Drenched in sunshine, history, and old-world charm, Portugal's sophisticated, friendly capital makes a perfect introduction to Western Europe. The City of Seven Hills is best absorbed via electric bike or walking tour, taking in the views from elevated miradouros (lookout points), and visiting architectural highlights such as Lisbon Cathedral; the historical neighborhoods of Alfama, Chiado, and Baixa; the Belem Tower; and the Monastery of St. Jerome. To see a lot in a short time—and eat well along the way—hop on a Segway for a guided tasting tour. Your guide will lead you to the best pastels de nata (custard tarts) in the city, along with other local specialties. If one of the many versions of Portuguese bacalhau (dried, salted cod fish) doesn't win your heart, Lisbon offers a great variety of fresh seafood and a burgeoning international restaurant scene. Be sure to sample some Portuguese wines, which range from Vinho Verde, a light, refreshing white, to port, the country's signature fortified wine. Book a romantic sunset cruise on the Tagus River, and don't miss the chance to experience a beloved musical tradition with dinner and a show at a local fado club. Popular day trips from Lisbon include UNESCO-listed Sintra, a former royal retreat topped by a pastel-colored confection of a castle, and the resort village of Cascais. Lisbon's central location makes for easy access to Northern Portugal's Douro Valley and Porto, or to the seaside resorts of the Algarve.
Come June, the city of Lisbon is transformed by a carnival atmosphere for Festas de Lisboa, a 2-month-long celebration of Portuguese culture, food, art, and music. For a slightly sleepier time without summer’s peak prices and crowds, early fall boasts still-warm weather and cheaper hotel rates.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone WET (UTC +1) | Country Code +351 | Language(s) Portuguese | Attractions 102 | Tours 3,141 | Reviews 104,917 |
Originally from Coimbra, Sérgio has been based in Lisbon for years. When he's not exploring locally, he's trying to see as much of the world as possible with his family.
get a Lisboa Viva card—you’ll need it for all public transportation.
starts with getting the tram to Graça for the flea market, followed by brunch at the Decadente and a walking tour of Baixa and Chiado. Finish with dinner and drinks in the Príncipe Real neighborhood.
pasteis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts). Go to Pastéis de Belém for the best ones in the city.
go to Campo de Ourique, which is probably the best place to live in Lisbon and where you'll find amazing craft shops, parks, and restaurants.
head to the Miradouro Sao Pedro de Alcantara to see the skyline and the river, then take the elevator down to Avenida da Liberdade for a closer look.
is thinking that Fado is the only Portuguese music.
The Portuguese capital of Lisbon is best known for being the birthplace of fado music. The nostalgic, and often mournful, music genre can be traced back to the 1820s. It’s thought to have originated in the historic Alfama neighborhood, where you can still find fado bars today.
...MorePortuguese food is one of the standout features of Lisbon, especially due to the affordable price points. And you can’t walk through the City of Seven Hills without being charmed by the colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. Finally, the year-round sun makes this European capital a desirable place to be.
...MoreFor a comprehensive overview of Lisbon, spend about five days in the region. The first two should be spent exploring the main areas of the city—Bairro Alto, Baixa, Alfama, and Graça—followed by a day at the Park of Nations. Visit the Sintra and Cascais areas with your remaining time.
...MoreYes. Lisbon has a vibrant nightlife that is easily accessible to tourists. Visit some of the city’s clubs—notably LuxFragil—or enjoy a relaxed evening at a local bar. For those looking for a bit of Portuguese culture, a stop at a fado club in Aflama is a must-do.
...MoreMost locals attend gallery openings or wander the many city parks with their families. Food plays a huge part in Portuguese culture, so you can find many locals enjoying meals at tascas, or local taverns. Lisboetas are also very active, spending time exercising along the Tagus River.
...MoreNo. Relative to other European capitals, Lisbon is affordable. A meal at a local tavern usually costs less than €10 and often includes wine or beer. Activities tend to be reasonably priced, with most museums costing a few euros or completely free on certain days of the month.
...More
