Lisbon holidays

How to reach Lisbon

Travelling from Ireland to Lisbon is quick and easy, with direct flights from Dublin taking approximately 2 hours 40 minutes. Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport is located just 7km from the city centre, making the onward journey simple. The metro takes about 20 minutes and costs around €1.50 for a single ticket, while a taxi will get you to central Lisbon in about 15 minutes, typically costing between €10 and €15.

Weather and best time to visit Lisbon

Lisbon enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, making it a great destination at any time of year. Here's what to expect in each season:

• Spring (March to May) brings pleasant temperatures between 11°C and 22°C. With blooming parks and fewer tourists, it’s an ideal time for sightseeing.

• Summer (June to August) sees long, sunny days and average highs of 28°C. It’s perfect for beach days or day trips along the coast, but also the busiest and priciest time of year.

• Autumn (September to November) offers a lovely balance, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 26°C. The crowds ease, and the city retains its charm and warmth.

• Winter (December to February) is the quietest period, with cooler temperatures (8°C to 15°C) and occasional rain – perfect if you prefer fewer tourists and a more relaxed pace.

Peak travel months are in summer, while winter offers a quieter and more budget-friendly Lisbon holiday.

Practical information for Lisbon holidays

• Spoken languages: Portuguese is the official language, though English is widely spoken in restaurants, hotels, and other tourist areas.

• Local habits and customs: A friendly “Obrigado” (thank you) goes a long way. Locals tend to dine later, often from 8pm onwards. Dress is casual but respectful, especially away from the beach.

• Tips: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, 10–15% is common for good service. It's also polite to tip hotel staff, taxi drivers, and guides.

• Security: Lisbon is generally safe, though it’s wise to watch out for pickpockets in crowded places and on trams, particularly Tram 28.

• Health: Tap water is safe to drink, and no special vaccinations are required. Travel insurance is always advisable.

• Currency: Portugal uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are accepted widely, and ATMs are readily available.

• Getting around: Lisbon has a reliable public transport network including metro, buses, trams, and local trains. A Viva Viagem card offers discounted fares and is valid across most services.

• Electricity and plugs: Portugal uses 230V electricity and two-pin type F sockets. Irish visitors will need a standard European adaptor.

Best things to do in Lisbon

Holidays in Lisbon are a delightful mix of exploration and inspiration, thanks to the stunning waterfront, pleasant weather, and a quirky blend of attractions. Dive into our guide and discover how to make your trip truly memorable!

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Miradouro da Senhora do Monte: This spot is one of the highest viewpoints in the city, offering an unreal panorama of almost the whole area, from the River Tagus to the hills of Alfama. It’s a favourite for photographers and a fantastic place to catch the sunset.

• St George's Castle: Sitting above Lisbon’s historic neighbourhoods, this castle is a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. With lovely gardens and even some peacocks strutting about, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Baixa, the Tejo estuary, and more.

The best districts

• Alfama: The oldest district in Lisbon, Alfama is a maze of charming narrow streets, traditional Fado music venues, and historical sites like the Sé Cathedral. Getting lost in its winding alleys is part of the adventure!

• Bairro Alto (Upper Town): By day, the vibe in Bairro Alto is calm and historic; come nightfall, it transforms into a lively hotspot filled with vibrant bars, clubs, and eateries.

• Chiado: Known for being a smart shopping area, Chiado is home to lovely cafés, especially along Rua Garrett. A Brasileira, at Rua Garrett 120, is the most famous, having once been a gathering spot for Lisbon’s literary crowd, now bustling with tourists.

Historical monuments

• Belém Tower: Stretching out into the river on a narrow walkway, this iconic tower is a must-see. You can climb a steep spiral staircase to reach the top terrace, where the views of Belém will leave you breathless.

• Jerónimos Monastery: This stunning Manueline monastery, with its impressive cloisters, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds the tomb of Vasco da Gama. It’s an absolute must-visit while you’re in the city!

• Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries): A can't-miss site in Lisbon, this angular monument shaped like a caravel was built to honour the 500th anniversary of Henry the Navigator’s death, featuring statues of various Portuguese legends at its front.

Day trips in the area

• Sintra: Only a 40-minute train ride away, Sintra is like something out of a storybook, filled with colourful palaces, romantic gardens, and hilltop castles. Check out highlights like the Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, and Capuchos Convent.

• Cascais: Just a 40-minute drive from Lisbon, Cascais is a beloved seaside escape featuring three gorgeous beaches. Surfers flock to Guincho beach, known for hosting World Surfing Championships.

• Setúbal: For a taste of the serene Portuguese countryside, head about 50km south to Setúbal, where you can explore fresh seafood markets and charming streets. The historic centre is lively and inviting, complete with shops and restaurants nestled around lovely squares and narrow alleys.

Activities for families in Lisbon

Lisbon is an excellent family-friendly destination, offering activities that kids and adults will both enjoy.

• Interactive museums: The Pavilhão do Conhecimento Ciência Viva boasts fantastic temporary exhibits, but the permanent interactive sections—like creating water vortices or experiencing oversized detergent films—are a hit with the kids.

• Aquariums: The Oceanário de Lisboa, resembling a scene from a James Bond film, is one of Europe’s largest aquariums. Its massive central tank provides close-up views of sharks and rays, making it a fun experience for all.

• Parks and gardens: Don’t miss Jardim da Estrela, a lush green space where you can find duck ponds, a charming café by the pond, picnic spots, and a well-equipped children’s playground perfect for family fun.

• Theme parks: Got a rainy day? Head to KidZania, an indoor mini-city where kids can role-play various professions like doctors, pilots, or chefs in a realistic setting—they’ll have a blast!

Free things to do in Lisbon

You’ll find plenty of free activities in Lisbon that highlight the city’s charm and culture.

• Free museums: Many of Lisbon’s museums, such as the Archaeology Museum and the National Museum of Ancient Art, offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month, so do check it out!

• Free events: The calendar in Lisbon is packed with free events, like outdoor concerts during the summer in places like Praça do Comércio. Don’t miss the street parties and parades during festivals like Santos Populares—they're great fun and entirely free.

• Campo de Ourique Market: Set in a lovely 1930s building, Campo de Ourique Market has everything from fish and fruit to around 20 food stalls and bars serving delicious pastries, sushi, and petiscos. It’s free to roam through the stalls and soak in the local atmosphere!

The best beaches in Lisbon

Lisbon, with its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, offers access to some of Portugal's most stunning beaches. Whether you're looking for bustling public beaches, exclusive private spots, or beaches equipped with all the amenities, Lisbon's coastline has something for everyone.

• Public Beaches: Praia de Carcavelos is one of the most popular public beaches near Lisbon, known for its golden sands and excellent surf conditions. Another favourite is Praia do Tamariz in Estoril, easily accessible by train and perfect for families.

• Private Beaches with Charges: For a more exclusive beach experience, visit Troia Peninsula. Accessible by a short ferry ride from Setúbal, Troia offers pristine beaches, some of which are part of private resorts and charge an entry fee for non-guests.

• Beaches with Sunbeds and Facilities: Praia da Conceişao and Praia da Duquesa in Cascais provide sunbeds, umbrellas, and various facilities, including bars and restaurants, making for a comfortable beach day. These beaches blend convenience with scenic beauty, ideal for those looking to relax in style.

Nearest beaches to Lisbon

Several beautiful beaches are located within a short distance from Lisbon, making them perfect for day trips or even half-day excursions:

• Praia de Carcavelos: Just a 20-minute train ride from Lisbon's Cais do Sodré station, offering wide sandy expanses and vibrant beach bars.

• Costa da Caparica: Stretching over 30km south of Lisbon, accessible by bus or car, this coastline offers a variety of beach experiences, from lively sections with cafes and music to quieter spots ideal for relaxation.

• Praia das Maşas: Accessible via a scenic tram ride from Sintra, this beach is beloved for its picturesque setting and family-friendly atmosphere.

• Praia do Guincho: A bit further away, near Cascais, Guincho is famed for its windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

These beaches near Lisbon offer a mix of natural beauty, recreational activities, and convenient facilities, ensuring a memorable seaside experience for all visitors.

Local dishes in Lisbon

One of the greatest delights of Lisbon holidays is exploring its food scene, which blends fresh Atlantic flavours with rich Mediterranean influences.

Some typical dishes

• Bacalhau a Brás: The most typical Portuguese fish dish is bacalhau (dried, salted cod), which is virtually the national dish, with reputedly 365 different ways of preparing it. The best for first-timers to try is bacalhau a brás, fried with egg, onions and potatoes.

• Caldo Verde: This traditional soup, made with finely shredded kale leaves, onion and potatoes in broth, is warming and delicious. It usually comes with chourişo (Portuguese sausage) in it.

Tapas dishes

• Petiscos: Portugal's answer to tapas, petiscos include dishes like garlic prawns, grilled chourişo (Portuguese sausage), pica-pau (small pieces of steak in a garlicky sauce), tremoşos (pickled lupin seeds) or a small round of cheese. All of them are perfect for sharing.

• Bifana: It's a very popular sandwich with thinly sliced grilled or fried pork, seasoned with garlic and spices. A simple yet really mouthwatering treat.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Grilled Sardines: A summer favourite, grilled sardines provide one of the country's most

appetising smells. Typically served with olive oil and salt, they capture the taste of Portugal's coast.

• Polvo a Lagareiro: For octopus lovers, this Portuguese dish is unmissable! Octopus is roasted with garlic, potatoes and olive oil which makes it perfectly tender and very tasty.

Sweets and desserts

• Pastéis de Nata: These are classic Lisbon custard tarts which have a sweet creamy filling and are deliciously flaky. For an extra touch of flavour, enjoy them with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

• Queijadas de Sintra: Small, round pastries made with cheese, sugar and cinnamon, these treats are very popular in Lisbon and particularly loved in nearby Sintra.

Local drinks

• Ginjinha: Lisbon specialises in the cherry brandy Ginjinha, which is typically served as a shot at tiny hole-in-the-wall bars throughout the city.

• Vinho Verde: This light, slightly sparkling wine hails from northern Portugal and is wonderfully refreshing. Best when served chilled, it's perfect for enjoying on a sunny Lisbon afternoon.