Lisbon boasts hot summers and temperate winters, thanks to its coastal location. So, while there’s really no bad time to go, the best time of year to travel to Lisbon are:

• The off-season. Lisbon is one of the warmer European capitals, so even in the off-season you’ll get nice weather and sunshine. The off-season also means fewer crowds, so you’ll have a more authentic experience and see the sights more easily.
• Summertime. While Lisbon really shines in the off-season, don’t count a summer visit out. After all, Lisbon is right on the coast. Just keep in mind that, as with any European capital, warmer months and bigger crowds usually go hand-in-hand. So, if you’re happy to be there during a busier time of year, then any of our trips to Lisbon in the summer are perfect for you.

Some of the top things to do on tours of Lisbon, Portugal include: 

• Jerónimos Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Belém neighborhood boasts beautiful architecture and ocean views.
• Praça do Comercio. Lisbon’s main square is surrounded on three sides by fantastical yellow buildings and has a stairway leading out to the Tagus River.
• Tower of Belém. This landmark shines on Lisbon’s waterfront, and paying it a visit is like stepping into the city’s maritime heritage. It was built in the early 1500s, and stood as one of the city’s defenses. Past visitors include famous explorers Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan.
• The Monument to the Discoveries. This towering white sculpture makes Lisbon’s riverfront even more photo-worthy. This 1940s landmark depicts various explorers, and while it’s relatively new compared to some of Lisbon’s other sites, you don’t want to count it out.
• Bairro Alto, or the Old Town. With all its history, shops, and restaurants, this district is one of Lisbon’s top attractions. 
• The Alfama neighborhood. This is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, and it served as the city center back when the Moors controlled the land. You’ll find the area has a look and feel all its own. There’s a maze of narrow side streets with stunning lookout spots of the river.

Our Lisbon tour packages include plenty of interesting things to do, along with free time to explore on your own. Here are some of the things we recommend doing during free time:

• Take a ride on the Santa Justa Lift. This seven-story viewing platform boasts beautiful views, and is also the quickest route between the Bairro Alto district and the Baixa neighborhood.
• Sip wine at Lisbon Winery. Book a tasting event as a private tour or a group event. You’ll learn a lot, drink a lot, and have a great time.
• Explore the world’s oldest bookshop. Libraria Bertrand is the oldest bookshop still in operation. With towers of books of all kinds, it’s a must-visit for any bibliophile.
• Walk the ruins of ancient Carmo. One of the deadliest earthquakes in history struck Lisbon in 1755, destroying the city. Today, you can walk the ancient Carmo covent and church, and look up at the sky through its ruined arches.

No trip to Lisbon is complete without trying some of the incredible seafood. While on tour, you’ll see the phrase “pratos do dia.” This means “plate of the day,” and it’s a must-try if you’re a seafood fan. Local fisherman bring back fresh hauls every morning, so every pratos do dia is unique. 

If seafood isn’t your thing, you should try caldo verde, a classic Portuguese soup made with potatoes, kale, and sliced chorizo.

For dessert, order pastel de natas, or traditional egg custard tarts. Travelers on our Lisbon tours often say is the best part of their entire trip.

If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon, the main thing to know is that while Spanish is very similar to Portuguese, locals might consider it rude if you fall back on your Spanish. The two languages may seem interchangeable, but the most polite thing to do is give the country’s actual language your best try when possible. We’ve made it easy with this list of essential Portuguese phrases to know. 

Also, the best way to get around on our Lisbon tours is on foot. However, the city can be fairly hilly, so bring a couple pairs of comfortable shoes and a reusable water bottle. Wondering what else to pack for a tour in Lisbon? Check out our Lisbon Travel Guide.

When you choose Lisbon guided tours, you get the luxury of being escorted to all of the top sites, without having to do any of the planning. Plus, you won’t have to worry about transportation. Our Lisbon tour packages like Porto, the Algarve & Lisbon, include carefully curated trips and excursions, alongside days of free time to explore on your own.