
Lisbon’s heart lies beside the river, even if the city has grown in all directions. Sit down at a pavement cafe on Rossio Square and you will see the Baiza, the flat city centre that dates from the 18th century, between yourself and the river bank. Look up in one direction and you will see the São Jorge castle on the top of a hill. Look in the other direction and you will see the ruin of the Carmo Church on another hill. Walk, or take a tram to one of them and you will discover the quarters of old Lisbon, most of them with a magnificent view of the rest of the city and the river. Wander north from Rossio, you will soon end up on a stately 19th century avenue, in the part of the city which is still called "Avenidas Novas". Further north, the buildings become really new, with the city’s two large football grounds, Luz and Alvalade, and, lastly, the airport which is twenty traffic-jam-free minutes in a car from Rossio. Most of the best sights, restaurants and nightlife are situated along the river. Shopping is good along the Avenidas Novas, but otherwise the rule is to keep close to the river to get the best out of your visit.
Capital city: 544,851 Metro area: 3 million
Euro (EUR, €)
Emergency: 112
Shops are generally open between 9 am and 7 or 8 pm on weekdays. Many smaller businesses will close for lunch between 1 pm and 3 pm. Bigger shops will stay open throughout the day and will also open until early afternoon on Saturdays.
















































Lisbon offers a variety of attractions including the historic Belém Tower, the iconic Jerónimos Monastery, and the vibrant Alfama district. Don't miss the views from São Jorge Castle and a ride on Tram 28 for a scenic tour of the city.
The best time to visit Lisbon is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. Summers can be hot and busy, while winters are cooler and rainier.
In Lisbon, be sure to try bacalhau à brás, a traditional dish made with salted cod, and pastéis de nata, the famous Portuguese custard tarts. Other local favorites include grilled sardines and caldo verde, a hearty kale soup.
Lisbon has an efficient public transport system including buses, trams, and the metro. The iconic Tram 28 is a popular way to explore the city's historic areas. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available.
Explore the historic Alfama district for its narrow streets and fado music, the trendy Bairro Alto for nightlife, and the elegant Chiado for shopping. The waterfront district of Belém is also a must-visit for its monuments and museums.
A stay of three to four days is ideal to explore Lisbon's main attractions, enjoy its cuisine, and take in the local culture. This allows time for day trips to nearby destinations like Sintra or Cascais.
Popular day trips from Lisbon include visiting the fairytale palaces of Sintra, the coastal town of Cascais, and the historic city of Évora. Each offers unique sights and experiences within easy reach of the capital.
