Portugal · Europe

Lisbon

Seven hills, yellow trams and sunsets over the Tagus – Lisbon is Europe’s most relaxed capital.

Best time to goMarch to June and September to October
Recommended duration3–4 days
Price levelmedium

Why Lisbon?

Lisbon grabbed me on my first visit: the tiled façades in Alfama, the smell of grilled sardines and Tram 28 creaking its way through the narrow lanes. The city is compact, cheap compared with other western European capitals and has a light that makes photographers swoon.

My tip: climb up to the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte early in the morning, before the tour groups arrive. From there you have the best view over the rooftops to the Ponte 25 de Abril. Then a pastel de nata in Belém – the queue outside Pastéis de Belém really is worth it.

For a day trip I recommend Sintra with the Palácio da Pena or the beaches of Cascais – both 40 minutes away by train.

How I book Lisbon

I book hotels through Booking.com, preferably in Chiado or Baixa. For the city itself you don’t need a car – tram, metro and your own feet are enough. If, like me, you go on to the Algarve, it’s best to pick up the rental car only on the last day; comparing on Discover Cars pays off, prices vary a lot. The tram city tour and the trips to Sintra I book ahead via GetYourGuide, then there’s no queuing.

Hotels in LisbonBooking.com – Chiado, Baixa or Alfama; free cancellation. Tours & ticketsGetYourGuide – tram tour, Sintra day trip, fado evening. Rental carsDiscover Cars – for the onward trip to the Algarve or Porto.

You can of course organise it yourself: train to Sintra from Rossio, buy the Lisboa Card at the airport, tram tickets from the machines.

My tips for Lisbon

  • Buy the Lisboa Card for transport and museums – it pays off from the second day.
  • Comfortable shoes – the cobblestones are slippery and the hills steep.
  • In the evening head to Bairro Alto or Cais do Sodré, that’s where the nightlife is.

My photos from Lisbon

At the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte – behind it the Castelo de São Jorge, the Tagus and the Ponte 25 de Abril.
At the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte – behind it the Castelo de São Jorge, the Tagus and the Ponte 25 de Abril.
Tram 28 at Largo de Camões – Europe’s most famous tram line, in service since 1930.
Tram 28 at Largo de Camões – Europe’s most famous tram line, in service since 1930.
Two trams at Praça Luís de Camões, the meeting point between Chiado and Bairro Alto.
Two trams at Praça Luís de Camões, the meeting point between Chiado and Bairro Alto.
The red tram of the Hills Tour outside the São Vicente monastery – more comfortable than the 28, but without locals.
The red tram of the Hills Tour outside the São Vicente monastery – more comfortable than the 28, but without locals.
The town hall on Praça do Município – the republic was proclaimed here in 1910; in front, the typical calçada paving.
The town hall on Praça do Município – the republic was proclaimed here in 1910; in front, the typical calçada paving.
Panteão Nacional in Alfama – 300 years in the building, with a terrace on top offering an all-round view of the Tagus and old town.
Panteão Nacional in Alfama – 300 years in the building, with a terrace on top offering an all-round view of the Tagus and old town.
Azulejo façade – the painted tiles keep the house cool and are Lisbon’s trademark.
Azulejo façade – the painted tiles keep the house cool and are Lisbon’s trademark.
Teatro da Trindade in Chiado, one of the oldest theatres in the city (1867).
Teatro da Trindade in Chiado, one of the oldest theatres in the city (1867).
The façade of the Teatro da Trindade in detail.
The façade of the Teatro da Trindade in detail.
Pink Street (Rua Nova do Carvalho) in Cais do Sodré – cafés by day, party street by night.
Pink Street (Rua Nova do Carvalho) in Cais do Sodré – cafés by day, party street by night.
Cunard’s Queen Anne at the Santa Apolónia cruise terminal – on some days three ships are berthed here.
Cunard’s Queen Anne at the Santa Apolónia cruise terminal – on some days three ships are berthed here.
Beach on the Tagus with the Vasco da Gama Bridge – at 17 kilometres the longest bridge in Europe.
Beach on the Tagus with the Vasco da Gama Bridge – at 17 kilometres the longest bridge in Europe.
Pastéis de nata – the puff-pastry tart with vanilla custard is on every corner, 1.95 euros each.
Pastéis de nata – the puff-pastry tart with vanilla custard is on every corner, 1.95 euros each.

On to the Algarve

From Lisbon it is a good three hours by rental car to the Algarve – over the Vasco da Gama Bridge, then through the Alentejo with its cork oaks and stork nests on every other pylon. What awaited me there is on my Algarve page.

Where to stay?

I prefer to stay in Chiado or Baixa: central, everything on foot, and quiet enough in the evening. Alfama is more romantic but steeper and noisier. If you like it modern, look at Príncipe Real.

My hotel tip: the Praia do Sal Resort in Alcochete – on the south bank of the Tagus with a view of Lisbon, ideal by car.

Find accommodation in Lisbon

I almost always compare hotels, apartments and guesthouses on Booking.com – with genuine reviews and usually free cancellation.

See accommodation in Lisbon Compare on Hotels.com Holiday rental on Vrbo
Affiliate links: if you book I earn a small commission – the price stays the same for you, and sometimes you even get an extra discount. Hotels.com is worth it for comparing prices and for the loyalty programme (every tenth night free), Vrbo for holiday homes and apartments.

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