Lisbon travel guide: what to know before you go

Best time to visit

April to June and September to October have mild weather and are the best periods. July and August are hot and busy. Winter is mild but can bring rain and wind.

The city has many hills and cobbled streets, so heat makes sightseeing tiring. Some public holidays, such as 25 April and 1 May, close museums and shops. The festival of Santo António in June brings street parties.

How many days you need

Three days cover Alfama and the castle, Baixa and Chiado, Belém, a tram or funicular ride and a food evening. A fourth and fifth day allow Sintra and Cascais.

Sintra is about 40 minutes by train from Rossio station. Many visitors need a full day.

Getting from the airport to the centre

Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is close to the city. The Metro Red Line goes from the airport to Alameda, Saldanha and São Sebastião, and links to other lines. The ride takes about 20 to 30 minutes. City buses also serve the centre.

A taxi or ride-hailing trip to Baixa takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Use the official taxi rank or an app.

Getting around

The metro, buses, trams, funiculars and trains are used. A rechargeable Viva Viagem or Navegante card is used for most transport. Contactless bank cards can be tapped on the metro, on Carris buses and trams and on the funiculars. They do not work on the CP trains to Sintra and Cascais, which need a Navegante card or a ticket. Tap in and out on the metro.

The Lisboa Card is a sightseeing pass with transport and entries. It suits visitors who plan many museums. Walking is possible in Baixa, but hills and cobbles are steep. Tram 28 is crowded, so ride early or choose another route.

Where to stay

Baixa and Chiado are central, flat and well linked by metro. Alfama is atmospheric and quiet by day but steep, with noise at night. Bairro Alto suits nightlife and is loud.

Príncipe Real is calm and stylish. Avenida da Liberdade and Marquês de Pombal suit those who want hotels and easy transport. Belém is quiet but farther from the centre.

What to book in advance

Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery have long queues, so buy tickets online where offered and go early. The Pena Palace in Sintra allows entry only at the date and time on your ticket, so book ahead.

Fado shows in small venues fill quickly in the evening. Day trips to Sintra are easy by train, but the bus between sights is crowded. Check official sites for closed days, as some sights close one day a week.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not ride Tram 28 midday in summer. It is crowded, and pickpockets work on crowded trams. Do not buy drugs from people who approach in Baixa and Bairro Alto. This is a common nuisance and illegal.

Do not eat the bread, olives and cheese placed on the table unless you want them. They are charged separately as couvert. Do not wear smooth shoes on cobbles. Do not rent a car for the centre, because parking is hard.

Money, tipping and practical notes

The currency is the euro. Cards are widely accepted. Carry some cash for small cafes. Tipping is modest. Rounding up or leaving about 5 to 10 percent is common.

Plug types C and F are used, at 230 volts. A municipal tourist tax applies for up to seven nights per stay. Tap water is safe. Portugal is in the Schengen area. Check official government sources for entry rules.

Facts on this page were last checked in November 2026. Routes, rules and opening days change, so confirm important details with the official source before you travel.

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