Satisfy your city break cravings with a holiday to Lisbon, a hillside heaven with colourful neighbourhoods, outstanding views and more history than you can shake a history book at.

See the city from your seat

Around three hours from the UK, Lisbon is ready-made for a cheeky city break in the sun. And with hills steeper than the price of a Taylor Swift ticket, the best way to see it is by tram.

Board the iconic no. 28 tram to cruise through Lisbon’s liveliest neighbourhoods without sweating off your suncream. Check out the São Vicente de Fora Monastery and National Pantheon and make sure to hop off near Manteigaria for a yummy pastel de nata (custard tart). Pastel de why not!

Delve into the bairros

Like a big bag of Revels, Lisbon’s beautiful bairros (neighbourhoods) each have their own flavour. Alfama, for example, serves up old town vibes - think winding alleyways, castles, cathedrals and the faint hum of mournful Fado music.

Belem’s best when the sun is in full beam and you’ve got firm plans to sip piña coladas from a pineapple while staring out to sea.

After dusk, it’s all about Bairro Alto. Order a drink at a bar, cafe or restaurant and then take to the (usually packed) streets to soak up the atmosphere.

Marvellous miradouros

A city with a view, that’s Lisbon – and boy, does Portugal’s capital have a fair few of them dotted about. They’re called miradouros and they’re one of the unique features of the City of Seven Hills.

Our picks include the Miradouro de Santa Luzia for a view over the Tagus River, the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte for a sweeping panorama over the city and the Miradouro de Penha de França, which is something of a hidden gem.

A beach break in the city

Think city breaks are all sensible shoes and dog-eared guidebooks? Think again.

On a Lisbon holiday, you’re just 30 mins from the shimmering shore of Costa da Caparica – so you can spend your mornings exploring Moorish architecture and your afternoons sipping mimosas on the sand.

Praia de Carcavelos is another top spot for sunbathing near the city. Hop on the train to Cais do Sodré and within 25 minutes you’ll be lazing on a lounger.

Lisbon is less a highlights reel of cultural classics and more a boxset movie marathon. Start at the UNESCO-crowned Mosteiro dos Jerónimos - a remarkable former monastery - to wander below its enormous stone spiderweb.

Belem Tower makes the World Heritage list, too. Take one glance at this striking monument jutting out into the Atlantic and you’ll see why.

There’s also Castelo de São Jorge, a medieval fortress that keeps a watchful eye from high above the city. It’s worth the trip for the red roof-scape back across oh-so-lovely Lisbon.

If you only try three local foods in Lisbon, make them sardines, salted cod (bacalhau) and pastel de nata. When it comes to filling your glass, port is a must.

Any bakery will hook you up with a custard tart, but Pastéis de Belém is the spiritual home of the pastel de nata. For bacalhau, head for O Velho Eurico. It’s almost always brimming with locals, so you know it’s good. And then there’s the sardines on toast at A Taberna da Rua das Flores.

Most partying Portu-gals and Portu-guys are found throwing shapes around Bairro Alto. Take to the streets with your pint at Portas Largas or dance until the break of dawn at Incognito – an up-all-night indie sesh.

If you prefer cocktails on a rooftop to busting moves in a nightclub, try the Hotel Mundial bar terrace. A selfie with the castle, sangria in hand? Mandatory.

Like many cities, Lisbon is at its prettiest when bathed in sunshine. And with more than 300 sunny days a year, you’ve got plenty of choice.

Try June to September for top temperatures of around 26C. You can always cool off in the Atlantic if the city sun gets too much. If you’re visiting for the history, grab a cheap holiday to Lisbon between October and February.

For the sweet spot of sunshine and bargain flights, consider April, May or October for a Lisbon city break. Temperatures are still in their 20s and - bonus! - you’ll avoid the crowds.

Holidays to Lisbon

See the city from your seat

Delve into the bairros

Marvellous miradouros

A beach break in the city

Sneak Peek

Lisbon package holiday deals

Lisbon package holiday deals

Cheap Lisbon holiday deals

Key facts

Things to explore

Red roof views and UNESCO gems

Seafood and custard (but not together)

Portu-go all night

Last-minute holidays to Lisbon

When to go to Lisbon

More holiday destinations in Portugal