Why visit Lisbon?
Lisbon spreads across seven hills above the Tagus estuary, with miradouros (viewpoints) revealing terracotta rooftops at every turn. Alfama’s winding streets, Belém’s monuments and the riverside LX Factory give it real variety, and day trips to Sintra or the Cascais coast are straightforward by train.
Last reviewed
How to get there
Lisbon's main airport is LIS. Typical flight times from the UK are around 3 hours.
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Where to stay in Lisbon
Baixa & Chiado
Central, flat by Lisbon standards and close to the riverfront.
Alfama
Atmospheric lanes, fado bars and sweeping viewpoints.
Príncipe Real
Boutique stays, gardens and some of the city’s best restaurants.
Parque das Nações
Modern, spacious and home to the Oceanário.
Things to do in Lisbon
- 01
Attractions
Belém Tower & Jerónimos Monastery
UNESCO-listed riverside monuments; combine with pastéis de Belém.
- 02
Local experiences
Tram 28
Ride early in the morning to avoid queues and crowds.
- 03
Museums
Oceanário de Lisboa
One of Europe’s best aquariums and ideal for families.
- 04
Local experiences
Sintra day trip
Fairy-tale palaces 40 minutes away by train.
- 05
Walking routes
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
One of the best free sunset viewpoints in the city.
Travel budget
Indicative ranges per person, reviewed October 2026. Editorial ranges from FlyAwayFinds research; prices vary by season and availability.
- Accommodation
- £60–£180
- Per night
- Food
- £25–£55
- Per day
- Local transport
- £4–£9
- Per day
- Activities
- £20–£60
- Per trip
- Airport transfers
- £2–£25
- Each way
- Budget tier
- budget
- Editorial rating
Best time to visit
Bars show our editorial suitability rating. Temperatures are long-term monthly averages.
Jan
11°
low
Feb
12°
low
Mar
14°
moderate
Apr
16°
moderate
May
18°
moderate
Jun
21°
moderate
Jul
23°
high
Aug
23°
high
Sep
22°
moderate
Oct
19°
moderate
Nov
15°
moderate
Dec
12°
low
Suggested itinerary
Plan
One day
- 1Morning in Alfama and the Castelo de São Jorge
- 2Lunch in Baixa
- 3Afternoon in Belém
- 4Sunset at a miradouro
Plan
Two days
- 1Day 1: Alfama, Baixa and Chiado
- 2Day 2: Belém, LX Factory and dinner in Bairro Alto
Plan
Three days
- 1Day 1: Historic centre
- 2Day 2: Belém and riverside
- 3Day 3: Sintra day trip
Travel tips
- Local transport
- A rechargeable Viva Viagem card works on metro, trams, buses and ferries.
- Paying for things
- Cards are widely accepted; some small tascas prefer cash.
- Airport transfers
- The red metro line connects the airport with the city in around 20 minutes.
- Entry requirements
- UK travellers must meet Schengen entry rules. Check official guidance before travelling.
- Safety
- Lisbon is generally safe; watch for pickpockets on Tram 28 and wear shoes with grip on the polished cobbles.
Always check the latest FCDO travel advice for Portugal before you travel.
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FAQ
Lisbon FAQs
Yes. Four days lets you see the historic centre and Belém, with time for a Sintra day trip.
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