- The metro runs from the airport to the centre in about 20-30 minutes
- Stay in Baixa, Chiado or Príncipe Real; Alfama for character
- Lisbon charges a €4 per person per night tourist tax, up to seven nights
- Add a day trip to Sintra or the beaches at Cascais
- Airports
- Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LIS)
- Best time to go
- March-June and September-October
- Type
- City
Lisbon is one of Europe's most likeable capitals: sunny, hilly, walkable and still good value compared with London or Paris. Flights take under three hours, the airport is almost in town, and within a weekend you can ride a vintage tram, watch the sunset from a miradouro and eat your weight in pastéis de nata.
The hills are steep and the cobbles slippery, so comfortable shoes and a sensible base make a real difference. Here is how to plan it. For the rest of the country, see our Portugal guide.
Why go
Lisbon mixes grand history and a relaxed, creative feel. The monuments of Belém recall Portugal's age of exploration, Alfama keeps its medieval street plan and fado bars, and newer districts are full of independent shops and restaurants. Beaches and the fairy-tale palaces of Sintra are less than an hour away by train.
Where to stay
- Baixa and Chiado – the flat, central grid rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, plus elegant Chiado above it. Best for first-timers who want everything on the doorstep.
- Alfama – the oldest quarter, a maze of lanes below São Jorge Castle. Beautiful and atmospheric, but hilly and not ideal with heavy luggage.
- Bairro Alto – the nightlife district. Fun if you want bars on your doorstep, noisy if you want sleep.
- Príncipe Real – leafy, stylish and calmer, with concept stores and good restaurants.
- Avenida da Liberdade – a grand boulevard with larger hotels and easy metro links.
Check the walk from the nearest metro station before booking in Alfama or Bairro Alto. A "ten-minute walk" can mean steep steps.
Top things to do
- Belém – see the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery and the Monument to the Discoveries, then queue for custard tarts at the famous bakery nearby.
- Tram 28 – the classic yellow tram rattles through Graça, Alfama and Baixa. Board early in the day or at the start of the line to get a seat, and watch out for pickpockets.
- São Jorge Castle – Moorish-era walls with views over the city and the Tagus.
- Miradouros – free viewpoints such as Santa Luzia, Portas do Sol and Senhora do Monte, best around sunset.
- Fado in Alfama or Mouraria – Portugal's soulful traditional music, best heard in a small venue over dinner.
- LX Factory and the riverside – a former industrial complex turned into shops, cafés and a bookshop, plus the MAAT museum on the waterfront.
- Day trips – Sintra's palaces (about 40 minutes by train from Rossio station) or the seaside town of Cascais (about 40 minutes from Cais do Sodré). For a longer beach stay, head south to the Algarve.
Getting there and around from the UK
Direct flights reach Lisbon Humberto Delgado airport (LIS) from London and several other UK airports in about two hours 40 minutes. The airport is only around 7km from the centre: the red metro line gets you into town in about 20-30 minutes with one change, and taxis and ride-hailing are inexpensive.
In the city, buy a rechargeable Navegante card for the metro, trams, buses and the historic funiculars. Ferries cross the Tagus to Cacilhas for views back over the city. Note that the Glória funicular was closed after a fatal accident in September 2025, so check which funiculars are running when you visit.
Best time to visit
Spring (March to June) and autumn (September and October) are ideal, with warm, sunny days and fewer crowds. July and August are hot, busy and pricier. Winter is mild (often 14-16°C by day) but brings more rain, and hotel prices are at their lowest. June is festival month, with the Santo António street parties around 12-13 June.
Budget tips
- Lisbon's tourist tax is €4 per person per night for guests aged 13 and over, capped at seven nights. It is paid at your accommodation.
- The Lisboa Card bundles public transport and entry to many sights; it pays off if you plan a busy sightseeing day.
- Look for a prato do dia (dish of the day) at lunchtime in local tascas for good-value meals.
- Many viewpoints, churches and the riverside walk are free.
- Prices rise sharply in summer, so check current deals for spring and autumn dates.
Top attractions in Lisbon
Lisbon on the map
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Lisbon?
Three days lets you see Belém, Alfama, Baixa and Chiado at a relaxed pace. Add a fourth for Sintra or Cascais.
Is Lisbon a walkable city?
Yes, but it is very hilly and paved with slippery limestone cobbles. Wear shoes with good grip and use trams, funiculars and the metro to save your legs.
How do I get from Lisbon airport to the city centre?
The metro red line runs from the airport and connects with the other lines for Baixa and Chiado, taking around 20-30 minutes. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are also good value for groups.
Is Lisbon cheap for a city break?
It is cheaper than most Western European capitals, especially for food and public transport, but hotel prices have risen and peak in summer. Travelling in spring or autumn gives the best value.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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