I am afraid of planes and I travel with them no longer. But, before I got my fear, I did travel around. One of those places was Lisbon, Portugal. It is a stunning city and one of the most charismatic cities I’ve ever visited. It is a place that constantly blends tradition with modernism and constantly becomes more progressive.
Nothing is changed, I hear and that is awesome. If you choose Lisbon as your holiday destination then you’ve hit the jackpot. It has a rich history, out-of-this-world nightlife and a great climate all over the year. In this guide, you will find all the information you’ll ever need to make your stay in Lisbon a great experience.
There are a plethora of things and activities to do in Lisbon. As you arrive you will immediately feel the welcoming atmosphere and the variations of generations in its tourists. Whether you come here to upgrade your cultural perspective, have a great time with your family or just have a great time parting Lisbon will offer that plus much more.
How Much Time Should You Stay In Lisbon and What Beaches to Visit?
If you want to explore the whole city you will need around three days. However, if you want to explore the city and still rest on the beautiful beaches than you will need at least 7 days. Near Lisbon, you can find beautiful sandy beaches found nowhere in Europe, not even Greece. There are many beaches to explore.
The two sandy coastlines can be easily reached from Lisbon. One is the Cascais-Estoril which is located on the west side of Lisbon and the other is the Costa De Caparica on the south side. If you have the cash to rent a car then we recommend going to Serra de Sintra or the beautiful beaches of Serra da Arabica.
Other places you should visit and if you have the budget and time, of course, we also recommend visiting Sintra, Cascais, Mafra & Ericeira and Setubal.
When To Visit Lisbon?
Well, this is a no-brainer, right? Summer is the best time, but be warned. Summers can get really dry and hot, and if you don’t want great temperatures then maybe late spring will be the right match for you. Most tourists come in the peak season end of June and begging of August, so be prepared to face the crowds. Winters are warmer than let us say Germany, but they are rainy. That does not mean you cannot enjoy your stay there, because even on rainy days there are still things to do in Lisbon.
What Place Should You Stay in Lisbon?
Well, if this is your first time, Nextravel recommends a location that is closer to the historic part of the city. That way you can be close to places like Chiado, Bairro Alto and Baixa. Also, we recommend visiting Alfama an old and unique district. However, be warned about the narrow step streets there, which can dehydrate you if not getting enough water on summer days.
Another district you should consider being close to is the Mouraria and Avenida Almirante Reis. They are cheaper options if you want a budget holiday.
Nextravel Tips:
Clothes: Like we said the weather in Lisbon is always hot and sunny. There are rainy days of course, but the degrees don’t go really low. That’s why you should always bring light and white clothes because they will protect you from the sun.
Nightlife
You will be in Portugal after all. That means the people are warm, friendly and accepting making the parting on a different level than you are used to. Enjoy beach parties during the day and the night. Cocktails are pretty affordable and tasty. Drink Pinacoladas while laying on your beach chair.
Hotels
Portugal offers affordable prices in Hotels even in its high star Hotels. You can stay there with all-inclusive and even do not pay a lot of money. The staff is friendly and always smiling. You will get the service you paid for!
Food
In Lisbon, you can find different foods that you can choose from. They are cheap and tasty. From traditional food, we recommend COZIDO A PORTUGUESA (a Portuguese stew made from beef, pork, chicken and other pork parts.) Caldo Verde (traditional Portuguese soup made from potatoes, onions, kale, olive oil and garlic.).