How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Lisbon Portugal
Are you wondering how to plan the perfect trip to Lisbon, Portugal? What are the best things to see and do? When should you visit and how much time will you need? Be inspired by this guide as you plan your next trip to Lisbon, Portugal!
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Welcome to Lisbon, the charming coastal capital of Portugal. Here you will find a hilltop castle that has survived the centuries, despite a devasting earthquake that destroyed most of the city. Today you will find scenic viewpoints (miradouros) scattered throughout the city overlooking pastel-coloured buildings with terracotta rooftops. Ancient streets have been rejuvenated in recent years offering a vibrant arts scene and bustling nightlife.
Time is best spent wandering the steep labyrinth of narrow, cobblestone streets. Board one of the city’s historic yellow trams to admire the unique architecture and famous landmarks. Enjoy fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant. Take advantage of the gorgeous year-round climate by relaxing at one of the nearby beaches.
Lisbon is much more affordable city to visit compared to other neighbouring European destinations. If you only have a short period of time to visit and a tight budget, the Portuguese capital provides great value. Accommodation, food/drinks, public transportation and entrance costs for attractions are reasonably priced.
Lisbon’s Main Attractions
Below is a sample of the best places to see and things to do in Lisbon. Find inspiration for your trip here!
How Many Days to Spend in Lisbon
Do you prefer to pack in as much as possible in a short period of time or travel at a more leisurely pace?
Are you visiting in the summer when there are plenty of daylight hours for exploring?
Are you travelling luxuriously or on a budget?
The main highlights of Lisbon can be seen in two to three days. This is the perfect amount of time for first-time visitors spending a weekend in the city on a budget. Even if you only have a short period of time, exploring Lisbon for a few days will certainly be a worthwhile trip.
When to Visit Lisbon
The best time to visit Lisbon truly depends on what you want to see and do during your trip. Decisions are often influenced by the timing of festivals and events, affordability and seasonal weather conditions.
Spring
Spring is one of the best times of year to visit Lisbon. Warm, sunny days encourage visitors to explore the sights comfortably on foot, people start to spill out onto outdoor cafés and terraces, gardens start to bloom and the city starts to reawaken after the winter months. Summer crowds have not yet arrived offering more exclusive access to the beach, public plazas and main attractions. Deals can be found on flights and accommodation to help lower travel costs.
Summer
Summer is peak tourist season in Lisbon as travellers flock to the Atlantic coastline on holiday. Longer days and warmer temperatures attract large crowds to the city’s beaches and most popular attractions. Make sure to book flights, accommodation as well as tickets to attractions well in advance to avoid disappointment and long queues. If you are seeking a more authentic, low-cost experience, with fewer crowds, opt to avoid Lisbon during peak season.
Autumn
Autumn continues to bring travellers to Lisbon despite shorter days and cooler temperatures. Tourist crowds have dispersed freeing up space on city trams and cobbled streets. Find yourself surrounded by locals rather than other tourists. Mild temperatures make sightseeing on foot a much more pleasurable experience. Swimming in the Atlantic waters is still possible in September, but by October it starts to become too cold for a day at the beach.
Winter
Winter is the coldest season in Lisbon, but the city still enjoys comfortable temperatures. Prepare for occasional rainfall and cooler evenings. Take advantage of more affordable prices and fewer tourist crowds. Lisbon is transformed into a charming village during Christmas and New Year’s displaying festive lights and hosting holiday markets. There are plenty of indoors attractions and restaurants open year-round to make your time in the Portuguese capital memorable.
Use this summary to understand Portugal’s seasons and plan your perfect trip to Lisbon:
Spring – March, April, May
Summer – June, July, August
Autumn – September, October, November
Winter – December, January, February
How to Get Around
Lisbon has an abundance of attractions, restaurants and neighbourhoods to explore. The city is very safe to walk around, but can be physically demanding due to its steep-sloped streets. Fortunately, there is an excellent public transportation system (metro, trams, funiculars) that can help make the trip a little easier.
Navigating the maze-like medieval streets of Lisbon can be quite the adventure. You’ll want to have access to a map as its very easy to get lost here, but that’s all part of the city’s charm.
Lisbon Metro
Lisbon’s underground metro system is a very convenient option for travellers as there are many stops concentrated around the city’s most popular attractions. There are 4 metro lines (red, blue, yellow, green) that transport passengers around the city with a direct connection to the Lisbon airport.
Purchase a Lisboa Card or 24-hour unlimited ticket as an affordable, timely and reliable transportation option. Pickpockets are known to target tourists using the metro. Pay attention to your surroundings and keep valuables close.
Lisbon Airport
Lisbon City Centre is connected to the airport by the underground metro (requires a transfer from the red line to the green line). The journey takes approximately 30 minutes with a cost of €1.65 for a single fare or €6.60 for a 24-hour pass. Passengers typically board at the Aeroporto Station (Red Line) and transfer at Almeda Station (Green Line) to reach central Lisbon stations (Rossio & Baixa-Chiado).
Tram
The tram system is arguably one of the best ways to get around the city. The historic trams (Remodelado) are able to navigate the narrow, steep alleyways and provide access to several notable neighbourhoods such as Alfama, Baixa and Chiado.
These distinctive yellow and often graffiti-marked trams are typically small and crowded with standing room only for the majority of the day. By far, the most popular historic route is Tram 28.
Alternatively, modern trams (Articulado) are much more accommodating but can only operate on flat terrain, which limits their use to the outskirts of town. Tram 15 is the best way to reach the Belém district. Fares cost €3.00 for a single trip or €6.60 for a 24-hour unlimited pass. Single trip tickets can be purchased from the driver or from machines available on the tram. Unlimited passes must be purchased from a metro station.
Funicular
Lisbon has some daunting hills to climb as you meander from one district to another. Make your life a little easier and choose to ride the funicular instead. Lisbon has three different cable railways (funiculars) operating in the city: Bica, Gloria & Lavra. Fares cost €3.80 for a return trip or €6.60 for a 24-hour unlimited pass. If you have purchased a Lisboa Card, you can ride all public transportation, including the funicular railways, for free.
Walking
Despite its hilly terrain, Lisbon is one of the world’s best places to explore by walking. Most attractions are concentrated in the city centre and can be easily accessed on foot. Join a walking tour to learn more about the history of Lisbon and discover a few hidden gems you may never have found on your own. Although it is one of the most iconic elements of the city, Portuguese cobblestone can be uneven in some places and slippery after it rains, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear.
Tuk Tuk
Private operators offer guided tours around Lisbon in brightly coloured vehicles. These auto rickshaws are able to navigate even the most steep and narrow streets. Passengers agree on the route and negotiate a price with the driver before heading out to see the sights. There is usually a minimum charge of €10.00. Lisbon’s tuk tuks are electrically powered as noisy and polluting vehicles are banned in the city.
Bus
Tourists typically only use the bus system in Lisbon to get to and from the airport. Within the city, walking or using the metro/tram is preferred. Private operators do however offer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours. Tours stop at all the major landmarks while providing audio commentary. Some even travel to Belém and Cascais Beach.
Where to Stay in Lisbon
There are a number of unique neighbourhoods in Lisbon that each cater to a specific type of traveller. Regardless of whether you are on a tight budget, only in town for the weekend or visiting with children there are many accommodation options available. Keep in mind that Lisbon is a popular tourist destination year-round, so book early to secure your preferred location at the best price.
Baixa
The Baixa district is considered to be the heart of Lisbon and the ideal place to stay for first-time visitors. The main attractions are conveniently located within walking distance. There is easy access to public transportation including the main train stations (Rossio & Cais do Sodré) and the scenic Tram 28. Due to Baixa’s central location, accommodation prices will be more expensive. The area is definitely touristy but may be worthwhile if you are only visiting for a short period of time. Nearby attractions include: Praça do Comércio and Rossio Square.
Chiado
The Chiado district is filled with history, architectural beauty and old-world charm. Here you will find luxury shopping, historical sights, museums and theatres. This area is a great base for exploring all that Lisbon has to offer. Chiado is a desirable location for travellers and accommodation prices reflect that. Nearby attractions include: Convento do Carmo and Santa Justa Lift.
Alfama
If you are looking for a romantic getaway, plan to stay in the Alfama district. Enjoy scenic views of Lisbon from its hilltop location. This neighbourhood is full of charm with its winding cobblestone streets, quaint sidewalk cafés and inspirational art studios. Listen for fado music playing softly from balcony windows. Staying within one of Lisbon’s most preferred neighbourhoods will come at a higher price. Alfama is located slightly further away from the city’s central attractions. The area is not flat, so visitors should be prepared to walk up and down sloped streets. Nearby attractions include: Castle of São Jorge, Lisbon Cathedral and Miradouro das Portas do Sol.
Bairro Alto
This is the perfect location for party-seeking travellers. There’s a high concentration of wine and cocktail bars that come alive at night, offering endless entertainment. The energetic streets have excellent options for dining and shopping. Central Lisbon attractions are within walking distance or a short ride away on public transit. Nearby attractions include: Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.
Cais do Sodré
This is an up-and-coming area that has been rejuvenated over the years. Former brothels and drug dens have been transformed into trendy bars and nightclubs. Cais do Sodré has maintained its tolerant and social atmosphere. Budget-friendly accommodation options can be found here right in the middle of all the action. Expect noise and crowds as people tend to stay up late and party until the sun rises. Nearby attractions include: Pink Street, Mercado da Ribeira (Timeout Market), Ribeira das Naus (Riverfront Walkway) and Elevador da Bica.
Avenida da Liberdade
This is a great location for families with children, offering a quieter, more relaxed experience. There are a number of parks and greenspaces to explore. Avenida da Liberdade is also a commercial shopping district lined with luxury boutiques. The avenue is Lisbon’s version of the Champs Elysées in Paris. Nearby Attractions include: Eduardo VII Park and Ascensor do Lavra.
Belém
Located further from the city centre (15-20 minutes by public transit), Belém is one of the best places to stay for families. This scenic riverside location has numerous historical monuments, museums and greenspaces worth visiting. Accommodation options are more affordable here compared to those located in the heart of Lisbon. Nearby attractions include: Belém Tower, Monument to the Discoveries, Jerónimos Monastery (includes the Maritime & National Archaeology Museum) & Pastéis de Belém.
Start Booking Your Trip
Use the helpful resources below to start booking your trip to Lisbon, Portugal!
- Reserve your accommodation with Hotels.com or Hostelworld.
- Book your rental car with Discover Cars.
- Book your flight with SkyScanner.
- Book tours with Get Your Guide.
- Traveling Solo? Book a Group Tour with GAdventures.
- Buy Travel Insurance with SafetyWing or World Nomads.
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Have any questions about planning your trip to Lisbon? Please share your questions or comments below!