City breaks to Lisbon serve up a combo of urban scenes and beach time, so you get the best of both worlds.
City breaks in Lisbon
Portugal’s capital takes silver for being the second-oldest city in Europe, although it deserves gold for its climate – there are almost 300 days of sunshine per year and temps rarely dip below 15°C. The centre of the city’s marked by Rossio Square – it’s one of the liveliest spots in town and its surrounding streets are a runway for buzzing bars and restaurants. Lisbon has over 20 neighbourhoods and each one brings something different to the table. Check out Chiado – it’s the city’s high-end spot and home to a roofless church – or head to loud and lively Bairro Alto for party vibes through the night.
Coastal capital
Lisbon is surrounded by four different cuts of coastline, which makes it super easy to take your city break to the beach. One of the stars of the show is Praia de Carcavelos – it’s got a sandy shoreline that stretches for almost a mile is the biggest beach around Lisbon. Plus, a trip from the centre of town will only take you around 30 minutes. If this shore doesn’t hit the spot, you’ve got half a dozen others that are less than 40 minutes away by train, too.
Serious sightseeing
Lisbon’s sightseeing to-do list will keep you busy for however long you’re in town. Basilica de Estrela – a church that took over a decade to complete – and Sao Jorge Castle – a hilltop castle with 11 towers and a widescreen view of the city – are a couple of the faves. The handy tram lines let you pack a load of the city’s highlights into one route, too.
Best time to visit Lisbon
The shoulder seasons are the best time to go to Lisbon. The temperature usually hovers around 20°C in spring and autumn, which is perfect for sightseeing around Portugal’s hilly capital – you’ll avoid the peak summer prices, too. If you can handle the heat, June, July and August rarely go under 30°C. It’s not really known as a winter destination, but the city looks extra pretty at Christmas time, and everything will be much less busy. The temps don’t usually dip below the teens either, so it’ll still be warmer than the UK…
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Lisbon FAQs
Three full days are perfect for a city break, giving you enough time to cover the highlights and a tram ride or two. Add one or two extra days if you want to include daytrips to Sintra, Cascais or the beaches.
The Metro’s Red Line takes about 20 minutes to central stations like Alameda or São Sebastião. For door-to-door convenience, taxis or rideshares take 15-20 minutes and cost more but are still affordable compared to other European capitals.
It depends on what type of trip you’re planning, but €60-€90 per day should be enough spending money to cover affordable food options, attractions and transport (excluding somewhere to stay). Allow a bit more for drinks, fancier restaurants and nights out.
Riding Tram 28 is a scenic and retro way to see Lisbon’s old neighbourhoods. Go early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds and keep your valuables secure. It’s up to you but there’s a reason everyone loves it…
Yes, Lisbon’s food scene has expanded with vegan cafés, vegetarian restaurants and plant-based twists on local dishes. Look for spots in Bairro Alto, Príncipe Real and near Mercado da Ribeira.
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Lisbon travel advice
Good to know
Passports and Visas
British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Portugal but must have a valid passport. You can check your passport’s valid for Portugal using our handy tool. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/entry-requirements.
Don’t forget to arrange your travel money and insurance before you go.
Health and safety
Portugal has a high standard of healthcare. Pharmacies (farmácias) are well-stocked, and pharmacists often speak English. For minor health concerns, visit a pharmacy first – they can usually advise or provide over-the-counter medication.
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. If you’re travelling to the EU and you apply for a card now, you’ll get a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of an EHIC. This entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Portuguese nationals. It won’t, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment. Visit www.nhs.uk/ehic for full details on what it covers. You do not need to apply for a GHIC if you already have an EHIC. Your EHIC remains valid in the EU until it expires. An EHIC or GHIC is free of charge. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/health.
Tap water in Lisbon is safe to drink, though many locals prefer bottled water for taste. You’ll also find public drinking fountains (fontanários) in some squares and parks – ideal for refilling your bottle and staying hydrated.
Language
Portuguese is the official language in Lisbon, but you’ll get by easily with English, especially in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants and museums. People working in hospitality and younger generations often speak English to a good standard. That said, learning a few basic Portuguese words is always appreciated and can make interactions easier in markets, cafés and local shops.
Basic phrases
Here are some Portuguese essentials to remember on your trip:
- Hello / Good day – Olá / Bom dia
- Thank you – Obrigado (male) / Obrigada (female)
- Please – Por favor
- Excuse me – Com licença / Desculpe
- Do you speak English? – Fala inglês?
- How much does this cost? – Quanto custa?
Social norms and etiquette
Tipping in Lisbon isn’t mandatory, but it’s welcomed for good service. In restaurants, locals might round up the bill or leave €1-€2. For great service, leaving around 5-10% is appreciated. Taxi drivers don’t expect a tip, but rounding up the fare is common. Tour guides and hotel staff (especially porters and concierges) also often receive small amounts.
Lisboetas love to dress stylishly but comfortably. Smart-casual works well – think tailored trousers, casual dresses and light layers. When visiting churches or religious sites like Lisbon Cathedral or Jerónimos Monastery, you should cover your shoulders and knees out of respect. A scarf or light shawl is handy to keep in your bag when you’re sightseeing.
Money
Currency
Portugal uses the Euro (€). Lisbon offers something for every budget, from affordable local cafés and street food to luxury dining and shopping.
Exchange
ATMs (caixas multibanco) are easy to find, especially near main squares, banks and transport hubs. ATMs generally offer better rates than currency exchange desks. Just let your bank know before you travel to avoid any card issues.
Mobile payments
Visa, Mastercard and contactless payments (including Apple Pay and Google Pay) are widely accepted. Smaller cafés, tascas (traditional restaurants), or market stalls may prefer cash – especially in older neighbourhoods – so keep some euros on hand.
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