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Discover Lisbon

Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in Lisbon.

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Must-see attractions in Lisbon

From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 23 standout sights to build into your time in the city.

Given its tumultuous history, Lisbon has constantly undergone rebuilding and renovation which has dampened its former historical glory somewhat. In its place however has bloomed an optimism and carefree, party atmosphere, making the city a must stop destination for late nights and good times. Recent years have seen Lisbon become 1994’s European City of Culture and host of Expo 98 and the 2004 European Football Championships with redevelopment continuing to further Lisbon’s economic and cultural prospects. Today Lisbon is the 12th most popular city in the European Union and a candidate for the 2020 Summer Olympics, another chance for the city

Halal restaurants in Lisbon

Lisbon’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 19 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.

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Martinho da Arcada

Address: Praca do Comercio 3 Tel: +218 879 259 Breakfast, lunch and dinner Mon-Sat

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Sul

Address: Rua do Norte 13 Tel: +213 462 449 Type: dinner

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Olivier

Address: Rua do teixeira 35 Tel: +213 431 405 Type: Dinner Mon-Sat

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O Faz Figura

Address: Rua do Paraiso 15B Tel: + 218 868 901 Type: Lunch and dinner Tue-Sun, dinner Mon

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Gambrinus

Address: Rua das Portas de Santo Antao 23-25 Tel: +213 421 466

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Nood

Address: Largo Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro 20 Tel: +213 474 141 Opening Times: Noon-midnight Sun-Thu, noon-2am Fri-Sat

Where to stay in Lisbon

Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.

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Hotel Avenida Palace

You’d think you’d stepped into a palace when you walk into this hotel. Chandeliers, polished marble and gilded mirrors decorate this establishment which offers a host of facilities: car/valet parking, a library, smokers lounge, gymnasium, massage room, Wi-Fi/Internet, daily world newspapers by request and its very own tea lounge. All 82 rooms are sound proofed with marble bathrooms, a direct telephone, mini-bar and personal safe.

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Olissippo Castelo

Coming up a cobblestone driveway you’ll find this bubblegum pink hotel which offers beautiful views of the city and spacious rooms. It has 24 rooms, all equipped with individual air-conditioning, a direct telephone line, mini bar, satellite TV, personal safe, Internet connection, very ample wardrobes and room service until 11pm. The hotel bar offers light snacks and drinks and a laundry service and garage space for up to 6 cars is also provided.

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Hotel Principe Real

A small boutique hotel hidden in a quiet area of Bairro Alto and only a 5 minute walk to Chiado, this establishment has 18 rooms of very stylish design. Facilities on offer are a 24h front desk, daily newspapers in several languages, a library, free Internet, free private parking, a full English breakfast served in the dining room or (if you request) in your bedroom and friendly staff

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Jeronimos 8

The first boutique hotel in that area of Lisbon, Jeronimos 8 goes for the top in style with designer decorative touches. Boasting 61 rooms and 4 suites, all are furnished with the furniture of Wengé – a type of exotic wood. The rooms have air conditioning, cable TV, mini-bar, personal safe, Wi-Fi, work desks and direct telephones; bathrooms have showers, bathrobes and slippers. Hotel facilities include: a computer rental service, 2 meeting rooms for business needs or events (audiovisual material provided upon request), parking and children’s chairs, baby cots and menu.

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Casa de Sao Mamede

A lot more of an intimate setting is on offer here at this 18th century, family run villa. There are 28 large, quiet rooms with the hotel being a short stroll from Barrio Alto and the city’s botanical gardens.

History and today in Lisbon

Read the city today, its history, residents, culture, and character before planning your route.

Visa Information

Visa Information

Canada, New Zealand, USA and (currently by temporary agreement) Australia can stay for up to 90 days in any half year without a visa.

City Information

When to go

As with most European countries, the high season in Portugal begins from mid June and finishes around mid September. Temperatures during that time average 27°C with July and August being the hottest months (see ‘Annual Temperature’). If you’d rather miss the heat and the crowds then consider visiting in spring when the countryside is at its most lush or in autumn where it will still be warm but the crowds will have decreased. The winter period however (from November to March) will offer considerable savings at hotels but keep in mind that a number of places do close down during this season; especially as this is also the rainy season with the country’s north getting the most rainfall.

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City Information

Fast Facts

• Location: Lisbon is located on the western coast of Portugal, itself the most south-west country of mainland Europe. It’s only neighbour is Spain. • Dialling code: country: 351 city: 21

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City Information

Currency and Exchange Rates

As it is part of the European Union, Portugal’s currency is the euro (€) with notes issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. Coins are issued as 1 and 2 euros with 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 euro cents.

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City Information

Public Holidays

Banks, offices, department stores and some shops close on public holidays, however on New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Labour Day and Christmas Day everything closes so make sure you have planned your outings around them.

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City Information

Annual Temperature

Month Average High (°C) Average Low (°C) January 14°C 8°C February 16°C 9°C March 17°C 9°C April 19°C 11°C May 22°C 13°C June 24°C 16°C July 27°C 17°C August 28°C 17°C September 26°C 17°C October 22°C 14°C November 18°C 11°C December 14°C 9°C

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City Information

Lisbon Residents

Over the past one hundred years the city’s population has grown considerably, especially after the coup of 1974 which saw the beginning of a huge influx of African refugees from Portugal’s former African colonies, Cape Verde, Mozambique and Angola. Immigration set the tone for the changing of the cultural demographic significantly, if not boasting it financially. There has also been an influx of Brazilian migrants; from Eastern Europe immigrants from Ukraine make up a significant number of the population. Emigration has also changed the cultural demographic of Portugal; outside of Lisbon, Paris has the largest Portuguese community with migrant workers spread out in Europe. It has been noted that returning migrants bring new, modern ideas and challenge many traditional rural values. This is reflective in the increase of urban population to 50% (in 1960 this stood at 22%); villages are fast declining as the youth move into the cities and the ageing population fades out.

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City Information

Lisbon Today

Given its tumultuous history, Lisbon has constantly undergone rebuilding and renovation which has dampened its former historical glory somewhat. In its place however has bloomed an optimism and carefree, party atmosphere, making the city a must stop destination for late nights and good times. Recent years have seen Lisbon become 1994’s European City of Culture and host of Expo 98 and the 2004 European Football Championships with redevelopment continuing to further Lisbon’s economic and cultural prospects. Today Lisbon is the 12th most popular city in the European Union and a candidate for the 2020 Summer Olympics, another chance for the city to re-establish itself on the world stage.

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Shopping in Lisbon

Explore 18 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.

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Centro Vasco da Gama

A more high-end shopping mall than the others in Lisbon, this glass-roofed complex houses designer fashion, cinemas and food court.

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El Corte Ingles

A Spanish chain mall giant, housing over nine floors of pricey but good quality fashion, design and food.

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Story Tailors

A former 18th century bare-brick warehouse, this boutique is an enchanted forest of fashion, with chandeliers and twisted wood furnishings. You’ll find gingham, ruffles and polka-dot fairy-tale inspired designs that have been bought by the likes of Madonna, Janet Jackson and Lily Allen,

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Fabrico Infinito

An avant-garde designer palace that showcases recycled items into luxury designs. On any given day you might find jewel encrusted toothpick necklaces, born again chandeliers and funky made over shoes. There is a cafe out the back selling organic produce on golden crockery.

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Articula

A gallery/workshop, this place is anti-conformist to the bones, literally. Created by designer Teresa Milheiro, you’ll find recycled, one-off pieces made out of bones, medical tubes and aluminium.

Festivals and events in Lisbon

Plan around 19 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.

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Lisbon Carnaval

There is much festivity in this celebration before Lent. The district of Loule has the best parades while Lisbon, Nazare, Ovar and Viana do Castelo all throw spectacular parties.

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Moda Lisboa

A four day fashion week, where Portuguese designers show off their latest collections on the catwalk.

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Dias da Musica

If you love classical music you cannot miss this three day event where world renowned orchestras perform at the Centro de Belem.

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Indie Lisboa

A ten day filmathon, that presents independent movies, documentaries and short films to the city’s screens.

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Alkantara Festival

A solid fortnight of innovative theatre that claims to be the cutting edge in theatrical performance.

Lisbon tours and experiences

Heritage walks, food crawls, coastal trips, museum circuits, family days, and guided ideas for an easier day out.

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Walking Tours

Some of the best walking tours of Lisbon are found on the ‘Inside Lisbon’ website www.insidelisbon.com. Check the website for information and updates.

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Bus and Tram Tours

Bus tours are offered by Cityrama, including trips to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. Tours depart from Praça Marqués de Pombal, although pick-up can be organised from some hotels (check with your hotel reception). For something different, Cityline runs an open-top bus service that allows you to hop-on and hop-off as you please. The tour departs from Praça Marqués de Pombal though you can hop-on at other points.

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Boat Tours

Transtejo has a large selection of boat tours, including two-hour, 30-minute tours of the River Tagus, from the docks east of Praça do Comércio and travelling as far west as the Belém Tower. Tours depart from the Terreiro do Paço river station beginning from April to October.

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Lisbon travel guide sections

Focused sections for articles, directories, maps, and trip planning.