Are tourist cards worth it?

Generally, no. If you are staying longer than a week, skip the Lisboa Card. The monthly transit pass offers better value, and you can pick and choose your museums individually.

How do I avoid 'couvert' charges?

When you sit down, waitstaff will place bread, olives, and cheese on your table. These are not free. If you don't want them, firmly but politely say 'No, thank you' and ask them to remove them immediately.

How to save money during a long stay in Lisbon

To cut costs in Lisbon, skip the tourist-focused restaurants for your daily meals, use the 'Navegante' monthly transit pass instead of single tickets, and grocery shop at local Pingo Doce or Continente supermarkets. Prioritize free walking days and utilize the free museum entries available on the first Sunday of every month.

Get a monthly transit pass. Don't pay per ride. Purchase a 'Navegante' monthly pass for 30 or 40 euros (depending on the zone). This covers all buses, trams, metros, and even the CP suburban trains, saving you roughly 50-70 euros per month compared to buying individual 'zapping' fares.
Eat the 'Prato do Dia'. Lunch is significantly cheaper than dinner. Look for chalkboard signs saying 'Prato do Dia' (plate of the day). You can get a main, soup, and coffee for 9-12 euros. Avoid restaurants with multilingual menus posted outside, as these are priced for short-term tourists.
Shop like a local. Avoid mini-markets in Alfama or Baixa. Head to a full-sized Pingo Doce, Continente, or Auchan. Buying wine, cheese, and bread here will cost you about 15-20 euros for a full evening spread, whereas one glass of wine in a tourist bar costs 7-9 euros.
Use public water fountains. Lisbon's tap water is perfectly safe and delicious. Carry a reusable bottle. You will save roughly 30-40 euros a month by not buying bottled water at kiosks or tourist shops.

Are tourist cards worth it?: Generally, no. If you are staying longer than a week, skip the Lisboa Card. The monthly transit pass offers better value, and you can pick and choose your museums individually.
How do I avoid 'couvert' charges?: When you sit down, waitstaff will place bread, olives, and cheese on your table. These are not free. If you don't want them, firmly but politely say 'No, thank you' and ask them to remove them immediately.