Be prepared for a climb!
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Lisbon, the Portuguese Capital, is packed full of things to see and do. With steep cobblestone streets that offer absolutely gorgeous views, bright yellow trams and some mouth-watering local delicacies to try, this city is a must-see if you’re thinking of visiting Portugal.
What better place to start your time in Lisbon than the main square? Praça do Comércio, or Commerce Square, is a brilliant spot lined with restaurants, bars and shops. It’s a very lively square, and you could quite happily sit here and watch the world go by for a few hours. It also takes you straight to the riverfront, a beautiful spot to kill a few hours, enjoy some good food and drink and take in the views.
From here, you’re close to the beautiful riverfront spot Cais das Colunas. It’s a famous landmark in Lisbon and a great place to relax. Nearby, you’ll find Mercado de Ribeira - the biggest food and drink market in the city. From fresh fruit and vegetables to hot food and baked goods, you’ll find lots of traditional and international options here. Definitely somewhere that’s worth a visit!
The area where you’ll find the most picturesque views in the city is definitely the Bairrio Alto neighbourhood. Here you’ll find great views of the castle, steep cobblestone streets and iconic yellow trams. If you have time, get on a tram and take in the views from this perspective. It’s a great way to see the city and do something that Lisbon is famous for.
There is a cathedral in Lisbon and it’s worth seeing, but don’t expect it to be really impressive or grand, especially when comparing to other capital cities. The cathedral is free to enter but can get busy. Even if you just enjoy the view from outside and move on, make sure you include this in your itinerary. However, the monastery of Jerónimos is really grand, and worth a look if you're willing to head a little more out of the city centre. You can also see Belem Tower while you're there!
If you’re looking to chill on a beach, there isn’t a sandy beach in the city centre. But you can take day trips to places such as Arrábida National Park to explore the stunning Portuguese coves and beaches. Or if you’re renting a car, there are lots of beaches within an hour's drive from Lisbon to explore.
Speaking of day trips, a very popular place to visit from Lisbon is the town of Sintra - mainly for the stunning Pena Palace. You can take a guided trip, or get a taxi. We took a taxi to the top, but as we left just at closing time, a tuk-tuk driver approached us and said we wouldn’t be able to get a taxi back at that time. We thought it was a tourist trap but he was telling the truth - our Bolt taxi cancelled on us (three times). So to save the bother, it’s probably worth booking a trip from Lisbon with transport included.
Pena Palace is really beautiful both inside and out, and you can definitely spend a good 2-3 hours exploring the palace and it’s grounds. Sintra itself is also a lovely place to spend a few hours, with some great traditional street food stalls, cafes and independent shops to explore. It’s a small place, but feels authentic and is a brilliant setting to relax in if you have the time.
Back to Lisbon - this city has a lively nightlife, as long as you know where to look. We stayed in an all-inclusive hostel - Goodmorning Solo Traveller Lisbon (one of the best in Europe) and joined their evening tours, but you can also join guided pub crawls which are a great way to meet other travellers, get good deals on drinks and find the best spots in the city.
However, if you want to explore the nightlife independently, a great place to start is Pink Street (the floor is literally bright pink, you can’t miss it). If all else fails, an Irish pub will always be lively!
If museums are more your thing than nightlife, you could visit the tile museum (yes, that is a real thing). Tiles are actually a huge part of Portugal's culture and they are now something that represents the country.
So whether you want to dance all night or get up early to explore nearby villages, learn about culture in museums or drink your bodyweight in sangria at a hostel, this city really does have something for everybody.
Additional information:
How do I get to Lisbon?
Lisbon is easily accessible by air, with direct flights from many major cities around the UK. The flight time from the UK varies, but is normally within the region of 2 hours. You can also access Lisbon by train, but be aware that the trains in Portugal are quite slow in comparison to other countries. Or, you can visit by coach from nearby cities.
Where should I stay in Lisbon?
We stayed in this hostel and had an incredible time. We met the most amazing people and the food and drink was great too. If you choose the "breakfast included" rate on Hostelworld, you receive 3 home-cooked meals a day and unlimited beer or sangria in an evening! It's not the cheapest hostel around but it's so worth it when you factor in the experiences and food and drink costs too. It's a brilliant choice if you're travelling Lisbon solo as it's really sociable.
If a hostel isn't really your thing, don't worry, there are pletny of other options for accommodation in Lisbon. Have a look for something that will suit your group size and budget on booking.com.
Do I need a visa to visit Lisbon?
Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Portugal for a stay of up to 90 days. Read our Schengen Agreement post to find out more details about this rule.
The rules of entering Europe are changing. Take a read of our handy European travel rules post for more information.
What's the currency in Lisbon?
The currency of Portugal is the Euro. You can change money when you arrive or withdraw from ATMs, but be aware of high conversion fees! Some ATMs may charge you to withdraw money, even if your bank doesn't. It's always best to pay in local currency, but we had no issues paying by card in Lisbon.
What languages are spoken in Lisbon?
The official language of Portugal is Portuguese, but English is widely spoken in Lisbon as it is a major tourist destination. It's always polite to learn a few phrases, though!
What's the weather like in Lisbon?
Lisbon is a warm city with mild winters, with little to no rain in the Summer months.
Here's the average high / low temperatures for each season in Lisbon:
Spring: 20°C / 12°C
Summer: 26°C / 17°C
Autumn: 22°C / 15°C
Winter: 15°C / 19°C
Here's the current weather in Lisbon:
What's the time zone in Lisbon?
Portugal is in the Western European Time Zone. The time is usually the same as the UK, but an hour behind most of mainland Europe e.g. France, Spain, Germany, Italy.
What are the best things to do in Lisbon?
We always try and give you a few great recommendations of things to do on our Sightseekr Inspiration posts. If you're looking to fill your itinerary, have a look for the best activities, excursions and other things to do in Lisbon on GetYourGuide
