LisbonCapital
Portugal · Country profile
Lisbon is a gorgeous hilltop capital of sunny pastel neighbourhoods, vintage trams and pastel de nata, set along the wide Tagus river as it meets the Atlantic. Tram 28 rattles through the Alfama’s fado lanes, while Belém’s monastery and the Monument to the Discoveries tell of Portugal’s seafaring age. The city’s seven hills reward walkers with miradouros, rooftop bars and the lively Bairro Alto nightlife, all framed by a gentle, affordable lightness that makes it easy to love. Beaches, Sintra’s palaces and the coastal town of Cascais are short trips away, making Lisbon a perfect base for exploring Portugal.
About Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal. The city's documented population is around 658,236 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the Euro (EUR) and Portuguese is spoken; the dialling code is +351. It is served by 1 airport in our guide: Humberto Delgado Airport.
Seven Hills, Pastel Light and the Rattle of Tram 28
Lisbon is a hillside city of trams, pastel buildings and panoramic lookouts, built over a series of steep districts that reward walking but also test your legs. The old Alfama quarter, the grand commerce square and the Belém monuments each feel like their own world, and the city’s famous trams are as much a sight as a transport. It is one of Europe’s sunnier, more relaxed capitals, with a food and café culture that revolves around pastries, seafood and unhurried meals. The coast and the palaces of Sintra are close enough for easy day trips.
Steep Cobbles, Sintra Queues and the Best Months to Climb
The vintage trams, especially the famous one through the old quarters, are hugely popular — the modern metro, trams and trams to Belém are more reliable for moving around, and the old tourist tram is best taken early or seen rather than ridden in the crush. Sintra and its palaces draw big queues, so book tickets in advance. The city is hilly, so comfortable shoes are essential and the tram or funicular saves your legs on the steepest climbs. Summer is hot and crowded; spring and autumn are ideal. The airport is close to the centre and served by metro and bus.
Fado After Dark, Funiculars and the Train to the Coast
Lisbon is hilly, so use the metro, elevators and funiculars to avoid exhausting climbs; the tram network is scenic but slow and crowded. Many museums and attractions close on Mondays. The nightlife in the Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré districts is lively and famously late — dinner often starts around 9 pm. Fado, the mournful singing tradition, is best experienced in a dedicated venue rather than by chance. The modern metro is fast, cheap and covers the main areas. The coastal towns of Cascais and Sintra are a short train ride, ideal for a break from the city hills.
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- Country
- Portugal
- Population
- 658,236
- Coordinates
- 38.7742, -9.1342
- Capital
- Lisbon
- Region
- Europe
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Calling code
- +351
- Country code
- PT
Entry requirements for Portugal
Visa status for travellers from common origins visiting Portugal for tourism.
Getting to Lisbon
Airports we list for Lisbon:
Other airports in the area:
Cities in Portugal
Other cities we cover in Portugal:
Frequently asked questions
Is Lisbon the capital of Portugal?
Yes — Lisbon is the capital of Portugal.
What currency do I need in Lisbon?
The local currency is the Euro (EUR). Languages spoken in Portugal include Portuguese.
What is the dialling code for Portugal?
The international dialling code for Portugal is +351.
Which airport should I fly into for Lisbon?
Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is the airport we list for Lisbon.
How far is Lisbon from the nearest airport?
Lisbon is about 278 km from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport.
Do I need a visa to visit Portugal?
It depends on your passport. Among the origins we track, travellers from Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda and Argentina currently enter Portugal visa-free for tourism. Use the entry requirements tool to check your own nationality and purpose of travel.
Flying out of Lisbon? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.