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Lisbon City Breaks

A city break to Lisbon gives you city life and beach days in one easy trip.

City sightseeing

Lisbon is one of Europe’s oldest capitals – second only to Athens. With almost 300 sunny days a year and temperatures that usually stay above 15°C, it’s a strong choice if you want warmth without the long-haul travel. The heart of the city centres on Rossio Square – it’s a busy area, and the streets around it are packed with places to eat and drink. There are also more than 20 neighbourhoods to explore. Chiado’s known for its theatres, shops and a roofless church, while Bairro Alto is louder and more energetic – especially after dark – and you’ll find the city’s main nightlife here.

Close to the coast

One of the reasons why Lisbon’s is a popular city, is how easy it is to mix city time with the beach. The city’s bordered by several stretches of coastline, so adding a beach day to your break is straightforward. Praia de Carcavelos is one of the most popular options – it has a wide, sandy shoreline that runs for almost a mile and is the largest beach close to Lisbon. From the city centre, the journey takes around 30 minutes, or if you want something a little quieter, there are several other beaches within 40 minutes by train, giving you plenty of choice without needing a car.

Landmarks and local highlights

There’s plenty of sightseeing to do in Lisbon, but you can pack a lot in even on a short stay. The Basilica da Estrela is a standout – a vast church that took more than ten years to complete. São Jorge Castle sits high above the city, with 11 towers and wide views across Lisbon’s rooftops and the river. And don’t worry about getting around, the city’s tram network links many of the main sights, making it easier to cover ground in a hilly city.

Best time to visit Lisbon

The best time to visit Lisbon is spring and autumn, when the temperatures are the most comfortable. Daytime temperatures usually sit around 20°C, which makes walking and sightseeing more manageable, and prices are generally lower than in peak summer. June, July and August are much hotter, with temperatures often climbing to around 30°C. It suits travellers who enjoy heat, but it’s also the busiest and most expensive period. Winter is quieter and less talked about, but Lisbon has its own appeal at Christmas – the city is calmer, decorated for the season and still relatively mild, with temperatures typically staying in the teens.  

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Here are some top tips from our team

Lisbon FAQs

The best time of year to visit Lisbon is late spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October). You’ll enjoy warm, sunny weather, better prices and fewer crowds than peak summer.

Three full days are perfect for a city break in Lisbon, giving you enough time to cover the highlights and a tram ride or two. Add an extra one or two days if you want to include daytrips to Sintra, Cascais or the beaches.

The best way to the city centre from the airport is to take the Metro’s Red Line. It takes about 20 minutes to central stations like Alameda or São Sebastião, or for door-to-door convenience, taxis or rideshares take just 15-20 minutes. They cost more but are still affordable compared to other European capitals.

It depends on what type of trip you’re planning, but €60-€90 per day should be enough spending money to cover affordable food options, attractions and transport (excluding somewhere to stay). Allow a bit more for drinks, fancier restaurants and nights out.  

Riding Tram 28 is a scenic and retro way to see Lisbon’s old neighbourhoods. Go early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds and make sure to keep your valuables secure.  

Yes, Lisbon’s food scene has expanded with vegan cafés, vegetarian restaurants and plant-based twists on local dishes. Look for spots in Bairro Alto, Príncipe Real and near Mercado da Ribeira.

Portuguese is the official language in Lisbon, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants and museums. People working in hospitality and younger generations often speak English to a good standard, too. It still might be worth learning a few basic Portuguese words, though, to make interactions easier in markets, cafés and local shops.

Tipping in Lisbon isn’t mandatory, but it’s welcomed for good service. In restaurants, locals tend to round up the bill or leave €1-€2 as a tip, and if you received great service, leaving around 5-10% is appreciated. Taxi drivers don’t expect a tip, but rounding up the fare is quite common, while tour guides and hotel staff (especially porters and concierges) also often receive small amounts.

Tap water in Lisbon is safe to drink, though many locals prefer bottled water for taste. You’ll also find public drinking fountains (fontanários) in some squares and parks – ideal for refilling your bottle and staying hydrated.

Portugal uses the Euro (€), which is handy if you're travelling through multiple places in the EU. You can find ATMs (caixas multibanco) near main squares, banks and transport hubs, and they generally offer better rates than currency exchange desks. Just let your bank know before you travel to avoid any card issues.

Visa, Mastercard and contactless payments (including Apple Pay and Google Pay) are widely accepted. However, smaller cafés, tascas (traditional restaurants), or market stalls may prefer cash – especially in older neighbourhoods – so keep some euros on hand.

When you click through to book your holiday, we’ll supply the exact travel requirements for your chosen destination through our partner, Passolution. In the meantime, check the FCDO for the most up-to-date information on entry requirements and health and safety information.