In Lisbon, where you sleep decides how much of the city you see on foot. These are the areas we recommend, and who each one suits.
€€€€€€ Price levels compare the areas within this city.
01
Baixa & Chiado €€ Mid-range prices
Best for: First-timers
Flat, central and elegant. Easiest base for getting around.
02
Alfama € Lower prices
Best for: Couples
The old Moorish quarter: steep lanes, views and fado.
03
Príncipe Real €€€ Higher prices
Best for: Design lovers
Upscale, leafy and full of concept stores.
Hotel shortlists
Three picks per question, chosen with our selection criteria, with price ranges and what nobody tells you.
The 3 best hotels with river viewsComing soon
The 3 best luxury hotels in LisbonComing soon
The 3 best value hotels in BaixaComing soon
Airport to city
01
Metro (red line) ≈ 20 min
About 20 min to the centre with one change
Cheap and easy with light luggage.
02
Taxi or ride-hailing ≈ 20 min
About 20 min
Inexpensive for 2–4 people.
03
Private transfer ≈ 20 min
About 20 min
Good for families and hilltop hotels.
Frequently asked questions
The 10 questions everyone asks before going, answered straight.
01Is Lisbon safe for tourists?
Yes, Lisbon is one of Europe's safest capitals. Watch for pickpockets on tram 28 and in the crowds of Baixa and Alfama. Ignore street sellers offering drugs in Baixa and Bairro Alto. The cobbled streets are steep and slippery, so wear good shoes.
02When is the best time to visit Lisbon?
April to June and September to October are the best months, warm and sunny without the summer heat. June brings the Santos Populares street festivals, with grilled sardines everywhere. Summer is hot and busy, and winter is mild and rainy, with lower prices.
03What language is spoken in Lisbon?
Portuguese. English is widely spoken, and many people understand Spanish, but greet in Portuguese ("bom dia", "obrigado" or "obrigada"): locals appreciate it when visitors don't assume they speak Spanish.
04How many days do you need in Lisbon?
Three days is ideal for Lisbon itself. With 4 or 5 days you can add Sintra (a full day), Cascais or Évora.
05What are the top 10 attractions in Lisbon?
Belém Tower
Jerónimos Monastery
Alfama and São Jorge Castle
Praça do Comércio
Tram 28
The miradouros (viewpoints)
Chiado and Bairro Alto
LX Factory
Lisbon Oceanarium
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
06Which of these attractions can you visit for free?
Praça do Comércio and Rua Augusta, the lanes of Alfama, Chiado, Bairro Alto and the miradouros such as Santa Luzia and Senhora do Monte are all free. So are LX Factory, the riverside promenade and the Time Out Market (you only pay for what you eat). In Belém, the Jerónimos church is free to visit (the cloister is paid), and you can admire Belém Tower and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos from outside.
07Which museums are worth visiting in Lisbon?
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is a gem, and the National Tile Museum is unique to Portugal. Add the National Museum of Ancient Art, the MAAT on the riverfront, the Fado Museum in Alfama and the National Coach Museum in Belém.
08What are the locals like in Lisbon?
Lisboetas are warm, relaxed and polite, a bit reserved at first and quieter than their Spanish neighbours. Lunch is around 12:30–2:30 pm and dinner from 8 pm. The bread, olives and starters placed on the table (couvert) are charged if you eat them. Tipping is optional.
09What is the typical food in Lisbon?
The pastel de nata is a must, ideally warm in Belém. Try bacalhau (salt cod) in its many versions, grilled sardines in summer, the bifana pork sandwich, octopus à lagareiro and caldo verde soup. To drink, a ginjinha (cherry liqueur), vinho verde or port.
10Where should you stay in Lisbon?
Baixa and Chiado are central and the flattest part of town, at mid-range prices. Alfama is full of character and cheaper, but steep. Príncipe Real is elegant and full of boutique hotels, with higher prices.
Staying connected
An eSIM is a digital SIM you install on your phone before you fly. No plastic card, no shop at the airport: you land, switch it on and you're online.
Low cost: plans for a few days usually cost far less than roaming
Coverage in every destination on tips2trip, and worldwide
Data from the moment you land: maps, ride apps and your bookings
Book your airport-to-hotel and hotel-to-airport transfers in advance and forget about the taxi queue, the bargaining and the 'where do we go now?'. When you walk out of arrivals, someone is already waiting with a sign with your name on it, helps you with the bags and takes you straight to the door.
Fixed price, agreed before you travel
Flight tracking: they wait if you're delayed
Child seats and vans for families or groups on request
