The essential travel guide to visiting Lisbon

Lisbon is one of Europe’s most vibrant and charming cities, where colourful tiled buildings, historic trams, and scenic viewpoints create a unique atmosphere. It’s one of our favourite cities in Europe!

Whether you’re wandering through the winding streets of Alfama, enjoying a sunset over the Tagus River, or indulging in a pastel de nata, Lisbon offers something for everyone.

This guide covers everything you need to know to plan your trip – from where to stay and how to get around, to the best times to visit. Whether it’s your first time or a return visit, these practical tips will help you make the most of your time in Portugal’s captivating capital.

How do you get to Lisbon?

Flying into Lisbon

Most people fly into Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado Airport).

From there, the metro’s red line runs frequently and will take you directly to the city centre in about 30 minutes (or, transfer to the other lines as needed).

To take the metro, head to the Aeroporto Metro Station, which is located directly within the airport. Signage is clear so you won’t have trouble finding it. See the next section for more information on how to pay.

Alternatively, taxis or rideshares like Bolt and Uber are affordable and convenient. You’ll easily find taxi ranks outside arrivals and departures. We didn’t take the taxi so can’t comment, but we’ve heard reports that they have been known to take the long-way to your destination to charge more.

Getting the train into Lisbon

If you’re arriving from another part of Portugal, trains and buses are efficient. The Santa Apolónia and Oriente train stations connect Lisbon with cities like Porto and Faro.

Driving into Lisbon

Driving in Lisbon can be challenging due to its narrow streets, steep hills, and limited parking spaces.

Traffic is especially heavy during rush hours (8-10 AM and 5-7 PM). If you’re staying in the city centre, it’s best to park at a designated car park rather than trying to find street parking, which is scarce and often reserved for residents.

Public parking garages like Praça dos Restauradores, Parque Eduardo VII, and Martim Moniz offer safe and affordable options. Your hotel or Airbnb can also advise on suggested parking places.

If you’re planning day trips outside the city, having a car can be useful, but within Lisbon itself, public transport is much easier.

How long should you stay in Lisbon?

Lisbon is perfect for a 3-5 day trip, allowing you enough time to explore its most well-known spots and hang out in its various neighbourhoods.

Stay longer if you want to see more of its lesser-known spots, or to go on some day trips around the city.

It’s a great city just to hang out in, so you can’t really stay too long.

Where should you stay in Lisbon?

We’d definitely recommend staying in the city centre.

Bairro Alto is a great if you love nightlife, while Príncipe Real offers boutique hotels and stylish coffee shops. The historic neighbourhood of Alfama, with its narrow streets, is a lovely spot for a more authentic feel.

If you want something quieter, consider staying near Avenida da Liberdade or the upscale neighbourhood of Chiado. Both are close to public transportation and popular attractions but feel a bit removed from the hustle.

Check out our guide to the best hotels in Lisbon, which contains an area guide to the best neighbourhoods to stay in.How do I get around Lisbon?

Public transport in Lisbon

Lisbon’s public transportation is reliable and affordable. You’ll see trams everywhere, including the iconic and historical Tram 28, as well as a comprehensive bus network.

The easiest way to pay is via Contactless Card – just tap it on the reader when getting on the metro or bus. A single trip on a bus or anywhere on the metro costs €1.80.

Alternatively, you can purchase a navegante occasional card (formally called Viva Viagem), which works like a rechargeable travel card. A single journey is slightly cheaper than paying via Contactless. The card costs €0.50, and you’ll need to load it with either a single fare, a day pass, or any amount of credit. The machines accept cash, debit, or credit cards.

Also consider loading a 24-hour pass (€6.60), which allows unlimited travel for a day.

We really like the Lisbon Guru website for a comprehensive guide to taking public transport.

The Citymapper app works in Lisbon, and is helpful for real-time travel planning. If you use it at home then it will detect you’re in another city, and update it’s location automatically.

Walking around Lisbon

Walking is also a great way to explore Lisbon’s historic neighbourhoods, though its steep hills can be a workout. We found Lisbon easy to walk around and although it’s a somewhat large city, everything seemed accessible.

Taxis and rideshares in Lisbon

We have a high tolerance for walking – our record is about 30,000 steps in a day – so you may want to consider taxis and rideshares. They’re readily available everywhere.

Bolt and Uber are the most common apps used.

Dockless electric scooters can also be hired through the Uber app. They’re fun, but they can work out quite expensive.

When should you go to Lisbon?

Lisbon is brilliant at any time of year, but the best time to visit is probably during the shoulder seasons of spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). The weather is mild, tourist crowds are smaller, and you’ll find better deals on accommodation.

High season in summer is sunny and lively but comes with long lines at popular attractions. Winter is quieter, and though it’s cooler, it’s still pleasant compared to most of Europe.

What should I eat in Lisbon?

Lisbon is a paradise for food lovers, with everything from traditional Portuguese cuisine to trendy cafés. Here are a few must-try dishes:

• Pastel de Nata – Portugal’s famous custard tart, best enjoyed at Pastéis de Belém or Manteigaria.
• Bacalhau à Brás – A traditional dish made with shredded salted cod, eggs, and potatoes.
• Bifana – A simple yet delicious pork sandwich, often eaten with mustard or spicy sauce. Try it at O Trevo, a local favourite.
• Sardinhas Assadas – Grilled sardines, especially popular during summer festivals.
• Ginjinha – A cherry liqueur served in tiny glasses, typically enjoyed as a quick shot.

For a true taste of Lisbon, visit the Time Out Market, which brings together some of the city’s best restaurants under one roof.

What should I do in Lisbon?

Lisbon is a city packed with activities to do and things to see —wander through historic neighbourhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto, ride the iconic Tram 28, and take in the stunning views from its many miradouros (viewpoints).

Don’t miss the chance to try local dishes like pastel de nata and fresh seafood, or take a day trip to Sintra’s fairy-tale palaces.

For a full list of must-see attractions and hidden gems, check out our guide to Lisbon, where we break down the best things to do in the city.