When to go to Lisbon

With 300 days of sunshine a year, Lisbon is a jewel on the edge of Europe. The peak season for Lisbon travel is from June to September, but if you're the kind of traveller who likes to relax over a cup of coffee and take the time to get to know the city, the right time to go to Lisbon is April, May or September. The tourist crowds start arriving in June, when temperatures start to rise, the bathing season opens and the sun shines for about 12 hours a day.

What's the weather like in Lisbon?

November and December are a rollercoaster of rain and sunshine, so if you decide to travel to Lisbon during these months, be sure to pack an umbrella. In winter in Lisbon, the weather gets cold and life moves indoors. If you come from Central or Eastern Europe, you will be surprised to find that in Lisbon, at least in the older buildings, there is no heating system because there was simply no need for it.

As in all cities near the sea, winter tends to be windy, making the temperature seem colder than it is. In winter, the average temperature is 9°C and in summer 24°C.

What to see and do in Lisbon

Portugal is famous for discoveries over 500 years ago, when Portuguese sailors discovered Madeira, the Azores and Cape Verde. That is why you might be interested in visiting the Monument of the Discoveries, located by the sea. 950 metres away is the Belem Tower, the best example of Portuguese architecture and one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A few streets away is the Jeronimos Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and the resting place of Vasco Da Gama. If you need to recharge your batteries for your next visit of the day, enjoy a coffee and a pasteis de nata (traditional Portuguese pastry) at one of the nearby cafés with a beautiful view of the sea.

For those who don't get tired of walking so much and still have energy in the evening, we recommend going out to Pink Street or the LX factory. A wide choice of restaurants and pubs are waiting to impress you with a relaxed atmosphere and good food.

If you are interested in discovering the local culture and mingling with the locals, you should definitely visit the Alfama district. Here your senses will be treated to Fado music, a type of local music played in all of Alfama's cosy little restaurants.

Attractions: St. George's Castle, Mercado da Ribeira, Monsanto Panorama, Oceanarium, Cascais.