A magnificent bay, the Tagus estuary, crossed by an endless bridge, the Vasco de Gama bridge, sloping streets climbed by the tramway, a visit to Lisbon looks like San Francisco in Europe if not the other way around, a bit older. During your stay in the capital of Portugal, the most westerly capital of Europe, you will take advantage of your holidays to discover a rich heritage that dates back to Roman times and which has then passed through the centuries and influences, particularly Muslims, to this day. From the tower of Belém, the old port from which Vasco de Gama set off in 1497 to conquer the world, to the futuristic Parc des Nations, built for the 1998 Universal Exhibition, to the magnificent Place du Commerce (Praça do comercio), where the historic heart of the city beats, to the Château Saint-Georges and its magnificent panorama ideal for taking pictures of Lisbon or its other districts, there are many things to see absolutely and to visit well accompanied by your Lisbon tourist guide. The Portuguese capital is also ideal for walks through time in the cobbled streets of the old quarters of Alfama and in the Bairro alto, or relaxing in summer on the many sandy beaches in the surrounding area accessible by public transport such as Cascais or Estoril, a warm nata pastel in the mouth. In the evening, Lisbon transforms itself and takes on more festive tones where you can easily be convinced by the terraces of small restaurants to taste the typical dishes, most often cod-based, have a drink, or party to fado or other less melancholic music, at the Bairro alto or in the Docks district. You will enjoy strolling through the small streets of the historic districts of this beautiful city in summer.
If you have the choice, the best periods for a trip to Lisbon are spring and especially the month of June (popular festivals), the beginning of summer (many festivals) before August (the time of holidays for the Portuguese, therefore higher prices) and the beginning of autumn (before the rains).
Summer is of course the great season for festivals. June is one of the most interesting months for the feasts of St. Anthony, St. John and St. Peter, which are among the main events of the month. There are also the Santiago de Setúbal Fair (late July, early August), the Bullfighting Culture Week in Vila Franca de Xira (June), the Almada Theatre Festival (July), the Harvest Festival in Palmela, the Seixal Jazz Festival (October) and the many contemporary summer music festivals
Officially, the climate is temperate oceanic in southern Portugal. So, soft and humid.... and subject to the vagaries of the weather. Minimum temperatures range from 7.5 to 13°C and maximums from 17 to 31°C. Overall, winters are never too cold (average temperatures between 5 and 12°C) and summers are moderately hot (average temperatures between 21 and 25°C).
Portugal is in the euro zone.
Life is still a little cheaper in Portugal than in France. However, do not get excited too quickly, the country is no longer the cheap little paradise for the small budgets it used to be and the European capital is charging a high price. You will also have to adjust your budget according to the tourist season. Indeed, prices increase by an average of 5% in July, 15% in August and 10% in September, which is even more obvious in terms of accommodation. It will be necessary to find a place to stay not far from the centre of Lisbon in advance. Your Smart little guide will nevertheless provide you with the right addresses in the different districts.
For EU nationals, an identity card or passport is sufficient (even if it has expired less than five years ago). For unaccompanied minors, an exit permit is required (forms in town halls or police stations). Canadians are not required to obtain a visa if their stay is less than three months. For Swiss citizens, it is necessary to present a valid identity card or passport. For students, an international student card (ISIC card) can provide you with many discounts (transport, accommodation, leisure, culture) worldwide, including in Portugal
No particular risk in Lisbon. Before leaving, bring your Carte Vitale. To apply for the European Provisional Health Card (which replaces form E111), contact your social security fund or go to a social security machine. The paper that will be given to you immediately serves as a card until you receive the official card, valid for one year. If you are ill, your medical expenses at the hospital will be covered, as well as in the event of an accident. Tap water is drinkable in Lisbon
Tour operators specialising in stays in Portugal produce their own trips and are generally very good advisers, as they know the region inside out. It should be noted that their rates are often slightly higher than those of general practitioners. The stays organized in Lisbon can be combined with the discovery of Porto and Faro. Beware of pickpockets.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationThere are many direct flights to Lisbon for prices ranging from a single to a quadruple depending on the season. It should be noted that the price variation depends on the company borrowed but, above all, on the time required to book. To obtain attractive rates, it is therefore often essential to do so in advance.
You have all the necessary means of transport in Lisbon. The bus serves the entire city, unlike the metro, which has only four lines, but whose stations are often magnificent works of art. During your city trip, you will have 5 tram lines at your disposal. A classic is to take tram no. 28 which crosses the historic districts of the city (Alfama, Bairro alto, Graça). To get a little higher, don't hesitate to use the panoramic elevators of the buildings as in Santa Justa in the Baixa district.
A weekend in Lisbon
Discovery of Lisbon and its surroundings
If you have the choice, the best periods for a trip to Lisbon are spring and especially the month of June (popular fe...
Read more about it
Officially, the climate is temperate oceanic in southern Portugal. So, soft and humid.... and subject to the vagaries...
Read more about it
Portugal is in the euro zone.
Life is still a little cheaper in Portugal than in France. However, do not get ex...
Read more about it
For EU nationals, an identity card or passport is sufficient (even if it has expired less than five years ago). For u...
Read more about it
No particular risk in Lisbon. Before leaving, bring your Carte Vitale. To apply for the European Provisional Health C...
Read more about it
There are many direct flights to Lisbon for prices ranging from a single to a quadruple depending on the season. It s...
Read more about it
Tour operators specialising in stays in Portugal produce their own trips and are generally very good advisers, as the...
Read more about it
You have all the necessary means of transport in Lisbon. The bus serves the entire city, unlike the metro, which has...
Read more about it
Once again this summer, the Portuguese capital will live to the rhythm of festivals. For its 10th European anniversary "Rock in Rio" will once again welcome a host of international artists. From May 25th to June 1st, the Rolling Stones, Robbie Williams or Justin Timberlake will set the big stage on fire. And, while jazz concerts will take place every Sunday from May to September in emblematic places in Lisbon, as part of the "Out Jazz ...
June is the month of Lisbon's festivities, but all summer long there's an air of festivity in the air. It is not uncommon to attend free open-air jazz concerts in the public gardens, or to stumble upon a "guinguette" at the bend in the street in the historic districts. The highlight of the festivities is on June 13th during the feast of Saint Anthony, patron saint of the city, a moment without equal! On the evening of the 12th, the alleys of ...
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The world's greatest monuments are famous for their history, architecture, symbolism. For some, the view that can be appreciated from their summit makes them indispensable sites in city tours. Discover spectacular views from 10 renowned monuments.# 1 - Burj Khalifa of DubaiOverlooking 820 meters, Burj Khalifa is the highest tower in the world. With its ultra-fast lift, visitors can climb up to the 124 th floor to view the unique view of ...
