Lisbon
Portugal · LIS
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.
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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
Example itineraries
Ready-made day-by-day plans with the top sights and a lunch stop every day.
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 |
What to eat
- ·Pastel de nata — custard tart from Pastéis de Belém (1837) or Manteigaria.
- ·Bacalhau à brás — shredded salt cod with potato + egg.
- ·Bifana — pork-and-bread sandwich, €3 at any tasca.
- ·Sardinhas grelhadas — grilled sardines, peak season Jun.
- ·Ginja — sour-cherry liqueur, €1.50 a shot near Rossio.
- ·Vinho verde — light young white from Minho, ~€2 a glass.
First-timer tips
- ·Cobbles are brutal — wheelchairs and stilettos suffer; bring rubber soles.
- ·Dinner runs 20:00–23:00; lunch 13:00–15:30.
- ·Most museums closed Monday; Belém complex closed too.
- ·Tipping not customary; €1–2 per meal is generous.
- ·English widely spoken; Portuguese is welcomed but not required.
Attractions
-
★ 9 Torre de Belém
Age-of-Discovery watchtower on the Tagus (closed Mondays).
Landmark · 1h -
★ 9 Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
UNESCO Heritage: glorious Manueline monastery in Belém (closed Mondays).
Church · 1h30 -
★ 9 Alfama Walk
Lisbon's oldest quarter — winding lanes, fado bars and viewpoints.
Neighbourhood · 1h30 -
★ 8 Castelo de São Jorge
Moorish castle above the city with panoramic views.
Landmark · 1h30 -
★ 7 Tram 28 Ride
Historic tram ride through Alfama, Baixa and Estrela.
Landmark · 1h -
★ 7 Bairro Alto
Nightlife quarter of bars, small restaurants and fado houses.
Neighbourhood · 1h30 -
★ 7 Time Out Market Ribeira
Food hall with Lisbon's best local cooks.
Market · 1h15 -
★ 7 Miradouro Senhora do Monte
Highest viewpoint in town — a sunset favourite.
Viewpoint · 30m -
★ 7 Museu Calouste Gulbenkian
Exceptional private collection from antiquity to modernity (closed Tuesdays).
Museum · 2h -
★ 7 Museu Nacional do Azulejo
History of Portuguese tile art (closed Mondays).
Museum · 1h30 -
★ 6 Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Monument to the Discoveries with a rooftop viewpoint.
Landmark · 30m -
★ 6 Sé de Lisboa
Romanesque cathedral from the 12th century.
Church · 45m -
★ 6 Praça do Comércio
Grand square on the Tagus — the gateway to the old town.
Landmark · 30m -
★ 6 LX Factory
Former factory turned galleries, bookshops and cafés.
Neighbourhood · 1h30 -
★ 6 Pastéis de Belém
The original pastéis de nata, since 1837.
Café · 45m -
★ 6 Convento do Carmo
Gothic monastery ruins — memorial to the 1755 earthquake (closed Sundays).
Church · 45m -
★ 6 MAAT
Architectural statement on the river with contemporary art (closed Tuesdays).
Museum · 1h15 -
★ 6 Chiado
Elegant quarter of cafés, boutiques and the famed A Brasileira.
Neighbourhood · 1h -
★ 5 Arco da Rua Augusta
Triumphal arch with a rooftop overlook above the Baixa.
Landmark · 30m -
★ 5 Basílica da Estrela
Baroque basilica with a leafy park and rooftop view.
Church · 45m
Restaurants & cafés
Lisbon: frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Lisbon?
Plan 3–4 days for Lisbon. That covers the main sights at a relaxed pace; Travita fits them around opening hours and walking distances.
When is the best time to visit Lisbon?
The best seasons for Lisbon are spring, autumn and winter.
How long is the flight from Germany to Lisbon?
A direct flight from Germany to Lisbon takes about 3h.
How far is Lisbon Humberto Delgado airport from the centre of Lisbon?
Lisbon Humberto Delgado airport (LIS) is about 7 km from the city centre.
Which currency and language are used in Lisbon?
Lisbon uses EUR. Language: Portuguese. Time zone: Europe/Lisbon.
Flights from Germany
Direct routes from German airports.
- Frankfurt (FRA)
- München (MUC)
- Düsseldorf (DUS)
- Berlin (BER)
- Hamburg (HAM)
- Köln/Bonn (CGN)
- Stuttgart (STR)