Lisbon holidays

Monument of Discoveries, Lisbon, Portugal

Popular holidays

2,000 years of history, beaches in daytripping distance and a buzzing city centre – Lisbon city breaks have got the lot.

Lisbon city breaks

Portugal’s capital city packs a lot into its relatively compact locker. The city’s split into several distinctive neighbourhoods – from the Chiado district, which is packed with high-end boutiques and restaurants, to the Alfama district, which is the city’s oldest neighbourhood, and is distinguished by its narrow, cobbled streets, colourful houses and centuries-old churches.

2,000 years of history

Lisbon’s the second-oldest capital city in Europe, so it’s no surprise that some of its biggest landmarks go back centuries. Sights like the 15th-century Jeronimos Monastery and the 16th-century Belem Tower both have UNESCO World Heritage ticks to their name, while the Sao Jorge Castle goes back even further – it’s also one of the best places to head to for widescreen views over the city and the River Tagus.

Tram-tastic

Lisbon’s nickname – the city of seven hills – is very apt, with lots of steep climbs and stairs to tackle between sights. But, for an easier way to get around, you can hop on the city’s famous yellow trams. They’ve been around for more than a century, and still have lots of original features, like wooden interiors and brass dials. They’re compact, too, so they can weave in and out of the narrowest streets with ease.

Coastal charms

The city’s perched just inside the mouth of the River Tagus, with top-notch beaches by the Atlantic Ocean in easy daytripping distance. Lots of locals head to Estoril in the summer months, while Praia de Carcavelos is a near-mile-long stretch of sand that boasts the title of Lisbon’s biggest beach – both of them can be reached in a little over 30 minutes by car from the city centre.

How long does it take to fly to Lisbon?

The flight time from Ireland to Lisbon is between two hours 30 and two hours 45 minutes.

When is the best time to visit Lisbon?

Lisbon boasts mild temperatures year round with hot summers. The weather in Lisbon is beautiful for exploring during the Spring and Autumn.

Popular hotels in Lisbon

Top things to see and do in Lisbon

Beaches

The big beach

Lisbon’s biggest stretch of beach – Praia de Carcavelos – is just a 30-minute drive away from the city centre. Its cracker-coloured sands are backed up by a smattering of bars and restaurants, and there are surf schools dotted along the front, too.

The surfer’s beach

Watersports fans make a beeline for Praia do Guincho, due to its big waves and high winds that are primed for surfing. It’s a 750 metre stretch of sand here, meaning plenty of wriggle room for sunseekers. The drive from Lisbon only takes around 40 minutes, so it’s within easy daytripping distance.

The laidback beach

Nova Praia’s just a 25-minute drive south of Lisbon, across the famous Ponte 25 de Abril bridge. The caramel-coloured sands here are ideal for a sunbathing session, and it’s relatively untouched by the masses, so rarely gets too crowded.

Shopping

Bargain buys

The Mercado de Santa Clara is Lisbon’s oldest market, dating way back to 1272. It takes place on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and sells everything from antiques to handicrafts, as well as azulejos – decorative ceramic tiles, which you’ll find on buildings across the city.

Mid-range buys

Rua Augusta’s the place to go for familiar high street names. This pedestrianised street links the Praca do Comercio on the waterfront with two of the city’s main squares. Along with the shops and restaurants that line it, there are street performers and artists, too.

Designer buys

Avenida da Liberdade is the city’s main avenue, and it’s modelled on the Champs-Elysees in Paris. It runs for about a mile, and every designer label worth their salt has a presence along here, including the likes of Louis Vuitton and Gucci.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

For a relatively chilled affair, the city’s Fado clubs are a great place to watch some live music over a couple of glasses of wine. Fado’s a traditional type of Portuguese music with a melancholic theme, and live performances take place in venues across the city. There are a few spots in the Bairro Alto district, close to the city centre.

Lively evenings

Lisbon’s liveliest nightlife can be found on the waterfront at Santo Amaro Docks. A whole string of huge warehouses here have been converted into bars, clubs and restaurants, which stay open ‘til the small hours.

Food & drink

Tascas

Tascas are a traditional type of Portuguese restaurant, usually family-run, and typically found in old neighbourhoods like Alfama. The focus is on hearty home-cooked portions, with ever-changing menus.

Sagres

Two beers take centre stage in Portugal – Super Bock and Sagres. The former tends to be more popular in the north, but it’s the latter that reigns supreme in the capital.

Pastel de Nata

These egg custard tarts are a Portuguese speciality, which appear in bakery windows all over the capital. The filling’s encased by soft golden puff pastry with a dusting of cinnamon on top. They’re best tried straight out of the oven.

Bifana

This simple street snack’s found in cafes and food trucks around the city. It consists of thin slices of pork marinated in white wine and garlic, then fried and served in a crusty roll.

Sardines

Sardines are big business here. Lots of restaurants and street stalls sell them freshly grilled. If you’re looking to take some home, there are even shops that sell nothing but tinned versions.