Flights to Lisbon
Rattling yellow trams, tiled facades and hilltop viewpoints over the Tagus: Lisbon is one of Europe's sunniest capitals and one of the quickest to reach from the US East Coast.
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Language
- Portuguese
- Time zone
- WET (UTC+0), WEST (UTC+1) in summer
- Plug type
- Type C and F, 230 V
- Main airport
- Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LIS)
Overview
Lisbon spreads across a series of steep hills above the wide Tagus estuary, and its charm is in the climb. Alfama, the oldest quarter, survived the 1755 earthquake and still has a medieval street plan of staircases and tiny squares where fado drifts out of taverns at night. Below it, the Baixa was rebuilt afterward on a neat grid that runs from Rossio down to the riverside Praça do Comércio.
Uphill to the west, Chiado has historic cafés and bookshops, including Bertrand, often cited as the world's oldest operating bookstore, while neighboring Bairro Alto sleeps by day and fills its narrow lanes with bar crowds after dark. Belém, a short tram or train ride west, holds the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower and the original bakery for pastéis de nata. Along the river, the LX Factory and Cais do Sodré offer food halls and nightlife.
Comfortable shoes are essential: sidewalks are paved with slippery limestone calçada and hills are steep. Historic trams and the funiculars help, as do the Metro's four lines. Lisbon also makes an easy base for day trips by train to the palaces of Sintra and the beaches of Cascais.
Highlights of Lisbon
Alfama and São Jorge Castle
Wander the oldest quarter's alleys up to the Moorish-era castle walls for sweeping views, then return at night for live fado.
Belém
See the Manueline Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, both UNESCO-listed, and taste pastéis de nata at the bakery that has sold them since 1837.
Tram 28
The vintage yellow tram climbs through Graça, Alfama and Baixa; ride early in the morning to avoid the long lines.
Miradouros
Catch sunset from viewpoints like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, São Pedro de Alcântara or Portas do Sol.
Sintra day trip
Trains from Rossio station reach Sintra in about 40 minutes, where the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira sit in misty wooded hills.
Where to stay
Baixa and Chiado
Flat, central and well connected, with shops, cafés and easy walks to the riverfront; the best base for first-timers.
Alfama
Atmospheric and traditional, with fado houses and viewpoints; suits couples who don't mind steep streets and stairs.
Príncipe Real
Leafy and upscale with boutique shops, garden cafés and a relaxed feel; good for stylish, quieter stays.
Cais do Sodré
Riverside and lively, with the Time Out Market and trains to Cascais and Belém; ideal for nightlife and beach day trips.
Airports and getting into town
The Metro Red Line starts at Aeroporto station beside Terminal 1 and reaches Saldanha in about 20 minutes, with connections to other lines for Baixa-Chiado and Cais do Sodré. Carris city buses also serve the airport, though space for luggage is limited. Taxis and ride-hailing cars (pickups on Level 2 of car park P2) take about 15–25 minutes to downtown, depending on traffic.
Best time to visit
Spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October) bring warm sunshine and comfortable temperatures for walking the hills. June is festival month, when the Festas de Lisboa peak on the night of June 12 for Santo António with street parties and grilled sardines in Alfama. July and August are hot and busy, while winters are mild compared with most of Europe, though with more rain.
Airlines flying to Lisbon
Popular routes to Lisbon
Travel tips from our desk
- Wear shoes with good grip: Lisbon's polished stone sidewalks get slippery, especially after rain.
- Load a navegante card or use contactless where accepted for the Metro, trams and buses, and buy tram tickets in advance rather than on board.
- Ride Tram 28 early in the morning or walk its route instead, and keep valuables secure on crowded trams.
- Go to Sintra on a weekday and book the Pena Palace online for an early time slot to avoid the busiest periods.
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Explore Rome →Flights to Lisbon — frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from New York to Lisbon?
A nonstop from New York to Lisbon takes roughly 6.5 to 7 hours eastbound, making it one of the shortest transatlantic trips to continental Europe. The return usually takes about 8 hours.
Which airport should I fly into for Lisbon?
Fly into Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), which is close to the city and has nonstop flights from many US and Canadian cities. Porto (OPO) is an alternative if you're starting a trip in northern Portugal.
When is the best time to visit Lisbon?
April to June and September to October have warm, pleasant weather. June brings the Festas de Lisboa, while winter is mild but wetter.
How do I get from Lisbon airport to the city center?
The Metro Red Line runs from Aeroporto station to Saldanha in about 20 minutes, with connections across the network. Taxis and ride-hailing cars take about 15–25 minutes.
Is Lisbon a good base for day trips?
Yes. Trains from Rossio reach Sintra in about 40 minutes, and trains from Cais do Sodré run along the coast to Cascais in about 40 minutes.
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