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Lisbon

Lisbon travel guide

Capital and largest city of Portugal

Flights from$467 round trip
Best time to visitMay to June and September
Nearest airportLIS · 5 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC+0
Population545,796

About Lisbon

Lisbon is the capital and most populous city of Portugal, with an estimated population of 658,236 as of 2025, within its administrative limits and 3,353,000 within the metropolis, as of 2025. The city lies in the western part of the Iberian Peninsula, fronting the northern shore of the River Tagus.

Cheap flights to Lisbon

The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $467 from Toronto, travelling 24 Nov – 1 Dec. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.

Cheapest month to fly

$467 Nov $467 Dec $471 Jan $471 Feb $471 Mar $471 Apr $585 May $590 Jun $762 Jul $761 Aug $694 Sep $758 Oct

Airlines travellers compared most often: Austrian Airlines, KLM, United Airlines, Air France, Lufthansa.

Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 12 Oct and 11 Nov 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.

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Places to visit in Lisbon

  1. Belem Tower

    Belem Tower

    Landmark · 4 mi from centre

    A fortified tower on the Tagus riverbank and a symbol of the Age of Discoveries. Its intricately carved stonework is best admired from the riverside promenade outside.

  2. Jeronimos Monastery

    Jeronimos Monastery

    Religious · 4 mi from centre

    A Manueline-style monastery in Belem with an ornate two-story cloister and the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Try the custard tarts at the famous bakery a short walk away.

  3. Alfama

    Alfama

    Neighborhood

    Lisbon's oldest district, with winding alleys, tiled houses, viewpoints and fado houses. Wander uphill toward the castle and stop at the miradouros for views over the river.

  4. Sao Jorge Castle

    Sao Jorge Castle

    Historic

    A Moorish castle crowning a hill above the old town, with restored walls, towers and shady gardens. The ramparts offer views over the rooftops and the river.

  5. Praca do Comercio

    Landmark

    A grand riverside square framed by yellow arcades and a triumphal arch. It is the gateway to the grid of streets in the Baixa district, rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake.

  6. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

    Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

    Museum · 2 mi from centre

    A collection ranging from Egyptian antiquities and Islamic ceramics to European paintings and Lalique jewelry. The modern building is set within peaceful landscaped gardens with ponds and walking paths.

  7. Sintra

    Sintra

    Historic · 15 mi from centre

    A hilly town near Lisbon with forested slopes, palaces and romantic gardens, including the colorful Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle. It is easily reached by train from Rossio station.

  8. Bairro Alto

    Bairro Alto

    Neighborhood

    A hilltop district of narrow streets that is quiet by day and buzzing with small bars at night. Nearby viewpoints such as Sao Pedro de Alcantara overlook the city.

Top experiences in Lisbon

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 92 available.

See all things to do in Lisbon

Where to stay in Lisbon

Popular hotels in Lisbon, out of 769 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Lisbon

Best time to visit Lisbon

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Lisbon is May to June and September, when average daytime highs are around 74–80°F and rain falls on about 3 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 51° – 61° 13
Feb 51° – 63° 9
Mar 51° – 63° 18
Apr 55° – 69° 13
May 57° – 74° 3
Jun 62° – 80° 4
Jul 65° – 85° 2
Aug 66° – 86° 0
Sep 62° – 80° 3
Oct 62° – 74° 10
Nov 55° – 66° 12
Dec 49° – 59° 11

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Lisbon weather forecast

  • Wed 11 Nov 65° 61° 100%
  • Thu 12 Nov 67° 62° 60%
  • Fri 13 Nov 68° 62° 36%
  • Sat 14 Nov 67° 58° 45%
  • Sun 15 Nov 66° 58° 22%
  • Mon 16 Nov 68° 64° 68%
  • Tue 17 Nov 69° 64° 68%

Know before you go

Currency
Euro (EUR)1 US dollar ≈ €0.89
Language
Portuguese
Calling code
+351
Driving
On the right
Time zone
Europe/LisbonUTC+0

Upcoming public holidays in Portugal

  • Restoration of IndependenceRestauração da Independência
  • Immaculate ConceptionImaculada Conceição
  • Christmas DayNatal
  • New Year's DayAno Novo
  • Good FridaySexta-feira Santa
  • Easter SundayDomingo de Páscoa

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Lisbon

These are the airports closest to central Lisbon. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • LIS Humberto Delgado Airport5 mi (7 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Lisbon

Lisbon has a very efficient public transport network that covers the entire city in addition to the surrounding areas. It consists of a bus and tram network operated by Carris, the separately-run Lisbon Metro.mw-parser-output .error-deadlink{color:red;background:yellow;display:none;white-space:nowrap}[dead link] underground rail, as well as commuter trains and ferries which connect Lisbon to its neighbouring suburbs.

Fares and tickets

Most public transport in Lisbon uses an integrated ticketing system, allowing the same smartcard to be used across metro, buses, trams, suburban trains and many ferries. However, coverage and pricing depend on the operator and the type of ticket loaded onto the card, so it is important to understand the differences before travelling.

Tram

While numbering may suggest otherwise, Lisbon retains only six of the 28 tram lines it became famous for.

Funiculars and a lift

Or ascensores e elevador[dead link] as they call them. The Navegante card is accepted on these routes as well. In 2002 all three funiculars and the lift were classified as National Monuments. Time tables for the lifts in pdf format can be downloaded from the website.

Lisbon travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Lisbon?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Lisbon is May to June and September, when average daytime highs are around 74–80°F and rain falls on about 3 days a month.

What is the weather like in Lisbon?

August is usually the warmest month in Lisbon, with average highs of 86°F (30°C). December is the coolest, with average lows of 49°F (10°C). The wettest month is typically January, with about 149 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Lisbon?

Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is the closest airport, about 5 miles (7 km) from the centre of Lisbon.

How much are flights to Lisbon?

The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Lisbon in the last 30 days was $467 from Toronto, travelling 24 Nov – 1 Dec. November is currently the cheapest month to fly, with fares from $467.

What currency is used in Lisbon?

Lisbon uses the Euro (EUR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ €0.89.

What time zone is Lisbon in?

Lisbon uses the Europe/Lisbon time zone (currently UTC+0). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Lisbon?

Lisbon has a very efficient public transport network that covers the entire city in addition to the surrounding areas.

What are the best places to visit in Lisbon?

Top sights in Lisbon include Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, Alfama and Sao Jorge Castle. A fortified tower on the Tagus riverbank and a symbol of the Age of Discoveries. Its intricately carved stonework is best admired from the riverside promenade outside.

What are the top things to do in Lisbon?

Popular experiences you can book in Lisbon include Sintra Deluxe: Palacio da Pena, Colares, Cabo da Rocha, Cascais and Estoril – Full-Day Tour, Special Discount Offer: Discover Óbidos, Nazaré and Fátima and Lisbon Sightseeing Hop On - Hop Off. Destina Holidays offers 92 tours and activities here.

Where should I stay in Lisbon?

Popular areas for hotels in Lisbon include Lisboa. Well-reviewed options include Vincci Baixa and Lisboa Plaza.

How many hotels can I book in Lisbon?

Destina Holidays currently lists 769 properties in and around Lisbon, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.