Lisbon, Portugal is a beautiful and vibrant city that offers something for everyone, blending a long and rich cultural history with the modern sensibilities of a progressive, international center. From exciting nightlife and gorgeous beaches to quaint neighborhoods and world-class dining, Lisbon has it all. This city’s charms are too many to list, but we’ve found a few things that make Lisbon tourism the best.
1. Weather
With its coastal location and Mediterranean climate, Lisbon’s weather is mild and pleasant. Warm days and cool nights make Lisbon a great place to visit year-round. Daytime summer temperatures range from 75 to 91 degrees F (24 to 33 C), while winter days are a comfortable 50 to 66 F (10 to 19 C), making it possible to walk the city in any season. Winters can be rainy, so don’t forget your umbrella!
2. Food & Drink
Lisbon’s vibrant culinary scene is a foodie’s dream! You’ll find everything from casual neighborhood tascas (taverns) and gourmet food markets to Michelin-starred restaurants. This vibrant, international city offers nearly every type of cuisine from around the globe. Seafood lovers can enjoy freshly-caught delights like clams, shrimp and tuna, and no visitor should leave Lisbon without trying the best local dishes like bacalhau, a traditional salted cod, and pastel de nata, famously delicious cinnamon-dusted custard tarts.
Take advantage of Lisbon’s inexpensive alcohol and lack of open-container laws to get your drink on day or night. Grab a cheap cerveja (beer) in a Bairro Alto dive or savor a glass of port and a charcuterie board in an upscale wine bar. Imagine ordering a last-call cocktail as you dance the night away at a trendy, waterfront nightclub!
3. Trams
Trams are a great way to see Lisbon. Both historic Remodelado trams and newer Articulado trams offer a comfortable way to navigate the city. Ride a charming yellow Remodelado tram as it rattles up and down Lisbon’s famously steep hills. The E28 takes passengers on a 45-minute ride from Largo Martim Moniz to Campo de Ourique through some of the most breathtaking views in Europe. The more modern Articulado trams have higher passenger capacity and cover the flatter areas of the city. Take the E15 tram to see some of the most popular Lisbon tourist attractions in Belem.
4. Art
Many of Lisbon’s most impressive artworks are right out in the open. Buildings throughout the city are adorned with azulejo (hand-painted tiles) originating in Egypt. Azulejos depict everything from animals and geometric patterns to detailed historical scenes. If indoor viewing is more your speed, visit Museu Nacional do Azulejo. This museum, housed in a former 16th-century convent, features azulejos of every shape, size and style.
5. Music
Fado is a uniquely Portuguese musical style that originated in Lisbon’s working-class neighborhoods and is showcased in bars and restaurants throughout the city. A lone singer and his 12-string guitarra (or sometimes a larger string ensemble) bring all the feels, singing about broken hearts and dying dreams. Native Portuguese and visitors from around the world can identify with the saudade (longing) conveyed in these heartfelt tunes.