Lisbon, Portugal
Pastel de nata, tram rides, and Atlantic light
Why Visit
Lisbon is having a moment, but unlike many trending destinations, the fundamentals back it up. The city is built on seven hills overlooking the Tagus River, giving almost every neighborhood a view. The light here is different from anywhere else in Europe: warm, golden, and constant. Photographers and artists have been drawn to it for centuries.
The food scene combines old and new in a way that works. A traditional tasca (tavern) will serve you grilled fish and a glass of vinho verde for under $15. Around the corner, a Michelin-starred tasting menu might run $80. The pasteis de nata (custard tarts) at Pasteis de Belem are worth the line.
Beyond the city, the Sintra palaces are a 40-minute train ride away, and the beaches of Cascais are even closer. Lisbon is compact enough to explore on foot in a long weekend but deep enough to reward a full week.
Best Time to Go
April through June is the best window. The weather is warm (65-80 F), the city hasn’t hit peak summer crowds, and prices are moderate. The Santos Populares festivals in June are a highlight.
September through October is the second sweet spot. Summer heat has eased, most tourists have left, and the Atlantic water is actually warm enough to swim.
July-August is hot (85-95 F) and peak tourist season. The city can feel crowded, particularly in Alfama and Belem. If you go in summer, book early and plan for afternoon siestas.
Getting There from the East Coast
Lisbon has become increasingly well-connected to the East Coast:
- TAP Air Portugal: Nonstops from JFK, Newark, Boston, and Washington Dulles. TAP frequently runs sales in the $350-450 range round trip.
- United/Delta: Seasonal nonstops from Newark and JFK, often competitive on price.
- Budget play: TAP’s positioning as a bridge to Europe means they aggressively price East Coast routes. Set a fare alert and wait for a sale.
Flight time is 7-8 hours from the East Coast. The one-hour time difference from Western Europe (Portugal uses GMT) works in your favor for jet lag recovery.
Where to Stay
Alfama is the oldest neighborhood, with narrow streets, fado music drifting from open windows, and the castle above. Charming but hilly. Hotels and guesthouses run $55-90.
Bairro Alto/Chiado is the central shopping and nightlife district. Flat(ter) terrain, walkable to everything. Hotels run $65-110.
Graca is the neighborhood the locals recommend. Highest miradouro (viewpoint) in the city, excellent restaurants, less tourist traffic. Hotels run $45-70.
Search hotels in Lisbon on Booking.com
Estimated Trip Cost
| Category | Budget (6 nights) |
|---|---|
| Flights (East Coast) | $400-550 |
| Hotels | $330-420 |
| Food & drink | $180-250 |
| Day trip (Sintra) | $30-40 |
| Activities | $40-60 |
| Total | $980-1,320 |
Lisbon sits in a sweet spot: cheaper than Western Europe but with first-world infrastructure and a level of culture and cuisine that rivals cities costing twice as much to visit.
Travel Hack Tip
TAP Portugal Stopover Program: TAP allows passengers to add a free stopover in Lisbon (or Porto) of up to 5 days on connecting flights to other European or African destinations. Flying to Barcelona? Route through Lisbon and spend three days exploring at no extra airfare. This turns a single trip into a two-destination vacation. Book directly through TAP’s website and select the stopover option during booking.