Fable + Get early access

Travel · City guide

Lisbon

Hills, viewpoints, trams and custard tarts, with the Atlantic on the doorstep.

Reviewed October 2026. Times and rules change, so check before you travel.

When to go

March to June and September to October are warm and bright. Summer is hot and busy.

Getting in from the airport

Lisbon airport (LIS) is close to the city. The Metro red line runs from the airport into town in around 20–25 minutes, and taxis are quick outside rush hour.

Where to stay

Baixa & Chiado

Grand squares, shopping and historic cafés.

Alfama

The oldest quarter, with fado and winding lanes.

Bairro Alto & Príncipe Real

Nightlife below, gardens and shops above.

Belém

Riverside monuments and the original pastéis de Belém.

What to book ahead

  • See Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery on the same morning.
  • Catch the sunset from a miradouro such as Senhora do Monte.
  • Ride Tram 28 early, before it fills up.
  • Take the train from Rossio to Sintra for palaces and forest walks.

Tickets & tours in Lisbon ↗

Local tips

  • Wear grippy shoes: the cobbles are steep and slippery.
  • A city tourist tax is charged per night.
  • Keep an eye on bags on busy trams.

Staying connected

Get a Portugal eSIM before you fly and you'll have data the moment you land. How eSIMs work.

eSIM for Lisbon ↗

Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.