Lisbon

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Lisbon Holidays

Lisbon is a city that invites exploration and rewards curiosity with castles, cobbled streets and colourful culture.

Holidays in Lisbon

Nestled along the sun-drenched coast of Portugal, between cinematic hillsides and glimmering waterways, the relatively small capital of Portugal is one of Europe’s most picturesque cities. Made up of many sprawling districts each with its own unique style and distinctive personality, a holiday to Lisbon is both timeless and contemporary.

Whether you’re marvelling at its architectural wonders, savouring its culinary delights, or simply soaking in the views from a hilltop miradouro, Lisbon promises a holiday experience that’s as inspiring as it is unforgettable.

Why Visit Lisbon?

Wander through Alfama’s winding alleys, admire colorful tiled façades, and soak up the city’s old-world charm
Enjoy panoramic vistas from hilltop miradouros and visit iconic sites like Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery
Experience traditional Fado music, lively bars, and cultural festivals throughout the year
Savor fresh seafood, pastel de nata, and authentic Portuguese dishes paired with local wines

Popular Lisbon City Breaks

✓ Operator: Hays Travel

Explore the Historic Neighbourhoods

Lisbon’s neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct character, are the heart and soul of the city. Begin your journey in Alfama, the oldest district, where the labyrinthine streets and alleys are lined with pastel-coloured houses and adorned with vibrant azulejos (ceramic tiles). Here, you can lose yourself in the echoes of Fado music emanating from tiny taverns or climb to the top of the Castelo de São Jorge for panoramic views of the city and the Tagus River. A short walk away, you’ll find Bairro Alto, a bohemian quarter that comes alive at night. By day, explore its eclectic shops and charming cafés; by night, join the locals in one of the many bars or listen to live music in the bustling streets. For a more upscale experience, head to Chiado, Lisbon’s elegant shopping district, where historic bookshops and trendy boutiques rub shoulders with sophisticated restaurants and theatres.

Marvel at Lisbon's Architectural Wonders

Lisbon is a city where history and architecture converge in breathtaking fashion. Step back in time with a trip to the Belem Tower, a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Nearby, the Jerónimos Monastery is another must-see. This magnificent Manueline-style monastery, with its intricate carvings and grand cloisters, stands as a testament to the power of the Portuguese empire. For a taste of modern Lisbon, visit the Parque das Nações, home to the striking Vasco da Gama Bridge and the futuristic Lisbon Oceanarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world. The area, revitalized for Expo '98, offers a glimpse of the city’s contemporary side with its sleek architecture, vibrant art installations, and lively atmosphere.

Experience Lisbon's Natural Beauty

Lisbon’s natural beauty is just as captivating as its urban attractions. Take a ride on the historic Tram 28 through the city’s hills to get a glimpse of its picturesque vistas. For those looking to escape the city bustle, a short trip to Sintra offers a fairy-tale landscape of lush forests and whimsical palaces, including the colourful Pena Palace and the mystical Quinta da Regaleira. With viewpoints scattered across the city, there are plenty of opportunities to take in the city's beauty on a holiday to Lisbon. Popular spots like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Miradouro de Santa Catarina offer stunning panoramas, especially at sunset when the city is bathed in a warm, golden light.

Food & Drink

No visit to Lisbon would be complete without indulging in the city’s culinary treasures. Start with the iconic pastel de nata (custard tart) at Pastéis de Belém, where the recipe has been perfected since 1837. For a more substantial meal, explore the local markets such as Time Out Market in Mercado da Ribeira, where you can sample dishes from some of Lisbon’s top chefs. Lisbon’s cuisine is deeply rooted in its maritime history, so be sure to try fresh seafood like bacalhau (salted cod) or grilled sardines during the popular summer festivals. And for the drink connoisseurs, pair your meal with a glass of Vinho Verde or Ginjinha, a cherry liqueur beloved by locals.

Travel guide

Crafted over countless eras, the ancient artistry, towering castles and white-domed cathedrals bring an air of historical wonder to Lisbon holidays.

Best time to visit: March-May & September-October
Average flight time: 2 hours 48 minutes
Most suited for: Couples, Groups, Families
Currency: Euro
Time Difference: 0 hours

Lisbon Weather

Average monthly temperature in Lisbon (°C)

Jan 11^°C
Feb 12^°C
Mar 14^°C
Apr 15^°C
May 18^°C
Jun 21^°C
Jul 24^°C
Aug 23^°C
Sep 23^°C
Oct 19^°C
Nov 14^°C
Dec 12^°C

Before you travel - Lisbon: Frequently asked questions‎

Lisbon uses the euro (€), as it is the capital of Portugal. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops, although it is useful to carry some cash for smaller cafés, traditional markets and local businesses.

1. Ride the famous Tram 28.
One of Lisbon’s most recognisable attractions, Tram 28 travels through several historic neighbourhoods, passing traditional buildings, charming squares and narrow streets. It is a wonderful way to experience the city's character, although the trams can become crowded during peak tourist hours.

2. Explore Belem and its historic landmarks.
Visit the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery and discover the history of Portugal’s maritime explorers. You can also admire Belém Tower from the riverside and stop at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery to sample traditional Portuguese custard tarts.

3. Visit Sao Jorge Castle.
Sitting on one of Lisbon’s highest hills, São Jorge Castle offers spectacular views across the city's rooftops and the River Tagus. Explore the historic grounds, walk along the castle walls and discover more about Lisbon's fascinating past.

4. Listen to traditional Fado music.
Fado is a traditional Portuguese music style known for its expressive singing and emotional melodies. Visit a traditional Fado restaurant in Alfama or Mouraria to enjoy live music alongside Portuguese food and wine.

5. Take a day trip to Sintra.
Just outside Lisbon, Sintra is famous for its fairytale palaces, romantic gardens and forested hills. Explore the colourful Pena Palace, visit the historic National Palace of Sintra or discover the mysterious gardens and tunnels of Quinta da Regaleira.

6. Enjoy the food and nightlife.
Lisbon is a fantastic destination for food lovers, with traditional restaurants, lively food markets and modern dining experiences. Try bacalhau, Portugal’s famous salted cod, sample pastéis de nata and enjoy an evening exploring the bars and restaurants of Bairro Alto or Cais do Sodré.

7. Relax beside the River Tagus.
Lisbon's waterfront offers a lovely setting for a leisurely stroll, a riverside meal or a boat trip. Praça do Comércio is one of the city's most impressive squares and an excellent starting point for exploring the waterfront.

The best time to visit Portugal is summer and autumn. This time will offer great weather for a summer sun filled break from the bustle of city life. Going in autumn would be a great time as you can skip the start of the winter months for some nice warmth and quieter tourist destinations.

Baixa

Baixa is Lisbon's central downtown district and an excellent starting point for exploring the city. Its elegant squares, pedestrianised shopping streets and traditional cafés make it a popular area for visitors. Praça do Comércio is one of the district's most famous landmarks, opening onto the River Tagus. From here, visitors can wander along Rua Augusta, admire the impressive Arco da Rua Augusta and continue towards Rossio Square. Baixa is also a convenient base for shopping, dining and accessing public transport.

Alfama

Alfama is one of Lisbon's oldest and most atmospheric neighbourhoods, known for its winding streets, colourful buildings and traditional Portuguese character. Visitors can explore small squares, historic churches and viewpoints overlooking the city.

The neighbourhood is also one of the best places to experience Fado music, with traditional venues offering live performances in the evening. São Jorge Castle sits above Alfama, while viewpoints such as Miradouro das Portas do Sol provide beautiful views across the rooftops and river.

Belem

Belém is a historic riverside district famous for its connection to Portugal's Age of Discoveries. It is home to some of the country's most important landmarks, including Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, both recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Visitors can explore the monuments, stroll along the waterfront and discover museums dedicated to Portuguese history and culture. No visit to Belém is complete without sampling the original pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém, a bakery renowned for its traditional custard tarts.

Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto is one of Lisbon's best-known nightlife districts, offering a lively mixture of bars, restaurants and traditional Portuguese venues. During the day, its narrow streets are quieter and feature independent shops, cafés and historic buildings.

In the evening, the neighbourhood becomes a popular gathering place for locals and visitors looking to enjoy drinks, live music and a vibrant atmosphere. Nearby viewpoints also provide lovely views across the city, making Bairro Alto an excellent area to explore from afternoon into the evening.

Chiado

Chiado is an elegant district known for its historic cafés, theatres, bookshops and shopping streets. It offers a wonderful combination of traditional Lisbon charm and modern city life.

Visitors can browse independent boutiques, stop for coffee at a historic café or explore the area's cultural attractions. Chiado is also conveniently located between Baixa and Bairro Alto, making it an excellent place to explore on foot.

Parque das Nações

Parque das Nações is Lisbon's modern waterfront district, developed for Expo 1998. It offers a different atmosphere from the city's historic centre, with contemporary architecture, landscaped gardens and wide riverside promenades.

One of its main attractions is the Lisbon Oceanarium, where visitors can discover marine life from different ocean habitats. The area also features restaurants, shopping facilities and a cable car offering views across the waterfront. It is particularly suitable for families and visitors looking for a more modern side of Lisbon.

Sintra

Although located outside Lisbon, Sintra is one of the most popular day trips from the capital. This picturesque town is known for its romantic architecture, lush gardens and magnificent palaces.

Pena

Palace is famous for its colourful exterior and hilltop setting, while Quinta da Regaleira attracts visitors with its ornate architecture, gardens and mysterious Initiation Well. Sintra can be reached by train from Lisbon, although it is worth allowing a full day to explore its main attractions.

*Lisbon is known as the city of seven hills, so comfortable walking shoes are essential, particularly if you plan to explore Alfama and the historic centre. Public transport, including the metro, buses and trams, makes getting around easier. If you plan to visit popular attractions such as Jerónimos Monastery or take a day trip to Sintra, check opening times and book tickets in advance where possible.

Room only – ideal for independent travellers who want to explore Lisbon's traditional restaurants, cafés, food markets and nightlife.

Self catering – a flexible option for families, couples and longer stays who prefer to prepare their own meals and shop at local markets.

Bed and Breakfast (B&B) – perfect for visitors who want breakfast included before heading out on sightseeing trips, museum visits or day excursions to Sintra.

Half board – includes breakfast and dinner, making it a convenient choice for holidaymakers who want to explore the city during the day and return to their accommodation for an evening meal.

Full board – includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, which can suit visitors who prefer to have their main meals arranged at their accommodation.

Learn more about holiday board basis options.

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