Lisbon travel guide

Yellow trams, tiled facades and viewpoints over the Tagus. Lisbon is one of the most charming capitals in Europe.

Courtyard with fountain at a boutique hotel in Lisbon — Tuscan countryside
Staying in a villa or farmhouse among the vineyards is one of the great pleasures of a holiday in Tuscany.

Why visit Lisbon?

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, built on hills along the wide Tagus river close to the Atlantic. Steep streets, tiled facades and viewpoints at every turn make it a city for walking, and the food, wine and nightlife are good value by European standards.

See more of the country in our Portugal travel guide, including the big-wave surf town of Nazaré, around an hour and a half north of the city.

Things to do in Lisbon

Get lost in Alfama, the oldest district, with narrow lanes below São Jorge Castle.
Ride the historic tram 28 through the old neighbourhoods, ideally early in the day before the crowds.
Visit Belém, with the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower, both on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Try a pastel de nata, the famous custard tart, warm from the oven.
Watch the sunset from a miradouro, one of the city's many viewpoints.
Hear fado, the melancholic Portuguese song, in a small restaurant in Alfama or Mouraria.
Go out in Bairro Alto, where the narrow streets fill with people at night.

Day trips from Lisbon

Sintra, with its colourful palaces and forested hills, is around 40 minutes by train. Cascais and Estoril have beaches and a seaside promenade and are easy to reach by train along the coast.

When is the best time to visit Lisbon?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons, with warm days and fewer visitors. Summer is hot and busy, while winter is mild and rainy, but still good for sightseeing.

Frequently asked questions about Lisbon

How many days do you need in Lisbon?

Three to four days is enough to see the main sights: Alfama and São Jorge Castle, Baixa and Chiado, an evening in Bairro Alto and half a day in Belém with the monastery and the tower. With an extra day, Sintra and its hilltop palaces is the classic day trip, around 40 minutes by train.

Is Lisbon a walkable city?

Yes, Lisbon is a great city to explore on foot, but it is hilly and the cobbles can be slippery, so bring comfortable shoes. Tram 28, the funiculars and the public lifts help you up the steepest hills, and the metro covers the centre. The riverside is flat, and you can walk or cycle all the way to Belém.

How do you get from the airport to the city centre?

Lisbon airport is close to the city. The metro takes you to the centre in around 20 to 30 minutes, and taxis are also an option.

Where is the best area to stay in Lisbon?

Stay in Baixa or Chiado for a central base close to most sights, or in Alfama for narrow streets and fado. Príncipe Real is calm and elegant, while Bairro Alto has nightlife that goes on until late. Lisbon is hilly, so pick a hotel near the metro or a tram line to save your legs.