Lisbon

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More to know about Lisbon

Lisbon: things to do and places to explore

Lisbon's neighbourhoods include Alfama, its oldest district, and the Pombaline Baixa, built largely after the earthquake of 1755.

Things to do in Lisbon: Baixa and Chiado

Much of the Baixa was built after the 1755 earthquake. Rossio is one of its squares, connected to Praça do Comércio by Rua Áurea and Rua Augusta.

Rua Augusta Arch in Lisbon's Baixa
The Rua Augusta Arch, the gateway to Praça do Comércio.

Explore our Baixa and Chiado page.

Alfama, Mouraria and the castle

Narrow lanes and little squares form the street pattern of Alfama, Lisbon's oldest neighbourhood. The medieval São Jorge Castle stands above Alfama. Steps give access to walkways along the castle walls and towers, overlooking Lisbon.

Tram on a narrow street in Alfama, Lisbon
A tram on a narrow street in Alfama.

After Lisbon was conquered, its Muslim inhabitants were restricted to the area later known as Mouraria. Mouraria, Alfama and Bairro Alto are among the bohemian districts associated with the possible origins of fado.

Explore our Alfama page.

A guided tuk tuk tour of Lisbon lasting a full day covers hidden gems and icons.

Belém: world heritage monuments

Jerónimos Monastery received UNESCO World Heritage status in 1983. Belém Tower also gained World Heritage status that year.

Belém Tower in Lisbon
Belém Tower, beside the Tagus.

Explore our Belém page.

The electric bicycle tour to Belem from Lisbon includes a Pastel de Belem tasting.

Fado, nightlife and the river

Alfama has many bars and restaurants devoted to fado. On 27 November 2011, fado entered UNESCO's lists of intangible cultural heritage. Bairro Alto is a centre of Lisbon's nightlife and subculture, particularly associated with young people.

The Lisbon fado night combines a guided dinner with live Portuguese music. The sunset boat tour on the Tagus in Lisbon includes a drink.

Where to stay in Lisbon

Alfama's streets are a network of narrow lanes and small squares. Bairro Alto has a strong association with youth nightlife. Cais do Sodré is the Lisbon terminus of the Cascais railway line.

Sunset view over the Tagus river in Lisbon
Sunset over the Tagus river.

Day trips from Lisbon

Sintra National Palace is in Sintra. The Castle of the Moors has held Portugal's National Monument designation since 1910. Quinta da Regaleira has an initiation well.

The Cascais railway line connects Cais do Sodré station in Lisbon with Cascais.

Explore our Sintra and Cascais pages.

Best time to visit Lisbon

Average daily highs are 20.4 °C in April and 23.1 °C in May, compared with 26.6 °C in September and 22.8 °C in October. July's average daily high is 28.2 °C, while August's is 28.8 °C. January has an average daily high of 15.1 °C and an average daily low of 8.6 °C.

January and December each average 10 days with at least 1 mm of rainfall, compared with 0.6 days in July.

How many days in Lisbon?

A guided tour lasting a full day covers Alfama, Belém and Cristo Rei in Lisbon.

Lisbon in one day

Explore our Lisbon in one day guide.

Getting around Lisbon

Tram 28 travels from Praça Martim Moniz through Graça and Estrela, ending at Campo de Ourique.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do in Lisbon?

São Jorge Castle has walkways on its walls and towers with views of Lisbon. Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower received UNESCO World Heritage status in 1983.

What are the neighbourhoods like when choosing where to stay?

Alfama has narrow lanes and small squares, while Bairro Alto is associated with youth nightlife. Cais do Sodré is the Lisbon terminus of the Cascais railway line.

What can I find in Sintra?

Sintra National Palace is in Sintra. The Castle of the Moors has held Portugal's National Monument designation since 1910. Quinta da Regaleira has an initiation well.

What are Lisbon's average temperatures in April and September?

Average daily highs are 20.4 °C in April and 26.6 °C in September.

Which places does the full day guided tour cover?

The guided tour covers Alfama, Belém and Cristo Rei in Lisbon.