Lisbon travel guide

Lisbon has become one of Europe's most loved capitals in recent years: hills, views over the Tagus, historic neighbourhoods, and a cost of living still lower than most Western European capitals.

Best time to visit

March-May and September-October bring mild weather, with less extreme heat than July-August and less rain than winter.

What to see and do

Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery — the two landmarks of Portugal's age of discovery, standing side by side.
Alfama and tram 28 — the oldest neighbourhood, best explored partly aboard the historic yellow tram.
Miradouros — the city's scattered viewpoints, often free and best at sunset.
Pastéis de nata — best eaten warm, ideally from the historic bakery in Belém.
Sintra — a day trip to see the colourful palaces in the hills, half an hour away by train.

Indicative budget

Budget roughly €50-85 per day per person for food, accommodation and transport, flights excluded — one of the more affordable Western European capitals.

Figures are purely indicative and do not represent real or guaranteed prices.

Getting around

Lisbon is a city of hills: historic trams (like the famous number 28), funiculars and lifts help with the steepest climbs. The metro and buses cover the rest of the city well; the rechargeable Viva Viagem card is the easiest way to pay for all public transport, including the train to Sintra or Cascais.

Where to stay

Baixa and Chiado are central, elegant and easy to walk around; Alfama has the most authentic atmosphere but with narrow, steep lanes; Bairro Alto is perfect if you want nightlife right on your doorstep; Príncipe Real is quieter, with a good mix of bars and independent shops.