Lisbon

Portugal's hilly capital on the Tagus, known for tiled old streets, yellow trams and fado, with a flat rebuilt center.

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Lisbon is Portugal's capital and largest city, on the northern shore of the River Tagus near its mouth. It is the westernmost capital of a mainland European country and the second-oldest European capital after Athens. Lisbon has been the capital since 1255, and it remains the seat of the government, the Assembly of the Republic and the head of state's residence. Its steep old quarters, yellow electric trams and fado bars are the main draw.

Alfama, the oldest district, runs from São Jorge Castle down to the river, with narrow lanes, tiled facades and fado bars. The Baixa was laid out on a grid after the 1755 earthquake and is the flat area for walking. Belém, west along the river, was the departure point for Vasco da Gama's voyage to India and holds Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The dry season runs from early June to mid-September, with July and August the driest months.

Lisbon in five

Take the metro from the airportThe red line reaches the center in about 20–25 minutes with one change.
Load a Navegante cardIt covers the metro, trams, buses and ferries.
Ride Tram 28 before 9amLater the queue is longer than the ride. Or walk the route through Alfama.
Day-trip to Sintra midweekAbout 40 minutes by train from Rossio. Book palace tickets ahead.Sintra
Budget for the tourist taxCharged per person, per night, at hotels and rentals.Tourist taxes

Things to do in Lisbon

See all attractions in Lisbon

Museum · LisbonMuseu do Tesouro RealArrive early if you want a quieter visit.

Concert hall · LisbonTeatro Nacional de São CarlosContact the theatre by email to coordinate a guided tour.

water fountain in front of white and brown concrete building during daytime

Cafe · LisbonCafetaria do Museu Nacional de Arte AntigaAvoid peak times and weekends if you want to reduce the chance of a long wait.

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to LisbonPut the places you like in Lisbon on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Airport: Humberto Delgado (LIS), metro to the center
Getting around: Metro, trams, buses and ferries
Best base: Baixa, Chiado or Príncipe Real
Day trips: Sintra and Cascais by train

Weather by month

Rainy days
Festival

Best
Good
Mixed

JanuaryPartly cloudy9 rainy daysHigh15°Low10°Mild, rainy
FebruaryPartly cloudy8 rainy daysHigh16°Low10°Mild, cool
MarchPartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh17°Low11°Spring, showers
AprilPartly cloudy10 rainy daysHigh19°Low12°Easter crowds
MayClear6 rainy daysHigh23°Low14°Warm, clear
JuneClear5 rainy daysHigh25°Low16°Santos Populares
JulyClear1 rainy dayHigh28°Low18°Hot, busy
AugustClear1 rainy dayHigh28°Low18°Hottest
SeptemberClear4 rainy daysHigh26°Low18°Warm sea
OctoberClear9 rainy daysHigh23°Low16°Mild, quiet
NovemberPartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh18°Low13°Rainy
DecemberPartly cloudy9 rainy daysHigh16°Low11°Mild, lights

Average daily high and low in Lisbon, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Festivals: Jul NOS Alive

Right now in Lisbon

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 18°
Humidity: 30%
Wind: 10 km/h
Chance of rain: 0%

Lisbon

08:37 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT+0

Today24°12°0%Monday: Clear. High 24°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 0%.
Tue21°11°0%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 21°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 0%.
Wed20°10°0%Wednesday: Clear. High 20°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 0%.
Thu19°10°0%Thursday: Cloudy. High 19°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 0%.
Fri19°10°39%Friday: Cloudy. High 19°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 39%.
Sat20°17°66%Saturday: Thunderstorms. High 20°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 66%.
Sun20°18°89%Sunday: Thunderstorms. High 20°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 89%.

Updated 05:31 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 0.8961 EUR

Amount

Converted to

EUR · Euro

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

What's on in Lisbon

Concerts, festivals and big events in and around the city

Events calendar

Coming up

Every year

JulSuper Bock Super RockSetúbal, a day trip
JulNOS AliveLisbon

Day trips by train

Before you go to Lisbon

Hotels in Baixa or Príncipe RealChoose by hill, not by distanceCheck availability

Sintra palace timed entryPena and others limit slotsBook timed entry

eSIM for LisbonTram and ferry maps on landingRead the guide

Insurance for LisbonPickpockets and delays on tramsRead the guide

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Rules for Lisbon, checked

Check the entry rules for your passport before you book. Portugal is a Schengen country, so the Schengen rules apply.
Carry your passport or national identity card. Police can ask to see it.
Buy a rechargeable transport card and validate it before each metro, tram or bus trip.
Tipping is optional. Rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros in a restaurant is the usual custom. Check the bill for a service charge first.
Dial 112 for police, fire or an ambulance anywhere in Portugal.

Plan around Lisbon

Sintra travel guide

Palaces and gardens, a day trip by train

Read the guide Évora travel guide

The walled Alentejo city, reached from Lisbon

Read the guide Porto travel guide

Ribeira, port lodges and the Douro Valley

Read the guide Algarve travel guide

Cliffs, caves and beaches by car

Read the guide Madeira travel guide

The Atlantic island, reached by air from Lisbon

Read the guide Azores travel guide

Atlantic islands of crater lakes, reached by air

Read the guide Transport planning

Trains, buses and cars in Portugal

Read the guide Tourist taxes in Europe

City stay taxes and how they are charged

Read the guide

Lisbon FAQ

How many days do you need in Lisbon?

Three days cover Baixa, Alfama, Belém and a Sintra day trip. Two works if you skip Sintra, and a fourth day adds Cascais or a lazy riverside day.

Where should I stay in Lisbon?

Baixa or Chiado for flat walking and trains, Alfama for atmosphere and views, Príncipe Real or Bairro Alto for food and nights out.

Is Sintra worth a day trip from Lisbon?

Yes, if you start early and choose one or two sights. The palaces are busiest at midday, and trying to see all of them makes the day a queue.

When is the best time to visit Lisbon?

May, June, September and October: warm and bright, with fewer crowds than July and August. June has the street festivals around Santo António.

Is Lisbon hard to walk with all the hills?

The Baixa is flat, but Alfama, Bairro Alto and the miradouros climb steeply. Use the funiculars, elevators and trams, and wear grippy shoes on the polished stone.