No matter the best time to visit Lisbon, if you’re looking for sun, fun activities and relaxation, no worries, I got you !
In this article, I’ll share some tips to help you make the most of your weekend, week, fortnight, or month-long holiday in Lisbon.
The Portuguese capital is one of the most captivating cities in Europe. Just a few hours’ flight away, Lisbon boasts some unique advantages. They will enhance your stay, you know how to make the most of them!
The most important things for your holiday :
1- Required identity documents : valid passport or identity card ( If your country is part of the Schengen area). For UK citizens, no visa is required for stays within the 90-day limit.
2- The best time for a trip to Lisbon:
The climate is mild year-round, with heat peaks from mid-July to mid-September.
The most touristics periods are April-May and September-October.
Rain can be heavy in Lisbon, with the most flood-prone periods being from mid-November to early June.
Usually, during the holiday season and in January, the weather is mild. So, if you’re looking for a period to visit during the low season, this is your chance !
However, regarding the high season, June is perfect time to come here !
3- Average flight time from Europe : between 1h30 and 2h30 hours : it’s just door !
4- Time difference in Portugal… it’s the same as the UK! So, -1 hour compared to Germany and France !
Regarding the budget for flights to Lisbon, we recommend checking prices on comparison sites such as Skyscanner. Thus, it will help you find the cheapest option. Unlike other flight comparison websites, Skyscanner finds you the best fares from airlines flying to Lisbon with no hidden fees.
One of the best advantages of this website is that it stands out from the competition due to its ease of use. It allows you to find the cheapest flight for an entire month as well as the best deal, regardless of the date, across different airlines.
In our opinion, Skyscanner is the perfect tool for travellers looking for flexibility and/or wanting to travel to Lisbon on a budget.
Accommodation :
1- Dormitory bed in a hostel: between € 15 / 30 p.p. and per night.
2- Airbnb apartment : between € 60 / € 120 per night.
3- 3-star hotel in the center of Lisbon : between € 80/ € 100 per night.
4- 4-star hotel in the centre of Lisbon : between € 120 / € 200 per night.
5- 5-star hotel : from € 150.
N.B: breakfasts included.
Discover now our selection of great hotels in Lisbon !
Meals :
1- Lunch in a traditional Portuguese restaurant such as a cantina or tasca. Full menu of the day at less than € 10 p.p.
2- Dinner in a typical Portugal restaurant. Dish + dessert + wine : less than € 25 p.p.
3- A meal in a semi-gastro, wine included : € 35 min p.p.
4- Gastronomic experience, wines included: € 70 min p.p.
N.B: A good bottle of wine costs around €16 on the menu. Also, be aware that cutlery, bread, and small appetizers placed on the table may be charged. It’s not a scam, that’s just how things work in Portugal!
We love tasty food at VisitmyLisbon.com ! And because your pleasure is our priority , we’re sharing with you an interesting list of restaurants in Lisbon !
Here, tips are not mandatory : it’s usually included in the bill. However, restaurants staff often round up the total (e.g., if the bill is €46, they give €50). Over-tipping can be considered impolite. We also recommend avoiding comments about how cheap the cost of living is in Portugal, as it’s not perceived that way by locals.
Mobile data :
If you have European sim card, roaming works without extra charges in Portugal, but you can also call us on whatsapp ;).
Withdrawing money :
We recommend checking with your bank to know your withdrawal limit. Be cautious with Euronet ATMs, as they charge high fees (which are part of their income). Opt for ATMs from Portuguese banks, such as Multibanco. If possible, try to carry cash, especially if you plan to enjoy traditional Portuguese food !
Insecurity in Lisbon :
Stay alert for pickpockets in tourist areas. We know their techniques.
Simply walk past anyone offering you anything suspicious in the streets: they are scammers. Be cautious during festive hours, as petty incidents can occur. It’s best to stay calm and avoid unnecessary confrontation. These e kinds of situations can sometimes happen in the areas of Cais do Sodre and Bica. Ignoring them is a sure way to stay safe. You’ll also notice that they never bother the Portuguese.
If you have transportation, you may come across arrumadores, who are junkies who will « guard » your car for a few euros. You need to be careful with this: read our special report on parking in Lisbon. On the road, be cautious when driving in certain regions, especially in the Algarve.
Like many European cities do, the Lisbon Tourist Information center provides the Lisboa Card, an individual card that gives you access to a wide range of activities :
1- Free use of public transport in Lisbon (ferry, tram 28, funiculars, bus, metro) and trains to Cascais and Sintra. It also gives you a 25% discount on the airport Aerobus. Please also note that there are different means of transfer from the airport to Lisbon city centre.
2- Free entrance to a wide range of museums and monuments (28 in total) and various discounts for others. Discover our selection of museums by clicking here.
3- Discounts for cultural events and restaurants.
Honesty, the Lisboa Card won’t be worth it if you mainly plan to walk around. Everything is easily accessible on foot.
However, if you are interested in museums,It can quickly become an absolute must. I’d even say that this card is worth considering if you’re staying in Lisbon for a medium-term visit (over 3 days). Other good reasons include rainy weather or if you’ve decided to dedicate a day or two to museums, especially those in Belém.
Lisboa Cards are available in 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour packs, and can be purchased at various locations. You can consult prices here and book online very easily.
Our guided tours, the best in Lisbon ! ( Honestly speaking )
Our fun activities for all audiences:
Our top tips for your stay in Lisbon :
A question ? If you have the any doubt, feel free to consult our FAQ.
In the meantime, we wish you happy planning as you prepare your holiday in Lisbon!
Don’t forget that we are here to help you and to show you the city,
The VisitmyLisbon team
© VisitmyLisbon.com – 2021