Lisbon attracts millions of visitors annually for its vibrant atmosphere, enticing cuisine, hilltop views and soulful Fado music. But beyond the charm lies a city rebuilt from ruin. After a devastating earthquake in 1755, Lisbon rose again with a resilient spirit and a remarkable preservation of its deep culture, shaping the enchanting capital of Portugal we see today.
So, should you visit Lisbon, Portugal? Lisbon is a city rich in local culture and sights that you won't want to miss. People who live in Lisbon enjoy a slower, more relaxed lifestyle than in many other parts of the world. Visiting Lisbon, you'll have opportunities to eat well, take long, slow walks and see architectural wonders that are hundreds of years old.
Not sure that Lisbon is the only place you want to visit in Portugal? We can help you find Portugal vacation packages that include Lisbon and other parts of the country, so you can enjoy the dream vacation you are looking for.
Top Reasons to Visit Lisbon
Lisbon is the perfect example of a European city full of history. With a little old, a little new and lots of natural beauty, Lisbon is an ideal place for travelers of all kinds, including solo travelers, families and couples.
The city has transformed itself into a place of opportunities after overcoming numerous challenges. In Lisbon, you'll enjoy seeing the sights, eating delicious food and touring colorful neighborhoods.
Here are some of the top reasons to add Lisbon to your travel itinerary:
1. Wander Around the Alfama
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The Alfama is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, spread between the Tagus River and Sao Jorge Castle. The Alfama offers many historical attractions that bring tourists from around the globe.
On a typical day in the Alfama, you can enjoy sightseeing, drinks in Fado bars and delectable meals in the neighborhood's many restaurants. In this magically historic area, you'll have the opportunity to mix with locals in a place they truly cherish.
2. Visit the Jeronimos Monastery
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One of the most visited sites in Lisbon, Jeronimos Monastery was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983. Also known as Hieronymites Monastery, Jeronimos Monastery is a beloved religious building featuring frescoes, tombs, arches and art. It was built on the site of a chapel where sailors would pray before setting sail for the African coast.
Jeronimos Monastery was constructed over the course of many decades, so when you visit, you'll see a mixture of architectural styles coming together in one place to create an atmosphere unique to Lisbon. You can take a tour to make sure you truly can appreciate the rich history and architecture.
3. See the Sights at Belem Tower
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Belem Tower was constructed between 1514 and 1520 to defend the city. Eventually, it was converted into a customs house and lighthouse. Belem Tower was classified as a World Heritage Site in 1983.
At one time, the tower was built on a separate island, away from the city, but over many years, the island has merged with the mainland. Today, it sits on the edge of the water and is visited by more than 500,000 people each year. There are many different ways to enjoy the appreciate the sights while you're there, make sure you choose the right way for you.
4. Enjoy a Magical Experience at the Convent of the Capuchos
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Convent of the Capuchos, located amid the Sintra Hills, is a historic building notable for its stark simplicity. There's something mystical about the grounds where the convent is constructed, and many people who visit feel a connection to the former inhabitants of the convent.
Surrounded by Sintra's forest and enormous granite boulders, the Convent was constructed in 1560 and is still standing today for visitors to appreciate and enjoy, showcasing the impressive history of this city.
5. Visit Sintra and Cascais
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No trip to Lisbon is complete without a journey to Sintra and Cascais, where natural and historical beauty come together. Located just a few hours from Lisbon, Sintra includes landmarks like Pena Park, the cliffs of Roca Cape, and Sintra Natural Park.
Cascais is notable for its beaches and scenic drives. If you want to experience both for yourself, consider taking a Sintra and Cascais day trip with a guided tour.
6. Experience the Wonder of Pena National Palace
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The National Palace of Pena is a must-see landmark for anyone visiting the area. This Romanticist castle in the municipality of Sintra is located on the Portuguese Riviera. On clear days, the castle can be seen from Lisbon.
The sumptuous, bold construction and brightly colored walls leave visitors with feelings of wonder and awe. Travelers come to the National Palace of Pena to lose themselves in the charm and beauty of the building.
7. Enjoy the Luxury of a Private Tuk Tuk Tour
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There's no better way to get around Lisbon than by taking a private Tuk Tuk Tour. Riding a 3-wheeled vehicle, you'll enjoy an immersive experience with a tour guide who has intimate knowledge of Lisbon.
On the Tuk Tuk tour, you'll hear stories about Lisbon's streets and businesses. These unique tours offer a comfortable, efficient method of exploring Lisbon. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions, gain deeper knowledge of Lisbon and its people, visit historic neighborhoods and see the city from a unique perspective.
8. Hop on a Boat for a Lisbon Sunset Sailing Tour
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What better way to experience Lisbon than on a sunset sailing tour? During this unforgettable experience, you can mingle with members of your group, view the city sites from the water and watch the sun as it disappears over the ocean.
Depending on the tour you choose, you may get a view of Belem Tower, Ponte 25 de Abril bridge and other landmarks. Some sunset tours offer wine and snacks for a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
How to Get Around Lisbon
Getting around Lisbon is easy with the Lisboa Card, including free transportation on Lisbon Metro buses, trams, subways, and lifts. The Lisboa Card also includes free entry to various attractions around the city.
Lisbon Metro: The Lisbon Metro operates four lines on stations around the city. This is an inexpensive and convenient way to explore Lisbon.
Bus: Lisbon enjoys an extensive bus system, including 78 bus lines.
Tram and Elevator: Lisbon's landscape may be hilly, but you can enjoy the trip up and down through the trams and elevators around the city.
Want some alternative ways to get around the city? Consider using the city's bike share program, grab a taxi or take a rideshare.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Lisbon?
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If you like a more festive atmosphere and want there to be tons to do on your vacation, consider a visit to Lisbon in June and July, when the city is transformed during festivals and celebrations of food, culture, music and art. During these months, the temperature in Lisbon ranges between 60 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a peak time to visit, so prices are higher, and the streets can be more crowded.
If it's your preference to visit when the crowds are gone, consider visiting in early fall.
FAQs About Lisbon
Do you still have questions about visiting Lisbon? AAA Travel has answers! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about vacationing in this city:
Is Lisbon Safe?
No city is without risk, but Lisbon is considered relatively safe. Visitors should take precautions in Lisbon as they should in any city. Be aware of your surroundings, keep your bags close and safeguard your identity documents.
Use caution when traveling to help keep yourself, your belongings and other members of your group safe. Know where you're going, and how to ask for help if you need it. Consider learning some phrases in Portuguese to help communicate when needed.
How is traveling to Lisbon different from domestic travel?
International travel has its differences from domestic travel. Here are some examples of the ways that your experience might be different when you're engaging in international travel.
Passport: You'll need a passport to leave the country and enter another. Passports are issued by the federal government, and getting a passport can take time. If you're considering international travel to Portugal and you don't yet have a passport, apply for one soon.
Phone service: Your phone may work while in other countries, but many phone plans charge high rates for international roaming. Talk to your phone company before leaving to find out how much you'll be charged on your current phone plan and whether you should change phone plans. Changing phone plans can be expensive, but you may be able to use apps and the hotel Wi-Fi to contact people at home while you're away.
Debit and credit card issues: Some credit card companies place a security hold on credit cards when international charges go through. In addition, some international transactions accumulate foreign transaction fees. Talk to your debit and credit card companies before leaving on your trip to find out whether your debit and credit card will work while you are away.
Local currency: You may need some local currency for small purchases. Look into changing your money for some local currency before leaving.
Every country is different, so it's important to read up on the country you're visiting before leaving on your trip.
What is Lisbon known for?
Lisbon is known for its beautiful architecture, slow way of life and excellent food. People come to Lisbon to enjoy the culture, awe-inspiring buildings and the old-world environment.
Do I need anything other than a passport to visit Lisbon?
Your passport should be valid for 3 months beyond the date of intended departure. If your passport expires soon, renew your passport well before the date of your trip.
ETIAS travel authorizations have changed the requirements for people traveling to Europe and the United Kingdom. Read up about the latest rules and ETIAS authorizations before you leave. You may be required to fill out an application and pay a small fee.
Is Lisbon expensive?
How much you'll spend in Lisbon depends on when you're visiting and what you're doing while you're there. Lisbon is not the most expensive city in Europe, but there are many luxurious hotels and restaurants that charge premium prices.
If you're on a budget, consider visiting during shoulder season when prices will be lower. There are budget hotels in Lisbon that can help save money on your trip. You can also save money and earn exclusive discounts when you book with AAA.
What's the weather like in Lisbon?
Lisbon summers are warm and dry. The winters are wet, chilly, and windy. Temperatures in Lisbon are rarely lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit or more than 94 degrees Fahrenheit.
What are some recommended places to stay in Lisbon?
Lisbon has many types of hotels for every traveler. From the high-end hotels with spa-like features to the budget rooms available for a low price, Lisbon has something for every traveler. Check out hotel rooms via Trip Canvas to find some of the best hotels available at the best prices. Here are some excellent hotels that travelers enjoy staying at when they visit Lisbon:
What are some of the best places to eat in Lisbon?
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Are you a foodie? Portuguese food is delicious and flavorful. When you come to Lisbon, you'll have access to restaurants of all varieties. What do people enjoy eating in Lisbon?
Try the sweet puff pastries for a delectable snack, or chicken and piri-piri sauce, a staple of Portuguese cuisine. Many people come to Lisbon to try the bacalhau, a salted cod dish that has been an important part of Portuguese life for hundreds of years, because salting cod preserved the food long before refrigeration was invented. One thing you'll learn when you visit Portugal is that there's more than one way to eat salted cod! You can enjoy cod in scrambled eggs, in soups, baked in filet, fried, in fritter form and more.
Have you ever tried sardines? If you haven't, the local sardine dishes aren't to be missed. If you're in Lisbon during the Feast of St. Anthony, you'll be able to sample sardines on crusty bread, grilled on barbecues, and more. Wondering which restaurants to try when you're in Lisbon? Here are a few to try:
Lisbon is a place of rich architectural and natural beauty. Now that you've seen some of the rich sites and experiences that Lisbon has to offer, are you ready to visit? Trip Canvas can help. Start your vacation to Portugal with the AAA Travel Experts. We can help you find the best places to stay and also help you plan the best itinerary for your trip.
No matter the scope of your trip or where you're going, if you're an AAA member, you can enjoy exclusive discounts on a range of costs. We help our members access discounts on rental cars, hotels and more.
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