Lisbon, A Beautiful City Full of Surprises

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!

Award-Winning Destinations

Lisbon, crowned for the third time, Europe’s Leading City Destination! The city won the coveted World Travel Award in 2024, 2023 and 2018.

Coming Up: When to go, what to eat and drink, best things to see and do, how to plan your trip, and travel tips.

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

If you have ANY further doubts about whether to get on the next plane and fly to Lisbon, then you’ll have no more after reading Lisbon’s accolades.

Five times awarded as Europe’s Leading City Break Destination: 2009, 2010, 2013, 2019, and 2022.
Four-time winner as the World‘s Leading City Break Destination: 2017 – 2020.
Europe’s Leading Destination 2009
Europe’s Leading Seaside Metropolitan Destination 2022
World’s Leading City Destination 2018
World’s Leading Seaside Metropolitan Destination 2022

Best time to explore Lisbon

LISBON WEATHER

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 a cheaper than Barcelona, Paris, and Budapest?

Absolutely! Lisbon is generally considered a more budget-friendly holiday destination compared to Barcelona, Paris, and Budapest. Let’s break it down:

Lisbon is a charming city with plenty of affordable options for accommodation, food, and activities. You can enjoy delicious meals for under €10 and explore iconic sights like São Jorge Castle and Tram 28 without breaking the bank.

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 Plan your trip to Lisbon

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

For the best deals on flight tickets, check out a variety of airlines and flight comparison platforms by scrolling down to “Ready to take flight?“.

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.

Travel Tips! Travel and Home's Choice Hotel Stays

Santiago de Alfama for a sea view

I have this thing for when I am in a destination at the sea, I want to book at a hotel with a sea view room. Ask for one when you book at the Santiago de Alfama and get the most of your stay in Lisbon.

Hotel de Baixa for sightseeing convenience

Hotel da Baixa is conveniently set in the city center and worth considering. You will be welcomed by friendly and professional staff that has your comfort as their priority.

Stay in the Best Hotels in Lisbon

🎒 Travel Tip(s)

Look for free cancellation options: Some hotels offer free cancellation up until a certain date. Booking accommodations with free cancellation can provide flexibility in case your plans change.

Check the map view: Booking.com has a map view feature that shows the location of hotels. This can help you identify accommodations in areas that are both desirable and affordable.

Award-Winning Hotels & Resorts

Ever heard of the World Travel Awards? They’re like the Oscars of the travel world! Winning, or even just getting nominated, for one of these awards is a big deal. It’s like a stamp of approval for excellence and quality. So, why not treat yourself to a stay at a hotel that’s been recognized for its top-notch service, facilities, and overall experience? We’ve got a lineup of places to stay that have been awarded for the past 5 years. Now you have plenty of fantastic options for your next holiday getaway. Go ahead, indulge in some well-deserved luxury!