Lisbon

Portugal · LIS

20 attractions 6 restaurants

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and Western Europe's westernmost capital, perched on seven hills above the Tagus estuary. Some 545,000 residents live in the 100-km² city core; greater Lisbon counts 3 million. The historic centre survived the 1755 earthquake only in patches — Belém and Alfama predate it; the Pombaline grid of Baixa was rebuilt in straight lines after. Most travellers spend three to four days, often pairing the city with a day trip to Sintra.

Plan a trip →

About this city

Flight from Germany: 3h 0min
Airport ↔ centre: 7 km
Time shift: −1h vs. Germany
Population: 545,000
Area: 100 km²
Founded: ~1200 BC
Currency: EUR
Language: Portuguese
Timezone: Europe/Lisbon

Why visit

Atlantic light, 290 sunny days per year, the cheapest espressos in Western Europe (~€0.90 standing at the bar), and a dramatic skyline of tiled facades. Yellow trams 28 and 24 work as cheap rolling sightseeing tours.

Neighbourhoods at a glance

·Baixa — Pombaline grid rebuilt after 1755, shops and squares.
·Alfama — pre-earthquake medieval lanes, Fado bars, São Jorge Castle.
·Chiado + Bairro Alto — café culture by day, bar street by night.
·Belém — riverside monuments, Pastéis de Belém, Discoveries Monument.
·LX Factory + Alcântara — converted warehouses, street art, weekend brunches.
·Cais do Sodré + Time Out Market — the foodie + nightlife hub since 2014.

Best time to visit

Month	Day temp	Crowds	Don't miss
Jan–Feb	12–16 °C	Low	Same-day tickets everywhere; mild for sightseeing
Mar–Apr	14–20 °C	Low–med	Easter processions; almond blossom in Sintra
May–Jun	20–25 °C	Med	Santos Populares (12–13 Jun) — sardines, fado, Alfama dances
Jul–Aug	25–30 °C	High	Beach trains to Cascais 30 min; NOS Alive festival mid-Jul
Sep–Oct	20–26 °C	Med	Best balance of sun + low crowds
Nov–Dec	13–18 °C	Low	Christmas lights on Av. Liberdade; chestnut vendors

Getting around

Mode	2026 cost	Notes
Walking	Free	Centre is hilly — bring grippy shoes
Metro + bus + tram	€1.85 single, day pass €6.80	Use the Viva Viagem card; works on funiculars too
Tram 28	€3 single	Iconic yellow tram through Alfama; ride early or late
Uber / Bolt	~€5 / short ride	Cheaper + faster than metered taxis
Airport metro	€1.85 single	Red line to city centre in 20 min