Located at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is a very picturesque maritime city, ideal for a charming vacation or a romantic weekend. Let's go to the discovery of the Portuguese capital, placed under the sign of water.
A trip to Lisbon
Ideal climate, attractive festivals, great variety of the city… you should not be disappointed in Lisbon!
Shipping is funicular centuries-old and romantic will take you to the top of the hills on which the city is built (towards Sao Jorge Castle and Lisbon Cathedral). Right here, the typical neighborhoods of Alfama and Bairro Alto are like the picture of a peacefully organized life. At night, the fado clubs open their doors. The most famous, the Clube do Fado in Sao Joao da Praça, is the ideal place to learn about the typical melancholy of this music.
During your stay, take the time to visit the Oceanorium on the former site of the 1998 World's Fair. Lisbon maintains such a relationship with the Atlantic Ocean that to better understand it, a visit to this great museum is highly recommended. In Belém (accessible in a few minutes from Place du Commerce, by tram), you will not fail to stop in front of the famous Manueline-style tower known as Belém Tower.
In the evening and to party, everything takes place on the “dockas” on the banks of the Tagus. Hundreds of bars of all styles, always very trendy await you in an often overheated atmosphere.
Lisbon in 4 facets
Lisbon can be visited in 1001 ways, we have chosen 4 for you.
Lisbon and its tram
Alfama, the fishermen's quarter
Leaving Lisbon without leaving Lisbon seems impossible? It is because you do not yet know the Alfama district, whose name means "hot fountain"! This picturesque area, a real little village in the city, is made up of steep streets with many stairs and ideal for finding a hotel. He indeed leans against the hill surmounted by the Saint Georges castle.
It is one of the rare sectors to have been preserved during the earthquake of 1755. It is possible to discover it on board the small tram n ° 28. In the evening, walk the streets and push open the door of a restaurant where you can hear a fadist singing. Fado is a melancholy, nostalgic song most often accompanied by a guitar or a plucked string instrument.
A few walks on the seafront ...
You don't have to be at the foot of the ocean to realize its existence. The Tapada das Necessidades (the Palace of Necessities, which houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) offers superb gardens where you can discover cacti. And from one garden to another, that of "April 9" allows you to contemplate at your leisure the river Tagus and its port. Then taking the direction of the river, you will walk along the docks, and thus observe the activities of the fishermen. After dark, the Santo Amaro Dock offers many trendy bars and nightclubs.
Conquering the oceans
If you feel the soul of Vasco da Gamma, or if, more simply, you are interested in navigation, then do not hesitate to visit the Caravela Vera Cruz, in the port of Lisbon. You will see the ships, the first navigation instruments, the living conditions of the sailors, as well as examples of spices for which they embarked for long weeks.
From one bridge to another
The Tagus being up to two kilometers wide, which means that the growth of the city required the creation of bridges! From the 1967th century, it was done with the aqueduct which only allowed a pedestrian crossing. Its access was prohibited after XNUMX, but it is still visible, and classified as a national monument. Closer, we notice the 25 April Bridge (which is reminiscent of the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco) and the Vasco de Gamma Bridge which are now among the most popular monuments of the capital of Portugal.
When to go to Lisbon?
Facing the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon nevertheless enjoys the favors of a Mediterranean-type climate. Mild temperatures in winter, maximum sunshine in summer, each season has its attractions for tourists. However, avoid the month of November, which can suffer from heavy precipitation. Also note that temperatures in July and August can occasionally reach 40 ° C. during upwelling of hot air masses from the African continent. In summer, periods of drought can set in, but the general temperature amplitude remains generally moderate throughout the year.
The most auspicious seasons to discover the Lusitanian capital are therefore spring and autumn. Watch out for the month of April which sees the attendance increase significantly for the Estoril Open and the arrival of tennis fans. Accommodation and transport prices rise accordingly and reach peaks only matched during the high season of July and August.
FURTHER INFORMATIONS : find all the annual climate forecasts for Lisbon.
The budget to plan
The Lisbon capital benefits from attractive rates for the standard European traveler. On average, the cost of living in Lisbon is 30% cheaper than in France. The many restaurants that dot the city have unbeatable prices that allow penniless backpackers to feed for 10 euros per person. Transportation is also very cheap. The daily budget of the backpacker traveler is estimated at 6 euros per person using public transport, while comfort seekers will opt for the city's famous taxis for around 13 euros per day.
Leisure activities, cultural outings and events are also accessible to all budgets.. Count less than 15 euros per day for a hyperactive visitor. By far the biggest expense item for the traveler will be accommodation. Depending on the type of accommodation chosen, prices vary from single to triple and even more for luxury hotels. Backpackers will enjoy a private room for two in a youth hostel for 40 euros while the rates charged by large hotels can soar well over 200 euros, especially in summer.
How to go to Lisbon?
By plane
To reach the westernmost of European capitals, the most convenient means of transport is undoubtedly the plane. A trip by car is possible but long and tedious from France. The train is not more interesting for the same reasons. Leaving from Paris, it will take 19 hours to reach the ocean and it will cost you on average 170 euros, which is much more than choosing a low-cost flight.
Lisbon is indeed very well served by many airlines. As a popular destination for tourists, the influx increases during the summer and the prices charged with it. Make sure you always book your tickets in advance and use flight comparators correctly to get the best prices. You will be able to find return flights from Paris for less than 50 euros in winter and more or less 130 euros in summer. Also take into account the transfer from the airport to the city center. By metro, it will cost you the modest sum of 1,55 euros while a taxi trip is around 15 euros.
How to get around?
Lisbon is a relatively small capital which is worth to visit on foot. Getting lost in the maze of the Belem district is a real pleasure that tourists in search of the Lisbon soul should not deny themselves. However, many of them choose to spend only a weekend there, so it is essential to take advantage of the city's extensive public transport network. Buses, trams, metro and funiculars make the heart of Lisbon beat to the rhythm of their passages and contribute to the elegantly old-fashioned charm of this city. Impossible to ignore them! Especially since the prices of public transport are very attractive.
A one-way ticket will cost you 1,55 euros while the monthly pass costs around 35 euros, much cheaper than in most European capitals. For tourists, there are several types of day passes. For 6,40 euros, you will have unlimited access to all means of transport for 24 hours. For around 10 euros, you also have access to suburban trains. Finally, the tourist office offers the " Lisboa Card »Which, for 19 euros and for 24 hours, gives you access to all transport, entry to 29 museums and even reductions in certain craft shops! Be careful though, this card will only be profitable if you visit a lot of museums.
Where to sleep and in which neighborhood to stay?
Located in the heart of Lisbon, the districts of Baixa and Chiado are surely the most popular places for tourists to find accommodation. Both lively and historic districts, activities are legion and cultural points of interest are numerous. You will find youth hostels there at 17 euros per night like the Inn Possible Lisbon Hotel or high standard accommodation like the Browns Central Hotel with decoration designed by world-famous designers at 185 euros per night.
The Alfama district is the oldest in Lisbon. Tourists in search of authenticity, here is your home! From the Tagus estuary to the castle which overhangs the hill, the district extends its myriads of small winding streets adorned with many architectural wonders. Here, the hotel offer is more upscale with prestigious establishments such as the Santiago de Alfama, a 5-star hotel whose rooms are rented for no less than 300 euros per night.
We could also cite the neighborhoods of Barrio Alto and Principe Real, both undergoing redevelopment and increasingly attractive for good Lisbon society as well as for tourists in search of long azimuth nights. Conversely, Santos, Lapa and Estrela constitute the places of residence of the nobility of the city and are less interesting from a tourist point of view. Finally, the Belem district, with its many museums, remains a safe bet for all history buffs.
Understanding the geography of Lisbon
Lisbon is surrounded on both sides by water. On the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and separated in two by the majestic Tagus River, the capital of Portugal marvelously bears its surnon of “Capital of the Sea”.
April 25 bridge
The Tagus River
Drawing its source in Castile, the heart of Spain, the Tagus is the largest river in the Iberian Peninsula. Crossing the prestigious Toledo in Spain, it flows into the Atlantic at the mouth of Lisbon, where it shapes the landscape. Nicknamed the Sea of Straw by the people of Lisbon, its sparkling colors when the sun goes down deliver an inimitable atmosphere to the city of Lisbon. It is above the Tagus that two key monuments of the city were built, the Vasco da Gama bridge on the occasion of the 1998 Universal Exhibition, followed closely by the 25 April Bridge in 1999.
The Atlantic Ocean
Open to the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon experienced a golden age in the 14th and 15th century thanks to its port, then one of the strongholds of the spice trade. Today, the Port of Lisbon is still the most dynamic on the European Atlantic coast. However, tourism has taken over economically and Lisbon is more often cited for the beauty of its surrounding beaches than for its industrial port. In any case, the sea is an integral part of Lisbon culture and is found almost everywhere, from fado to gastronomy.
The 7 hills of the historic center
The historic center of Lisbon actually marks the current limits of the city, which is extremely rare in Europe. All the surrounding “neighborhoods” are actually municipalities in their own right. The historic center is made up of 7 hills. This particular relief is also an attraction of Lisbon, because some hills are so steep that driving is impossible. This is why the city is equipped, among its different public transport systems, with 3 funiculars. The city's liveliest Alfama district is located on one of the city's hills and So Jorge Castle, Lisbon's major tourist site, on another.
What to eat or drink in Lisbon?
The famous Pastéis De Nata
Portuguese gastronomy is rich and diverse. Fish, seafood and shellfish of course but also roasted meats, cold cuts and wines of cours ! Cod is surely the fish most appreciated by Lusitanian cooks, it is also said that they have 365 ways to prepare it. Try the Bacalhau com Natas, a succulent cod gratin with milk cream. For shellfish lovers, Arroz de Marisco is a complete dish that mixes, depending on the season, mussels, clams, crab, shrimps, lobsters, clams ... For meat lovers, the Steak On Coffee is certainly the most surprising dish in the local gastronomy. A steak covered with a pepper and coffee sauce, a real delight! We could also evoke the grilled sardines, symbol of the culture of the Tagus, the Feijoada made with meats, black peas and white rice or the Carne de Porco com Amêijoas which mixes the flavors of pork and clam.
On the sweet side, you will not leave Lisbon without having tasted the famous pastéis de nata that we no longer present! A kind of custard custard, which can be enjoyed lukewarm.
But Portugal is also the land of wine so let's talk about it… Red, rosé or white, all types of wine are produced here, especially in the regions of Alentejo, Douro and Dão. Absolutely try the green wine, a young, fresh and tangy wine, perfectly suited to fish and shellfish dishes. At aperitif time, opt for the full-bodied flavors of a Port or a Muscat. Unless you prefer a good Super Bock beer, very cold in the shade of a parasol.
The main monuments
Small glimpses of the main monuments of the city.
Belém Tower
April 25 bridge
The April 25 Bridge is somewhat reminiscent of the San Francisco Bridge because of its red color. It was also Americans who built it on order of the Portuguese dictator of the time, Salazar. The building bore his name, then during the Carnation Revolution on April 25, 1974, the bridge was renamed. Today, the bridge has become the symbol of Lisbon and it is the delight of all amateur and experienced photographers.
The April 25 bridge in figures:
- Total length: 2.3 km
- Height of the pillars: 191 m
- 2nd tallest building in Portugal
Hieronymites Monastery
The Hieronymites Monastery was built in the 16th century thanks to the sale of the riches of America brought back by Vasco da Gama. it backs onto the Church of Santa Maria which contains the tomb of the king of the time, Manuel I. Since 1, the monastery has been classified as a World Heritage Site and attracts thousands of visitors every year. You can combine your visit to this religious monument with those of the Marine and Archeology museums.
Belém Tower
Considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Manuelian art, the Tower of Belém is a monument not to be missed in Lisbon. Dating from the 16th century, it was originally a defense tower built on the banks of the Tagus against invaders from the Atlantic Ocean. 35 meters high for five floors, you will enjoy at the top of the tower a 360 ° view of the Tagus and Lisbon. Now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this five-storey building located in the Belém district is one of the most visited monuments in Lisbon.
The main museums
Here are 2 typical museums of the city, not to be missed during your visit to Lisbon.
Azulejos Museum
The "azulejos" are blue earthenware tiles, widely used in Lisbon and more generally in Portugal and Spain. This type of ornament was born from the meeting between the architectural cultures of the Moors and the Iberians. Sometimes abstract and geometric shapes, they can also be composed of real figurative frescoes. Lisbon is the only city with a museum entirely devoted to azulejos. an opportunity not to be missed !
Website of the Azulejos Museum
Fado and Guitar Museum
This museum presents the history of Fado, these tormented and melancholic songs typical of Portugal. By visiting it, you will become aware of the immense social impact of this music in Portuguese culture. Do inquire before visiting it because you might be lucky enough to be able to attend a concert in one of the concert halls of the museum.
Fado Museum website
Parks, walks and activities
Lisbon is the perfect city for river cruising. In addition, several shaded parks will welcome you, especially during the hot summer months.
Cruise on the Tagus River
Take a river cruise on the Tagus River and enjoy an original perspective on Lisbon. Most of the city's monuments and attractions are reviewed. The walk is very pleasant and original.
Botanical Garden
Take advantage of the shade of this botanical park to discover plant species imported from Latin America. One of the pride of Lisbon people is the large alley bordered on both sides by huge palm trees.
Botanical Garden website
To continue your visit ...
Prepare your holidays in Lisbon as well as possible with these additional practical information.
Useful information
- Documents: an identity card will suffice
- Health: good general level
- Currency: the euro (€)
- Tip: not compulsory, but welcome (between 10% and 15%)
- Souvenirs: azulejos, a good bottle of wine or olive oil
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Lisbon center
