Flight to Lisbon (LIS)

Flying to Lisbon: tips and information for your trip

Lisbon is a city break destination that just keeps giving, and is sure to give you a holiday to remember. This colourful city is packed with rich culture, good food and stunning scenery, and all at a price that won't break the bank.

It may be a top destination in travel guides worldwide, but that doesn't mean the Portuguese capital has lost any of its individuality or charm. In fact, alongside its history, beaches and nightlife, Lisbon is famed for being a unique, timeless melting pot where tradition and modernity live side by side.

Fly today to Lisbon with Brussels Airlines!

What to do in Lisbon?

1. A trip to Lisbon is not complete without riding the iconic yellow and white city tram. The Castelo de São Jorge is the perfect destination and offers picturesque views of the city. The castle itself was built in the medieval period and is also home to museums and information centres.
   
   
2. Explore Alfama, Lisbon's oldest district and home of fado, a traditional style of Portuguese music that holds the key to the heart of the city's culture. Tasca do Chico, Parreirinha de Alfama or Casa de Linhares are some of the best restaurants to see live fado whilst you eat.
   
   
3. The Belém neighbourhood has a lot to offer, including a visit to the Jerónimos Monastery, a dazzling example of Late Gothic architecture. Alongside plentiful museums, here you'll also find Europe's biggest plaza, the Jardim da Praça do Império.
4. If nightlife is what you're after, the city-centre Bairro Alto is packed with bars, so take your pick. From rock to rap or funk to fado, you'll find something to suit you in this eclectic district.
   
   
5. Venture beyond the city limits and take a day trip to the town of Sintra. The journey takes under an hour and costs just a few euros. Pastel-coloured houses and forest-covered hills make for picturesque views. Take an afternoon walk around the Pena Palace or Castle of the Moors to really see the town at its best.
   
   
6. As well as being a cool city break, Lisbon's beaches are up there with the best of them and definitely worth a visit. You can reach Costa da Caparica or Praia de Carcavelos in under 30 minutes on public transport.
   
   
7. The Feira da Ladra market is a great place to pick up a bargain or just enjoy browsing the stalls. It happens every Tuesday and Saturday in the Alfama
   
   
8. Sleep in an authentic apartment, the "Casa Augusto Rosa". Located in Alfama, the historical heart of Lisbon, on the route of the famous tram 28, live a Portuguese experience in an 18th century Pombaline home with magnificent "azulejos" and an incredible terrace.

Practical information for your trip

• Brussels Airlines arrives and departs from Portela Airport, about 7km from the centre of Lisbon, which can be reached by metro, bus or taxi. The metro and bus cost just a few euros, but queues to get tickets can be long. A taxi might be more expensive, but be sure to confirm this with the driver in advance as prices can vary according to the time of day or baggage you have.
  
  
• Currency: Euro. Cards are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases.
  
  
• Telephone calls and Wi-Fi: Country dialling code: +351
  
  
• Electric sockets: Type F, two pin plugs with 230 V and 50 Hz.
  
  
• Travel information: Portugal is part of the Schengen zone, meaning that under normal circumstances, EU citizens may travel without a passport. Non-EU citizens must have a valid passport. Citizens of the following countries may enter Portugal without a visa: Countries of the European Union, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Citizens of other countries require a visa.

Dos and Don’ts in Lisbon

• Make the most of public transport. A day ticket covering the metro, bus and tram costs around €6, and makes navigating around the city quick, cheap and easy.
  
  
• Dress appropriately -the combination of city break and beach holiday can often catch people off guard. Lisbon's streets are cobbled, so if you plan to move about the city a lot, take appropriate footwear.
  
  
• Bring sunscreen - locally it can be two or three times more expensive.
  
  
• Don't be put off if restaurants look a little rough around the edges. If you want good, local food at reasonable prices, you're much less likely to find it in spruced-up tourist traps or chains.
  
  
• Don't walk around with your head in a map. Lisbon's streets and buildings have some incredibly interesting architecture and urban art, but it's far too easy to miss when you're trying to get from one place to the next

Local phrases & essential vocabulary

Many people do speak English in Lisbon, but you shouldn't presume this applies to everyone. Similarly, Portuguese may look rather similar to Spanish, but its spoken form is hugely different. Locals may be slightly offended if you just speak in English or Spanish and expect to be understood, so learning the basics is a good idea:

• Please - por favor
• Thank you - obrigado (for men) or obrigada (for women)
• Hello - olá or bom dia (in the daytime)
• Good afternoon - boa tarde
• Good evening - boa noite
• Excuse me - com licença
• Yes/no - sim/não
• Goodbye - adeus or tchau
• Do you speak English? - Fala inglês?
• You're welcome - de nada
• Sorry - desculpe

Cultural events

• The Festas dos Santos Populares are festival celebrations that happen every year in June in Lisbon. Expect dancing, drinking, singing and street parties, as locals and tourists alike get in the party spirit.
  
  
• Annually, there are a number of music festivals in the city, including O Sol da Caparica in August and Misty Fest in October and November.
  
  
• If you like cinema, in Lisbon you can find film festivals dedicated to almost every genre; try DocLisboa if you like documentaries or the Lisbon International Horror Film Festival if you're feeling brave.
  
  
• Additionally, open-air performances, including film showings and concerts, often take place at the Convento do Carmo ruins

When to go to Lisbon?

In terms of weather and crowds, it really depends what you're looking for. Summers are long and hot. Spring and autumn are quieter and very pleasant, and winter is generally mild but rainy. From late April, Lisbon begins to bloom, and you can expect temperatures to stay in the twenties from then until late October

What to eat in Lisbon?

• You can't go to Lisbon without visiting Pastéis de Belém bakery, the birthplace of the now-famous Portuguese custard tart. It's the city's original and most authentic sweet treat, and shouldn't be missed.
  
  
• Seafood and fish; the restaurant Ramiro has some of the best.
  
  
• Local wine; vinho verde is a very popular light summer wine.
  
  
• Ginjinha is a sweet cherry liqueur that has been made in Lisbon for centuries.
  
  
• Presunto, a type of speciality ham.
  
  
• Feijoada, a local bean stew