Lisbon is having a moment, and it's easy to see why. The Portuguese capital offers everything travelers want: stunning architecture, amazing food, great nightlife, and that ineffable quality the Portuguese call saudade. Hills crowned with castles overlook the Tagus River while vintage trams rattle through cobblestone streets. Best of all, Lisbon remains affordable by Western European standards. Wine costs almost nothing, seafood is fresh and cheap, and you can find charming accommodation without emptying your wallet. Flight deals to Lisbon pop up regularly. Set those alerts and prepare to fall in love.
Best Time to Fly to Lisbon
Peak Season
June through August brings summer heat, festivals, and peak crowds. August sees many locals leave for vacation, but tourists fill the gap.
Off Season (Best Deals)
November through March offers lower prices and pleasant mild weather. December can be rainy but festive. January and February are the quietest months.
Spring (April to May) brings pleasant 60-70°F temps with occasional rain. Summer (June to August) is hot and dry at 80-90°F. Fall (September to October) offers warm 70-80°F weather. Winter (November to March) is mild at 50-60°F with rain.
💡Book 2-3 months ahead for summer. Shoulder season deals can appear just weeks before travel.
Cheapest Months to Fly to Lisbon
Cheapest Months
January, February, November
Most Expensive
June, July, August
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Must-Try Foods in Lisbon
Pastel de Nata
Portugal's famous custard tart has a flaky crust and caramelized top. Pasteis de Belem claims the original recipe; Manteigaria in Chiado is equally good with shorter lines. Eat them warm, dusted with cinnamon. One is never enough.
$1-2
Bacalhau (Salt Cod)
Portugal has 365 ways to cook bacalhau, they say. Try bacalhau a bras (shredded with eggs and potatoes) or bacalhau com natas (creamy gratin). Cervejaria Ramiro and local tascas serve excellent versions. A Portuguese obsession you'll come to understand.
$15-25
Seafood Rice (Arroz de Marisco)
This soupy rice loaded with shellfish is pure coastal Portugal. Best shared between two. Look for restaurants near the water or in Alfama with fresh catches. The rice absorbs all the ocean flavors. Order a cold vinho verde alongside.
$20-40
Top Attractions in Lisbon
Alfama & Castelo de Sao Jorge
Lisbon's oldest neighborhood winds up to a Moorish castle with panoramic views. Get lost in the labyrinthine streets, hear fado drifting from bars, and catch sunset from the castle walls. The neighborhood is best explored without a map.
Tram 28
This vintage yellow tram rattles through Lisbon's most scenic neighborhoods. Touristy but undeniably charming. Board at Martim Moniz to get a seat, or just walk the route and hop on partway. Watch for pickpockets on crowded cars.
LX Factory
A former industrial complex turned creative hub with restaurants, shops, bookstores, and weekend markets. The rooftop bar Rio Maravilha has stunning bridge views. Come for Sunday brunch or evening drinks. Feels like Lisbon's coolest neighborhood.
Daily Costs in Lisbon
Lisbon is excellent value for Western Europe. Wine is shockingly cheap, seafood is affordable, and you can eat well at local tascas for very little. Accommodation is rising but still reasonable. Public transport is cheap.
Accommodation (per night, pick one)
Budget
$50-80
Mid-Range
$90-150
Airbnb
$70-120
Food (per day)
Street Meal
$5-10
Restaurant
$12-25
Coffee
$1-2
Transport
Local Transport
$2-3/ride
Comfortable Daily Budget
(excluding flights)
$80-130
Getting Around Lisbon
From the Airport
Metro Red Line connects the airport to the city center in 20-25 minutes for about $2. Aerobus runs to major hubs for $4. Uber costs $10-15.
Getting Around
Walking is the best way to explore, but Lisbon is hilly. Metro covers main areas; trams and funiculars help with the hills. Get a Viva Viagem card for transport. Uber is cheap and widely used.
Tips
- •Get a 24-hour transport pass if you're doing a lot of sightseeing. Covers Metro, trams, buses, and funiculars.
- •Wear comfortable shoes with grip. Lisbon's hills and cobblestones are brutal on feet and slippery when wet.
Where to Stay in Lisbon
Baixa / Chiado
Lisbon's elegant heart with wide plazas, shopping streets, and easy access to everywhere. Rossio and Praca do Comercio anchor the area. Chiado adds upscale dining and culture. Central, convenient, and quintessentially Lisbon.
Bairro Alto / Cais do Sodre
Bairro Alto's narrow streets overflow with bars every night. Cais do Sodre is edgier with clubs and Pink Street's famous bars. Both areas start late (after 11pm) and continue until sunrise. The ginjinha (cherry liqueur) bars are classic.
Alfama / Graca
The soul of old Lisbon with winding streets, fado houses, and viewpoints at every turn. Graca adds a slightly more local feel and the famous Feira da Ladra flea market. Come for sunset views and stay for dinner with fado.
Smart Travel Tips for Lisbon
FAQs About Flights to Lisbon
Lisbon is affordable for Western Europe. Budget $80-120 per day for comfortable travel. Wine by the glass costs $2-4, meals at local spots $10-15, and coffee $1. Accommodation is the biggest expense but cheaper than Paris or London.
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