Are you travelling to Lisbon in summer but are unsure what to see and do? This guide will help you find many highlights in the capital of Portugal!
As is the case across much of Europe, the best time to visit Lisbon is during the summer months. The average temperature typically ranges from 68 °F to 82 °F (20 °C to 28 °C), providing hot days and perfect beach weather. However, good weather also means high season, so you can expect crowds and accommodation prices to be higher.
Summer in Lisbon, with its sunny days and blue skies, is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities in the city and surrounding areas. The city boasts a vibrant atmosphere, offering cultural events, music festivals, and fantastic beaches. There is enough to see in the city, whether you have just one day or a whole week.
So, let’s dive in and discover some places to add to your Lisbon in summer itinerary!
How Much Time do I need in Lisbon?
The best duration for your trip to Lisbon would be between 3 and 5 days, as you can explore some areas around the city as well. There is no shortage of incredible day trips from Lisbon. Destinations like Sintra, Cascais, and Évora are just a short drive away and very much worth the trip.
Best Things to do in Summer in Lisbon
Discover Alfama
Alfama, located in the city center, is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, with many tiny cobblestoned streets! Leave Google Maps at home for the day and explore the hidden alleys and colorful houses.
They are often covered in azulejo tiles, and Alfama is the home to Fado music. So, after your adventure in the labyrinth of narrow streets, you can enjoy a Portuguese meal in one of the local restaurants with some traditional music.
Alfama also contains many sights and historical buildings, such as São Jorge Castle, the cathedral Sé de Lisboa and Miradouro de Santa Luzia. This viewpoint is stunning and covered in colorful flowers in summer. Next to this viewpoint, you can visit another one: Miradouro das Portas do Sol. Lisbon has many viewpoints, so be sure to discover at least a handful of them!
Time Out Market
When it’s time for a bite to eat, Time Out Market is the perfect place to be. You can visit the food market early in the morning, but most people visit during lunch or dinner. Different high-end Portuguese chefs run several food stalls at Time Out Market. It’s a fantastic spot to enjoy delicious food for a relatively affordable price. Enjoy Portuguese fish, meat or vegan meals. Or try incredible pizza, sushi, or burgers. The food market also offers cooking classes, and there are often events.
The LX Factory
The LX Factory is another great foodie spot, but also an area where you can go shopping. The shops and restaurants are located in a former industrial complex, and it turned into a creative hub with beautiful street art.
The LX Factory is a lively place with many key events throughout the year. This is the place to be if you’re looking for souvenirs, creative accessories and vintage clothes. Remember to visit the most beautiful bookstore: Ler Devagar. Or enjoy a drink on the rooftop and enjoy the view over the Tagus River.
Ride the Tram or Funicular
A visit to Lisbon is incomplete without a ride in a vintage tram. Most visitors would step onboard Tram 28 at some point, but this tram line can be overcrowded, making it one of the least favorite things to do in Lisbon in summer.
All trams and funiculars are part of the Lisbon public transport system and aren’t tourist attractions. Great alternatives, therefore, are Tram 12 or 15. And the quietest funicular is located on Calçada do Lavra. Perfect to skip a long waiting line and still enjoy the experience! The Hills Tramcar Tour is another option. Tickets are valid for 24 hours, and you enjoy the same route as Tram 28.
Jerónimos Monastery
Belém, one of the historic neighborhoods of Lisbon, is home to some fantastic Lisbon monuments, including the Belém Tower, a historic fortress with stunning views, and Jerónimos Monastery.
Jerónimos Monastery is one of the top sights in the city, and it was once the monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome. You can visit the church for free and visit the tombs of Vasco da Gama, Luís de Camões, and Fernando Pessoa. You’ll pay an entrance fee if you want to see the monastery. You’ll learn more about the Monastery of the Hieronymites, King Manuel I and the unique Portuguese Manueline style.
Enjoy a Pastel de Nata
There is a link with the Jerónimos Monastery and the famous custard cakes in Portugal. The first pasteís de nata (pasteís is plural of pastel) was made in the monastery, and you can try the original recipe in the next-door bakery, Pastéis de Belém. You can order pasteís de nata for takeaway or sit in their cafe. The queue can be long, but getting a seat usually doesn’t take too long. Besides pastel de nata, they offer many other salty and Portuguese sweets for you to enjoy!
The Lisbon Oceanarium
If you’re travelling with kids, it’s a great idea to visit the Lisbon Oceanarium. The main fish tank at Oceanário de Lisboa holds a whopping 5 million liters of water and is home to some remarkable species! Discover the sharks, manta rays and even a moonfish! It’s one of the largest indoor aquariums in Europe, and there are many fish tanks to explore. There are even penguins and otters! The aquarium is located at Parque das Nações, and you can enjoy a fun ride on the cable car as well.
Day Trip to Sintra
When you have time, a day trip to Sintra is a must! Honestly, you can spend many days here and still would not have seen all the sights! Sintra is a town as well as a natural park, and it’s famous for its many palaces. Pena Palace, the National Palace and Quinta da Regaleira are, without a doubt, the most famous and most visited ones.
Especially in summer, you should book your tickets online in advance! You can also join a tour from Lisbon, which usually combines one or two places, a trip to Cabo da Roca (the westernmost point of mainland Europe) and Cascais.
For a quieter experience, recommended sights are the Capuchos Convent, Biester Palace and Park and Palace of Monserrate. They are just as beautiful, especially the gardens of each palace, and worth your time!
Stay overnight to enjoy a nice dinner in town, a restaurant you won’t regret checking out is Incomum By Luís Santos. Or explore the coastal towns in Sintra! Praia das Maçãs and Azenhas do Mar are unique places to visit.
Day Trip to Cascais
Cascais is a fun coastal town just outside of Lisbon. You can easily reach Cascais by train, which is about 40 minutes from Cais do Sodré. Take a look at the rugged coast, and the fishermen at Boca do Inferno. Or explore the town with the typical pavement known as calçada Portuguesa. For a fantastic fish dinner, Cascais is perfect! But the city has many more restaurants and lively bars with good music.
With sunny weather, grab your towel and head to some of Cascais’ best beaches, including Praia da Rainha, Praia da Conceição, or Guincho Beach. Another great option is checking out the stunning park Parque Marechal Carmona.
I hope this guide helps in planning your ideal summer holidays in Lisbon. The city offers plenty of activities and beautiful moments that are sure to leave you impressed. Choose the Lisbon experiences that resonate with you, and get ready to have a great time!
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