Lisbon, Portugal
"Pastel hills, yellow trams, and Atlantic sunsets"
Lisbon at a glance
- Best time to go
- April to May and September to October are usually the most comfortable: warm without the peak summer heat, and calmer than July and August. Winter is mild by northern European standards but wetter, and summer is hot and busy, particularly around the main viewpoints and Belem.
- How long to stay
- We'd suggest three to four days for the city itself, plus a full day for a Sintra day trip.
- Who it's for
- City-break travellers who like hills, tiled facades, custard tarts and a laid-back, sunlit pace.
- Might not be for you if
- You want to ride Tram 28 at a relaxed pace midday in high season. It's often packed and a known pickpocketing spot; some visitors prefer quieter tram routes such as the 24E or 18E instead.
Lisbon is a sun-soaked capital of tiled façades, hilltop miradouros, and clattering yellow trams. Wander the labyrinth of Alfama, sip a bica in a tiny café, and end the day watching the Tagus turn gold — a perfect long-weekend city with a slow, soulful rhythm.
Best Time to Visit
March to May or September to October
March to May or September to October
The recommended period for the most pleasant weather and best overall experience.
Shoulder Season
Fewer crowds and better prices, with generally acceptable weather conditions.
Off-Peak
Lowest prices and emptiest attractions, though weather may be less predictable.
Getting Around
Lisbon's hills are steep — luckily Metro, historic trams, and funiculars do most of the climbing for you.
🚇 Metro
4 colour-coded lines connecting the airport, centre, and Oriente station. Clean, fast, and cheap.
🚋 Trams
Iconic Tram 28 loops through Alfama and Bairro Alto; Tram 15 heads to Belém.
🚞 Funiculars & Elevador
Bica, Glória, and Lavra funiculars plus the Santa Justa lift save your legs on the steepest slopes.
🚆 CP Trains
Suburban trains to Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril leave from Rossio and Cais do Sodré.
💡 Grab a Viva Viagem card and load a 24-hour pass — it covers Metro, buses, trams, funiculars, and CP suburban trains.
Suggested Itineraries
Arrival & Alfama
Settle in, sunset from Miradouro Santa Luzia.
Baixa & Chiado
Baixa grid, Chiado cafés, LX Factory in the afternoon.
Belém
Monastery, Tower, MAAT, pastéis.
Sintra
Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Cabo da Roca sunset.
Cascais Day Trip
Train along the coast, beach lunch, Boca do Inferno.
Óbidos & Wine
Medieval Óbidos day trip, ginjinha in a chocolate cup.
Departure
Time-Out Market brunch, transfer to airport.
☕ Too much? Totally allowed to swap a monument for a long lunch. The place isn't going anywhere, and neither is your curiosity.
Highlights
Must See
- Belém Tower
- Jerónimos Monastery
- Tram 28
- Time Out Market
Local Cuisine
Insider Tip
Wear comfortable shoes — Lisbon's charm is in the hills, and taxis get stuck in the tiny streets.
Lisbon travel questions, answered
When is the best time to visit Lisbon?
April to May and September to October are usually the most comfortable, with warm days and thinner crowds than midsummer. Summer (June to August) is hot and busy, especially around Belem and the main viewpoints. Winter is mild but wetter, and many attractions are closed on Mondays year-round, so plan around that.
Is Tram 28 worth riding in Lisbon?
It's popular but has a reputation for long queues, overcrowding and pickpocketing, particularly in peak season. Riding early in the morning avoids the worst of it. Some visitors prefer quieter routes with similar vintage carriages and views, such as the 24E or 18E, for a calmer experience.
How do you plan a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon?
Take the train from Lisbon's Rossio station, which takes around 40 minutes, and start as early as you can. Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira both use timed online tickets that can sell out by mid-morning in peak season (April to October), so book ahead through their official sites rather than assuming you can buy on the spot. Driving isn't recommended: Sintra's roads are narrow, parking is scarce, and routes up to the main sights are often closed to private cars in peak season.
Is there a tourist tax in Lisbon?
Yes, most accommodation in Lisbon charges a municipal tourist tax per person per night, on top of the room rate. Check the current amount and any exemptions (commonly for children) with your accommodation or the city, since local tourist taxes are reviewed periodically.
Details last checked 22 September 2026.
More sparks for Lisbon
Stories, films and books to keep the daydreaming going.
Night Train to Lisbon
by Pascal Mercier · Lisbon, Portugal