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LisbonLisboaPortugal.com

The best independent guide to Lisbon

LisbonLisboaPortugal.com

The best independent guide to Lisbon

Home - Top 10 - Undiscovered Lisbon - Where to stay? - Costs - 24 hours - 3 Days
- 1 Week - Day trips - Beaches


LISBON, PORTUGAL; AN INDEPENDENT TOURISM GUIDE FOR 2023

Lisbon is the stunning capital city of Portugal, and is one of the most
charismatic and vibrant cities in Europe.
It is a city that effortlessly blends traditional heritage, with striking
modernism and progressive thinking.

As a holiday destination, Lisbon offers a rich and varied history, buzzing
nightlife and is blessed with a glorious year-round climate.
This article will show why you must visit Lisbon, and offers tips on how to get
the most from your holiday here.



The Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge spanning the Tejo Estuary


WHY VISIT LISBON?

Lisbon is a bustling and exciting city that boasts a wide selection of
activities and fascinating tourist attractions. It has a welcoming and liberal
atmosphere, while still embracing its deep-rooted heritage and extensive
history.

Lisbon will appeal to a diverse selection of ages and tourists; it can form a
cultural trip, a nightlife extravaganza, a family holiday, a relaxed city-break
or even as a base for a beach holiday.



The Portuguese capital is constantly recognised as one of the greatest cities in
the world, a claim confirmed by the "Lonely Planet Guides", who named Lisbon one
of the world's top 10 cities.

Surprisingly, Lisbon is still one of Europe's least visited capitals, however
this is rapidly changing as new visitors discover the allure of Portugal.
Related articles: The top 10 sights and activities in Lisbon - The secret sights
of Lisbon



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


HOW LONG TO SPEND IN LISBON?

Lisbon takes three days to explore fully, making it a fantastic choice for a
weekend city break.

Your holiday to Lisbon could be extended to seven or ten days to include all of
the enjoyable day trips in the surrounding region. These day trips could include
visits to Sintra, Cascais, Obidos and Setubal, all of which can be easily
reached using public transport.



Close to Lisbon is a coastline of beautiful beaches, and your trip to Lisbon
could also include a few days relaxing on these glorious stretches of sand.
A suggested itinerary for your holiday to Lisbon could include:
A city-break of three days in Lisbon
Day 1 – The districts of Alfama, Baixa, Cais do Sodre and Chiado
Day 2 – The districts of Belem and Alcântara, with a night out in Bairro Alto
Day 3 – The Parque das Nações, and the Estrela and Príncipe Real districts
A week long holiday to Lisbon
Day 4 – Day trip to Sintra
Day 5 – Day trip to Cascais
Day 6 – Day trip to Setubal or Sesimbra
Day 7 – Day trip to Obidos or Mafra & Ericeira
Read our suggested itineraries: 24 hours in Lisbon - 48 hours - 3 days – 1 week



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


WHEN TO VISIT LISBON?

Lisbon has hot dry summers, pleasant springs and autumns, and mild but possibly
wet winters.
The best time of year to visit Lisbon is in late spring (May to June), when the
days are bright and sunny but the temperatures are not unbearably hot.

The peak season is between June and August, so if you visit at this time of
year, you should expect the city to feel very crowded. The weather is suitable
for spending time on the beach from May until the end of September.



While there can be a significant amount of rain during the winter months
(November to February), the city offers many activities for those wet days.
As Lisbon attracts visitors year-round, tourist attractions generally remain
open for the whole year.
Related articles: When to visit Lisbon? - Activities for a wet day

The daytime maximum temperature (measured in the shade) and night-time minimum

The average hours of sunshine per day and monthly rainfall

WHERE TO STAY IN LISBON?

For your first visit to Lisbon, it is recommended that you choose a base close
to the historic centre; this covers the districts of Baixa, Alfama, Chiado,
Bairro Alto and the Avenida da Liberdade. These areas are popular with tourists
and within easy walking distance of the main sights and attractions.

The Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodre districts are the nightlife areas of Lisbon,
and are an ideal choice for a party focused trip.



Alfama is an ancient and characterful district, but the narrow, steep streets
can be very draining in the summer heat. The Mouraria district and the Avenida
Almirante Reis provide cheaper options for backpackers and budget travellers,
but this area is not a place we would recommend our parents to stay.

If you are travelling for business, consider a base in the Parque das Nações
district, which contains many modern hotels and is close to the airport.
Related articles: Where to stay in Lisbon? – Baixa district – Alfama district –
Belem district



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

LISBON FOR 2023

Lisbon is expecting a sell-out tourist season for 2023, as visitors seek safe
destinations within Europe.

Because of this expected popularity, it is advisable to purchase flights and
accommodation as soon as possible, before prices increase and sell out.

Being a popular weekend city break destination, Friday evening and Sunday/Monday
flights tend to sell out first.



Rossio plaza is the heart of Lisbon

ARE THERE BEACHES CLOSE TO LISBON?

Lisbon is close to a stunning coastline boasting beautiful sandy beaches and
dramatic natural scenery. Many of the region's finest beaches are only a short
bus or train ride away from central Lisbon.

There are two sandy coastlines easily accessible from Lisbon; the
Cascais-Estoril coastline (to the west of Lisbon) and Costa da Caparica (to the
south of Lisbon).



Slightly further (and needing a rental car to visit) are the wild beaches of the
Serra de Sintra coastline and the paradise beaches of the Serra da Arrabida.

Our Opinion: The beaches of the Lisbon region are just as beautiful as the
Algarve, so there is no need to travel hundreds of miles to find the best
stretches of coast.
Related articles: Lisbon beach guide - Costa da Caparica



The vast Praia de Carcavelos beach, only a short train ride from central Lisbon

IS LISBON SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES?

Lisbon is a good choice of destination if you want to take your family on a city
break. There are many child-friendly tourist attractions, such as the
Oceanarium, tram rides, Lisbon Zoo, or the Pavilhão do Conhecimento (interactive
science museum).

The Portuguese have a family-focused culture, and children will be welcomed in
all restaurants, hotels and shops. Lisbon is a relatively safe city, but the
main consideration with regards to children is the very hot temperature in
summer.
Related articles: Lisbon for Families



A ride on the number 28 tram will be a highlight of a trip to Lisbon

WHAT ARE THE BEST DAY TRIPS FROM LISBON?

There are many enjoyable day trips from Lisbon, and these can greatly extend a
stay within the city. The most popular day trips are to Sintra and Cascais.

Sintra sits in the cooling hills of the Serra de Sintra and is the setting for
many marvellous palaces and villas, including the Pena Palace and the Moorish
castle. Cascais is a charming resort town, which has a delightful historic
centre and is surrounded by beautiful beaches.



Other excellent day trips include the pretty beach town of Sesimbra, the
magnificent palace of Mafra, the picturesque walled town of Obidos and the port
city of Setubal. All of these destinations can be easily reached using public
transport.
Related articles: Day trips from Lisbon – Sintra Guide – Cascais Guide –
Sesimbra Guide



The magnificent Pena Palace in the Sintra hills

IS LISBON AN EXPENSIVE DESTINATION?

Lisbon is one of Europe's least expensive capital cities, offering exceptional
value for food, drink and public transport. Entrance fees to the historical
monuments are sensibly priced, but gimmicky tourist activities (Tuk-tuks, bus
tours) can be expensive.

There are many great value places to eat and drink, most notably the Tascas.
These cheap, no-frills, family-run restaurants typically serve a 'meal of the
day' for less than €7 and can be found along almost every street in Lisbon (and
Portugal)!

Overall, Lisbon provides excellent value for money. However, accommodation and
flights should always be booked well in advance to secure the lowest prices.
Related articles: Cost of a holiday to Lisbon - Traditional meals to try while
in Lisbon

WHERE TO FLY INTO, FOR LISBON?

Lisbon Airport is the main international airport of Portugal, providing direct
connections to all major European cities and many larger cities across the
world. The airport itself is conveniently located within the city limits and the
onward travel is extremely easy, using the metro.

The airport has two terminals, with Terminal 1 handling international arrivals
and most departures. While the building itself is quite dated, it has all the
expected facilities of a major international airport. Terminal 2 handles
departures only for the low-cost airlines and is very basic.

Insight: Portugal is a relatively small country with an excellent express train
network connecting Porto, Lisbon and the Algarve. It is fairly easy to fly into
one of Portugal's three airports (Lisbon, Porto and Faro) and travel by train to
a different region of the country.
Related articles: Lisbon airport to the city centre - Lisbon airport guide -
Terminal 2 guide



Terminal 1 at Lisbon airport and the entrance to the metro, which is the best
way to travel to the city centre

IS LISBON SAFE?

Compared to many other major cities, Lisbon is relatively safe.
Tourists may occasionally encounter pick-pockets or opportunistic thieves, but
if you use the same common sense that you would use back at home then you should
have no issues.
Related articles: Is Lisbon safe?

WILL LANGUAGE BE AN ISSUE?

English is much more widely spoken in Portugal than in Spain, France or Italy.
Everyone who works within tourism speaks English fluently, while all transport
hubs (metro, railways and airports) have English as their second language.

All restaurants have English menus, and most historical sights and attractions
have descriptions in both Portuguese and English.



While it is not expected for foreign visitors to speak Portuguese, the
Portuguese appreciate it if you make an effort to speak a few words in their
language. Overall, it is unlikely that you will encounter any difficulties
communicating in English during your holiday in Lisbon.

SHOULD I RENT A CAR WHILE IN LISBON?

A car is not necessary for your stay in Lisbon due to the availability of the
excellent public transportation and inexpensive taxis, Uber or Bolts. Often a
car would be more of an inconvenience due to the lack of parking, heavily
congested roads and erratic driving of the Portuguese.

You do not need a car for the popular day trips such as Sintra, Cascais, or
Obidos, as there is good public transport to these from Lisbon. A car could be a
useful option if you plan on exploring areas outside of the city, such as the
Serra da Arrábida, the Serra de Sintra or the Alentejo region.
Related articles: The best driving routes of the Lisbon region



A car is needed to visit the Serra da Arrábida coastline

Discover more of Lisbon with our most popular guides

Home Page

Home page and introduction to Lisbon

Top 10 Lisbon

What are the best sights and activities in Lisbon?

Secret Lisbon

Hidden gems and authentic experiences of Lisbon

Where to stay?

Which district should you be based in?

48 hours Lisbon

How to get the most from just 48 hours in Lisbon

Dishes to try

Delicious meals and authentic dishes to try while in Lisbon

Lisbon day trips

What are the best day trips from Lisbon?

Lisbon's beaches

Lisbon is surrounded by glorious beaches

3 days in Lisbon

Three days is the ideal time to spend in Lisbon

1 week holiday

Lisbon is outstanding for a longer holiday

Only 24 hours

Cram all of your sightseeing into a single day!

Lisbon for families

Is Lisbon a good destination for families?

Baixa district

The grand and impressive heart of Lisbon

Belem district

Iconic monuments and rich seafaring heritage

Where to Shop?

Where are the best areas and shopping centres in Lisbon?

Alfama district

A labyrinth of narrow streets hides authentic Lisbon

Parque das Nações

The ultra-modern side to historic Lisbon

Alcântara district

Lisbon’s trendy and artisan district

Sintra

Ancient castles & opulent palaces - the best day trip from Lisbon

Costa da Caparica

23km of beautiful beaches south of Lisbon – perfect for a beach day!

Cascais

Beautiful beaches, culture and atmosphere, the best resort near Lisbon

Viewpoints

So many romantic and scenic viewpoints

Airport guide

Airport guide and onward travel from the airport

Cost of a holiday

Is Lisbon expensive? What budget to take?

Wet day

Infrequently it rains, but what activities are there?

Art & museums

The culturally rich museums and galleries of Lisbon

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A complete list of all of our Lisbon articles

Getting started

 * Lisbon introduction
 * Top 10 Lisbon
 * How long in Lisbon?
 * Lisbon for families
 * Lisbon for seniors
 * Where to stay in Lisbon?
 * Lisbon's best hotels
 * Cost to visit Lisbon
 * Lisbon's best museums
 * Lisbon for a rainy day
 * Is Lisbon walkable
 * Is Lisbon safe?
 * Lisbon on a budget

Lisbon's districts

Alfama
Belem
Baixa District
Parque Nações
Cais do Sodre
Príncipe Real

Sightseeing

 * Viewpoints
 * Shopping in Lisbon
 * Lisbon's best markets
 * Lisbon Parks
 * Castelo de São Jorge
 * Elevador de Santa Justa
 * Torre de Belem
 * Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
 * Padrão dos Descobrimentos
 * Largo do Carmo
 * Ponte 25 de Abril
 * Senhora do Monte
 * São Pedro de Alcântara
 * Elevador da Bica
 * Elevador da Glória
 * Elevador do Lavra

Transport guides

 * Lisbon airport
 * Airport to city centre
 * Terminal 2
 * Metro guide
 * Cruise ship guide
 * Ferry guide
 * To Christo Rei Statue
 * Lisbon to Porto

Itineraries

 * 24 hours in Lisbon
 * 48 hours in Lisbon
 * Lisbon in 3 days
 * 1 week in Lisbon
 * A weekend city break
 * 5 days in Lisbon
 * Lisbon to Porto Tour

Lisbon's beaches

 * Lisbon beach guide
 * The Lisbon coastline
 * Praia Carcavelos
 * Costa da Caparica

Lisbon Trams

 * Tram guide
 * Tram No.28
 * Tram No.12
 * Tram No. 15

Lisbon's stations

Orient train station
Apolonia train station
Cais do Sodré station
Sete Rios bus station
Rossio train station

 * Lisbon or Barcelona
 * Sousse in November

The Lisbon region

Day trips from Lisbon

Sintra

 * Sintra introduction
 * Sights of Sintra
 * Day trip to Sintra
 * Lisbon to Sintra
 * Sintra beaches
 * Sintra tourist bus 434
 * Palacio da Pena
 * Palácio de Monserrate
 * Quinta da Regaleira
 * Parque da Pena
 * Castelo dos Mouros

Cascais

 * Cascais introduction
 * Day trip to Cascais
 * Cascais beach guide
 * Cascais sights
 * Cabo da Roca
 * Lisbon to Cascais

Evora

 * Evora guide
 * Evora sights
 * Evora day trip
 * Bone Chapel
 * Lisbon to Evora
 * The Alentejo region

Sesimbra

 * Sesimbra intorduction
 * Sesimbra sightseeing
 * Sesimbra beaches
 * Lisbon to Sesimbra
 * Cabo Espichel

Obidos

 * Obidos Introduction
 * Things to see in Obidos
 * Obidos day trip

Ericeira

 * Ericeira introduction
 * Lisbon to Ericeira
 * Ericeira beaches

Setubal

 * Setubal introduction
 * Serra da Arrabida
 * Peninsula de Troia

Central Portugal

 * Batalha
 * Berlengas Islands
 * Coimbra
 * Fatima
 * Mafra
 * Nazaré
 * Peniche
 * Tomar

Portugal Guides

 * Where to go in Portugal?
 * 1 week in Portugal
 * Portugal airports
 * Portugal weather
 * Best beaches
 * Top 10 Algarve
 * Portugal in June
 * Portugal in September
 * Portugal in November
 * Where to Live in Portugal

North Portugal

 * Aveiro
 * Braga
 * Coimbra
 * Costa Nova
 * Douro Valley
 * Guimarães
 * Lamego
 * Porto
 * Porto where to stay
 * Porto sightseeing
 * Porto beaches
 * Viana do Castelo

South Portugal

 * Algarve introduction
 * Albufeira guide
 * Albufeira activities
 * Albufeira beaches
 * Day trip to Albufeira
 * Albufeira boat trips
 * Alvor
 * Carvoeiro
 * Carvoeiro beaches
 * Percurso dos Sete Vales hike
 * Faro guide
 * Sights and activities
 * Faro beaches
 * Funchal introduction
 * Lagos guide
 * Lagos beaches
 * Madeira
 * Praia da Marinha
 * Praia da Rocha
 * Praia da Rocha beaches
 * Sagres
 * Silves
 * Tavira guide
 * Tavira sights
 * Tavira Beaches
 * Vilamoura
 * Vilamoura beaches
 * Vila Nova de Milfontes

Lisbon, Portugal; the best independent tourism guide for 2023
© 2009-2023 LisbonLisboaPortugal.com - Privacy Policy and Contact Us

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LisbonLisboaPortugal.com

The best guide to Lisbon

Home Page

Home page and introduction to Lisbon

Top 10 Lisbon

What are the best sights and activities in Lisbon?

Secret Lisbon

Hidden gems and authentic experiences of Lisbon

Where to stay?

Which district should you be based in?

48 hours Lisbon

How to get the most from just 48 hours in Lisbon

Dishes to try

Delicious meals and authentic dishes to try while in Lisbon

Lisbon day trips

What are the best day trips from Lisbon?

Lisbon's beaches

Lisbon is surrounded by glorious beaches

3 days in Lisbon

Three days is the ideal time to spend in Lisbon

1 week holiday

Lisbon is outstanding for a longer holiday

Only 24 hours

Cram all of your sightseeing into a single day!

Lisbon for families

Is Lisbon a good destination for families?

Baixa district

The grand and impressive heart of Lisbon

Belem district

Iconic monuments and rich seafaring heritage

Where to Shop?

Where are the best areas and shopping centres in Lisbon?

Alfama district

A labyrinth of narrow streets hides authentic Lisbon

Parque das Nações

The ultra-modern side to historic Lisbon

Sintra

Ancient castles & opulent palaces - the best day trip from Lisbon

Costa da Caparica

23km of beautiful beaches south of Lisbon – perfect for a beach day!

Cascais

Beautiful beaches, culture and atmosphere, the best resort near Lisbon

Viewpoints

So many romantic and scenic viewpoints

Airport guide

Airport guide and onward travel from the airport

Cost of a holiday

Is Lisbon expensive? What budget to take?

Wet day

Infrequently it rains, but what activities are there?

Art & museums

The culturally rich museums and galleries of Lisbon

Home Page

Home page and introduction to Lisbon

Top 10 Lisbon

What are the best sights and activities in Lisbon?

Secret Lisbon

Hidden gems and authentic experiences of Lisbon

Where to stay?

Which district should you be based in?

48 hours Lisbon

How to get the most from just 48 hours in Lisbon

Dishes to try

Delicious meals and authentic dishes to try while in Lisbon

Lisbon day trips

What are the best day trips from Lisbon?

Lisbon's beaches

Lisbon is surrounded by glorious beaches

3 days in Lisbon

Three days is the ideal time to spend in Lisbon

1 week holiday

Lisbon is outstanding for a longer holiday

Only 24 hours

Cram all of your sightseeing into a single day!

Lisbon for families

Is Lisbon a good destination for families?

Baixa district

The grand and impressive heart of Lisbon

Belem district

Iconic monuments and rich seafaring heritage

Where to Shop?

Where are the best areas and shopping centres in Lisbon?

Alfama district

A labyrinth of narrow streets hides authentic Lisbon

Parque das Nações

The ultra-modern side to historic Lisbon

Sintra

Ancient castles & opulent palaces - the best day trip from Lisbon

Costa da Caparica

23km of beautiful beaches south of Lisbon – perfect for a beach day!

Cascais

Beautiful beaches, culture and atmosphere, the best resort near Lisbon

Viewpoints

So many romantic and scenic viewpoints

Airport guide

Airport guide and onward travel from the airport

Cost of a holiday

Is Lisbon expensive? What budget to take?

Wet day

Infrequently it rains, but what activities are there?

Art & museums

The culturally rich museums and galleries of Lisbon