Because it’s so well connected to the city centre via the subway system, direct flights to Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado airport offer quick access to everything the city has to offer. Whether you choose to take public transit, book a transfer, or hop in a taxi, it shouldn’t take you longer than 30 minutes to get to the city’s most central neighbourhood, Baixa.
Lisbon’s hills may complicate walking around, but they definitely have their perks! Head up high to São Jorge, or St George’s castle, an impressive medieval structure overlooking the city, to try and get your bearings. There’s a small archaeological museum here, too. Walk along the ramparts while keeping an eye out for peacocks.
The Elevador de Santa Justa offers another stunning view of the city. The elevator is over 100 years old and links to a 45-metre-high viewing gallery. There’s a small restaurant at the top if you want to linger over the views.
Back at ground level, head to Commerce Square – Lisbon’s largest and most popular plaza. An earthquake in 1755 destroyed the palace that once stood there. Set alongside the river, this was once where boats docked to unload their wares from around the world. Now, the square gives way via two giant arches to the city’s most prominent boulevards.
That earthquake damaged much of Lisbon, but many places have been rebuilt over the years. This means that, for example, the Cathedral is a curious blend of Roman, Gothic and Baroque architecture as the styles from different centuries were used.
If you become obsessed with the tiles that feature on countless buildings in the city, you can visit the National Tile Museum. Other great museums include the Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, with works by the likes of Warhol, Dali and Picasso. MAAT, the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, needs to be visited, if only for its dramatic, sweeping exterior. Set in the Belem district, you’ll also find parks and plazas here, a calm retreat from the chaotic city centre.
Cascais and Sintra are both good choices for a day trip from Lisbon, if you’d like to explore further afield.
- Sintra: All cobbles and colourful cafes, Sintra is a historic town famous for its whimsical gardens, fairytale palaces and a 10th-century Moorish castle. In the otherworldly gardens of the Quinta da Regaleira house, the Knights of Templar initiation well spirals down into the ground like an inverted tower, leaving quite the impression on visitors. The town is less than an hour’s drive or train ride away, making it a perfect day trip destination.
- Cascais: Cascais is the perfect Portuguese beach town. Once a small fishing village, it’s managed to maintain that charm even as it’s attracted the attention of artists, writers and tourists since the 20th century. Visit Cascais to sunbathe on its scenic shores, but be captivated by the architecture, shops and restaurants that make up the town’s centre.
Looking for an easy, breezy city break to Lisbon? Book a trip with easyJet holidays and your flight and hotel will be wrapped up in one easy package. Choose from luxe hotels with rooftop pools, or charming boutique city centre properties, and have the perfect Lisbon getaway.
Cheap tickets to Lisbon provides an excellent escape at any time of year. The city is lively and loud and unashamed to be just that. Expect to leave exhausted – while secretly planning to return as soon as possible. And when you book a budget flight using the easyJet low fare finder, you can do just that.
Flying from London? View your London airport options on our London to Lisbon flights page
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