The westernmost capital of continental Europe occupies an impressive position on the Atlantic coast, where the Tagus River empties into the Atlantic Ocean.
While the population of Lisbon is just over half a million people, the Lisbon Metropolitan Area is made up of 2.8 million people. Lisbon is a very walkable city.
Weather:
Influenced by the Gulf Stream, Lisbon has one of the mildest climates in Western Europe. Winter and early spring offer the most rain, but it snows infrequently in Lisbon and freezing temperatures are rarely felt. Fog facing the Atlantic sometimes makes Lisbon feel cooler than inland Portugal. For historical temperatures and rainfall in Lisbon, as well as current weather conditions, see Climate of Lisbon, Portugal.
Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS)
Lisbon Portela Airport is located 7 km north of the city of Lisbon. There are two taxi ranks in the only terminal of the airport, outside of Departures and Arrivals. The new extension of the red line connects the international airport with the Lisbon metro system. See the metro map.
ScottUrb provides airport transportation from the Estoril and Cascais area. Buses operate every day and depart every hour from 07:00 am to 10:30 pm
Railway stations
Lisbon has several railway stations: Santa Apolónia and Gare do Oriente are the main ones. All offer access to the city center by public transport or are within walking distance. Santa Apolónia, the largest main station, has a tourist information office. Rossio station is located in the heart of Lisbon. [Station map]
Lisbon tourist offices
There is a good tourist office located in the Arrivals Hall of the Lisbon airport. If you don’t have a hotel reservation when you arrive, this is the place to get your map and make lodging plans. Other offices are located at the Apolónia railway station, Mosteiro Jerónimos in Belém. There is a kiosk in the heart of the city in the old town of Baixa, which will answer all your questions as you walk through this fascinating city. The main Ask Me center in Lisbon is located on the Placa do Comércio.
The Lisbon tourism website is Visit Lisboa.
Accommodations in Lisbon
Hotels in Lisbon cost less than in most other Western European capitals. This makes Lisbon a great place to splurge on a level of luxury that you cannot normally afford. I have had excellent stays at the five-star Dom Pedro and the Lapa Palace.
The Bairro Alto Hotel is a favorite among visiting Americans. Even if you are not staying there, its panoramic terrace is a good place for a drink in the afternoon or evening.
If you need an apartment in Lisbon, HomeAway lists almost 1000 vacation rentals in the Lisbon district.
Transportation passes
7 Colinas: a card gives you access to almost all transport systems in Lisbon. The rechargeable card has an antenna that it has near a reader that is found on Carris buses and trams and on the metro to allow entry. It is rechargeable and of great value for transportation in Lisbon.
The new Navegante Pass offers total mobility throughout the city of Lisbon by integrating the Carris, Metro and CP public transport companies into the city’s urban circuits.
Day trips
One of the most attractive day trips from Lisbon is to Sintra, 45 minutes by train and a world apart, full of castles and fantasy (royal) villas.
While the Sintra trip is very easy to do on its own, you may want to consider a Viator day trip from Lisbon tour (book direct).
Lisbon Attractions – What to do
The seven hills of Lisbon are full of things to do.
The Alfama district near the Targus has escaped many of the earthquakes that have devastated Lisbon, and you can walk through the narrow streets and enjoy the old town atmosphere of Lisbon. Nearby is the Fado Museum, a must-see for music lovers.
Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa or Sé de Lisboa is Lisbon’s cathedral and the oldest church in the city. It has been rebuilt many times after various earthquakes, and has a mix of architectural styles. Construction began in 1147.
Get great views of Lisbon from São Jorge Castle on the highest hill in the city.
Take tram # 15 from Commerce square to the Belem district, where you will probably spend the whole day seeing the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (see photos of Mosteiro dos Jeronimos), visiting the Torre de Belem (photos of Belem) or Terre de Belem, and the Padrao dos Descobrimentos (monument to discoveries), with waiting time for a Pasteis de Belem, the famous Lisbon cream cakes. Have lunch at a Comenda restaurant inside the Belem Cultural Center.
If you have time, take bus # 28 from in front of the Monastery to Postela and visit Parque das Macoes , built for Expo98, and see the Oceanario, one of the largest aquarium exhibits in Europe.
For shopping and nightlife, Bairro Alto is the place to be. Nearby is the Santa Justa elevator or the Santa Justa elevator, where you can not only see Lisbon from above and visit the Carmo Convent, a ruined Carmelite convent that stands as a kind of symbol of Lisbon, but also you can buy transportation tickets. good for all forms of public transportation at the Elevador base, including the 7 Colinas pass mentioned above.
Estação do Oriente , the Oriente station, in addition to being an important transportation hub, is a beautiful iron and glass structure particularly suggestive at night.
Eat out
We have enjoyed A Charcutaria Restaurant, which specializes in food from the Alentejo region in Portugal. A hot new restaurant offers some fine and promising Portuguese wines, Enoteca de Belém.
If you want a well-received restaurant or bar connected to a state-funded circus school, try Restô do Chapitô or read Clowning Around in Lisbon for background information.
Lisbon photos
For a virtual tour of Lisbon, see our photos of Lisbon .
