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Lisbon is arguably Western Europe’s most underrated capital city.
It’s also one of the continent’s oldest.
Credit: Alexander Spatari/Getty Images
First founded as a trading port city in 1200 B.C., Lisbon pre-dates Rome.
Most of the old city was destroyed in an earthquake in 1755.
But today, the “City of Light” is thriving.
The pool at the One Palácio da Anunciada, a hotel in what was once a private mansion.Roger Mendez/Courtesy of The One Hotels
It’s home to colonial architecture, destination museums, and even its own genre of music.
There’s fun food think themed trucks and even cereal bars and fine food five Michelin-star restaurants.
At night, retire to a funky hostel, beautiful boutique property, or a 16th Century five-star hotel.
Courtesy of The Lumiares
However, you’ll definitely want to visit mid-June if festivals are your thing.
The U.S. uses punch in A and B.
So, pack an adapter or be prepared to buy one at the airport.
Courtesy of Antiga Confeitaria de Belém, Lda.
Tickets can be purchased at stations, online, or on theComboios de Portugalapp.
The metro (Metro Lisboa) is just as user-friendly.
There are four colored lines.
Courtesy of Restaurante Feitoria
The red line goes all the way to the airport, and single rides cost less than 2.
Don’t forget to validate your tickets before boarding and hold on to them until your ride is over.
Single rides are 2.
Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure
Taxis:Lisbon’s taxis are abundant and certainly affordable, unless you use them during rush hour.
Coop Taxis tend to be the most trusted.
Upon arriving at the airport, follow signs for the Uber pickup location.
Pedro Pina/Courtesy of Oceanário de Lisboa
Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa
Address: Av.
The property also has an award-winning seafood restaurant and a luxury spa complete with 24-hour fitness center.
It’s located just off of Avenida Liberdade on a quiet street.
Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure
Rates start around $100/night.
This hospitality company prides itself on its 23 mini apartments each outfitted with a well-equipped kitchenette.
Think coffee maker, fridge, microwave, electric cooktop, stick blender, and even a dishwasher.
Pedro Guimaraes/Courtesy of A Vida Portuguesa
Rooms also include AC; rates start at $120/night (long term rates are available).
The rooftop restaurant and bar have sweeping views of the city’s skyline and serve seasonal, locally-sourced fare.
Rooms have high ceilings and are spacious, by European standards.
Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure
They include kitchenettes or full kitchens and living areas.
Rates start at $195/night.
Rates start at $80/night, and rooms are mostly singles and doubles.
Background: Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images; Inset: Courtesy of Lisboa Cool
Best Restaurants
Time Out Market (Upscale food court)
Address: Av.
There’s usually a massive line, and sometimes it can take a while to get a table inside.
But it’s always worth the wait.
Reservations are highly recommended because the terrace is small and tables go fast.
Portions are quite generous, for the low prices, so keep that in mind as you order.
Songs are tragic and haunting, but they’re not just played, they’re performed.
Several tombs of Portugal’s historical elite from poets to explorers are found here.
More than 8,000 animals live in its 7 million-liter saltwater tank.
Today, it’s the world’s oldest operating bookstore according to the Guinness World Records.
While there are several Bertrand branches in Lisbon, the original is open seven days a week.
But for the most part, the magic only takes place at night.
Come during the day to see the Insta-worthy street art.
Return after dark for the city’s best nightlife, bar-hopping, and dancing.
Belem: Lisbon’s most impressive buildings and stateliest parks aren’t downtown; they’re in Belem.
The neighborhood is also home to beautifully landscaped green spaces, the ornate Jeronimos Monastery and several museums.
Weather
Lisbon has four seasons and with the exception of summer, a pretty mild climate.
It can be compared to central California’s.
Temperatures rarely dip below 45F and typically only climb up to the mid-90sF in July or August.
These months are also the driest.
With an average of 13 days of precipitation, November is usually the wettest month.
And don’t count on seeing snow.
It’s not uncommon for Lisbon to go half a century or longer without receiving any.
