Things To Do In Lisbon, Portugal
Welcome to Lisbon, Portugal, where the colour of the water is as vibrant as the people, and where the history is as rich as the culture. As a city that appeals to the masses, there’s never a shortage of things to do in Lisbon, Portugal.Whether you’re a digital nomad or backpacker, OR you’re travelling with your family or romantic partner, the Portuguese capital surely won’t disappoint. Lisbon is still one of the least visited capital cities in Europe, so visit while it’s still a hidden gem!
In this article, you’ll discover everything you need to know about Lisbon so that you can plan your dream destination vacation of a lifetime. Ready? Let’s jump right into it.
Everything You Need to Know
When travelling to a place like Lisbon, Portugal, the unknown may be of some worry to the leisurely traveller. That’s why we’ve created this all-encompassing guide! In this section, you’ll learn everything you need to know for a successful visit to the beautiful city of Lisbon.
When to Visit
While peak season in a place like Portugal is during the summer months of July and August, the weather can become a tad overwhelming due to its extremely hot, dry temperatures. As such, I recommend visiting Lisbon during the spring months of May and June. This way, you can still experience the beautiful weather we’re all chasing, but without the overwhelm of unbearably hot temperatures.
Moreover, while visiting Lisbon, Portugal during the summer months can still be extremely fun and eventful, by visiting during the spring months instead, you avoid the crowds and inflated prices.
To summarize, Lisbon is an incredible place to visit any time of the year. However, you may want to avoid it during the winter months due to its significant exposure to rain. Nonetheless, attractions are open and available year-round if you so choose to visit at your convenience! The things to do in Lisbon, Portugal are truly endless.
How Long to Spend
Whether you’re a backpacking digital nomad touring through Europe and have Lisbon as a stop along your journey, or you’re a traveller eager for a tropical-like getaway, you’re likely wondering how long to spend in the beautiful city.
To summarize quickly, Lisbon can likely be explored in its entirety within 3-4 days. That means it’s an ideal destination for the travelling backpacker. With that said, Portugal is an incredible vacation destination as well. So just because it’s a city that can be explored during a weekend getaway, who’s to say you can’t stay there for a week or two?!
Trust me, you won’t soon get tired of your stay here in Lisbon.
How to Commute
Renting a car is not necessary here in Lisbon, Portugal. Not only is commuting via other modes of transportation much easier and cost-efficient, but traffic here in Lisbon can also become quite overwhelming and confusing.
As such, I’d recommend getting around by public transport or inexpensive taxi cabs. The exception? If you plan to explore destinations outside of Lisbon, renting a vehicle may be useful. Just be prepared for the erratic Portuguese drivers and heavily congested roads of Portugal at large.
Is Lisbon Safe?
All things considered, Lisbon is a generally safe destination to visit, both for families with children, and the lone wolf nomad. Just watch out for those pesky pick-picketers and low-level thieves.
With that said, if you practice some common sense and remain vigilant, you’ll have no problems enjoying your stay here in Lisbon with no threat whatsoever.
Best Beaches Near Lisbon, Portugal
While there are numerous things to do in Lisbon, Portugal, it’s most widely known for its world-renowned beaches. As such, you’re likely wondering what beaches to visit when visiting Lisbon. In this section, you’ll learn about the best beaches to visit near Lisbon. After all, what’s a trip to Portugal without a trip or two to the beach in-between?!
With some of the finest beaches this world has to offer, Lisbon is surrounded by a number of them. Below are some of the top destination beaches to visit while here in beautiful Portugal.
Praia de Carcavelos
While this renowned beach is a little further than you may desire, it’s also known to be the best beach in Portugal. A quick 30-minute train ride will get you there! It’s big, it’s sandy, and it’s right next to a beautiful castle-like monument.
Costa da Caparica
A stunning coastline beach with jaw-dropping scenery and awe-inspiring waves, this beach is a modern addition to the little resort town of Costa da Caparica.
Praia de Santa Amaro de Oeiras
Known to be the best sandy beach near Lisbon, Praia De Santo Amaro De Oeiras is both literally and figuratively the sand between your toes!
Lagoa de Albufeira
If you’re looking for a more exclusive, private, and hidden away gem, the pristine Lagoa de Albufeira is the beach for you. Completely unknown to international tourists, you’ll be one of the lucky few to step foot on this beach.
In Summary
The vast number of options when it comes to beaches may be overwhelming to some. However, if you follow this guide and stick to the few recommendations provided, you’ll be sure to experience everything you could hope for and more.
Lisbon is an incredible tourist destination with endless things to do and experience. It’s safe, easy to get around, and the facilities, amenities, and accommodations are world-class. Moreover, once you arrive in Lisbon, it’s more than convenient to tour around other parts of Portugal such as Porto! Want to know how to spend a day in Porto, Portugal? Check out this article.
If you’re hesitant, allow this article to be your wake-up call! Book that ticket and don’t look back. Lisbon will provide you with memories you won’t soon forget.
