City guide · Portugal
Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital and most populous city of Portugal, with an estimated population of 658,236 as of 2025, within its administrative limits and 3,353,000 within the metropolis, as of 2025.
4 ready itineraries · 3, 5, 7, 10-day plans
Lisbon is the capital and most populous city of Portugal, with an estimated population of 658,236 as of 2025, within its administrative limits and 3,353,000 within the metropolis, as of 2025. The city lies in the western portion of the Iberian Peninsula, on the northern shore of the River Tagus.
The western portion of its metro area, the Portuguese Riviera, hosts the westernmost point of Continental Europe, culminating at Cabo da Roca. thumb|The grand Praça do Marquês de Pombal is perhaps the most central place in Lisbon, where three major Avenidas meet. thumb|Cathedral of Lisbon and Mouraria thumb|Torre de Belém (Belém Tower), one of Lisbon's most famous landmarks, with Ponte 25 de Abril in the background.
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want Lisbon without a car. The 3-day plan stays inside walking range of City.
- Skip if
- Skip Lisbon if you only want a beach week or an airport layover. This cluster is for people who will walk most days.
Pick a trip length
One plan per length — open it and walk the days in order.
- 3days3-day itineraryA long weekend walking Lisbon.Open plan →
- 5days5-day itineraryPopularA first visit to Lisbon with room for one extra neighborhood.Open plan →
- 7days7-day itineraryA slower week in Lisbon, with one day outside town.Open plan →
- 10days10-day itineraryFirst-time visitors who want a full Lisbon trip with day trips.Open plan →
5-day preview
Skim the walking days, then open the full plan.
- 1
City
Walk City in Lisbon. Start at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, then Gotta and Zoo Train. Stay on foot.
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara · Gotta · Zoo Train · Torre de São Lourenço · …
- 2
City
Walk City in Lisbon. Start at São João Bosco, then Doutor Sousa Martins and Memorial às Vítimas do Massacre Judaico de 1506. Stay on foot.
São João Bosco · Doutor Sousa Martins · Memorial às Vítimas do Massacre Judaico de 1506 · Academia Alto Santo Amaro · …
- 3
City
Walk City in Lisbon. Start at Antiga Fabrica de Polvora, then Culturgest and Igreja do Convento de Santos-o-Novo. Stay on foot.
Antiga Fabrica de Polvora · Culturgest · Igreja do Convento de Santos-o-Novo · Chiado (António Ribeiro) · …
- 4
City
Walk City in Lisbon. Start at Fernão de Magalhães, then Museu Geológico and Alto da Serafina. Stay on foot.
Fernão de Magalhães · Museu Geológico · Alto da Serafina
- 5
Day trip toward File:Ponte Vasco da Gama 25.jpg
Leave Lisbon for the day. Come back to the same bed.
File:Ponte Vasco da Gama 25.jpg · Fátima · Nazaré
Where to stay
Bases that fit the walking plan.
The centre
3 to 5 nights
First-time visitors
Stay inside walking range of the first-day stops in Lisbon.
Getting there & when to go
Lock timing and airport basics early.
Best time
Lisbon works year-round for a walking trip. Shoulder months are easier on crowds and hills.
- Shoulder months
- High season
- Low season
- Rain days
Airport
Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)
Lisbon has a very efficient public transport network that covers the entire city in addition to the surrounding areas. It consists of a bus and tram network operated by Carris, the separately-run Lisbon Metro underground rail, as well as commuter trains and ferries which connect Lisbon to its neighbouring suburbs. Additionally, Carris operates three unique funiculars and one public elevator that function as parts of the public transportation system. Most public transport in Lisbon uses an integrated ticketing system, allowing the same smartcard to be used across metro, buses, trams, suburban trains and many ferries.
- Public transit from LIS30 to 60 minutes · Local ticket price. Check the operator the week you fly.
- Taxi or licensed ride hail20 to 45 minutes · Treat any number you see online as an estimate, not a quote.
Practical notes
Short reads before you book.
Understand
thumb|right|Central Lisbon seen from a plane landing at Portela, looking south; the green strip is Parque Eduardo VII terminating at Praça Marquês de Pombal. Lisbon is built on seven hills, so getting around Lisbon can be a workout.
Many slopes and few really flat areas is one of Lisbon's trademarks. This is also a city of enchanting contrasts: The elegant squares, broad avenues, monumental buildings and rectangular layout of the lower areas quickly gives way to the hilly, narrow, winding, unpredictable and cramped streets of districts such as Alfama and Bairro Alto.
Get in
thumb|As one can see when landing, Portela Airport is basically inside the city of Lisbon and minutes from the shores of the river Tagus The Lisbon Airport serves the city. If no flight fits, you can take a plane to Porto or Faro.
Both cities have direct trains and buses to Lisbon. thumbnail|Main check-in area at Terminal 1 * | url=https://www.aeroportolisboa.pt/en | email=aeroporto.lisboa@ana.pt | address=Alameda das Comunidades Portuguesas | lat=38.7712 | long=-9.1299 | directions=between Loures and Lisbon, from the city centre | phone=+351 218 413 500 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lisbon Airport | wikidata=Q403671 | lastedit=2024-02-13 | content=The airport has two terminals.
Get around
Lisbon has a very efficient public transport network that covers the entire city in addition to the surrounding areas. It consists of a bus and tram network operated by Carris, the separately-run Lisbon Metro underground rail, as well as commuter trains and ferries which connect Lisbon to its neighbouring suburbs.
Additionally, Carris operates three unique funiculars and one public elevator that function as parts of the public transportation system. Most public transport in Lisbon uses an integrated ticketing system, allowing the same smartcard to be used across metro, buses, trams, suburban trains and many ferries.
Stay safe
Lisbon is generally safe, but use common sense precautions, especially at train stations and on public transport. Some areas are best avoided late at night because of the risk of mugging: Bairro Alto, the alleys, Cais do Sodre.
Some night clubs in Lisboa have a poor reputation. The most common crime against tourists is pickpocketing and theft from rental cars or on public transport.
Related guides
Helpful next pages for Lisbon.