Why go to Lisbon
Lisbon is sunlit and a little faded in the best way: tiled façades, viewpoints called miradouros, and custard tarts still warm from the oven.
Best time to visit Lisbon
March to June and September to October are warm and bright without peak crowds. July and August are hot and busy, and June brings the Santo António street festivals. Winter is mild and wet but rarely cold.
Top things to see
Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery
Manueline masterpieces by the river.
Alfama
The oldest quarter, all stairways and laundry lines.
São Jorge Castle
Moorish walls above the city.
LX Factory
Creative hub under the 25 de Abril bridge.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
The city's best sunset viewpoint.
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
A superb art collection in modernist gardens.
Things to do in Lisbon
- Ride tram 28 early in the morning before crowds
- Day-trip to Sintra's palaces
- Hear live fado in Alfama or Mouraria
- Take the train to Cascais for the beach
- Cross the river to Cacilhas for seafood
Local experiences
- Eat a pastel de nata with cinnamon and a bica
- Join the June festivals with grilled sardines
- Drink ginjinha, a sour cherry liqueur, from a hole-in-the-wall bar
- Shop for tinned fish and tiles
Where to eat in Lisbon
Dishes to try: pastel de nata, bacalhau, grilled sardines, bifana, arroz de marisco.
Pastéis de BelémBakery
The original custard tarts, baked since 1837.
Cervejaria RamiroSeafood
Garlic prawns, crab and a steak sandwich to finish.
Time Out MarketFood hall
Top local chefs under one roof in Cais do Sodré.
A CevicheriaModern
Peruvian-Portuguese ceviche under a giant octopus.
Where to stay in Lisbon
Pestana PalaceLuxury
A 19th-century palace with gardens.
Bairro Alto HotelBoutique
Rooftop views over Chiado.
Memmo AlfamaBoutique
Infinity pool over the old town.
Best areas to stay
Chiado and Baixa
Central, elegant and well connected.
Alfama
Atmospheric, hilly and full of fado.
Príncipe Real
Leafy, stylish and calm.
Cais do Sodré
Nightlife and the riverside.
3 days in Lisbon
Day 1: Alfama and the castle
Day 2: Belém and LX Factory
Day 3: Sintra
See the full day-by-day itinerary
Festivals and events
Santo António festivalsJune
Street parties, grilled sardines and parades, peaking on 12–13 June.
NOS AliveJuly
A major music festival on the riverfront.
Getting around
Lisbon is steep: wear good shoes. Trams, funiculars and the metro use the rechargeable Viva Viagem card. The metro red line runs from the airport to the centre in about 20 minutes.
Practical information
- Plug types
- C, F (guide)
- Voltage
- 230 V
- Emergency
- 112
- Tap water
- Safe to drink
Tipping: Optional; 5–10% for good restaurant service. See our tipping guide.
Entry requirements depend on your nationality; check your government's travel advice and the destination's official immigration site before booking.
How much does it cost?
Approximate US dollar figures covering accommodation, food, local transport and sights; flights excluded.
Good to know
- Many restaurants put bread and olives on the table; you pay if you eat them
- Cobbled pavements get slippery when wet
- Book Sintra palace tickets ahead in summer
- Restaurants open for dinner from about 7:30 pm
Lisbon travel FAQ
What is the best time to visit Lisbon?
The best months are usually Mar–Jun, Sep–Oct. March to June and September to October are warm and bright without peak crowds. July and August are hot and busy, and June brings the Santo António street festivals. Winter is mild and wet but rarely cold.
How many days do you need in Lisbon?
Plan on 3–4 days to see the highlights at a comfortable pace.
What currency is used in Lisbon?
The local currency is the Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carry some cash for markets and small vendors.
How much does a trip to Lisbon cost per day?
Roughly US$80 per person per day on a budget, US$180 mid-range and US$500 or more for luxury, excluding flights. Prices vary by season.
What food should I try in Lisbon?
Local favourites include pastel de nata, bacalhau, grilled sardines, bifana, arroz de marisco.
What plug adapter do I need for Lisbon?
Lisbon uses plug type C, F at 230 V. Check whether your devices support this voltage.
Restaurants, hotels and prices change. Confirm opening times and book popular places ahead. Last reviewed October 2026.