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Lisbon, Portugal's capital city, is located on the western coast of Portugal, where the Tagus River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is the largest city in Portugal, known for its historic neighbourhoods, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife.
Some things that make Lisbon unique include the colourful azulejo tiles that adorn the city's gorgeous buildings, the traditional fado music, the vintage yellow trams, and a street art scene that gives Lisbon a contemporary and vibrant flair. Lisbon's best historical attractions include the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, São Jorge Castle, and the picturesque Alfama neighbourhood.
Some of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Lisbon include Baixa, Chiado, Príncipe Real, Bairro Alto, Alfama, and Avenida da Liberdade - all in central Lisbon. These neighbourhoods are known for their unique characteristics and make it easy to explore the city's attractions, landmarks, and cultural sites. The best area to stay in Lisbon depends on individual preferences and travel goals.
In our opinion, the best time to visit Lisbon is either from March to June or September to November. The weather is still warm, hotel rates are a bit cheaper, and there are fewer crowds. Note that the summer months of July and August can get very crowded and hot, while winter has its quiet charm.
We recommend spending at least three days in Lisbon to explore the different neighbourhoods and understand the city well. However, spending a week in Lisbon can also provide an opportunity to take day trips to nearby areas like Sintra, with its palaces, castles and natural park, or the picturesque coastal town of Cascais.
Lisbon Airport (LIS), called Humberto Delgado Airport, is 10 km from the city centre. The easiest way to reach the city is by ride-hailing apps (i.e. Uber, Bolt etc.) or taxi, taking around 15 minutes and costing €10-20. The metro operates from 6:30 am to 1 am, with frequent departures. The journey to Baixa/Chiado station takes approximately 35 minutes, including one transfer to the Green Line at Alameda Station.
Must-try dishes and foods to try in Lisbon include seafood delicacies such as Salada de Polvo (octopus salad) and Camarão à Guilho (shrimp in garlic sauce) and traditional Portuguese favourites like Bacalhau (salted codfish). Other popular local specialities include Caldo Verde (kale soup) and Bifanas (pork sandwiches). Don't miss out on the iconic Pastel de Nata (custard tart) for a sweet treat.
Lisbon has several nearby beaches. We like the beaches in Costa da Caparica, Praia do Guincho in Cascais and Praia Grande in Sintra, all located about 20 to 35 kilometres from central Lisbon.
Lisbon is a walkable city with many neighbourhoods and attractions easily accessible by foot. However, the city is also hilly, and some areas may require walking uphill - we highly recommend comfortable footwear. Public transportation options such as ride-hailing apps (i.e. Uber, Bolt), trams, buses, and the metro are also available.
The weather in Lisbon varies throughout the year. The summers (June to August) are generally hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 25-35°C (77-95°F). The winters (December to February) are mild and a little rainy, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F). Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F).
In our opinion, the best hotels in Lisbon are about much more than just stars. When searching for the best hotels in Lisbon, we always aim to find special places – a fancy boutique hotel, a simple guesthouse or even a secluded urban retreat. For us, the best hotels in Lisbon stand out for their beautiful design, thoughtful service, and positive energy. On JO&SO you can browse the best hotels in Lisbon by neighbourhood, or you can categorise by type: best hotels in Lisbon with unique design pieces, best hotels in Lisbon with a swimming pool, best hotels in Lisbon in the historic centre, best five-star hotels in Lisbon, best spa hotels in Lisbon and so on. We hope you find the perfect hotel in Lisbon for your stay.
“Sisters Joana and Sofia de Lacerda are the duo behind JO&SO, the most insider online guide to Portugal's coolest hotels.”
