April is a wonderful month to visit Lisbon, though the Portuguese will pessimistically say “Abril, águas mil” (a thousand waters in April) every time it rains. Yes, the weather is very unpredictable with short, intense rains blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean, but Lisbon has a lot to see and do if it does rain.

The key aspect for a trip to Lisbon in April is to have flexibility. This is a month to have a range of ideas that can vary depending on the weather, instead of having rigid plans.

You may be blessed with a glorious sun-filled day when you could visit the wondrous sights of Sintra or even head to the beaches of Cascais. Conversely, your holiday could involve skipping between museums, restaurants, and indoor activities trying to avoid deluges of rain. Fortunately, Lisbon offers many sights and activities for rainy days, and and a full guide can be seen here.

One main advantage of visiting Lisbon in April is that it is considered the low season This means the most famous tourist attractions will be less busy, and there can be bargains found with flights and accommodation. Easter is the exception, and the city will be almost as busy as the peak season for the holiday weekend.
This article will explain why you should visit Lisbon in April and help you get the most from your trip here.

The Arco da rua Augusta - Lisbon will have significantly less tourists in April than in the peak Summer months

April may have unpredictable weather, but there's a lot to experience in Lisbon. Some of the highlights for April include:
• Wander the labyrinth of ancient streets in the Alfama district.
• Ride the charming 28 tram as it trundles around the historic centre of Lisbon
• Take a day trip to Sintra with its spectacular palaces and villas, including the colourful Palacio de Pena
• Explore the delightful riverside district of Belém, home to the magnificent Mosteiro dos Jerónimos.
• Enjoy a cocktail in a fancy bar on Avenida da Liberdade, or party the night away on Pink Street.
• Visit one of Lisbon’s outstanding museums, including the tile museum, coach museum, and the Gulbenkian art gallery
• Admire the varied aquatic life in the wonderful Oceanarium.
• Socialise with fellow tourists in the TimeOut food market
• Sample Portugal’s unique cuisine in one of the many excellent restaurants in the Baixa district.
• Walk along Cascais's coastal promenade on a sunny day.
• Discover authentic Lisbon in the Graça district with its many colourful murals

Before visiting Lisbon in April, you should be fully aware of the weather, and not be seduced by glossy summertime images, especially if visiting from outside of Europe.

Official statistics state a daytime high of 19.8°C (67°F), a nighttime minimum of 12°C (53°F), with 13 days that have some rain and 8.3 hours of sunshine per day.

These values simply mask the possible variability that Lisbon experiences in April. It could be delightfully sunny and warm, or overcast and wet. Fortunately, the spells of weather change very rapidly in April, and no block of rain ever lasts more than two days.

Insight: Typically, Lisbon has the best weather of any major European city in April. This makes the city a great choice for a city break at this time of year.

If you're reading this article, then you're probably either considering if a trip to Lisbon in April is a good choice, or you're comparing Lisbon with other destinations.

If you're reading this article, then you're probably either considering if a trip to Lisbon in April is a good choice, or you're comparing Lisbon with other destinations.

Lisbon will have some of the best weather found in Europe, while the city is a vibrant and culturally rich destination. Even on the less sunny days, there's no shortage of activities, such as:
• Experiencing the iconic number 28 tram
• Exploring the culinary delights at the Time Out market.
• Delving into Lisbon's artistic scene at the LX Factory.
• Discovering the myriad of fascinating museums.
• The magnificent Lisbon Oceanarium.
• Participating in an escape room challenge.
• Enjoying an afternoon of drinking and socialising in Bairro Alto neighbourhood
• Watching a traditional Fado performance.
• Visiting Pavilhão do Conhecimento, an interactive science museum which is great for families.

During the peak season, demand for hotels and accommodation in Lisbon is very high. It is recommended that you book your accommodation as early as possible to secure the best prices.

The map below shows the location of hotels and rental rooms in Lisbon. By altering the date to suit your trip, the map will display current availability and prices:

Booking.com

The 25th of April is a national holiday in Portugal that commemorates the 1974 revolution, marking the fall of the Estado Novo regime.

This event is often referred to as the Carnation Revolution because the army leading the revolution placed carnation flowers in the muzzles of their guns, signalling to the city that they did not intend to fire their weapons.

On the 25th of April, a military procession is held along the Avenida da Liberdade, and on the night of the 24th, there is a concert in Praça do Comércio.
Insight: The Lisbon suspension bridge is named after the revolution.

The “Peace Guard” mural in the Graça neighbourhood, commenting the events of the revolution.

The following is a suggested itinerary for a seven-day holiday to Lisbon which has been tailored to April’s unpredictable weather. This itinerary is designed to offer a blend of historical exploration, cultural immersion, and local experiences, ensuring a memorable visit.

Day 1: Alfama and Baixa
Alfama is the oldest neighbourhood of Lisbon and is a maze of narrow streets that climb the steep hill from the Tejo up to the castle. Within this labyrinth, you’ll discover the imposing São Jorge Castle, the ancient cathedral, and the wonderful view from the Miradouro da Graça viewpoint. No trip to Alfama is complete without riding the traditional Number 28 tram.

For the afternoon, descend to Baixa, the downtown area. Marvel at the magnificence of Praça do Comércio and Rossio Squares, constructed in the grand Pombaline architectural style. Wander along the shopping street of Rua Augusta, ride the Elevador de Santa Justa, and end the day with a Ginja (a sweet cherry liqueur) from A Ginjinha.

Day 2: Belém
Belém is a charming district to the west of Lisbon that is closely connected to Portugal's seafaring heritage. Found within the district is the delightful Torre de Belém, which guarded the estuary, along with the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, funded by the spice trade.

Standing on the river's edge is the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, and in case it rains, there is the Berardo Collection Museum, full of contemporary art. For the evening, if the weather permits, join one of the sunset boat tours to see the city from the waterside and watch the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean.

The Torre de Belén

Day 3: Sintra day trip
A day trip to Sintra is a must for any holiday to Lisbon. Be flexible with this day and choose to visit when the weather is best.

There is so much to see in Sintra; a typical day includes visiting the whimsical Pena Palace with its colourful terraces and magnificent staterooms, followed by an afternoon at the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira with its enchanting gardens.

Further options include the ruins of the Moorish castle with its stunning views, the historic Sintra National Palace, or the Arabian-inspired Monserrate. There is so much to see in Sintra that you could easily spend two days here.
Travel: Sintra is connected to Lisbon by regular and inexpensive train service.

Day 4: Alcântara, Estrela, and Bairro Alto
Alcântara is the artisan centre of Lisbon, which grew up around LX Factory, a converted factory now filled with urban shops and trendy eateries. Nearby, the Estrela neighbourhood is calm and relaxing, offering a taste of authentic Lisbon, with the mighty Estrela Basilica at its centre.

For the afternoon, head to Bairro Alto, a neighbourhood famed for its vibrant nightlife and Fado venues, a traditional style of Portuguese music. In the evening, Bairro Alto comes alive with trendy bars and a social atmosphere that spills onto the street – this is the place to head to for the weekend, and there will be an amazing atmosphere, even in April.

Day 5: South of the Tejo or Parque das Nações
The fifth day is focused on the sights on the southern side of the Tejo Estuary and includes visiting the Cristo Rei statue. From Cais de Sodré, catch the ferry to Cacilhas, which is famed for its inexpensive seafood restaurants. From here, walk along the estuary or catch the bus to Cristo Rei and admire the stunning views from atop it.

If the sun is out, you could visit the golden beaches of the Costa da Caparica coastline and stroll along the seafront. For the evening, watch the sunset from the Jardim do Rio and have a romantic meal at the Ponte Final restaurant.

If the day is inclement, instead of outdoor activities, you could spend the day in Parque das Nações, the ultra-modern side of Lisbon. Here, you’ll find the magnificent oceanarium, a large shopping centre, and Casino Lisboa.

Day 6: Graça, Mouraria and Intendente
Graça is a vibrant and authentic Lisbon district worth exploring for a longer visit. Contained within the district are many inspiring murals painted on the sides of apartments, along with some of Lisbon’s best viewpoints, such as the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.

If you plan your day for a Saturday or Tuesday, you could visit the wonderful Feira da Ladra, with its many varied stalls. For the afternoon, wander the rich multicultural Mouraria, the Moorish Quarter, and then along the Rua da Palma towards Intendente. This area exemplifies Lisbon’s diversity and cultural heritage.

The Travessa Do Monte in Graça

Day 7: Príncipe Real and northern Lisbon
Conclude your week in the affluent Príncipe Real district, known for its vibrant food scene and higher end shopping. Ride the number 24 tram to Amoreiras and marvel at the city from the amazing viewpoint atop the towers. For the afternoon, head to the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, which houses an impressive collection of ancient and modern art; it is a fitting end to your cultural journey through Lisbon.

The number 24 tram passing through Príncipe Real

Easter (Páscoa)
Portugal is a religious country; however, Easter celebrations are much less pronounced than in many other Catholic countries. Both Good Friday and Easter Sunday are national holidays, but all restaurants, cafes and bars will remain open. Many tourist attractions will be closed, but for most visitors, it will just feel like a regular Friday or Sunday.

Peixe em Lisboa
Peixe em Lisboa is the annual fish festival held in the Parque Eduardo VII. The focal point is Portugal’s best chefs showcasing their finest fish and seafood dishes, but it also features many traditional stalls, places to eat, and serves as a fun place to hang out in the evenings.

The transitional season of April is the ideal time to find real bargains for flights and accommodation.

There can be incredibly low prices for mid-week flights booked three months in advance of your trip. Flights are typically more expensive at the weekend when there is more demand. The national airline of Portugal is TAP and they offer many routes to Europe and the rest of the world. Generally, to find the best prices, compare the low-cost airlines (Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air) and then use a flight comparison website such as Skyscanner.

Insight: For the low-cost airlines, we always recommend taking a flight in the morning or early afternoon, as delayed and cancelled flights tend to occur in the evening and night, due to the accumulation of delays during the day.

April is an ideal time to find bargains in mid to high end hotels. Often there can be last minute reductions or special promotions with hotels trying to fill rooms, but it does take effort and is not as easy as it once was. Suggestions are to look on accommodation websites and then compare on prices on multiple other websites.

Warning: It's important to be cautious of scam offers, especially on platforms like Facebook groups. Never do money transfers without being 100% sure that the accommodation is legitimate and the person you are talking to is the property owner or manager.

A practical and effective strategy is to re-contact the accommodation through a verified source, such as an official website, immediately before transferring any funds. This step helps confirm the identity of the person you've been interacting with. Industry professionals, well-aware of the detrimental impact of scams on their business, generally understand and appreciate such vigilance.

When packing for Lisbon in April, it's important to consider the city's mild but variable spring weather. To stay comfortable, focus on layering: pack lightweight, breathable items such as t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, and a medium-weight sweater or cardigan. A waterproof or light raincoat is essential for the occasional showers. For bottoms, comfortable jeans or trousers are suitable, and towards the end of April, you might also consider shorts or a skirt. Don't forget a lightweight scarf for cooler times and a compact umbrella for sudden showers.

Footwear should prioritize comfort and versatility, as Lisbon's cobbled streets and hills can be challenging to navigate. Comfortable walking shoes, preferably waterproof, are a must, and you might want to include a pair of more formal shoes for evening outings. Lisbon's nightlife and dining scenes are vibrant yet relaxed, so pack a smart-casual outfit for these occasions.

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