Lisbon Travel Guide

Why Lisbon?

Lisbon offers something rare: a Western European capital where you can eat, drink, and explore without constantly wincing at prices. The city is stacked on seven hills, draped in azulejo tiles, and bathed in Atlantic light. Combined with a lively food scene, fantastic nightlife, and easy beach access, it’s one of Europe’s best all-round city breaks.

Getting There

Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is right on the edge of the city, served by Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, TAP, and British Airways.

Cheapest months to fly: January, February, and November. Returns from the UK regularly drop below £30.

Most expensive periods: June to September and Easter. Lisbon has become hugely popular, so summer fares are higher than they used to be.

Pro tip: The airport is just 20 minutes from the centre by metro, so early and late flights are very practical. Check The Fair Finder for awkward-hour flights that others skip — the Deal Scores are often excellent.

Best Time to Visit

March to May: Warm (17-23°C), jacaranda trees in bloom, good fares
June: Hot but pre-peak, Santos Populares festival (sardines and street parties)
September to October: Still warm (22-27°C), summer crowds gone
Winter: Mild (11-16°C), cheapest flights, still plenty of sunshine

Where to Stay

Budget: Hostels from €16/night in Baixa or Mouraria. Lisbon’s hostels are world-class.

Mid-range: Apartments in Alfama or Graça from €55-80/night. Expect tiled floors and rooftop views.

Splurge: Boutique hotels in Príncipe Real from €120/night.

What to Do

Free & Cheap

Ride Tram 28 through the old quarters (€3.25 with Viva Viagem card)
Miradouro viewpoints — Graça, Senhora do Monte, and Santa Luzia are all free
Explore the narrow streets of Alfama
Walk across the 25 de Abril Bridge via the river promenade
LX Factory — creative market and food hub in a converted warehouse

Worth Paying For

Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery (€10/£8.50 each, combined discounts available)
Oceanário (€25/£21, one of the world’s best aquariums)
Sintra day trip (see Day Trips below)
Fado show in Alfama (from €15/£13 including a drink)

Food & Drink

Portuguese food is simple, fresh, and great value. Lisbon’s food scene has exploded in recent years.

Pastel de nata: Custard tart, €1.20-1.50 everywhere (Pastéis de Belém is the original)
Bifana: Pork sandwich with mustard, €2.50-3.50 at local cafes
Bacalhau: Salt cod prepared a hundred different ways
Ginjinha: Sour cherry liqueur, €1.50 for a shot at A Ginjinha near Rossio

Budget meal: Prato do dia (dish of the day) at neighbourhood tascas costs €7-10 including a drink. The Mouraria district has the best cheap eats.

Day Trips

Sintra (40 min by train): Fairytale palaces in misty hills. Train €4.50/£3.80 return. Pena Palace €14/£12.
Cascais (35 min by train): Beach town, seafood, surfing. Train €4.50/£3.80 return.
Setúbal & Arrábida (1 hour): Wild beaches, fresh seafood, dolphin spotting
Óbidos (1 hour): Walled medieval town, try the ginjinha served in a chocolate cup

Getting Around

Airport to centre: Metro (€1.65/£1.40, 20 min). Taxis cost €10-15.
Local transport: Viva Viagem card with 24-hour pass €6.80/£5.80. Covers metro, buses, trams, and the iconic elevators.
Walking: Lisbon is hilly — comfortable shoes are essential. The historic centre is walkable if you don’t mind stairs.

Money-Saving Tips

Fly midweek in the shoulder season for the best fares
The Fair Finder’s Deal Score is especially useful for Lisbon — prices swing wildly between seasons
Eat prato do dia at lunch for the best meal deal in the city
Take the metro from the airport — it’s faster and cheaper than a taxi
Buy a 24-hour transport pass to ride Tram 28 and the Santa Justa Elevator without extra cost
Visit Belém in the morning before tour groups arrive
Drink ginjinha standing at the bar — it costs €1.50, not €5 at a sit-down restaurant