LISBON TRAVEL GUIDE


LOCATION | THINGS TO DO | HOTELS | LISBON BLOG ARTICLES | FAQS

✈️ Airport: Humberto Delgado Airport (code: LIS),  informally Lisbon Airport.
💵 Currency: EURO
🗣️ Language: Portuguese, though English is common in major cities
⏰ Time Zone: Western European Standard Time (GMT)
💳 Credit Cards & ATMs: In Lisbon, many establishments, including shops, restaurants, and hotels, accept credit cards. However, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash with you, as is the case in many other European destinations. In Portugal, ATMs are known as “multibanco” or “caixa automatica” and serve not only for withdrawing cash but also for paying bills, buying movie tickets, and making transfers. These ATMs can be easily found at banks, airports, train stations, and shopping centers throughout the city.
🎫 Portugal Visa: Most travelers do not need a visa for (Lisbon) Portugal — this includes Americans and Canadians (this will change in 2025 with the introduction of ETIAS). Head here to see if you need a Portugal travel visa.
🔌 Electricity Socket:  Portugal has two associated plug types, C and F. Plug type C is the plug that has two round pins, and type F has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. Portugal operates on 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

🇵🇹 💭 Want to learn more about what to pack, the best time to visit Lisbon Portugal, a Lisbon restaurant guide, and much more? Prepare for your trip to Lisbon by reading our ULTIMATE Lisbon Travel Guide.

Where is Lisbon located?

Lisbon is where? Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal, located on the west coast of the country along the Atlantic Ocean. It is situated on the northern bank of the Tagus River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world and has a rich history and cultural heritage, which can be seen in its architecture, monuments, and museums.

Lisbon Travel map

Lisbon Travel Tips

Here are a couple of important Lisbon tips for your next Lisbon visit.

  •  Choose your neighborhood and accommodation carefully; where you stay can make the biggest difference. Read our Lisbon neighborhoods guide.
  • The Lisboa Card, the official tourist pass of Lisbon, offers free access to multiple sites and allows you to ride Lisbon’s public transport for free.
  • Everyone goes to Lisbon during the summer holidays, but visiting in June or September is a much better thing to do!
  • Lisbon is a walkable city, but it is also incredibly hilly. Our Lisbon travel advice is to pack comfortable shoes!
  • Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world. But that doesn’t mean pickpocketing doesn’t so, so when you’re on your Lisbon trip, be vigilant, especially in the Lisbon center.
  • For your trip to Lisbon Portugal, why not schedule a walking tour in Lisbon? There are several great options in the city, like these lisbon guides Lisbon: Food and Wine Walking Tour, Lisbon Tram No. 28 Ride & Walking Tour, or this Lisbon: Full-Day City Private Tour.
  • Visiting Lisbon Portugal is not complete without a day trip or two. We recommend visiting Sintra, Erciera, or Cascais. If you want a go on a day trip to Sintra, there are several great tour options available.

Lisbon Guide: When to Visit

When to go to Lisbon? The best time to travel to Lisbon Portugal is during the shoulder seasons: May – June, September – October. Other

February could also be an option if you’re keen on Carnaval festivities, but the BEST month is June (13 June specifically) because of Santos Populares, which is when the whole country celebrates the saint from their town by decorating the streets with banners and eating the most delicious grilled sardines and drinking ginjinha. It’s basically a month-long Festa but can be more subtle, depending on the area. 

Lisbon travel guide

Public Transportation

Public transport in Lisbon is not the absolute best in all of Europe, but better than others. You should have no problem navigating the metro and buses. Plus, the airport is super central. Uber works really well here and is super cheap.

The easiest way to get around is by metro. The fare is charged to the reusable “Viva Viagem” card, which costs €0.50. Each passenger requires their own Viva Viagem ticket. The card can be used to get a range of tickets, including single fares, the 24-hour (Lisbon day travel card) pass, or the “zapping” credit. To learn more about buying a ticket, read this Lisbon metro guide.

You have probably heard about the famous Tram 28. If you’re on a budget, then try to catch it at the end of the line: Campo de Ourique (Prazeres) instead of at Martim Moniz. 

🎫 If you are in Lisbon, consider getting the Lisbon travel card: a 24, 48, or 72-hour Lisbon Pass. With this Lisbon tourist travel card, you can enjoy unlimited travel on city transport and free admission to 39 museums, historic buildings, and more. Or you can opt for a Hop-on-Hop Off bus and tram tour with a river cruise.

What is Lisbon known for?

Lisbon is the historic capital of Portugal, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant nightlife. The city is a unique blend of traditional Portuguese styles with elements of Gothic, Baroque, and Art Deco and is famous for its pastel-colored buildings, narrow cobbled streets, and iconic tile work known as “azulejos.”

Lisbon is also located on the Atlantic coast, making it a hub for seafood cuisine, with many restaurants serving various dishes showcasing the city’s location 👉 as well as many amazing tours. Read our Lisbon foodie guide.

In addition to its rich history and culture, Lisbon is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants staying open late into the night. The city is famous for its traditional Fado music, a melancholic genre that originated in Lisbon in the 19th century.

Lisbon is also a great jumping-off point to explore the region’s many towns and beaches. Our tourist guide Lisbon recommendations include visiting Sintra, Cascais, Sesimbra, Costa da Caparica, and Ericeira.

travel guide lisbon

What to Do in Lisbon

If you are traveling in Lisbon, there are plenty of things to do, no matter what type of traveler you are.

Neighbourhood Guides

 the best area for you to stay in Lisbon

Fado

Fado Is More Than A Music Genre; It Is A Feeling.

Hidden Gems

Fado Is More Than A Music Genre; It Is A Feeling.

Wine Shops

The Best Wine Shops In Lisbon

Lisbon Gardens

Oases In The Middle Of The City

Food Tours

lisbon food guide

🧐 Still on the fence about visiting Lisbon? Read our article: Why Visit Portugal Lisbon? Reasons To Visit The Portuguese Capital and let us answer the question: why go to Lisbon Portugal?

lisbon travel itinerary

Lisbon Tourism: Best Hotel

A travel guide to Lisbon Portugal isn’t complete without a list of the best hotels to stay in. The Best areas are: Alfama/Graca, Rossio, Avenida, São Bento, Principe Real, and Santos.

  • The Vintage Lisbon (📍Rato) | A 5* boutique hotel where one-off art & design can be found in every corner.
  • The Independente (📍Bairro Alto) | A stunning, opulent building originally built as an ambassador’s residence
  • The Postcard Lisbon (📍Rato) | Understated B&B in a historic house 
  • Torel Palace Lisbon (📍Alfama) | Set on a hillside in downtown Lisbon, this upscale hotel occupies 2 Pombaline-style buildings
  • Casa dell’Arte Club House (📍Alfama) | An upscale guesthouse in an elegant 19th-century building with a colorful, tiled facade.
  • Casa Balthazar (📍Baixa) | Quaint adults-only B&B with modern artwork and a gorgeous view over Lisbon

🏨 Looking for some more options? Read our article: The 23 Best Boutique Hotels In Lisbon.

lisbon portugal travel guide

Best Tours in Lisbon, Portugal

A tour with a Lisbon Portugal tour guide is a great way to see everything in the city. So what are some of the best Lisbon for tourists experiences?

See more lisbon tours

Is Lisbon Safe for Solo Travelers

On a personal note, I lived in Lisbon for sic months, and felt quite safe. So is Lisbon solo travel a good idea? Of course it is! A solo city trip Lisbon is perfectly fine, so make sure to be vigilant, especially in the more tourist areas of the city.

lisbon Blogs: Learn more about Lisbon travel 🇵🇹

LISBON CITY guide lisbon

Lisbon Portugal Travel Guide FAQs

Lisbon is famous for its rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, and seafood cuisine. The city is a unique blend of traditional Portuguese styles with elements of Gothic, Baroque, and Art Deco and is known for its pastel-colored buildings, narrow cobbled streets, and iconic tile work. Lisbon is also located on the Atlantic coast and is famous for its seafood dishes, served at many restaurants throughout the city.

The nightlife in Lisbon is vibrant, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants staying open late into the night, and the city is also famous for its traditional Fado music. The historic town of Sintra, located just outside of Lisbon, is also famous for its fairy-tale palaces, including the Pena Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Yes, English is widely spoken in Lisbon, especially in tourist areas and among younger generations. Many restaurants, shops, hotels, and tourist attractions have staff that speaks English, making it easier for English-speaking visitors to communicate and get around the city.

Lisbon is a city renowned for its rich history and breathtaking architecture. Its historical center is a unique blend of traditional and modern, with stunning buildings and vibrant azulejos, or ceramic tiles, lining the streets. The city’s rich past, marked by rulers, invasions, and reconstructions, adds to its allure. Beyond its history, Lisbon is a foodie’s paradise, offering an array of delicious cuisine. All these factors combined make Lisbon a must-visit destination.

So how many days in Lisbon is enough? We recommend 3-4 days in Portugal Lisbon to fully explore the city’s rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, and delicious cuisine. This allows enough time to visit popular attractions and experience the city’s unique culture.

The best time to visit Lisbon is from April to June and September to October, when the weather is mild and pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. During these months, temperatures are usually around 20-25°C (68-77°F), making it comfortable to explore the city and its many attractions. These months also offer the best combination of good weather and low prices, making them ideal for travelers.

Yes, you can visit Lisbon in the winter, although the weather may be mild and rainy. Winter temperatures in Lisbon usually range from 10-15°C (50-59°F), so it’s important to pack accordingly. Visiting Lisbon in January or February can also mean fewer crowds, lower prices, and the opportunity to experience the city in a different light.

The city of Lisbon Portugal is known for being situated on seven hills, but that doesn’t mean that exploring Lisbon is a challenge. In fact, the city center is flat and easily accessible on foot, making it a convenient destination for travelers of all fitness levels.

Lisbon is often referred to as the “City of Light” due to its sunny and bright atmosphere. The city is located on the western coast of Portugal and is known for its sunny weather, especially in the summer months. With its warm and sunny climate, Lisbon is a popular destination for those seeking a sunny escape.

Additionally, the city is also known for its vibrant and lively atmosphere, with many outdoor cafes, restaurants, and bars that stay open late into the night. These factors combined give Lisbon its bright and sunny reputation, earning it the nickname “City of Light”

Lisbon is a destination overflowing with tourist attractions, sights, and museums, making it an ideal location for those interested in history and culture.

On the other hand, Porto offers a more laid-back experience, where visitors can take their time strolling the charming streets, admiring the views, and sampling Port wine. While Porto still boasts some noteworthy cathedrals and sights, it is best enjoyed as a city to be savored at a leisurely pace.

On average, a mid-range tourist can expect to spend around $100 per day during their visit to Lisbon, excluding accommodations, flights, and costly, overpriced tours. Accommodations in Lisbon typically cost $70-150 per room per night.