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Lisbon has just one airport: Humberto Delgado Airport, about 7 km northeast of the city center. Most travelers fly directly there unless they’re stopping over in Porto or the Algarve first, Portugal’s other main international gateways on the mainland.
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Popular Lisbon flight routes
When you’re traveling from the US, the most common routes to Lisbon start in major cities like New York, Boston, Miami, and Washington D.C., where direct flights to the Portuguese capital are typically available. Departing from another US city? Expect at least one stopover (usually through a European hub like Paris, London, or Amsterdam) before you reach your destination.
Popular routes include:
- New York (JFK) – Lisbon (LIS)
- Boston (BOS) – Lisbon (LIS)
- Miami (MIA) – Lisbon (LIS)
- Washington D.C. (IAD) – Lisbon (LIS)
- Los Angeles (LAX) – Lisbon (LIS) (typically with a stopover)
- Chicago (ORD) – Lisbon (LIS) (typically with a stopover)
- London (LHR) - Lisbon (LIS)
- Dubai (DXB) - Lisbon (LIS)
Lisbon weather and climate
In Lisbon, the climate is classic Mediterranean—think mild, rain-kissed winters, warm, sun-drenched summers, and lovely in-between months that blend the best of both.
Summer (June - August)
Sun-soaked days made for the beach, and balmy nights when your jacket can stay in the hotel room—that’s Lisbon’s summer for you. Temperatures typically range between 25°C and 30°C (77-86°F) during the day and 17-22°C (63-72°F) at night, with July and August being the hottest months.
It’s also worth mentioning that, although not the norm, temperatures can occasionally spike into the mid-30s, thanks to the hot blasts of air sweeping in from North Africa. All this to say: don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and hat.
Winter (December - February)
In one word, Lisbon’s winters are gentle. Crisp, yes, but rarely harsh—especially when the soft winter sun decides to make an appearance. During the day, temperatures average at around 15-16°C (59-61°F), while nighttime can bring lows of 8-10°C (46-50°F). If you’re looking for a destination where temperatures rarely drop below 0°C, and where thermals and hefty coats aren’t always necessary, Lisbon could be just the place for you.
Places to visit and stay in Lisbon
Lisbon is a choose-your-own-adventure city, with everything from history to culture, and coastal charm, and neighbourhoods to suit every vibe.
What to do and see in Lisbon
- Ride Tram 28 through some of the city’s most historic neighbourhoods, including Graça, Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela.
- Have a pastel de nata in Belém (trust us, they’re worth queuing for) and check out the iconic Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery while you’re at it.
- Relax at LX Factory, an industrial complex turned creative hub, filled with trendy eateries, indie shops, and rooftop bars. Be sure to check their calendar for special exhibitions, workshops, and markets.
- Catch a live Fado performance, Portugal’s traditional music. There are plenty of spots where both veteran and amateur Fado singers take the stage, with some of the most popular being Tasca do Chico, Clube de Fado, and Adega Machado.
- Spend a day in Sintra, a fairytale town offering a wealth of attractions, from Pena Palace to Quinta da Regaleira, Castle of the Moors, and more. Traveling to Sintra is easy—it’s just a 40 to 50-minute train ride from the city center. However, it does have its own microclimate, so pack a light jacket in case the fog rolls in.
- Visit the National Tile Museum to learn all about the traditional tilework of Portugal (and get a souvenir or two).
- Sunbathe at the beach. Carcavelos, Costa da Caparica, Guincho, São Pedro do Estoril—there are many to choose from.
- Take in stunning city views from popular lookout spots like Miradouro da Graça, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, or Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
- Experience Santos Populares, a traditional festival held every June and loved by locals for its vibrant street parties, colourful decorations, grilled sardines, and nights of non-stop dancing
Top neighborhoods to stay in Lisbon
Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, where getting lost between narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards is part of the charm. There are many Airbnbs and guesthouses to choose from, and most promise stunning river views anyone would love to wake up to. If it’s an authentic, local experience you’re after, Alfama might be the neighborhood for you. Just be prepared for lots of hills.
Chiado is Lisbon’s cultural heart, where you’ll find historic cafés, boutique shops, and art galleries to spare. When it comes to accommodation, Chiado is one of the city’s most sought-after areas, with elegant hotels and serviced apartments within walking distance of iconic landmarks like the Santa Justa lift and the ruins of the Carmo Convent.
Bairro Alto is charming and quiet by day, with its narrow streets and trendy cafés, but buzzing after dark, with packed bars and music into the early hours. As Lisbon’s main partying hub, lively evenings and plenty of noise are to be expected. If you’re travelling with kids, or simply dreaming of a quiet getaway, this might not be the ideal base for you.
Príncipe Real, located just north of Bairro Alto, offers a much quieter, laid-back atmosphere. Known for its beautiful gardens, eclectic clothing boutiques, and vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, Príncipe Real is a stylish yet peaceful retreat in the city.
Lisbon transport options
The metro, buses, and trains in Lisbon are all well-connected, affordable, and reliable. You can pay for most public transport with a contactless bank card or smartphone, or get a reusable Navegante card, which could save you money if you plan to get around a lot. Prefer ride-sharing apps? Uber and Bolt are the main options, or you can simply hop on a good old-fashioned taxi.
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