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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Lisbon Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Portugal – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Portugal has widespread acceptance of cashless payments, particularly in urban areas and larger businesses. Cards are commonly used, and mobile payment options are increasingly available.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary but not mandatory in Portugal. In restaurants, leaving a 5-10% tip is common, especially if the service is exceptional. Taxi drivers usually expect a small tip of around 5-10%, and hotel staff appreciate tips for their services. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally accepted in most public spaces, such as parks and beaches. However, certain municipalities may enforce restrictions in specific areas. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited indoors in public places like restaurants and bars. Designated smoking areas are available in many public spaces. |
| Portuguese Republic Day (October) |
National holiday with public celebrations and some closures, particularly in Lisbon. |
|---|---|
| Christmas (December) |
Holiday celebrations and increased tourism, expect crowded areas and higher accommodation prices. |
| Carnival (February) |
Festive celebrations with parades and events, especially in Lisbon and Madeira. Expect lively crowds. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Bolt, Uber |
| Other: | Portugal boasts rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, and historic landmarks. Public transport is reliable, and the country is known for its mild climate, especially in the southern regions. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Lisbon, Portugal
Festas de Lisboa: Santo António on 12 to 13 June with street parties and grilled sardines across the old quarters
Hilly cobbled streets and trams get very crowded June to September, sightseeing is best early in the day
Don't miss
- 🚋 Ride the iconic Tram 28 through Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods
- 🏰 Admire the views from Castelo de São Jorge’s hilltop
- 🎶 Listen to live Fado music in a cozy Alfama tavern
- 🥧 Taste pastéis de nata fresh from Belém’s famous bakery
- 🌇 Walk across Praça do Comércio and watch the riverfront sunset
- 🎨 Explore the colorful tiles and alleys of Bairro Alto
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Lisbon?
Lisbon is one of Europe's most charismatic cities, known for its historic sites, vibrant neighborhoods and fantastic food. It’s a place where you can wander through centuries-old alleys, soak in the sun by the Tagus River and indulge in delicious pastéis de nata. The city’s laid-back charm, combined with the energy of its nightlife and festivals, makes it a great destination for all types of travelers.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
Sintra
A jewel of Portugal’s Atlantic coast, Sintra dazzles with the Moorish Palácio da Pena and the enigmatic Quinta da Regaleira. Its winding cobblestones invite quiet exploration, while early‑morning visits beat crowds to the hilltop gardens and historic train. -
2
Cascais
This coastal town west of Lisbon features historic villas and scenic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. It offers a quieter, upscale alternative to the capital's bustle, perfect for escaping crowds while enjoying refined dining and elegant architecture. -
3
Sintra-Cascais Nature Park
A protected coastal and forested area on Portugal's western coast, it offers cliffs, dunes, Mediterranean scrub and the historic town of Cascais. Trails link sea views to lush hillsides, making it ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting. -
4
Ericeira
This coastal town in Portugal's Sintra district features dramatic cliffs, surfing breaks and a laid-back vibe. Its rugged landscape meets the Atlantic Ocean, offering stunning views and a quiet escape from Lisbon's bustle.
🏯Places worth seeing
-
1
São Jorge Castle
Perched on São Jorge Castle's walls, Lisbon offers panoramic views of the Tagus River and historic neighborhoods. The site combines medieval fortifications with modern city life, creating a unique blend of history and contemporary culture for visitors to explore. -
2
Praça do Comércio
A grand waterfront square framed by neoclassical facades and a sweeping view of the Tagus River. It hosts historic arches, fountains and lively cafés, making it a central hub for locals and tourists alike. -
3
Tower of Belém
A 16th‑century fortified tower overlooking the Tagus River showcases Manueline architecture and once guarded Lisbon’s harbor. Its ornate stonework, spiral staircase and maritime history attract visitors worldwide. -
4
Jerónimos Monastery
A masterpiece of Manueline architecture, this former monastery dominates Lisbon’s Belém district. Its ornate stonework, cloisters and the tomb of explorer Vasco da Gama draw visitors worldwide and daily every year. -
5
Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT)
A dry, sunny island off the coast of Venezuela with consistent trade winds and beaches that stay warm year-round. The landscape is more desert than tropical, with cactus-covered terrain and dramatic rock formations along the northern coast. -
6
National Ceramic Tile Museum
-
7
Alfama
-
8
Monument to the Discoveries
-
9
Oceanário de Lisboa
-
10
Jerónimos Monastery
-
11
Dom Pedro IV Square
🎡Places for activities
-
1
Alfama District
This historic Lisbon district features narrow cobblestone streets and the iconic São Jorge Castle. While often crowded, wandering its authentic Fado clubs offers a quieter, soulful escape from the main tourist throngs. -
2
National Shrine of Christ the King
-
3
Bairro Alto
-
4
Time Out Market Lisboa
-
5
Oceanário de Lisboa
-
6
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
-
7
Miradouro Nossa Senhora do Monte
-
8
Santa Justa Lift
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Festa de Santo António (June)
-
Lisbon Book Fair
-
Super Bock Super Rock Festival
-
Web Summit
-
Lisbon Marathon
-
Nos Alive Music Festival
-
Lisbon Architecture Triennale
-
Fado Festival
-
Christmas Markets
-
Lisbon Fish and Flavours Festival
Knowledge before you go
- Wear good walking shoes; Lisbon’s steep hills and cobblestones are demanding.
- Base yourself around Baixa, Chiado or Alfama for easy access to trams, viewpoints, riverfront areas and main attractions.
- Expect crowds and pickpockets on Tram 28 and in busy squares; validate tickets and keep valuables secured, especially during rush hours.
- For sunset without tram queues, walk up to a lesser-known miradouro in Graça or Santa Catarina and enjoy cheap kiosk drinks.
How to travel to Lisbon
Lisbon is well-connected by air through Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), with flights from major global destinations. The city also has good train and bus connections to other Portuguese and European cities.
Access summary
- From Lisbon Airport (LIS): Metro red line or taxi, about 15–30 minutes.
- From Porto: Direct train to Lisboa Santa Apolónia or Oriente, around 3 hours.
- From Madrid: Direct or connecting flights to Lisbon Airport, about 1–1.5 hours.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Lisbon
Lisbon offers everything from luxurious hotels in Avenida da Liberdade to budget-friendly hostels in Bairro Alto. For a more authentic experience, consider staying in a charming boutique hotel in Alfama.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Lisbon
Lisbon’s public transport is excellent, with trams, buses and metro lines covering the city. The Viva Viagem card offers convenience for multiple modes of transport. Walking is also a great way to explore the city's charming streets.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Lisbon are around 32% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to EUR) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Lisbon is generally safe, with a low crime rate. However, be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas and public transportation, particularly in tourist-heavy districts like Alfama and Baixa.
Health & Medical
Lisbon has high-quality medical facilities and pharmacies are widely available. The healthcare system is modern and efficient and travel insurance is recommended for international visitors.
Accessibility
The city is making strides in accessibility, but the many steep hills and cobblestone streets can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Public transport offers some accessible options.
Tap water
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Lisbon and most restaurants will serve tap water if requested. Public drinking fountains are available, particularly in parks and public spaces.
Packing recommendations for Lisbon
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
for summer
🧥
Waterproof jacket
in winter
🧥
Light jacket
for evenings
🕶️
Sunglasses
☂️
Folding umbrella
in winter
🎒
Small rucksack
👜
Anti-theft bag
🔋
Power bank
👒
Sun hat
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Popular districts of Lisbon
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