Lisbon has warm summers with temperatures often in the high 20s, and wet, windy winters with temperatures around 10 degrees. Even in the coldest months of December and January the city rarely sees freezing temperatures, although the rain can make it feel colder. The hottest months are July and August, and the coolest are December through February.
Peak season
Tourists book their flights for the spring and the flow continues through to autumn. The highest point of the high season is mid-June to August when airline ticket prices also peak. Another drawing card is Carnaval in February or March, when prices are as high as those in the summer.
Off season
Early spring, late autumn, and winter visitors can often find cheap flight to Lisbon and reduced hotel rates. The Indian summer of late September into early October is a particularly pleasant time to visit. IndieLisboa has become one of the biggest festivals in the city, showcasing hundreds of international independent films. Head to Lisbon, during April and May, to catch a glimpse of new films and undiscovered directors within the independent cinema world. If you're a fashionista at heart or a bargain hunter looking for a good deal, Vogue Fashion's Night Out, is sure not to disappoint. Every year around the second week in September Lisbon's stylist stores and boutiques stay open late and offer discounted prices with the occasional glass of wine. Catwalk shows can be seen, alongside guest DJs, providing a cool soundtrack to the hustle and bustle of the evening.
Lisbon, Portugal's capital, lies across seven hills and overlooks the River Tagus. It's a charming old city, from Alfama, the Moorish-influenced part of town that survived the earthquake in 1755, to the lower town (or Baixa), that was flattened by it and later rebuilt in elegant 18th-century style.
Belem, the historic quarter, is beside the river. It is from here that many of the explorers headed off on their voyages of discovery. The beautiful Belem Tower, awesome Jerónimos Monastery and the Monument to the Discoveries are all here. It's also the place to sample Lisbon's delicacy - the custard tart. The Antiga Confeitaria de Belem has held the secret recipe to the cinnamon-dusted treat since 1837.
Bairro Alto, the high neighbourhood, is the cultural centre, a lively district with fado singing clubs, restaurants and bars.
Take a day’s trip to nearby Sintra, the royal mountain retreat where numerous lavish estates such as Monserrate and Pena palaces can be found. These exquisite buildings are surrounded by forests that are true royal playgrounds, with fountains, glasshouses, secret gardens and historic temples alongside modern additions such as interactive workshops. Nearby you’ll find Colares, the most western edge of Europe, with its beautiful beaches and the stunning hilltop enclave of Azenhas do Mar.
One of the best things about Lisbon though is getting around it. There are funiculars and a fantastic elevator connecting lower Lisbon to the upper parts. The number 28 tram trundles from Baixa to Campo Orique, taking in the Alfama and Graca districts.
The Aerobus operates three routes to the city, running every 20-30 minutes. Local buses also connect Lisbon Airport (LIS) with the centre. Taxi stands are situated outside arrivals.
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