Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a city with a soul. The Phoenicians once called it Alis Ubbo – the “Beautiful City” – and even after three millennia, that still holds true. Historic streets, views of the Tagus River, the scent of coffee and the sea, the tones of fado, and friendly people all create an atmosphere that you’ll fall in love with. Lisbon isn’t a city for just one day – it’s an experience that draws you in and won’t let go.
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What to see in Lisbon: monuments, attractions, and places to visit
Alfama
The Alfama district, the oldest in Lisbon, is the heart of the city. It’s a cluster of narrow, historic streets nestled under the hill of the castle. Your GPS will probably go crazy here. Turn it off, throw away the map, forget about time, and wander around. Take a peek into the local shops and courtyards, and admire the little squares that feel almost like villages. When you come across a café, don’t hesitate to stop and, in addition to coffee, order pasteis de nata – delicious little puff pastry cakes filled with egg custard.
Castelo de São Jorge
St. George’s Castle is a landmark of Lisbon. Its ramparts offer a breathtaking view of the city’s red roofs and the Tagus River.
Your reward for the strenuous climb will be a unique view of the city from the Tower of Ulysses.
Viewpoints – Miradouros
It’s not just from the castle that you can look out over the city. Look for places marked “miradouros.” Among the most beautiful viewpoints are Miradouro de Santa Luzia (Alfama district) and Miradouro da Graca (Graca district).
Elevator de Santa Justa
This neo-Gothic elevator from 1902 connects the Baixa and Chiado districts. It was built by a student of Gustave Eiffel, and the view from the upper platform is worth every penny.
Tram number 28
Don’t waste money on tourist sightseeing tours. The classic yellow tram line 28 will take you past most of the most important sights. As a bonus, you’ll get an adrenaline rush in the narrow streets of the Alfama and Graca districts, or views from the steep slopes. At times, you’ll feel like you’re in San Francisco. The line is quite popular among tourists, so if you want to avoid the crowds, it’s better to set out in the morning or later in the evening.
Tip for a cheap and romantic way to get to know Lisbon.
Bairro Alto
A district that comes alive after dark. Dozens of bars, restaurants, and live music venues – the perfect place for an evening out.
Fado
Fado represents Lisbon’s musical tradition, born from Moorish melodies. Don’t worry if you don’t understand a word of Portuguese; the music is so eloquent that its message will reach you anyway. You’ll find authentic Fado in the Alfama district, which is also the cradle of this genre.
Oceanário de Lisboa
One of the largest aquariums in Europe. Huge tanks, rays, sharks, and tropical fish – a great destination for families with children.
Vasco da Gama Bridge
With a length of over 17 kilometers, it is the longest bridge in Europe. The monumental structure connects both banks of the Tagus River.
Football
The city has two major football clubs: Sporting CP and Benfica Lisbon. If you have time and a match is coming up, don’t hesitate. It will cost you a ride on a crowded metro and an endless queue for tickets that only leads to another queue. However, once you’ve fought your way through this, you’ll enjoy an offensive spectacle and can say that you’ve spent the afternoon like a true Lisboan.
Where to stay in Lisbon
Bairro Alto Hotel
A luxury hotel overlooking the Tagus River. It combines modern style with tradition.
My Story Hotel Rossio
A stylish hotel right on Rossio Square – an ideal location for exploring the city.
Lisboa Pessoa Hotel
A design hotel inspired by the poet Fernando Pessoa. It offers a wellness center and a terrace with a view.
Hotel Mundial
A traditional hotel with a rooftop bar and a magnificent view of the castle.
Lisboa Central Hostel
Cheap and friendly accommodation suitable for travelers and families.
Where to eat in Lisbon
Time Out Market Lisboa
A modern marketplace with dozens of restaurants under one roof. Ideal for sampling Portuguese cuisine.
Ramiro
An iconic seafood restaurant – shrimp, clams, and crab. Reservations are recommended.
Pasteis de Belém
A famous pastry shop where the original custard tarts were created. The line is long, but the wait is worth it.
Taberna da Rua das Flores
Traditional Portuguese dishes in a small, cozy setting. Excellent wine and tapas.
What to taste in Lisbon
Lisbon is a paradise for food lovers – fresh fish, sweet desserts, wine, and strong coffee are part of every day.
Bacalhau
Dried cod, the national treasure of Portugal. It is prepared in hundreds of ways; the most famous is Bacalhau à Brás.
Sardinhas assadas
Grilled sardines are an integral part of the Lisbon summer.
Caldo Verde
Cabbage soup with potatoes and chouriço sausage – simple but very tasty.
Pasteis de nata
Portugal’s most famous dessert. The best ones can be tasted at Pasteis de Belém, where the original recipe was created.
Francesinha
A sandwich filled with meat and cheese, topped with a spicy sauce – a calorie bomb, but absolutely delicious.
Ginjinha
Cherry liqueur that locals drink “standing up.” A small sip, a great tradition.
Port and vinho verde
Port is sweet and strong, vinho verde is light and fresh – ideal with fish.
A Cevicheria
A modern establishment with a fusion of Portuguese and South American cuisine. Known for its ceviche and iconic octopus hanging above the bar.
Getting around the city
Lisbon has four metro lines and a dense network of trams, buses, and funiculars.
- Metro: €1.8 per ride, fast and easy to navigate
- Trams: ideal for tourists, especially lines 28 and 12
- Funiculars: short but iconic rides through the hilly city
- Taxi and Bolt: cheap and accessible
From the airport to the center
Metro (red line, 25 minutes), buses 744 and 783, or taxi (approx. €15).
Lisbon Card – save on transport and sights
The Lisbon Card allows unlimited travel on public transport and free admission to more than 30 attractions – such as the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, or the Santa Justa Lift.
- 24 hours: €22
- 48 hours: €37
- 72 hours: €46
Available at the airport, in information centers, and online.
Weather in Lisbon by month
| Month | Temperature during the day | Weather and recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| January – February | 14–17 °C | Mild, occasional rain. |
| March – May | 18–24 °C | Ideal period, few tourists. |
| June – August | 26–32 °C | Warm summer, refreshing wind. |
| September – October | 23–28 °C | Warm weather, ideal for trips. |
| November – December | 15–18 °C | Pleasant, but more frequent rainfall. |
Where to take a trip around Lisbon
Sintra
A city of palaces and fairytale architecture. Visit Palácio da Pena, Quinta da Regaleira, and Castelo dos Mouros.
Cascais
A stylish seaside resort with cafes and beaches. The train journey takes about 30 minutes.
Cabo da Roca
The westernmost point of Europe with dramatic cliffs and a lighthouse. Breathtaking view of the ocean.
How to enjoy Lisbon like a local
- Enjoy the sunset from the Miradouro de Santa Catarina viewpoint or from the bar on the roof of the Hotel Mundial.
- Have coffee like the Portuguese – a short espresso bica with pasteis de nata.
- Visit LX Factory, a modern creative district full of cafes, shops, and street art.
- Stroll through Mercado da Ribeira and taste fresh fish and local wines.
- Take the Bica funicular – a short but iconic ride with a view of the river.
- Go to fado in the evening – singing that draws you into the Portuguese soul.
Basic information about Lisbon
Country: Portugal
Population: approximately 550,000 (over 2.8 million in the metropolitan area)
Currency: Euro (€)
Language: Portuguese
Time zone: Western European Time (–1 hour compared to the Czech Republic)
Airport: Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) – about 7 km from the center
Transport from the airport: metro (red line, approx. 25 minutes), buses 744 and 783, taxi (around €15)
How to get there from the Czech Republic
There are direct flights from Prague and Vienna (TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, easyJet, WizzAir). The flight takes approximately 3.5 hours.
When to travel
The best time to visit is spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) – warm, fewer tourists, and ideal conditions for exploring and trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Day 1: Alfama, castle, tram no. 28.
Day 2: Belém, Oceanário, Santa Justa Lift.
Day 3: trip to Sintra or Cascais.
Lisbon is cheaper than most of Western Europe. Lunch €10–15, coffee €1.5, beer €3.
Lisbon is more lively, Porto is more cozy – both cities are worth a visit.
Pickpockets on tram no. 28, slippery sidewalks after rain, and steep hills – choose sturdy shoes.
Bacalhau, sardines, caldo verde, pasteis de nata.
Spring and autumn are ideal, summer is suitable for swimming.
Costa da Caparica and Cascais beaches, which can be reached by train.
Euro, credit cards are commonly accepted.
Related
- Porto Portugal and a romantic vacation
- What to see in Portugal
- Madeira – a beautiful place for an active holiday
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