Lisbon is a beautiful city with a rich history. It’s a great place to visit if you’re interested in architecture, art, or simply want to enjoy what Portugal has to offer.

You’ll find plenty of attractions and activities, so it’s definitely worth considering as a travel destination.

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If you have limited time in Portugal, you might wonder if Lisbon is worth visiting. Is it worth your time? Is it worth the money?

Here’s what you need to know: Lisbon airport is one of the easiest to fly to, so chances are that you’d fly into Portugal via Lisbon.

But, if you’re flying to Porto or the Algarve region and wonder if you should visit Lisbon, this post is for you.

In this guide, you’ll be able to decide why Lisbon should be (or shouldn’t be) on your Portugal bucket list.

We’ll discuss the pros and cons of visiting Lisbon so that you can see if it’s the right destination for you.

Lisbon at night

The Pros Of Visiting Lisbon: Reasons To Visit

Lisbon is a city with plenty to offer tourists. If you’re looking for a destination with great food, wine, culture, and history, then Lisbon is the place for you.

Travelers can enjoy all that Lisbon has to offer without feeling rushed. You can easily spend a few days in the city and still not see everything.

Let’s explore other reasons to visit Lisbon.

Lisbon

Lisbon Is A Good City For Walking

Lisbon is a great city for walking. The streets are safe, and there’s plenty to see. You can explore different neighborhoods, visit museums, and see the architecture.

If you want to get away from the busy city center, you can walk along the riverfront or through one of the many parks.

You just need to keep in mind that Lisbon is built on hills, so be prepared for some inclines. But, the views from the top are worth it!

Lisbon Is An Excellent Destination For Foodies

If you love food, then Lisbon is the place for you. From fresh seafood to traditional Portuguese dishes, there’s something for everyone.

And, of course, you can’t forget about the pastel de nata. These egg tarts are a must-try when you’re in Lisbon.

You can find food from all over the world in Lisbon, but it’s definitely worth trying the local cuisine. Many restaurants have outdoor seating, so you can enjoy the weather while you eat.

The Weather Is Great

Lisbon has great weather year-round. The average temperature is 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). In the summer, the temperatures can get into the 80s (27 degrees Celsius), but it’s still comfortable.

The winters are mild, with temperatures in the 50s (10-15 degrees Celsius).

This means that you can visit Lisbon at any time of year and enjoy the weather. Of course, the summer is the busiest tourist season, so keep that in mind when you’re planning your trip.

During winter, many travelers prefer to head to Algarve, in the south of Portugal.

Lisbon Is A Great Choice For History Lovers

Lisbon is a great city for history lovers. There are plenty of museums, monuments, and historical sites to visit. You can learn about Portugal’s history, see the architecture, and even take a walking tour.

Some of the most famous historical attractions include the Jeronimos Monastery, Belem Tower, and Sao Jorge Castle.

Lisbon

Lisbon Is A Shopping Heaven

If you love to shop, then Lisbon is the place for you. There are plenty of stores, from high-end brands to local boutiques. You can find everything from clothes to souvenirs.

There are also several markets where you can find fresh produce, seafood, and other local goods. The most popular market is the Feira da Ladra, which is a big flea market.

Lisbon Is A Good Base To Explore Other Cities Nearby

Lisbon is a great city to use as a base to explore other places nearby. If you want to learn how to surf, you can head to Ericeira easily from Lisbon. You can also organize a day trip to Sintra or Cascais.

Many guided tours and organized day trips start from Lisbon – making it an excellent base to explore some of the best Portugal cities.

Want To Visit Lisbon?

Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels in Lisbon.
Best hostel: Lookout Lisbon Hostel
Best mid-range hotel: Vincci Liberdade
Best luxury hotel: The Lumiares Hotel

The Cons Of Visiting Lisbon: Reasons To Skip It

Now that we’ve covered all the reasons why you should visit Lisbon, let’s take a look at a few reasons why you might want to skip it.

Lisbon

Lisbon Is Expensive

Lisbon is definitely an expensive city. If you’re on a budget, it may not be the best place for you. However, there are ways to save money while you’re in Lisbon.

For example, you can stay in a hostel or cook your own meals.

You can also find discounts on museums, attractions, and activities if you plan ahead.

That said, walking around instead of using public transportation is another way to save money in Portugal.

We also recommend traveling off-season (spring, autumn, and fall) to get better deals on accommodation.

Lisbon Is Crowded

Lisbon can be pretty crowded, especially in the summer. Lisbon may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing vacation.

However, if you don’t mind the crowds, you’ll definitely enjoy all the city offers.

You could book your tours and activities ahead or purchase skip-the-line tickets to avoid queuing and wasting time during your trip to Lisbon.

Alternatively, consider traveling at different times to avoid the summer crowds.

The Final Verdict: So Is Lisbon Worth Visiting?

Yes, Lisbon is definitely worth visiting! The city has something for everyone – from history lovers to shopaholics. And, of course, the weather is great year-round.

If you’re on a budget, you may want to skip Lisbon. However, there are ways to travel to Lisbon on a budget, like staying in a hostel or traveling off-season.

Not a fan of crowds? Consider visiting Porto instead. I prefer Porto over Lisbon, but it depends on your travel style and interests.

Traveling to Portugal soon? Read one of the following guides:

About Melissa Giroux

Melissa Giroux founded abrokenbackpack.com in 2015. She is been living abroad since 2014. Originally Canadian, she has been living and working online in many destinations around the world. She is passionate about traveling, technology, entrepreneurship, and CrossFit.

She has traveled extensively in Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. She is now living in Thailand.


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