A stunning ancient city built on seven hills recognised for its trams, moorish castle and pastel de nata (custard tarts). The capital of Portugal is a city on the rise, the trend of short breaks trips and low-cost flights has meant the number of tourist visitors to the city has almost double from a decade ago. And for good reason, the city is charming, vibrant, a culinary hub and one that effortlessly blends its heritage with modernity and progressive thinking.

The weather is ideal from may right through to September. A hot summer is sandwiched between pleasant spring and autumn seasons. The winter is a little wet but that shouldn’t deter you as the city has a lot to offer for a wet day. Lisbon unlike most of Portugal is an all year-round destination. 

Getting into Lisbon is easy enough, the main airport (Aeroporto da Portela) is well served internationally and is the main hub for TAP Air Portugal, the flag carrier airline of Portugal. The city is well connected with the rest of the country and neighbouring Spain via an extensive bus and train network. 

Like most other modern capitals Lisbon has a well-organized public transport (bus, tram and metro) network that covers the city and surrounding areas. Cycling around the centre city is also viable, bike lanes have been put in and traffic in parts slowed.  

The city has its fair share of hotels, apartments rentals, small guest houses, hostels and even boat accommodation. We recommend the H10 Duque de Loulé and the New Lisboa Eco Hotel, both profiled in the following pages. For sightseeing the best place to stay is the historic centre, so that you are within walking distance of all the main sights and attractions. For the thriving nightlife the Cais do Sodre district is better and for business the Parque das Nacoes district, close to the airport and home to many modern business hotels.