. For travel beyond Porto, head to São Bento Station — famous for its stunning azulejo tile atrium — and take the train. Express coaches also offer a comfortable, low-emission alternative to driving, perfect for exploring the Porto region.
In both cities, pick eco-friendly and Green Key-certified accommodation and dine at zero-waste restaurants with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Carry a refillable water bottle and opt for electric vehicles when renting, as both cities offer plenty of charging stations. Enjoy vibrant urban experiences while reducing your carbon footprint in Portugal!