Discover Lisbon: Planning Your Perfect Trip

Planning a perfect visit to Lisbon can feel overwhelming with so many things to consider: when to go, where to stay, how to get around, currency … all can feel very overwhelming.

This guide to Lisbon’s capital city will help you decide what season is best to visit, where to base your stay, when festivals and holidays take place, how to get around, best ways to convert currency, and other bits of information that will make your planning more seamless.

When to Visit

When should you visit Lisbon? This greatly depends on the type of experience you want to have. Every season has pros and cons, and trade offs. The “perfect” time to visit is really dependent on what you want to get out of your trip to Lisbon.

With a little help from Google, here are some pros and cons to the seasons in Lisbon:

Spring (March to May)

Weather: Mild and pleasant with blooming flowers.
Pros: Fewer tourists, comfortable temperatures, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Cons: Some rain showers may occur.

Summer (June to August)

Weather: Warm to hot and sunny.
Pros: Perfect for beach activities, vibrant festivals, lively atmosphere.
Cons: Crowded tourist spots, higher accommodation prices, and potentially very hot temperatures.

Autumn (September to November)

Weather: Warm and comfortable with less humidity.
Pros: Fewer crowds, beautiful autumn colors, great for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Cons: Some tourist services may start to wind down by late November.

Winter (December to February)

Weather: Mild winters with occasional rain.
Pros: Lower prices, fewer tourists, and festive holiday decorations.
Cons: Cooler temperatures, shorter daylight hours, some attractions may have reduced hours.

I have been in Lisbon every month of the year and can solidly say: There is no bad time to be in Lisbon.

In summer, I love all the festivals and celebration, beaches and outdoor activities.

In Spring, I love the mild weather and the city being a little quieter. I love sitting outside comfortably and hiking in nearby nature.

In Fall, I love the calmness in the city and slow transition to winter. The city, to me, feels the most authentic and charming in the Fall.

In winter, Lisbon is a holiday wonderland filled with beautiful light displays, markets and celebrations.

⭐When looking at the weather in Lisbon, be sure to take all aspects of the weather into consideration: humidity and UV index in Lisbon can greatly impact the weather.

Holidays & Festivals

In addition to weather and season, it is important to take holidays and festivals into consideration when planning a trip to Lisbon: as you may want to avoid them or join them.

These are the major holidays and festivals in Lisbon, and how they may impact your trip:

New Year's Day (Ano Novo) - January 1

This is a big night of celebration. Many locals celebrate at home with family gatherings and festivities, but there is also a huge fireworks show and large parties and celebrations in the streets throughout the city.

Carnival (Carnaval) - February/March (varies)

The Lisbon Carnival takes place every year on Shrove Tuesday, so the date varies. This was originally to signal the end of winter and to welcome the religious period when people give something up for Lent. Today the carnival lasts almost 3 weeks and focuses on fun and celebrations.

Carnaval is an amazing time to be in Lisbon with frequent colorful parades and parties.

Freedom Day (Dia da Liberdade) - April 25

Commemorates the Carnation Revolution of 1974. Celebrations include parades, concerts, and various events throughout the city. Some businesses close, but this generally has minimal impacts on tourists.

Labor Day (Dia do Trabalhador) - May 1

Marked by workers' parades and public demonstrations. Like Freedom Day, some local business and school close, but this generally has little impact on tourists.

Feast of St. Anthony (Festas de Lisboa) - June 12-13

Lisbon's biggest celebrations. Featuring parades, street parties, sardine grilling, and traditional music, particularly in the Alfama and Graca District. While this can be a great time for this that want to join the celebrations and parties, it can also be bothersome to many visitors, as the parties are very loud, fill the streets and last all night.

⭐Parties and Festivals take place throughout the entire month of June, particularly in Alfama and Graca neighborhoods. Keep this in consideration when choosing accommodations, especially if you are a light sleeper.

Corpus Christi (Corpo de Deus) - May/June (60 days after Easter)

Religious processions and ceremonies are held in various churches and neighborhoods. Religious representatives come from all over the world to take part in the processions and ceremonies. This can be very interesting to watch, and while it closes streets to traffic, has little to no impact on businesses being open.

Portugal Day (Dia de Portugal) - June 10

National holiday celebrating Portuguese history and culture with official ceremonies and festivities. Falling just before Feast of St. Anthony, Portugal Day can get a bit lost in all the other parties and celebrations taking place throughout the city. Some business close, or have abbreviated hours, but most businesses and restaurants in tourist areas are unaffected.

St. John's Eve (Festa de São João) - June 23-24

Celebrated with bonfires, fireworks, and parties, especially in northern Portugal, but also observed in Lisbon. Celebrations in Lisbon are very minimal, but this celebration is worth taking the trip to Porto for.

🌈Arraial Lisboa Pride (Saturday June 14th to Sunday June 22nd, 2025)

The date of Lisbon Pride fluctuates, but is always in June and/or Early July. Celebrating diversity and embracing equality, the Arraial Lisboa Pride is the city's biggest and most colourful festival. Spanning a full week, Lisboa Pride features family friend Pride Village in Terreiro do Paco and events throughout the week.

⭐Lisbon will host EuroPride for the first time in 2025.

Assumption of Mary (Assunção de Nossa Senhora) - August 15

Religious ceremonies and processions in various churches. You may see the processions taking place, but otherwise this day has minimal impact on the day to day of the city.

Republic Day (Implantação da República) - October 5

Celebrates the establishment of the Portuguese Republic in 1910. Official ceremonies and public celebrations.

All Saints' Day (Dia de Todos os Santos) - November 1

A day to honor and remember deceased loved ones. Families visit cemeteries and attend church services. Some small, local businesses close, but overall has little

Restoration of Independence Day (Restauração da Independência) - December 1

Commemorates Portugal's independence from Spain in 1640. Celebrated with official ceremonies and events. This day has little affect on business and the city is open as usual

Immaculate Conception (Imaculada Conceição) - December 8

Religious holiday with church services and family gatherings. This does not affect businesses of restaurants, and can be a wonderful time to attend a service for those that observe.

Christmas (Natal) - December 25

Celebrated with family gatherings, festive meals, and Midnight Mass (Missa do Galo) on Christmas Eve. Christmas is a wonderful time to be in Lisbon, with light displays, festive markets, and “Wonderland Lisboa”, but be aware most restaurants and businesses are closed. If you will be in Lisbon for Christmas and want to dine out, be sure to make reservations in advance.

*Most hotel restaurants are open on this day.

Where to Stay

Much like there is no “wrong time” to visit Lisbon, there is no wrong neighborhood to choose, but you will have a different experience depending on where you stay.

Lisbon is very well connected by public transit and/or car service and is quite walkable (pending mobility issues and fitness level).

The area you stay will depend on your interests, budget, and type of experience you want to have.

Hotel V Short Term Rental

Short Term Rentals (such as Airbnb and VRBO), hotels, and hostels are all in abundance in Lisbon. What you choose is really dependent on the type of experience you are looking to have and what your priorities are.

You will find both short term rentals and hotels at almost every price point. For lower budget stays, there are also many guest houses and hostels in the city.

The majority of hotels in Lisbon are found in Baixa and Chiado, with many of the higher end hotels found along Av de Liberdade. These are conveniently located to top tourist attractions.

Short term rentals are found throughout the many neighborhoods of Lisbon.

Some things to keep in mind with short term apartment rentals:

Buildings are old and often lack insulation, so you can be very well acquainted with your neighbors.
Elevators are not common, and if they exist, they are often very small
In the cooler months, it often feels colder inside than outside and heating can be limited (most rentals provide portable heaters)
Washing machines are often a bonus/reason for an apartment rental, but dyers are rare

There is much discussion around short term rentals in Lisbon, their impact on local communities and if they are ethical. It is a personal choice as to whether or not to utilized short term rentals like Airbnb or VRBO. Many are locally owned and operated and support locals and their families, while others are owned by large corporations. Most short-term rental platforms now show if units are owned by individuals or businesses to assist you in making the best decision for you.

Neighborhoods

I have stayed in several neighborhoods in Lisbon and have found charm in all of them. I personally prefer not to stay in tourist-heavy neighborhoods or chain hotels, but completely understand their appeal and necessity for many travelers.

Here is an overview of Lisbon’s most popular neighborhoods, and some of my personal experience in them, to help you decide where the best area for your stay may be.

Chiado

Considered “Lisbon's shopping and theater hub, Chiado is home to the Rua Garrett shopping avenue and its high-end boutiques, restaurants, and the 1700s Bertrand Bookstore”, Chiado is very popular amongst tourists due to its central location and proximity to popular sites.

👍Some pros of Chiado include its central location, convenience, many shops and restaurants, higher end hotels, and mostly flat terrain.

👎Some cons include it being on the higher end price wise, being very tourist-centered, and lacking a bit of local feel.

Baixa

Neoclassical architecture, built after the 1755 earthquake, surrounds Commerce and Rossio squares. Bustling pedestrianized streets are lined with traditional seafood restaurants and souvenir shops.

Toted as “Lisbon’s historic heart and commercial center”, Baixa is also a very popular area for tourists in the city. Whether you stay in Baixa, or another area of Lisbon, it is nearly impossible not to find yourself in this neighborhood during your visit.

👍Some Pros to staying in Baixa are the very central location, proximity to transit (including Rossio Station to Sintra), many shops and restaurants, and mostly flat terrain.

👎Some cons of staying in Baixa are that it is at the higher price point, it can be very busy, and it lacks some of the local charm.

Alfama

One of Lisbon’s oldest areas, the streets (and many hills) of Alfama are lined with shops selling traditional crafts and cafes. Often referred to as “Old City”, Alfama has become increasingly popular for tourists seeking a “local” experience in an Airbnb or other short-term rental.

👍Pros to staying in Alfama are that it is packed with old city charm, a large variety of restaurants, and well-appointed location. Alfama is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Lisbon.

👎Cons to staying in Alfama are the many, many hills, narrow walkways and noise. The age of the buildings can also have some issues that are turn offs to tourists: very little insulation in buildings which contribute to lack of noise and climate control, and in some buildings there can be mold and unpleasant odors.

Both a pro and a con: Many streets in Alfama are pedestrian streets and not accessible by cars. This makes it great for walking and exploring, but can make it a challenge if managing luggage and for those with mobility concerrns.

Graça

Featuring the best viewpoint in Lisbon, several local bars and restaurants, and Graça is located above Alfama, and is one of my favorite neighborhoods on Lisbon.

👍Some of the pros of staying in Graça are the amazing views, mix of old and new, ease of public transit.

👎Some of the cons of Graça are the hills and distance from main tourist sites

Barrio Alto

This bohemian neighborhood is well known for its vibrant bar and restaurant scene. Here you will find a combination of local and tourist-centered bars and restaurants, cafes and shops.

Often referred to as “the party neighborhood”, Barrio Alto also has a very lively nightlife that spills into the streets until late into the night.

👍Some of the pros of staying in Barrio Alto are great proximity to many parts of the city, a wide range of bars and restaurants, charming and vibrant streets, lack of cars

👎Some of the cons are noise, older infrastructure, the streets can be dirty and show remanence of parties the night before.

Barrio Alto also has many pedestrians only streets, so keep this in mind when considering luggage and mobility.

For Budget Friendly Options

In recent years, with tourism in Lisbon booming, accommodations have gotten increasing expensive, but there are still some great more budget friendly options to be found.

These neighborhoods are a bit outside of the city center, but are well connected via public transit or car service. In addition to lower cost, these neighborhoods typically offer a more feel and are quieter.

Campo Grande

Located in Central Lisbon, Alvalade is a residential neighborhood packed with green spaces, parks, and cafes. This quiet neighborhood is well connected via public transportation and is also in close proximity to the airport.

👍Some pros to Alvalade include lower cost, more authentic and local dining options, quieter, and lots of parks and open space.

👎Some cons of Alvalade are airplane noise and distance to main tourist attractions.

Campo de Ourique

Featuring many local eateries, including the amazing Mercado de Campo de Ourique, this calm local neighborhood is well appointed between many noteworthy places in Lisbon.

👍One major benefit of this neighborhood is the bus service which takes you directly from central Lisbon to the stunning Costa da Caparica, other benefits are the variety cafes and restaurants.

👎A con of staying in this area is that transport routes out of Campo de Ourique are limited (though Uber and Bolt are quite affordable).

Belém

Belém is a laid-back area on the Tagus River, known for its seafood restaurants and houses decorated with colorful tiles. Among the area's shaded green lawns are historic landmarks that recall Portugal’s seafaring past, like the 16th-century Tower of Belém and the sail-shaped Discoveries Monument.

While a bit far from Central Lisbon and the main tourist attractions, Belém has much to offer in and of itself and many tourists end up committing a day here.

👍Some pros to staying in Belém are the mostly flat terrain, quieter atmosphere, well connected public transit.

👎Some cons to staying in Belém are the distance to most tourist attractions, traffic in and out of the area can be excessive.

⭐Other areas near Belém to consider: Alges and Alcântara

How to Get Around

Rental Car

“Do I need a car in Lisbon?” NO.

Driving and parking in Lisbon are not worth the hassle.

Streets are extremely narrow and not clearly marked and keeping with traffic can be challenging. Parking is very limited, and visitors often find deciphering parking signage very difficult.

Driving is also just unnecessary, as the city is very well connected by public transit and car services such as Uber and Bolt are readily available all hours of the day at very affordable rates.

If you are planning to drive between cities, or taking day trips from Lisbon:

Pre-arrange parking with your accommodation or a local garage
Pick up a rental car for the day, or on the day you are departing for your next location.

👶If traveling with children:

In Portugal, children under 12 years old or 135 cm (53 inches) tall must use a child car seat when traveling by car. The car seat must meet the EU regulations and be appropriate for the child's weight and height (there are different types depending on childs weight and age). Additionally:

Must be rear-facing until the child weighs 19.8 lbs
Must be rear-facing until the child is at least 15 months old

What to do if you need a car seat while in Portugal

when you rent a car, rent a car seat as well from the rental car company. This is the easiest and an option when you select your rental online.

bring your own car seat with you. Just be aware many car seats from US and Canada don't necessarily meet EU standards. This is generally not at issue except in the very unlikely event you get stopped and car seats inspected.

Public Transportation

Lisbon’s public transportation system consists of trains, trams, metros, buses, funiculars and ferries.

While it can seem daunting to navigate so many options and (literal) moving pieces, Lisbon’s transit system is quite straightforward and easy to navigate with a little patience and the help of Google Maps.

⭐Be sure to double check the icon for transit as it can be a bit confusing to decipher between above ground trains, metros, trams, and buses.

A standard single ride metro ticket will cost 1.80 and can be paid by tapping your contactless credit/debit card or using the Caris Navegante card which can be purchased at any station.

The ‘Navegante Occasional’ card is for occasional users of public transport, it may be topped up with tickets or money (pay as you go ‘zapping’ credit).
This card is valid for all inter-city member operators.

24 Hours tickets are also available

🚃🚆Carris/Metro
6,80€
Valid for unlimited journeys on Carris and Metro networks
🚃🚆⛴️Carris/Metro/Transtejo (Cacilhas)
9,80€
Valid for unlimited journeys on Carris, Metro and Transtejo (Cacilhas river connection)
🚃🚆🚂Carris/Metro/CP
10,80€
Valid for unlimited journeys on Carris, Metro and CP (Sintra, Cascais, Azambuja and Sado lines)
⭐All 24 hours tickets are valid during the 24 hours following the first validation, not purchase.

For more detailed information on ticket and transit types: Click here

The Lisboa Card, which includes entrance to many of Lisbon’s attractions, and offers local discounts also includes unlimited travel on the Lisbon subway, buses, trams and funiculars of CARRIS lines. Also includes CP Train to Sintra, Cascais and south margin of Tagus river, as well as the LIS airport metro transfer to the city.

For Details on the Lisboa Card: click here

👶If traveling with children:

Children up to the age of 3 can use the Metro free of charge, as long as they are accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket

Car seats are not mandatory on public transportation so therefore taxis for example don't require them and very few have car seats for you to use. Your children would be in rear on your lap or buckled in if they are older.

In Portugal, there's a law that if you have a baby under 2, are pregnant or have a disability, you can skip the line, board first, and have access to priority seating.

For information for Inter-City Trains (such as Sintra and Porto), visit the Comboios de Portugal website here

Taxis and Ride Share

Taxis

Taxis are in abundance and widely available in Lisbon, however; can be more expensive than ride share options and fares are more expensive evenings and weekends.

Some taxis will take credit cards, but the majority are cash only - so be sure to clarify with the driver if planning to use a card.

Taxis can be hailed on the street, or called via the MyTaxi app.

⚠️ It is not recommended to take Taxis from the airport as the fare is often greatly inflated and service is often subpar.

Ride Share

The two ride share options in Lisbon are Uber and Bolt.

While Uber is familiar to most travelers, Bolt is commonly used in the EU and is generally a more affordable option in Portugal.

Both services are available 24 hours per day and every day of the year and are generally more affordable than taxis.

Cash payment is not accepted, and a credit/debit card must be attached to your account.

⭐Pro tip: If you are new to Bolt, download the app immediately before, or on, arrival to get an introductory discount

✈️From Lisbon airport - the Ride Share pick up is located in the P2 Parking lot. As you exit the terminal, turn left toward the Starbucks and proceed through the doors to the parking lot.

⚠️Never accept a ride from any unofficial taxi or Uber/Bolt driver. Official drivers will never approach passengers and offer a ride.

🪙Tipping Drivers

Tipping taxis/drivers is not common practice in Portugal. If you appreciated the service, you can round up the total or tip a small amount (10% is standard).

To download the Bolt App, click here

👶If traveling with children

Car seats are not mandatory on Uber/Bolts. Very few Ubers will have car seats if you are looking to use one. Bolt offers an option to request a car with car seat but the feedback I have seen is that there are few and it takes forever to find one.

Walking

The best way to see Lisbon is on foot, but that can come with some challenges.

While “walking” seems pretty straight forward, in Lisbon it can feel like an Olympic sport, filled with hills and stairs and twists and turns.

🗺️Google and Apple Maps are both helpful for navigating the city, and have some features that can be especially useful:

Incline: This will show you just how uphill your walk will be, as well as where those inclines are along the way

Apple Maps indicates where stairs are

Both have “Street View” and “preview route” features which help gauge not only hills and stairs, but can help clarify when you think the narrow alleyway can’t possibly be the correct route (it usually is).

⭐Pro tip: Use “street view” when choosing accommodations to have an accurate idea of what the terrain surrounding the area is.

Cash or Card

“Do I need cash in Lisbon?” is a very frequent question, and the answer is: Yes and No.

You can avoid having to use cash, but that will rule out small, local eateries and vendors. It could also result in costly runs to an ATM if the credit card machine at a restaurant isn’t working or the Wifi is out.

While most restaurants, bars, and shops take credit cards (Mastercard and Visa), it is a good idea to have some cash on hand. My general rule for cash it to always have enough on me to cover a meal or small purchase.

What is the best way to get cash in Lisbon?

Of course, you can always convert currency prior to arrival (usually via your bank, Triple A, or exchange place), but that often comes with fees and poor rates.

So what is the best way to get Euros in Lisbon?

ATM.

There are a few things to be aware of when using ATMs in Lisbon, and all of Portugal.

✅Only use banks with the “MB” Multibanco Logo

❌Avoid EuroNet Machines - these are not connected to a local bank, offer no customer support, and have high fees and poor rates

✅Always Decline/Reject the conversion - this gives far better rates, as ATM provider or bank sets the exchange rate, which is often higher than your bank's rate. Declining the conversion gives you your bank’s rate.

When Using Credit Cards

The vast majority of shops, restaurants and bars take card payment.

📱Apple/Samsung pay is very widely accepted

💳Occasionally, foreign cards don’t tap and need to be inserted or require a separate machine, so don’t panic if your card doesn’t work the first time, ask to try it again.

💵or💶When paying, you will be asked to pay in your home bank’s currency or Euro: ALWAYS choose Euro. You will get a far better rate.

No matter when you choose to visit, or where you choose to stay, you will have an amazing time in Lisbon, one of Europe’s oldest cities. I hope this guide has helped you determine where and when to visit Lisbon, and assisted in navigating transportation and currency concerns.

Visit pages below for the Best Things to Do in Lisbon, and some amazing Bars and Restaurants in the city.