Lisbon is the beautiful capital city of Portugal and one of the most characterful and vibrant destinations in Europe. It is a city that effortlessly blends traditional heritage with striking modernism and a forward-thinking outlook.

As a holiday destination, Lisbon offers a rich and varied history, lively nightlife, outstanding food and wine, and a climate that remains pleasant for much of the year. This guide will explain why Lisbon deserves a place on your travel list and provide practical advice to help you get the most from your visit.

The Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge spans the Tejo Estuary

Lisbon is a dynamic and welcoming city with a wide range of activities and genuinely fascinating attractions. It has a relaxed, liberal atmosphere while still embracing its deep-rooted heritage and centuries of history. You can feel the layers of the past in the winding streets of Alfama, yet the city pulses with contemporary energy in its creative neighbourhoods and thriving restaurant scene.

The city appeals to a broad range of visitors and travel styles. Lisbon works equally well as a cultural trip exploring world-class museums and historic monuments, a long weekend of excellent food and late nights in Bairro Alto, a family holiday with child-friendly attractions, or a base for day trips to nearby beaches and the stunning coastline.

 

 

Lisbon has long been recognised as one of Europe's great cities, and its reputation continues to grow. Millions of visitors now arrive each year, but in many ways this popularity has enhanced the city. New restaurants, hotels, and cultural venues have opened, the arts scene has flourished, and previously overlooked neighbourhoods have found new life.

Despite these changes, Lisbon retains its distinctive Portuguese character and charm. The city has modernised without losing its soul, and that balance is part of what makes it so appealing.
If you get the chance, Lisbon is a city you simply must visit.

The delightful Torre de Belém once guarded the entrance to the Tejo Estuary

Enjoying the sunset overlooking the Tejo Estuary

Lisbon rewards three full days of exploration, making it an ideal destination for a long weekend city break. This gives you enough time to discover the main neighbourhoods, visit the key attractions, and soak up the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

If you have longer, your trip could easily extend to a week or ten days by including day trips to the surrounding region. Sintra, Cascais, Óbidos, and Setúbal are all excellent excursions and can be reached comfortably using public transport.

Close to Lisbon lies a coastline of beautiful beaches, and you could round off your visit with a few days relaxing by the sea. The beaches at Cascais, Carcavelos, and Costa da Caparica are all within easy reach of the city.

Suggested Itinerary for Your Holiday to Lisbon
A city-break of three days in Lisbon
Day 1: The historic heart of the city, exploring the districts of Alfama, Baixa, Cais do Sodré, and Chiado
Day 2: The monumental district of Belém and the riverside at Alcântara, followed by an evening out in Bairro Alto
Day 3: The modern Parque das Nações, and the leafy neighbourhoods of Estrela and Príncipe Real
For a detailed three-day itinerary, please click here.

Extending to a week-long holiday:
Day 4: Day trip to Sintra, visiting the Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, and Quinta da Regaleira
Day 5: Day trip to Cascais, with time for the beaches and coastal walks
Day 6: Day trip to Setúbal or the fishing town of Sesimbra
Day 7: Day trip to Óbidos or a visit to the magnificent Mafra Palace combined with the surf town of Ericeira
Read our suggested itineraries: 1 week in Lisbon - 1-day walking tour of Lisbon

Lisbon extends over seven steep hills; expect a lot of uphill walking!

For a first visit to Lisbon, we recommend choosing accommodation close to the historic centre. This covers the districts of Baixa, Alfama, Chiado, Bairro Alto, and the Avenida da Liberdade. These areas place you within easy walking distance of the main sights and attractions, and offer the widest choice of restaurants, cafés, and shops.

Each neighbourhood has its own character, so your choice may depend on the type of trip you are planning.

Baixa is the traditional heart of the city, with grand squares, pedestrianised streets, and excellent transport links. It suits most visitors and is our top recommendation for first-timers.

Avenida da Liberdade is one of Lisbon's grandest avenues, lined with trees and designer boutiques. This is where you will find many of the city's five-star and boutique hotels, making it a good choice for those seeking a more upmarket stay.

Alfama is Lisbon's oldest and most atmospheric district, a maze of narrow streets, tiled façades, and hidden viewpoints. It is full of character, though the steep, cobbled lanes can be tiring in the summer heat, particularly if you are carrying luggage. Bairro Alto and Chiado sit side by side in the upper town.

Chiado is elegant and cultured, with theatres, bookshops, and fashionable cafés. Bairro Alto is quieter by day but transforms at night into the centre of Lisbon's nightlife, with bars lining every street.

Cais do Sodré has evolved from a gritty dockside area into one of Lisbon's trendiest neighbourhoods, home to the Time Out Market and a lively bar scene. It suits visitors looking for a more contemporary, nightlife-focused stay.

For budget travellers, the Mouraria district and the Avenida Almirante Reis offer cheaper accommodation options. These areas are grittier and less polished than the tourist centre, and while perfectly safe, they lack the charm of the neighbourhoods listed above.

If you are travelling for business, consider a base in the Parque das Nações district. This modern waterfront area contains many chain hotels, conference facilities, and is conveniently close to the airport.

Our recommended neighbourhoods for first-time visitors:
1) Baixa 2) Avenida da Liberdade 3) Alfama 4) Bairro Alto/Chiado 5) Cais do Sodré

The map below displays the tourist areas of central Lisbon

Districts: 1) Baixa 2) Avenida da Liberdade 3) Alfama 4) Bairro Alto/Chiado 5) Cais do Sodré 6) Príncipe Real 7) Graça 8) Martim Moniz, Intendente and Anjos (green metro region) 9) Mouraria 10) Estrela

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The Parque das Nações is the ultra-modern side of historic Lisbon.

Lisbon enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers, pleasant springs and autumns, and mild but potentially wet winters. The city benefits from its Atlantic position, which moderates the extreme heat found further inland on the Iberian Peninsula.

The best time of year to visit Lisbon is late spring (May to June), when the days are bright and sunny but temperatures remain comfortable for sightseeing. Early autumn (September to October) is equally appealing, with warm weather and fewer crowds than the summer months.

The peak tourist season runs from June to August. If you visit during this period, expect the city to be busy, with longer queues at popular attractions and higher prices for accommodation. The weather is ideal for combining city sightseeing with beach time, and sea swimming is pleasant from May through to the end of September.

Winter in Lisbon (November to February) brings milder temperatures but also the highest chance of rain. The weather can be unpredictable: you may enjoy a week of sunshine followed by several grey, wet days. That said, Lisbon has plenty of indoor attractions, from museums and historic churches to covered markets and cosy cafés, so a winter visit need not be a washout.
As Lisbon attracts visitors throughout the year, tourist attractions generally remain open year-round, though some may operate reduced hours during the quieter winter months.
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The daytime maximum temperature (measured in the shade) and night-time minimum

The average hours of sunshine per day and average amount of rain

Lisbon is blessed with a stunning coastline on its doorstep, offering beautiful sandy beaches and dramatic natural scenery within easy reach of the city centre.

Two sandy coastlines are easily accessible by public transport. To the west lies the Cascais and Estoril coastline, served by a regular train from Cais do Sodré station. This string of sheltered bays and sandy coves is backed by pleasant promenades and has good facilities including restaurants, cafés, and beach bars. To the south, across the Tagus, the Costa da Caparica offers a long, unbroken stretch of Atlantic-facing sand popular with surfers and sunbathers alike. Buses run frequently from the city centre throughout the summer months.

Venture slightly further and you will discover even more impressive coastal scenery. The wild beaches of the Serra de Sintra coastline, including Praia Grande and Praia das Maçãs, offer powerful surf and a rugged, unspoilt atmosphere. South of Lisbon, the Serra da Arrábida hides some of Portugal's most beautiful beaches: sheltered coves with crystal-clear water set against a backdrop of forested hills. Both areas are best explored with a rental car, as public transport options are limited.

Our view: The beaches of the Lisbon region are every bit as beautiful as those in the Algarve. If you are visiting Lisbon and want some beach time, there is no need to travel hundreds of kilometres south to find gorgeous stretches of coast.
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The vast Praia de Carcavelos beach, only a short train ride from central Lisbon

Lisbon is an excellent choice for a family city break, with plenty to keep children entertained alongside the more traditional sightseeing.

The Oceanarium is one of Europe's largest aquariums and a highlight for children of all ages, featuring everything from sea otters to sharks in its vast central tank. A ride on the vintage tram 28 as it rattles through the narrow streets of Alfama is an adventure in itself, while Lisbon Zoo offers a full day out with animal encounters and a cable car over the enclosures. For something more interactive, the Pavilhão do Conhecimento is a hands-on science museum where children can experiment, build, and explore.

Beyond the main attractions, the Portuguese have a warmly family-focused culture. Children are welcomed in restaurants, cafés, and shops, and you will often see local families dining out together late into the evening. This relaxed attitude makes travelling with younger children considerably less stressful than in some other European cities.

The main consideration for families is the weather. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 35°C, which can be exhausting for young children. The beaches near Lisbon, such as Cascais or Carcavelos, offer a welcome escape from the city heat and are easily reached by train.
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A ride on the number 28 tram will be a highlight of a trip to Lisbon

Lisbon is expecting an exceptionally busy tourist season in 2026, with strong demand from visitors seeking safe and welcoming destinations within Europe. Given this anticipated popularity, we strongly recommend booking your flights and accommodation as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as availability decreases, and the best options often sell out months in advance, particularly for the peak summer months.

As a popular destination for weekend city breaks, certain flights are in higher demand than others. Friday evening departures and Sunday or Monday return flights typically sell out first, so if your dates are flexible, consider travelling midweek to secure better availability and lower fares.

Rossio plaza is the heart of Lisbon

Lisbon is ideally positioned for day trips, and spending a few days exploring the surrounding region can greatly enhance your visit. The two most popular excursions are to Sintra and Cascais, both of which are easily reached by train in under an hour.

Sintra sits in the cool, forested hills of the Serra de Sintra and is home to some of Portugal's most extraordinary palaces and estates. The colourful Pena Palace, perched high on a hilltop, is the headline attraction, but the mysterious gardens of Quinta da Regaleira and the ruins of the Moorish Castle are equally worth your time. I recommend arriving early to beat the crowds, particularly in summer when the town becomes extremely busy.

Cascais is a charming coastal resort with a delightful historic centre, pleasant beaches, and plenty of seafood restaurants lining the waterfront. It makes for a more relaxed day out than Sintra, and you can easily combine it with a visit to the dramatic cliffs at Boca do Inferno or a walk along the coastal path to neighbouring Estoril.

Beyond these popular choices, several other destinations are well worth considering. Sesimbra is a laid-back fishing town with a sweeping sandy beach and excellent fresh fish restaurants. Mafra is home to one of Portugal's most impressive baroque palaces, a vast complex that rivals anything in Europe. Óbidos is a picture-perfect walled town with cobbled streets and whitewashed houses trimmed with blue and yellow paint. Setúbal, a working port city at the mouth of the Sado estuary, offers a more local atmosphere and serves as the gateway to the beautiful Serra da Arrábida.
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The magnificent Pena Palace in the Sintra hills

Lisbon remains one of Europe's most affordable capital cities, offering excellent value for food, drink, and public transport. Entrance fees to historical monuments and museums are reasonably priced, typically ranging from €8 to €15. However, gimmicky tourist activities such as tuk-tuk tours and hop-on-hop-off buses can be surprisingly expensive and, in my opinion, are rarely worth the cost.

For eating out, Lisbon offers exceptional value if you know where to look. The best options are the tascas: traditional, no-frills, family-run restaurants found along almost every street in the city. These establishments typically serve a "prato do dia" (dish of the day) for under €10, including a generous portion of meat or fish with rice, potatoes, or salad. The food is simple, hearty, and authentically Portuguese. Seeking out these local spots rather than tourist-oriented restaurants will stretch your budget considerably further.

Drinking is also affordable by European standards. A coffee costs around €1, a local beer €2 to €3, and a glass of Portuguese wine rarely more than €4 in most neighbourhood bars.

Overall, Lisbon provides excellent value for money. The main expenses to watch are accommodation and flights, which should always be booked well in advance to secure the best prices, particularly if you are visiting during the summer peak season.
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Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport is the main international airport of Portugal, offering direct connections to all major European cities and many destinations further afield. The airport is conveniently located within the city limits, just seven kilometres north of the centre, making onward travel straightforward. The metro connects directly to the airport, or you can use Uber or Bolt for a door-to-door journey that typically takes 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic.

The airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 handles all international arrivals and most departures, and while the building is somewhat dated, it has all the facilities you would expect from a major international hub. Terminal 2 is used exclusively for departures on low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet. It is a basic facility with limited amenities, so allow time for security queues and do not expect much in the way of shops or restaurants.

Insight: Portugal is a relatively small country with an excellent express train network connecting Porto, Lisbon, and the Algarve. This makes it easy to fly into one of Portugal's three main airports (Lisbon, Porto, or Faro) and travel onwards by train to a different region. For example, the high-speed Alfa Pendular service links Lisbon to Porto in around two and a half hours, while trains to the Algarve take approximately three hours.
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Terminal 1 at Lisbon airport and the entrance to the metro, which is the best way to travel to the city centre

Lisbon is a relatively safe city compared to many other major European capitals. Violent crime against tourists is rare, and most visitors experience no problems during their stay.

The main risk is petty theft, particularly pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas and on public transport. The tram 28 route, which winds through the historic neighbourhoods, is notorious for attracting pickpockets who take advantage of the cramped conditions. Busy squares such as Praça do Comércio and the narrow streets of Alfama can also attract opportunistic thieves.

Using the same common sense you would apply at home will serve you well: keep valuables out of sight, be aware of your surroundings in crowded spaces, and avoid leaving bags unattended. If you take these basic precautions, you are unlikely to encounter any issues.
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English is far more widely spoken in Portugal than in Spain, France, or Italy, so communication is rarely a problem for visitors. Everyone who works within the tourism industry speaks English fluently, and all transport hubs, including the metro, railways, and airports, display signage in both Portuguese and English.

Restaurants typically offer English menus as standard, and most historical sites and attractions provide descriptions in both languages. If English is your only language, you are unlikely to encounter any difficulties during your trip.

The Portuguese rarely expect foreign visitors to speak any Portuguese, but they are always delighted when someone makes the effort. Learning a few simple phrases, such as "obrigado" (thank you) or "bom dia" (good morning), will be met with warm appreciation and often a broad smile.

Lisbon has excellent public transport and affordable ride-hailing services such as Uber and Bolt, so a rental car is not necessary while exploring the city itself. In fact, driving in Lisbon can be stressful: the roads are often congested, traffic markings can be unclear, and local driving styles take some getting used to. Parking in the central neighbourhoods is also limited and expensive.

For popular day trips such as Sintra, Cascais, or Óbidos, public transport is perfectly adequate. Regular trains and buses connect these destinations to Lisbon, making them easy to reach without a car.

However, a rental car becomes useful if you want to venture further afield or explore areas with limited public transport. The Serra da Arrábida, with its dramatic coastal scenery and hidden beaches, is difficult to access without your own vehicle. The same applies to the quieter corners of the Serra de Sintra or the vast plains of the Alentejo region, where having a car opens up possibilities that public transport simply cannot match.
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A car is needed to visit the Serra da Arrábida coastline

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