Best: April–June or September–October. Fly into LIS. Use the Carris Tram 28 for a sightseeing route. TAP Portugal offers free Lisbon stopover programs.
At a Glance
| Country | Portugal |
|---|---|
| Main airport | LIS |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Language | Portuguese (English widely spoken) |
| Best time to visit | April–June, September–October |
| Visa for US citizens | US citizens enter Schengen visa-free for 90 days. ETIAS coming. |
Top Things to Do in Lisbon
- Ride Tram 28 through the historic neighborhoods
- Belém — Jerónimos Monastery + Tower
- Castelo de São Jorge (castle with city views)
- Alfama neighborhood walking tour
- LX Factory hip industrial complex
- Day trip to Sintra (palaces) — book ahead
- Day trip to Cascais beach town
- Pastéis de nata from Pastéis de Belém (original)
- Time Out Market food hall
- Fado dinner in Alfama
Best Neighborhoods to Stay In
- Baixa — flat central district
- Alfama — oldest neighborhood, fado bars
- Bairro Alto — nightlife district
- Chiado — upscale shopping
- Belém — monuments, museums
- LX Factory — hip startups, restaurants
- Príncipe Real — gardens, boutiques
Our recommendation: Baixa (flat central), Alfama (atmospheric old quarter), Bairro Alto (nightlife).
What to Eat
- Pastel de nata (egg custard tart) — Pastéis de Belém
- Bacalhau (salt cod, "1,000 recipes")
- Sardines (especially summer)
- Bifana (pork sandwich)
- Caldo verde (kale soup with chorizo)
- Ginja (sour cherry liqueur)
- Vinho verde (young green wine)
- Francesinha (Porto specialty, also here)
How to Get Around
Metro covers main areas. Trams (especially 28) are touristic but useful. Walking is great but the hills are no joke. Uber and Bolt cheap.
How to Get There from the USA
The main airport is LIS. Direct US flights are available from major gateways including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and others depending on the season.
👉 See our New York flight page or New York To London route page for typical pricing.
👉 Call +1 (833) 546-3547 for live agent quotes and bundle with hotels.
Visa & Entry Requirements (US Citizens)
US citizens enter Schengen visa-free for 90 days. ETIAS coming.
Always verify current requirements at the U.S. State Department travel advisory page before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year to visit Lisbon?
April–June, September–October.
Do US citizens need a visa for Portugal?
US citizens enter Schengen visa-free for 90 days. ETIAS coming.
Where should I stay in Lisbon?
Baixa (flat central), Alfama (atmospheric old quarter), Bairro Alto (nightlife).
How do I book cheap flights to Lisbon?
Call +1 (833) 546-3547 24/7. Our US-based agents quote live fares to LIS including unpublished consolidator rates not on public OTAs.
Can you bundle the flight with a hotel?
Yes — we are a full-service travel agency. View our hotel booking page.