Lisbon holidays

Baixa, Libson, Portugal

Holidays to Lisbon plant you in Portugal’s premier city, where 1,000-year-old temples rub shoulders with gourmet eateries and luxurious shopping centres.

City breaks to Lisbon

By capital city standards Lisbon’s pretty compact, which makes it super easy to explore during a short stay. It’s split into a collection of easy-to-navigate neighbourhoods – you can head to the old town and unwind with an espresso in one of the cobbled plazas. Or, stop by the Bairro Alto district and try out some of the city’s classy cocktail lounges. The Chiado area’s at the top of the pack when it comes to high-end holidays – its tree-lined walkways host five-star hotels and designer brands.

Capital charms

Portugal’s capital city has a lot going for it. It’s got over a thousand years of history under its belt, which you can learn about at some of Lisbon’s biggest landmarks, like the Cathedral of Saint Mary Major and Jeronimos Monastery – the latter’s been given the UNESCO stamp of approval. It’s got a great climate, too – the city barely sees any cloud, and boasts nearly 300 days of sunshine per year. That’s not all though, its close-to-the-coast plot means you can mix your city break with daytrips to the beach with ease.

A foodie favourite

Lisbon’s dining scene is often listed as one of the best in Europe, mostly thanks to a countless collection of eateries that offer everything from small-plate street food to Michelin-starred meals. Tascas – a traditional type of Portuguese restaurant – can be found tucked away in old neighbourhoods like Alfama. They’re a great pick for hunger-quenching meals at low prices. For local delicacies, look no further than a food market, Time Out Market’s the headline act – it’s housed in the city’s 19th-century market hall close to its centre. If fine-dining takes your fancy, Chiado’s your best bet, no other neighbourhood has as many Michelin stars on the map as this place.

Popular hotels in Lisbon

Top things to see and do in Lisbon

Beaches

Beaches within daytripping distance

Lisbon’s waterfront is loaded with yacht-filled marinas and bustling ports. To spread out on a beach, you’ll need to head away from the city centre. A 35-minute drive west can take you to one of western Portugal’s most popular belts of sand – Praia do Guincho. This sandy number’s a go-to for surfers and windsurfers, thanks to the steady breeze and consistent waves. Elsewhere, Nova Praia – a 25-minute drive south from Lisbon – is more suited for laidback sunbathing, courtesy of its huge sweep of caramel-coloured sand.

Shopping

Bargain buys

The rooster is one of Portugal’s national symbols, and you’ll find all different kinds of souvenirs in Lisbon sporting this feathery icon. The shops in the old town and the Alfama district are great places to pick up some rooster-themed mementos, including crockery, magnets and paintings. Little rooster statues made of wood, stone or cork are also popular picks.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

If you like to cap off your day with a few fruity cocktails, the Chiado neighbourhood’s got your name on it. It’s one of Lisbon’s entertainment hubs, and is known for its bars, theatres and cocktail lounges. The latter are ideal for relaxing with a few drinks, accompanied by some laidback live music.

Food & drink

Bacalhau

Bacalhau – a kind of salted cod – is the number-one base ingredient in Portuguese cooking. Supposedly, it’s used in over 365 different local dishes. Bacalhau’s incredibly versatile, and can be boiled, fried, stewed, roasted and grilled. Sit down for a meal in any of Lisbon’s restaurants or bistros and you’ll be sure to find it on the menu in one form or another.

Average Weather in Lisbon

Facts about Lisbon

Currency
Euro
(EUR)
Language
Portuguese
Time zone
GMT +0
Flight duration
2 hours 30 minutes from Gatwick

FAQs

Where can I find the latest travel advice?

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

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