Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, has become one of Europe’s favorite destinations in recent years, helped by a growing number of direct flights. Lisbon is a picturesque European city spread over hills beside the Tagus estuary, with a fascinating culture, a rich history, lively nightlife, delicious food and plenty of magical corners that will fill your Instagram with unforgettable photos.
In recent years Lisbon has also become a magnet for expats and digital nomads from all over the world, and it has large international communities. If you want to connect with locals and newcomers, the many expat Facebook groups for Portugal and Lisbon are a great place to find tips, meetups and even city tours.
And if you’re looking for a cosmopolitan, international vibe, you’ll find it easily.
When to Visit Lisbon?
Lisbon’s Mediterranean climate makes it pleasant to visit from spring through autumn. Summer is the peak tourist season, but Lisbon’s summer is milder than in many hot destinations, so even in August you can explore the city during the day without overheating. Lisbon doesn’t freeze in winter, but it tends to be rainy, so it is usually a less popular time to visit. Even so, winter has some wonderful gems you shouldn’t miss, and it is mild compared with other European capitals.
Getting Around Lisbon
Like other European capitals, Lisbon has excellent public transportation that is easy to understand, fast and cheap. If you plan to stay within the city during your trip, I recommend using public transport. If you want to explore the towns and beaches around Lisbon, you can easily rent a car at the airport. Car rental is very affordable in Portugal, the roads are in good condition and drivers are relatively calm.
Where to Stay?
Baixa – Baixa is Lisbon’s most central and touristy neighborhood, and staying here has many advantages: it is within walking distance of many of the city’s attractions, as well as nightlife, restaurants and shops. There is a wide choice of hotels and guesthouses suited to both independent travelers and families. Because Lisbon is built on hills, most neighborhoods involve plenty of ups and downs, but Baixa is fairly flat, so anyone with limited mobility, or who simply prefers to avoid steep climbs, will find it very comfortable.
Recommended Hotels in Baixa
Montebelo Vista Alegre – a five-star hotel about a kilometer from São Jorge Castle.
Hotel Avenida Palace – a five-star hotel right next to the restaurant square.
The Ivens Autograph Collection – a five-star hotel close to the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Bairro Alto – a central neighborhood right next to Baixa, within walking distance of many attractions. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, hotels and shopping in Bairro Alto, but as its name (“the upper district”) suggests, it sits on a hill, so getting around on foot takes more effort. If you choose to stay in Bairro Alto, be ready for some steep climbs and descents.
Recommended Hotels in Bairro Alto:
Raw Culture Art & Lofts – a five-star hotel near the Botanical Garden.
The Late Birds – a four-star hotel that is especially LGBTQ+ friendly.
Patio do Tijolo – a three-star hotel with green, idyllic seating areas.
Alfama – Alfama sits by the water, not far from Baixa. It is the oldest part of the city and has an authentic, charming atmosphere. Hotels in Alfama are relatively cheap compared with the city center, but the price you pay is climbing up and down the many stairs the neighborhood is known for.
Recommended Hotels in Alfama:
Santiago de Alfama – a five-star hotel near the Fado Museum.
São Vicente – a four-star hotel with an elegant, welcoming design.
Solar do Castelo – a four-star hotel set in a stunning 18th-century mansion.
Top Attractions in Lisbon
History – As a city with centuries of history that was once one of the most important cities in the world, Lisbon is packed with fascinating historic sites. You can see São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge), dating back to the 11th century, the 16th-century Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), the 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos), the Alfama neighborhood and much more.
If you’d like to get out of the city and soak up some history, Sintra, a short drive from Lisbon, is a small town full of estates and palaces. You can even tour the tunnels that connect some of them. Don’t miss stunning Sintra.
Modern architecture – Lisbon isn’t only about history; it is also a hub of modern culture and fresh energy. You can enjoy impressive modern architecture such as the Vasco da Gama Bridge, the colorful Rua Augusta pedestrian street and more.
Museums – Lisbon is full of interesting museums that combine culture and art with history and science. Among the most recommended are the planetarium, which is great for the whole family, the Fado Museum, which tells the story of Portuguese culture, MAAT (the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) and more.
Food – Lisbon is best known for its seafood and excellent wine. Great restaurants are scattered around Baixa and Bairro Alto, and you should definitely try the warm morning pastries from the local bakeries with a good coffee. The famous Time Out Market offers a wide range of food stalls and bars and is a must for foodies. Food lovers can also enjoy a food and wine tasting tour, which takes you to the tastiest spots the local guide knows, for €58 per person.
Nature – Lisbon has beautiful, well-kept parks. They are a great place to go with kids, or simply to sit in the pleasant sun. Monsanto Forest Park (Parque Florestal de Monsanto) is beautiful, and it also has a skate park, a climbing wall, bike trails and more. Another park you shouldn’t miss is the magnificent Eduardo VII Park, with a lovely, romantic viewpoint over the Baixa neighborhood.
Although Lisbon sits on the Tagus estuary, if you want breathtaking beaches I recommend driving about 30 minutes out of the city to Cascais, where you can enjoy remarkably beautiful beaches.
Click here for a beach itinerary around Lisbon.
Shopping in Lisbon
Lisbon has countless places to shop. You’ll find plenty of malls, discount stores and brand-name shops. LX Factory is a great market inside a huge complex, combining lots of shops with street art to enjoy as you browse. Don’t miss Feira da Ladra either: it’s Lisbon’s flea market, where you can find some interesting bargains.
Recommended Tours in Lisbon
Free walking tours – One of the best ways to get to know Lisbon is on a walking tour with an experienced local guide. Some of the most popular options are free tours (tip-based tours) focusing on the Baixa, Chiado and Bairro Alto neighborhoods.
Click here to find local guides in Lisbon.
More tours: there are many guided tours in English as well. One of the most recommended is the tuk-tuk tour. It’s ideal if you want to see Lisbon’s main sights without too much walking. It is led by a local guide and costs about €170 for a group of up to 6 people.
Food lovers can enjoy a food and wine tasting tour, which takes you to the tastiest spots the local guide knows, for €58 per person.
If you don’t suffer from seasickness, you can enjoy a sunset yacht cruise, a romantic experience we highly recommend. If you’re lucky, you might even see dolphins leaping at the bow.
Want to explore a little outside the city? We’ve put together 5 day trip ideas from Lisbon.
Feel free to share your own Lisbon tips in the comments.