A coastal city with soul · Portugal

Lisbon

Your guide to Lisbon

Seven hills, one river and long sunsets.

Welcome to Lisbon, Portugal's sunny capital, where cobbled streets, colourful tiled façades and the Tagus river meet. The city is known for its charming trams, its many viewpoints and a mild climate that makes it easy to enjoy almost all year round. Here you get a relaxed mix of historic neighbourhoods, lively squares, soulful fado and food that tastes of the sea.

Pack right

☼

Best April–October

18–28 °C

Mild, sunny and often dry. Evenings near the sea can feel cool.

Current currency

€

Euro

1 EUR to SEK

The rate is updated every hour. Always check the current rate before you travel.

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Plan your trip

Flights to Lisbon

Lisbon's Humberto Delgado airport is close to the city centre and has direct flights from several Swedish cities, usually taking around four hours. From the airport you can easily continue by metro, taxi or pre-booked transfer. The metro is good value and works well if you travel light, while a taxi or transfer can be easier late in the evening.

Aeroplane in the air

Where to stay

Choose where to stay based on the feel you are after. Baixa and Chiado suit you if you want to be close to sights, restaurants and shopping. Alfama is more picturesque and hilly, while Avenida da Liberdade offers wider streets and a somewhat calmer hotel setting. For a more local atmosphere, look at areas such as Príncipe Real, Estrela or Graça. Book well ahead in spring, summer and over major holidays.

Bright hotel room

The big and the small

Five sights
you won't want to miss.

01

Torre de Belém

An iconic fortress on the Tagus and a symbol of Portugal's age of discovery.

02

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

A richly decorated monastery in the Manueline style, close to Belém's pastéis de nata.

03

Castelo de São Jorge

Medieval walls with one of the city's best views over the red rooftops.

04

Praça do Comércio

The grand riverside square, framed by pale façades and café life.

05

Elevador de Santa Justa

An ornate iron lift that links Baixa with Chiado.

Good to know

Plan your
trip to Lisbon.

Neighbourhoods

Baixa is Lisbon's central heart, with grand squares, shops and straight streets. Chiado is the place for cafés, culture and nightlife, while Alfama offers narrow alleys, fado and the city's oldest atmosphere. Graça sits higher up and is loved for its viewpoints and more local feel. Príncipe Real is green, elegant and full of restaurants, and Belém is ideal for monuments, museums and walks along the Tagus. Pick one area as your base and explore the others on foot or by tram.

Alfama with São Vicente de Fora and the Tagus

Food & drink

Lisbon is a great city for small tasting stops. Try bacalhau, grilled sardines, bifana and the classic pastéis de nata, ideally with a bica or a glass of ginjinha. Eat lunch where the locals do and book a table at popular restaurants for dinner. Time Out Market is an easy first overview, but the best finds are often in smaller neighbourhood places.

A pastel de nata on a café table

Getting around

Lisbon is compact but hilly. The metro, buses, trams and funiculars make it easy to get around, and a rechargeable Navegante card is handy for multiple journeys. Tram 28 is a classic, but board early or choose a less crowded line. Comfortable shoes are almost as important as a good itinerary.

Tram 28 in Lisbon

Apps

Download a map app so you can save places offline, and use the Carris app for information on buses, trams and departures. Uber and Bolt are common options when the hills get too steep or when you travel late. TheFork can be useful for restaurants, and a weather app helps you plan a day trip to Sintra or the coast.

Mobile phone with a travel app

Essentials

Lisbon has many steep hills and pavements of polished cobblestones, so wear sturdy shoes and take extra care when it rains. Keep an eye on your wallet and phone on crowded trams and in tourist areas. The tap water is safe to drink, cards are accepted in most places, and a little Portuguese is appreciated, although English works well in the centre.

Traveller with a map

Extra tips and advice

Start early at the most popular sights and leave room in your schedule for spontaneous detours. Bring a light jumper even in summer, as evenings by the Tagus can turn cool. Buy tickets for the bigger sights in advance, make time for a long lunch, and spend one day of the trip exploring Sintra, Cascais or a beach south of the river.

Suitcase on a trip