Lisbon
Visited in June 2017
At a glance
- Country
- Portugal
- Region
- Lisbon
- Population
- 567,000
- Best time to go
- March to June, September to October
- Main airport
- Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LIS)
- Coordinates
- 38.72°N, 9.14°W
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Overview
Lisbon spills down seven hills to the wide Tagus river, its streets of pastel buildings and tiled façades linked by rattling yellow trams. It's one of Europe's sunniest capitals and one of its most relaxed.
Expect steep climbs, rewarding viewpoints (miradouros) and long lunches of grilled fish. Belém, the old town of Alfama and the hilltop Bairro Alto all feel like different cities.
Things to see
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Photo: Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA 3.0 Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery
Two masterpieces of Portugal's Age of Discovery, side by side on the river.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Arne Müseler, CC BY-SA 3.0 de Alfama
The oldest district, a tangle of alleys climbing to the castle, best explored without a map.
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Photo: Unknown photographer, CC BY-SA 2.0 São Jorge Castle
A Moorish castle on the hilltop with views over the whole city.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0 Praça do Comércio
The grand riverside square, rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake.
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Photo: Andrzej Otrębski, CC BY-SA 4.0 LX Factory
A former industrial complex now full of shops, cafés and street art.
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Photo: Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA 3.0 Oceanário de Lisboa
One of Europe's largest aquariums, in the modern Parque das Nações.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Michael Meraner, CC BY 2.0 Ride Tram 28
The classic route rattles through Graça, Alfama and Baixa. Board early to get a seat.
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Photo: Mon Œil, CC BY 2.0 Eat a pastel de nata
Try the custard tarts at their birthplace in Belém, warm and dusted with cinnamon.
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Photo: José Malhoa, Public domain Fado night
Hear Portugal's soulful folk music in a small Alfama tavern.
Find tours -
Photo: Singa Hitam, CC BY 2.0 Day trip to Sintra
Fairytale palaces and forested hills, 40 minutes away by train.
Find tours
Where to stay
Baixa
Flat, central and well connected. A practical base for a first visit.
Hotels in BaixaChiado
Elegant streets with cafés and theatres, between Baixa and Bairro Alto.
Hotels in ChiadoAlfama
Atmospheric and traditional, but hilly and further from the Metro.
Hotels in AlfamaPríncipe Real
Leafy, stylish area with boutique hotels and a calmer feel.
Hotels in Príncipe Real
Getting around
Buy a reusable Viva Viagem card for the Metro, trams, buses and funiculars. The hills are steep, so trams and the historic lifts save your legs. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are good value.
The airport is close to the city: the Metro red line reaches the centre in about 25 minutes, and a taxi takes around 20.
When to go
Spring (March to June) and autumn (September to October) are warm and bright. July and August are hot and busy, while June brings the lively Santo António street festivals. Winters are mild but can be wet.
Plan your trip to Lisbon
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.