Lisbon is undoubtedly the most underappreciated capital city in Western Europe. It is also one of the oldest on the continent. Lisbon predates Rome by being formed as a trading port city in 1200 B.C. In 1755, an earthquake destroyed the majority of the historic city. However, the "City of Light" remains thriving today. Its population and annual visitors have more than doubled in the last 50 years as the rest of the globe discovers what this beautiful city on seven hills has to offer.Lisbon, indeed, checks all the boxes.
It has colonial buildings, destination museums, and it has its own musical genre. Explore a guarded castle, a lively shoreline, or a colorful maze of cobblestone streets by hopping on an iconic yellow tram. There's fun food, like themed trucks and cereal bars, and excellent food, like five-star restaurants. At night, unwind in a hip hostel, a lovely boutique hotel, or a 16th-century five-star hotel.
Time Zone Lisbon
GMT from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March
During the summer (last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October), GMT+1 is used.
Best Time to visit Lisbon
Lisbon is a destination during the off-season. When the weather is nice, the best time to visit is in the spring, from March to May, or in the autumn, from September to November. During the winter, it is frequently gloomy or raining, and the city can feel deserted. During the summer, high tourist season, temperatures can be unbearably hot, crowds are numerous, and accommodations can be difficult to obtain (plus rates are higher).
If festivals are your thing, however, you should go in mid-June. St. Anthony's Day is celebrated on June 13th, and the entire night is filled with parades, dancing, and plenty of grilled sardines.
Public Transportation Lisbon
Buses: The bus system (Carris) in Lisbon operates 24 hours a day (during the night infrequent) and includes two electric trams (including the classic yellow trolleys) and a funicular. A single ride costs €2.
Trains: Lisbon's (CP) trains, which connect to major cities and nearby villages, are regular, dependable, and reasonably priced. Tickets are available at stations, online, and through the Comboios de Portugal app. The metro (Metro Lisboa) is equally as easy to use. There are four different colored lines. The red line extends all the way to the airport, with single journeys costing less than €2. Remember to validate your tickets before boarding and keep them until your ride is finished.
Taxis: Taxis in Lisbon are plentiful and reasonably priced, unless you take them during rush hour. Fares vary depending on where you're going, what time of day you're traveling, and how much luggage you're carrying. Coop Taxis are the most reliable. Always keep cash on hand because credit cards aren't always accepted.
Where to stay in Lisbon
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What to do in Lisbon - Travel Guide Lisbon
Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
This UNESCO World Heritage site is as spectacular as monasteries get. It's difficult to imagine monks accepting a poverty vow amid this 16th-century palatial compound. It's difficult to picture it surviving the 1755 earthquake with its delicate decorative brickwork, but it survived. There are several tombs of Portugal's historical aristocracy here, ranging from poets to adventurers.
Drink Ginjinha - A must do in your personal Travel Guide Lisbon
Ginjinha is a delicious cherry liquor created in Lisbon, where it is now almost as common as sardines. A Ginjinha bar, a walk-up hole-in-the-wall bar near to the bustling Rossio train station, is the most popular place to obtain a shot. There are no seats, just a tiny gathering of locals getting their daily fix and curious tourists having their first taste. Here are more tipps for your Travel Guide Lisbon:
Watch a Fado Show
Fado, Portugal's distinctive musical form, is where country meets blues before merging with opera. Songs are terrible and haunting, but they are performed, not merely played. Since its inception in the 1830s, fado has become the iconic Portuguese activity, performed at historic pubs and restaurants such as Tasca Do Chico.
Visit the LX Factory
LX Factory is Lisbon's Hot Spot. It was once an industrial area in the shadow of Lisbon's renowned suspension bridge, but it is today a trendy neighborhood with unique businesses, galleries, and restaurants. Consider food trucks, street art, and hip concept stores selling everything from chocolate salami to quirky reversible lamp shades.
Get over the roofs of Lisbon
The Miradouro de So Pedro de Alcantara is a garden with a view of St. George's Castle and central Lisbon. All of the distinctive structures are marked by a tile map, and the lower geometric garden has busts of Greco-Roman mythology heroes and gods such as Minerva and Ulysses.
The Gloria Elevator, located next to the garden, is a funicular that has been transporting passengers up and down the hill between the city center (Restauradores Square) and Bairro Alto since 1885. Across the street is the "Solar do Vinho do Porto," an 18th-century structure where you may sample over 300 different Ports, including some of the rarer vintages dating back to 1937.
Oceanário de Lisboa
Despite its distance from downtown, Lisbon's award-winning aquarium is a must-see for children and anybody with a passing interest in marine biology. Its 7 million-liter saltwater tank is home to around 8,000 animals. Temporary installations, such as submerged forests by Takashi Amano (the world's foremost "aquascaper"), are as noteworthy.
Eat at Pasteis de Belem
People have been queuing at this popular Lisbon tradition since 1837, selling baked goodies faster than they can create them. According to legend, the secret recipe for Pasteis de Belem's best-selling sweet custard pies originated within the Jerónimos Monastery. There is generally a long line, and it can take some time to acquire a table inside. But the wait is always worthwhile.
Time Out Market Lisbon
Time Out Market is Lisbon's answer to Eataly in New York City. It is housed in a historic market hall on the waterfront and boasts more than two dozen popup versions of the city's greatest restaurants and bars. It also hosts special events such as culinary courses and has an attractive fish, meat, and produce market with the freshest ingredients available.
Areas you need to know when you visit Lisbon
Chiado
It is difficult to avoid drawing comparisons between this affluent district in Lisbon's city center and ones in Paris or the Upper East Side. It is far more modern than the neighborhoods around it and is home to the finest reservation-only restaurants in the city as well as upscale shops and exquisite theaters. The Livraria Bertrand, claimed to be the world's oldest continuously operating bookstore, was established in 1732.
Alfama
This historic settlement, which survived the earthquake of 1755 and enjoys some of the best views of the Tagus River, is situated on Lisbon's highest hill. It is one of the city's most picturesque neighborhoods and the location of Saint George's castle. The ancient 28 Tram, which transports tourists who do not want to cope with cobblestones or steps, can navigate the tight streets without having to squeeze through.
Belem
This historic settlement, which survived the earthquake of 1755 and enjoys some of the best views of the Tagus River, is situated on Lisbon's highest hill. It is one of the city's most picturesque neighborhoods and the location of Saint George's castle. The ancient 28 Tram, which transports tourists who do not want to cope with cobblestones or steps, can navigate the tight streets without having to squeeze through.
Bairro Alto
This bohemian neighborhood, which dates back to the 15th century when artists and writers moved here in great numbers, is now a buzzing locale. However, the magic mostly only happens at night. To see the Instagram-worthy street art, visit during the day. Come back after dark for the best dancing, bar hopping, and nightlife the city has to offer.
FAQ Lisbon
Which Culture has Lisbon to offer?
CULTURE: One of the finest historic cities in the world, it is filled with unique and fascinating sites, cultural treasures, and a stunning environment that make it a heaven for walkers and photographers.
Does Lisbon offer Value for my money?
VALUE: It is one of Europe's top investments and is formally the least costly capital in Western Europe.
Where is Lisbon located?
LOCATION: The capital of Europe is the closest to the United States, and travel time to most major European cities is only about two hours.
How is the climate in Lisbon?
CLIMATE: Its moderate climate makes it a great vacation spot all year long. Lisbon's maximum temperatures almost never dip below 10C throughout the winter, while most other European towns are subfreezing.
Can I relax in Lisbon?
RELAXATION: The city's proximity to sandy beaches and its status as a capital of Europe allow tourists to enjoy both cultural and seaside recreation.
How big is the city of Lisbon?
SIZE: The city is small and cozy, perfect for a quick getaway or a longer romantic stay, with a vibrant café scene and one of Europe's busiest nightlife scenes.
Does Lisbon offer Variety?
VARIETY: The area around it is home to a staggering array of tourist attractions, including fairytale palaces in one of Europe's most romantic towns (Sintra), world-class golf and entertainment in Europe's biggest casino in Estoril, surfing in Cascais or getting away to a natural park in Arrábida, and dolphin watching in Setbal.
What else should I visit nearby Lisbon?
GATEWAY: From Evora to Obidos, it serves as an excellent starting point for exploring many of Portugal's most remarkable towns and villages.
Weather Lisbon
Apart from the summer, Lisbon experiences four distinct seasons and a moderate climate. Rarely can temperatures fall below 7 degrees celsius, and only in July or August do they frequently reach the mid-30°Celsius range. These are also the driest months. November is often the wettest month, with an average of 13 days of precipitation. And do not anticipate seeing snow. Lisbon frequently goes for fifty years or more without getting any.