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Why Lisbon Keeps Winning: Europe’s Favorite City Break Destination

Lisbon, known as the city of seven hills, is a captivating destination overflowing with a rich history, vibrant culture, and undeniable charm. This capital city of Portugal is famous for its cobblestone streets that meander through picturesque neighborhoods, each boasting its own distinct character. Tram rides provide enchanting views of terracotta rooftops, while grand monuments whisper tales of Portugal’s illustrious golden age of exploration.

Prepare to indulge your taste buds with delightful pastries, immerse yourself in the haunting melodies of Fado music, and be entranced by the stunning vistas along the Atlantic coast. So, lace up your walking shoes, embrace your sense of adventure, and let’s embark on an unforgettable journey through the alluring streets of Lisbon, Portugal’s largest city!

An Award-Winning Destination!

Is It Worth Going To Lisbon?

For sure! Lisbon’s people radiate warmth and friendliness, welcoming visitors with open arms, genuine smiles, and a willingness to share their culture and traditions.

A Multi-Award-Winning City

Lisbon has once again dazzled at the World Travel Awards, earning the title of Europe’s Leading City Break Destination 2025 — and it’s not the first time! Over the years, Lisbon has racked up multiple wins across categories like:

World’s Leading City Break Destination
Europe’s Leading City Destination
Europe’s Leading City Tourist Board

Best Time To Explore Lisbon

Lisbon has a Subtropical-Mediterranean climate, i.e. mild winters and hot summers.

June / July is the high season, so a bit crowded. But the vibe is amazing, especially during the annual Sardine Festival, namely the Feast of St. Anthony Sardine Festival, in June.

Talking about crowds… If you want to skip the crowds, then September / October is a good option. Especially September, because the weather is still relatively warm and most European schools have started thus fewer crowds.

Alternatively, April and May are also less crowded, and the weather is cooler than in June / July.

Is Lisbon Cheaper Than Barcelona, Paris, And Budapest?

Absolutely! Lisbon typically offers better value than many Western European capitals—especially compared with Paris or Barcelona—thanks to cheaper hotels and affordable meals in local cafés. You can easily find a full lunch for around €8-12, and many sightseeing options won’t blow your budget. That said, it’s not as cheap as Eastern European cities like Budapest, and you’ll want to steer clear of tourist traps (those €20-plus meals in central squares) to really get the value.

Paris: Ah, the City of Lights! It’s stunning but pricey. Everything from hotels to dining to sightseeing can put a dent in your wallet. But fear not! There are also many free attractions like the Louvre Museum on the first Saturday of the month and the picturesque Jardin du Luxembourg.

Barcelona: While Barcelona is undeniably beautiful, it tends to have a higher cost of living than Lisbon. Expect to pay more for accommodation, food, and activities here. However, you can still save with options like the Barcelona Card for discounts on transport and attractions.

Budapest: This gem of Eastern Europe offers beauty at a bargain. Accommodation, food, and activities are generally cheaper than in Western European cities. Plus, you can’t miss the relaxing thermal baths, a Budapest specialty.

Ultimately, the cheapest destination depends on your travel style and budget, but Lisbon is a fantastic choice for those seeking an affordable yet vibrant European experience.

What And Where To Eat

Belém with all its seafood restaurants and maritime landmarks, is a must-visit, just 5 km from Lisbon.
Castelo de S. Jorge is not only rich in history, but it has some dramatic city views. If you only have one day to see Lisbon, I suggest the castle and Lisbon Cathedral.
Praça do Comércio square is an ideal place to do a bit of shopping and relax at one of the many cafes. Similarly, but more quaint, is Rua Augusta. It’s a beautiful promenade!
Santa Justa Lift is famous for its 1902-cast iron elevator linking city levels.
Oceanário de Lisboa, is an interesting and fascinating waterside aquarium with ocean ecosystems.
For spectacular contemporary art, go to The National Museum of Contemporary Art. Speaking about museums, Lisbon’s fascinating history is depicted at Lisboa Story Centre. Another interesting museum worth visiting is Museu Nacional de Arqueologia, the archaeological museum.
An amazing example of 18th-century Portuguese engineering is The Águas Livres Aqueduct, covering 18 km. (i.e. the main course). The entire network of canals stretches over almost 58 km.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos is a concrete monument to maritime explorers. The sculpting is magnificent, to say the least. Another monument with great sculpting is on Marquis of Pombal Square. Also, see Restauradores Square with its obelisk monument. You’ll find the most beautiful bronze fountains at Rossio square, with its amazing mosaic pattern.
For beautiful photographs and panoramic views, go to Miradouro das Portas do Sol. Organize a picnic basket and enjoy!
Do a day trip to Cascais, a nearby gorgeous seaside town. Also, make a point to visit Almada‘s pretty port. Here, you can’t miss spotting the just-over-2 km long Golden Gate-style suspension bridge. Ponte 25 de Abril links Almada with Lisbon.

Above, from left to right: Pastéis de Nata, Sardines, Bifana Sandwich, Chicken Piri Piri.

Cacilhas is a scenic waterfront district and the perfect setting for seafood dining.

Pastéis de Nata and Portugal go hand in hand. You will want to eat this morning, noon and night. And then, there is other good stuff too…

Alheira is a Portuguese specialty sausage with kosher meat. For instance, chicken, veal, and duck.
Seafood lovers should try Bacalhau, which I found to be quite salty. There are many variations of the fish. Of which I found the fish cakes to be super tasty, called Pastéis de Bacalhau.
If you eat pork, grab a Bifana Sandwich, add some French fries and a Sagres beer and you are sorted for a budget-friendly meal.
Chouriço, a Portuguese sausage, can be found all over the world, but it’s not half as good as in Lisbon. Therefore, it’s a must on my list of “what-to-eat”.
Ginjinha is a Portuguese liqueur with cinnamon, Morello cherries (or sour Ginja), and of course, sugar. Another must-try.
Piri Piri Chicken (Portuguese for chicken, is “frango”) is a must if you’re not vegetarian. It’s embedded in the Portuguese cuisine and super tasty, moist, and just mouth-watering good. In summer it goes well with a side salad.
Sardines may be last on my list, but it’s no reflection of its priority. Quite the opposite. It’s Sardine country, so you’ll find them deliciously prepared in many different dishes. Grilled (try it grilled), fried, whatever your fancy.

Above, from left to right: Chourico Sausage, Bacalhau, Alheira Sausage, Ginjinha Cherry Liqueur.

Authentic Portuguese Food

Give restaurant cooking a miss, and enjoy true Portuguese hospitality combined with traditional Portuguese cuisine. You will want to do it again!

Places Of Interest In Lisbon

Above, from left to right: Belem Tower, Santa Justa Elevator, Padrao dos Descobrimentos, Cascais Lighthouse.

Above, from left to right: Ponte 25 de Abril, Cathedral, Street Performers, Castelo de S. Jorge

Beaches Near Lisbon

Lisbon itself doesn’t have any beaches directly within its city limits. However, there are some beautiful beaches nearby along the Lisbon coastline that are easily accessible from the city.

Praia de Carcavelos: This is one of the most well-known beaches near Lisbon, located in the neighboring town of Cascais. It’s a long sandy beach with plenty of space for sunbathing and water sports like surfing and bodyboarding.
Praia de Oeiras: Another nearby beach, it’s located in the municipality of Oeiras. It’s not as famous as Carcavelos, but it’s still a nice spot with a long stretch of sand and calmer waters.
Praia da Costa da Caparica: This beach is across the Tagus River from Lisbon and is known for its extensive coastline and variety of beach bars and restaurants. It’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

Things To Do In Lisbon

Spend 1 Day in Sintra - the Ultimate Day trip from Lisbon!

Lisbon Tours

Travel Tips To Keep In Mind

Lisbon is really stepping up its game when it comes to accessibility for wheelchair users. More and more sidewalks have those handy lowered curbs, and there’s a growing number of spots that are easy to access, like public buildings and transport. But, fair warning, the historic center can throw some curveballs with its hilly streets and narrow paths. It’s smart to look into the specific places you want to explore to see how wheelchair-friendly they are.
While Portuguese is the main language, lots of folks in the tourism biz speak English, from hotel staff to restaurant servers to shopkeepers. So, even if you’re not fluent in Portuguese, you’ll probably do just fine getting around.
When it comes to safety, Lisbon’s got your back. It’s generally safe to stroll around, especially in the well-lit touristy spots. Of course, like anywhere, it’s smart to stay aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables close. Avoiding dimly lit alleys and keeping your belongings secure is just common sense.
Thinking about a midnight wander? Not a bad idea! Stick to the busy areas and main streets for peace of mind. And hey, if you’re feeling a bit unsure, there’s always taxis to zip you around safely after dark.

Get The Cheapest Flight Tickets To Lisbon

Lisbon’s main airport is Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport, commonly known as Lisbon Airport (LIS). It’s located about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) north of the city center, making it quite convenient for travelers to reach the heart of Lisbon from the airport. LIS is the largest airport in Portugal and serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights, connecting Lisbon to destinations all around the world.

For the best deals on flight tickets, check out our curated selection of airlines and flight comparison platforms.

Your Shortcut to Lisbon’s Top Stays

Want the full rundown? If you’re serious about finding the best hotels in Lisbon, don’t miss our dedicated guide. It’s packed with award-winners, insider picks, and booking tips to help you land the perfect stay — whether you’re after rooftop views, family-friendly comfort, or boutique charm. Explore the full Lisbon hotel guide.

From historic neighborhoods and vibrant food scenes to coastal charm and cultural depth, Lisbon continues to prove why it’s one of the most beloved urban getaways in the world. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a foodie adventure, or a sun-soaked city break — Lisbon delivers.

Your turn! Been to Lisbon? Drop your favorite memory or must-see spot in the comments!

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