Walk cobblestone streets, listen to the soulful tunes of local musicians and enjoy fresh seafood in the capital of Portugal.
Lisbon’s streets are lined with medieval architecture and whitewashed houses, but the city is also well known for its thriving contemporary cultural scene. The capital of Portugal has great weather and laidback locals and is a popular holiday destination year-round.
Stroll the narrow cobblestone streets of the historic Alfama district to admire the medieval buildings, churches and small squares. Visit the Castle of São Jorge, located on a hill above the Alfama district, to hear musicians playing guitars and serenading visitors. The Portuguese are known for their love of music and bands play in bars and on the street. Listen to soulful balladeers play fado (“fate”), a style of music invented in Lisbon.
Explore the streets of the elegant Chiado neighborhood, which are lined with colorful tiled mansions and boutiques. Rest in a café and eat traditional dishes such as bacalhau (salted cod). Lisbon is situated along the Atlantic Ocean and seafood is one of the city’s specialties. Try catch-of-the-day specials including octopus, sea bass and sardines.
Indulge in coffee and pastries at the world-famous Pastéis de Belem. Join the long lines of locals and visitors waiting to try the thin flaky crust and warm egg-custard center of a pastel de nata, Lisbon’s signature pastry.
Discover a broad array of museums. The Gulbenkian Museum houses some 6,000 artifacts and artworks from Rome, Greece, the Far East and Europe. The newly expanded Museum of Design and Fashion offers an eclectic mix of exhibits portraying the history of 20th-century design and fashion.
The Maritime Museum pays homage to Portugal’s long nautical history, with exhibits of boats and maps dating back to the 1800s. To view fish and sea life from all over the world, visit the Lisbon Oceanarium. This is one of the largest indoor aquariums in Europe, with more than 8,000 fish, birds, mammals and ocean invertebrates.
Lisbon is just a short flight from most European destinations. The airport is 4 miles (10 kilometers) north of the city center. Once here, get around using the underground subway system, buses or above-ground trains. Walking is also a great way to discover the many bars and restaurants hidden in the city’s alleyways.
Where to stay in Lisbon District
Lisbon Old Town
4/5Very Good!(422 area reviews)
Discover views over the old town from hilltop Graça, Moorish history in Alfama, bustling downtown Baixa, bohemian Chiado and nightlife in Bairro Alto.
Situated near the airport, this hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Lisbon Casino, Lisbon Oceanarium and Lisbon International Exhibition Fair. Rossio Square and Santa ...…Situated near the airport, this hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Lisbon Casino, Lisbon Oceanarium and Lisbon International Exhibition Fair. Rossio Square and Santa ...WWW…
4.4/5Excellent! (1,758 reviews)
"Overnight stay Early flight departure People walk to the airport termimals Literely MOST CONVINIENT"…""Overnight stay Early flight departure People walk to the airport termimals Literely MOST CONVINIENT"WWW…"
Located in Lisbon Old Town, this hotel is within 1 mile (2 km) of Atrium Saldanha, Gulbenkian Museum and Marquis of Pombal Square. Rossio Square and Santa Justa ...…Located in Lisbon Old Town, this hotel is within 1 mile (2 km) of Atrium Saldanha, Gulbenkian Museum and Marquis of Pombal Square. Rossio Square and Santa Justa ...WWW…
4.5/5Wonderful! (55 reviews)
"Excellent location next to metro station nice staff everything’s new"…""Excellent location next to metro station nice staff everything’s new"WWW…"
This family-friendly Lisbon hotel is located in the business district, within a 15-minute walk of Lisbon Zoo and Gulbenkian Museum. El Corte Ingles Mall and ...…This family-friendly Lisbon hotel is located in the business district, within a 15-minute walk of Lisbon Zoo and Gulbenkian Museum. El Corte Ingles Mall and ...WWW…
4.5/5Wonderful! (3,446 reviews)
"Staff excellent. Rooms very nice (we received an upgrade too). A little disappointing that you had to pay for the sauna/steam room which was not hot enough which I said repeatedly and was kindly reimbursed. Breakfast was fantastic. Concierge very helpful with restaurant recommendations. Overall a ..."…""Staff excellent. Rooms very nice (we received an upgrade too). A little disappointing that you had to pay for the sauna/steam room which was not hot enough which I said repeatedly and was kindly reimbursed. Breakfast was fantastic. Concierge very helpful with restaurant recommendations. Overall a ..."WWW…"
See the people-packed central square whose swirling wave-patterned cobbles are thought to have inspired copycat pavements across the rest of Portugal and beyond.
The Lisbon Card gives you the freedom to explore the city at your own leisure for 24, 48, or 72 hours. Enjoy unlimited travel on Lisbon's public transportation systems, and take advantage of included admission to some of the city's top museums and attractions.
Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais with Admission to Pena Palace
CA $85
The romantic charm of Sintra and Cascais is on full display as you get to know these idyllic towns. Your guide shows you the lush forests, gardens, and grand palaces that combine with the coastal beauty of Cabo da Roca to form some of the most beautiful scenery in Portugal.
Sintra, Cascais & Estoril Small-Group Full-Day Tour
CA $87
The natural and historical beauty of Portugal is lined up for you on this full-day tour covering Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril. Discover the coastal playground of Lisbon, understand why Queen Maria II loved Pena Park, and visit the famous Pena National Palace.
Lisbon: Small Group Fado Music, Local Tapas & Wine at Sunset
CA $115
Embark on a lively night of tasty Portuguese food, drinks, and traditional music on this sunset walking tour with a local guide. Hear the soulful sounds of Fado music in local taverns, explore the oldest quarter in the city, and finish with a live Fado performance while indulging in a dinner of traditional Portuguese tapas and wine.
Spend a day discovering the romantic village of Sintra, a UNESCO-listed town full of Portuguese history and magical castles. After lunch, travel along the coast to Cabo da Roca—Europe's westernmost point—make a stop at the fishing village of Cascais, and pass the coastal town of Estoril.
Itinerary Carcavelos Surf School is one of the first and most recognized Surf Schools in Portugal. With our great team of Coaches and Top Equipment, Surfing becomes much easier and safe to learn! If conditions are not the best at Carcavelos we will take you to Costa da Caparica.
lots to see and do! day tours outside the city is very nice.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Dec 7, 2019
Lisbon is a beautiful city! People are super nice, culture is great, food is great! Place we want to go back to!
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Dec 4, 2019
I loved Lisbon. Kind of wish I would have stayed an extra day!
Sintra is well worth the trip.
For great food try Time Out.
5/5 - Excellent
SuzieBush
Nov 25, 2019
Fantastic area to walk around and explore. Comfortable shoes or boots are a must to walk on the cobbled pavement and tackle the many hills.
5/5 - Excellent
ROBERTOdPogi
Nov 23, 2019
beautiful and historic city / under the radar but should have more tourism exposure / friendly people who helped us when we were asking for directions / day trips to Sintra/Fatima/Batalha should not be missed -
