Lisbon, Portugal: How to get there, where to stay and what to do
The rolling hills of Lisbon have attracted visitors for centuries and the city offers something for everyone from luxury hotels to tasty tarts
With Michelin-star restaurants, beaches, bridges and bars, Portugal’s capital has everything you could want for a break in the sun.
Must sees for free
Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco) is one of the biggest squares in Europe, this stylish area in downtown Lisbon often displays beautiful works of art and sculpture, and is a great place for a leisurely stroll. Watch the colourful trams come and go and take a photo with the famous bridge in the background.
You cannot visit Lisbon without experiencing Fado, a genre of music exclusive to the city and believed to have originated in the 1820s.
One of the best places to enjoy Fado for free is in Alfama, one of the oldest parts of the city.
At Tasca do Chico-they have a live performance everyday from 8pm which is free to enjoy, though we would recommend buying a drink and a few tapas dishes to enjoy while you listen.
If you’re a bookworm, or love nothing more than sifting through bargains and undiscovered stories then you have to visit Livraria Ler Devagar. A new and used bookstore and exhibition space, this really is a book lovers paradise and considered one of the top bookstores in the world. Learn more at https://lerdevagar.com/o-espaco/.
Top sees for a fee
Ask anyone who’s been to Lisbon what they would recommend and almost everyone will say that you have to visit Sintra. The village is simply beautiful and you will be blown away by Pena Palace and its colourful and ornate architecture. Make sure you pack your camera.
Only half an hour’s drive from the city centre it is easily accessible by rail or bus but one of best ways to experience it in a short time frame is to book one of the many tours available from €14.
As Lisbon is centred around seven hills, getting about can be hard work, so to see as much of the city as possible during your stay, why not hop aboard a tuk tuk. The electric buggies carry small groups around the city, stopping off at some of the best attractions, viewpoints with the best photo opportunities and drivers also give a commentary and history of the city.
A two hour tour starts from €35.
One of the best sites you need to stop off at is Mosteiro dos Jeronimos. Built in 1502 this Gothic cathedral is incredibly ornate and its grounds just beg to be explored.
Guided tours are a must in order to soak up all the history and cultural relevance of this historic site.
The monastery is €10 to enter or a combined entrance ticket for the monastery and Torre de Belem can be purchased for €13.
Getting around
Getting around Lisbon is easy and inexpensive. There are so many options to choose there's really no need to hire a car. A taxi is cheap, a bicycle is a great way to get about but the tram system is by far the most popular mode of transport for tourists and locals alike.
Buy a Viva Viagem Card and use it on unlimited metro, bus, tram, ferry and train for only €9.55 a day.
Salzburg, Austria: How to get there, where to stay and what to doEating out/going out
It is hard to put into words how good the food scene is in Lisbon. Cinnamon-sprinkled custard tarts, piri-piri chicken, fresh seafood and salted cod and each chef argues their version is better than the last. Ask any local where does the best pasteis de nata and you will be spoilt for choice so it’s best to try as many as you can to form your own opinion!
The streets are filled with cafes and bars but Lisbon now has some of the finest restaurants in all of Europe.
Michelin starred Feitoria has a mouthwatering menu all year round while Olivier Avenida specialises on seasonal produce and deals in only the finest and freshest ingredients. The octopus carpaccio in particular is just divine!
Hotels
Luxury: Tivoli Palacio de Seteais - If you’re used to five star hotels and want to stay somewhere truly spectacular then why not try this former palace? With some of the most ornate interiors in the region, a swimming pool, lush gardens complete with maze and a fantastic view of the famous Pena Palace on the hill you will feel as though you’ve stepped into a fairytale at this luxurious retreat.
Rua Barbosa Du Bocage 8, Sintra, from £209 - £337
Mid-range: Jupiter Lisboa Hotel features a rooftop with two swimming pools and is right in the heart of Lisbon.
With a restaurant, bar and the wonderful Bluspa, the hotel offers its guest so many things to do alongside stellar service.
Avenida da Republica 46, from £68 - £168.
A Scottish hideaway to soothe the soulBudget: Pensao Praca da Figueira is a budget friendly hotel that offers guests all the comforts of a quality hotel at a price which allows you to spend your well earned cash in the city itself. Rooms are clean and comfortable and the free breakfast sets you up perfectly for a day of sightseeing.
Travessa Nova de Sao Domingos 9 2 Praça da Figueira - Baixa, from £32 - £98.
Fact File
Currency: Euros (€) £1=£1.11
Time zone: GMT (GMT +1hr in summer)
The flight: 3hrs, with multiple airlines from only £39 return.
Best time to visit: Lisbon is lovely and warm all year round. The best time to visit is in winter in order to beat the spring/summer crowds and enjoy all the sights in a moderate climate. But there are many summer festivals such as Festas de Lisboa and Super Bock Super Rock which are a great reason to travel to the country’s capital. Check this website for a list of events in order to time your visit just right.
Visas, injections and precautions: None