A few small errands can make a stay much easier. There is no single supermarket, pharmacy or laundry that is best for every Lisbon address: check the walk from your actual accommodation, especially if the route includes a steep hill or stairs.
Where can I buy groceries?
Search for supermercado for a larger shop or mercearia for a smaller neighbourhood store. A minimarket close to a tourist street may be convenient for water or breakfast but less useful for a full basket. Compare walking distance with opening hours on the shop's own listing before setting out; hours can change on Sundays and public holidays. If you arrive late, ask your host which nearby shop is actually open rather than assuming a chain's usual hours apply to every branch.
If you plan to cook, check what your accommodation already supplies. Carrying several heavy bags up Alfama or Bairro Alto can make a short trip feel much longer. Our walking and hills guide helps with that last stretch.
How do I find a pharmacy, including at night?
Look for the green farmácia cross. The INFARMED pharmacy locator helps find licensed pharmacies. For a pharmacy on duty, especially at night or on a holiday, check Farmácias de Serviço or call 1400 before travelling; the nearest daytime pharmacy may not be open. If you need a particular medicine, call ahead to check availability. For an immediate emergency, call 112; our safety guide explains this and other contacts.
Is Lisbon tap water safe to drink?
Yes, the public water supply in Lisbon is treated and monitored for drinking. EPAL encourages drinking tap water and publishes quality information. Bring a refillable bottle for a day of walking. If your building has a specific notice about its internal plumbing, follow that advice; the public network and a building's own pipes are different responsibilities.
Laundry and rubbish: what should I check at the apartment?
First check whether the apartment has a washing machine and the instructions for it. Otherwise search for lavandaria self-service near your address; check the machine sizes, payment method, detergent and closing time at the particular shop. A staffed laundry may offer washing or ironing, but confirm turnaround before relying on it for a departure day.
Ask your host where to put the building's rubbish and when to take it out. Lisbon has different collection arrangements by street and building. The city's recycling guidance explains what goes in each container; do not leave bags beside a full ecopoint or assume a holiday collection follows the normal schedule.