Lisbon

City Information

Explore city history, fast facts, climate and practical visitor information for Lisbon.

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City Information

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Lisbon History

Fires, plague, the worst recorded earthquake in Europe’s history, revolutions, coups and dictatorship, you name it and no doubt Lisbon has experienced it within its history. Beginning 3000 years ago, the Phoenicians first settled here, calling it ‘Alis Ubbo’ (Delightful Shore). Later the Greeks, Carthaginians and then finally the Romans, in 205 BC, settled here, staying until the 5th century. In 714 AD the North African Moors took over, naming their new home ‘Lissabona’ and fortified the city against the Christians, holding them off for the next 400 years. This occupation was to end in 1141 after a four month siege by which time the Christians captured the city. In 1255 under Afonso III, the capital flourished given its central position in Europe as a sea port. This period of economic flourish was to continue through the 15th and 16th centuries with explorer Vasco da Gama finding a sea route to India, then the discovery of gold in Brazil. The city became a hub for merchants to trade and sell gold, silks, spices and jewels, the city’s architecture becoming more grandiose to exhibit the city’s wealth and power.

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