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Portugal · Lisbon

Lisbon travel guide

Seven hills, yellow trams and fado in old Alfama

Alfama and the River Tagus. Photo: Arne Müseler, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons

2h 30mflight from London
LISnearest main airport
20° in Augwarmest month
13° in Febcoolest month

Lisbon is a city of hills, viewpoints and tiled facades, set on the wide River Tagus. Old trams rattle through Alfama's lanes, and Belém's monuments recall the age of the great explorers.

It's sunny, relaxed and good value, with beaches and the fairy-tale palaces of Sintra less than an hour away by train.

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What Lisbon is known for

  • Tram 28

    Old yellow trams climbing through the historic districts.

  • Fado

    Soulful Portuguese songs in Alfama's small bars.

  • Pastéis de nata

    The custard tarts of Belém, warm from the oven.

  • Miradouros

    Viewpoints over the red roofs and the river.

Top things to do in Lisbon

  1. 1

    Alfama

    The oldest district, with lanes, viewpoints and the castle above.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    Belém

    The Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and the original custard tarts.

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  3. 3

    Tram 28

    A ride through the old districts. Board early to get a seat.

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  4. 4

    São Jorge Castle

    Moorish castle walls with the best views over the city.

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  5. 5

    Bairro Alto at night

    Tiny bars and street drinking in a hilltop maze.

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  6. 6

    Sintra

    A day trip to colourful palaces in the forested hills.

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See all tours and tickets in Lisbon

Where to stay in Lisbon

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Best time to visit Lisbon

Best value: Mar–May, Sep–Oct. April to June, September and October: warm and sunny, without the peak summer crowds.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
12.9 C13°J12.8 C13°F13.8 C14°M15 C15°A16.9 C17°M18.8 C19°J19.9 C20°J20.5 C20°A20 C20°S18.6 C19°O15.5 C16°N13.5 C14°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Lisbon, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 2h 30m from London to LIS, and flights from most UK airports.

The metro links the airport to the centre in about 25 minutes. Trams, funiculars and walking cover the old town. Trains go to Sintra and Cascais.

Find flights to Lisbon (LIS)

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Good to know

  • Wear shoes with grip: the stone pavements get slippery.
  • Pickpockets work Tram 28 and the busy viewpoints.
  • A city tourist tax is charged per person per night.
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Lisbon FAQ

How many days do you need in Lisbon?

Three days covers the city. Add a day for Sintra.

Is Lisbon hilly?

Very. Use trams, funiculars and the Santa Justa lift.

More places in Portugal

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