Lisbon: Calm, affectionate, and sweet disposition

Lisbon Airport Directory (LIS)
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The way music sets the mood for a scene in a movie, Lisbon can be best described by fado music, a genre that, interestingly, originated here. It is soothing, touching, and intriguing. Much like the music, the city will touch your heart. Visit Lisbon and explore some of the breathtaking vistas, admire colourful houses, savour local delicacies, and ride the historical yellow trams. One of the best ways to explore the city is to do what the locals do: walk around the neighbourhoods at an unhurried pace. You may get to truly experience the essence of the city this way. What’s more? Scroll to find out.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Lisbon is from March to May, or from September to October. Lisbon is a coastal city that receives lots of sunshine almost throughout the year.  

How to Reach?

By Air: Humberto Delgado Airport, also known as Lisbon Portela Airport or simply Lisbon Airport (LIS), is approximately 7 km from the centre of the city. It is the main airport that serves Lisbon with international flights. You can easily get to the airport via the aerobús, metro, local bus, or taxi. Together with Turkish Airlines, we at IndiGo can connect you from India to Lisbon with multiple flights to Lisbon options as well as to several other European cities from Istanbul.

By Train: The city has several railway stations, connecting it to different parts of the city and the rest of the country. So, you need to check their official site to connect to the destination you are booking your tickets to. The following are Lisbon stations: Cais do Sodré, Entrecampos, Lisbon Oriente, Santa Apolónia, Rossio, and Sete Rios.

By Road: Located close to one of the railway stations at Sete Rios, Lisbon has a bus terminal that is the main hub for intercity coaches, express bus services, and other local buses.

By Sea: If you are coming to Lisbon by sea, there are three different cruise-ship docks around the city, Alcântara, Rocha Conde de Óbidos, and Santa Apolónia. There are several marinas as well that serve as ports for yachts.  

Getting Around

Exploring the city on foot is the best way to start, but when your feet begin to get weary, there are other ways to travel around Lisbon. You can buy the Viva Viagem green card which allows you to get access to metro, buses, trains, boats, and trams. Their metro system is convenient to travel to far places. The red line, which begins from the airport, connects to other lines like the blue line for Baixa and Chiado, the green line for Mouraria and Alvalade, and the yellow line for Saldanha and Campo Pequeno.

While locals mostly use buses, riding the tram is what the Lisbon experience is all about. Tram 28E travels through an atmospheric route, crossing the historic neighbourhoods of Alfama, Mouraria, and Graça. The trains are some of the best and fastest ways to get to the interior parts of the city. You can board the Azambuja Line train from Santa Apolónia, and it will drop you at Oriente Station.

In order to get to the other side of the city, there are boats that sail through the River Tagus. The taxi service in Lisbon is convenient and good for long journeys. You can easily identify taxis in Lisbon; the vehicle is black with a green roof.

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Places to visit in Lisbon

  • Alfama: Walking around the pebbled roads and historic neighbourhood of Alfama will take you across several historical sights and bars that play fado music. It is the best part of the city to begin your exploration. Casually walk through the alleys and enjoy sweeping views of the city from vantage points.
  • Castelo de São Jorge: This iconic landmark, also known as St. George's Castle, is located in Alfama. It is considered one of the most-visited attractions to learn about Portuguese history. You can explore the museum which displays impressive artefacts. The 360° view of the city, combined with an archaeological site, makes St. George's Castle a must-see place.
  • Mosteiro dos Jerónimos: An impressive landmark dating back to the 16thcentury is the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, or Jerónimos monastery. It is one of the best places to visit to get immersed in the historic and cultural significance of Portugal. This site was commissioned in 1501 by King Manuel I to honour Vasco da Gama's voyage to India.
  • Oceanário de Lisboa: Its location is enough to make your head turn. Oceanário de Lisboa is the country’s largest aquarium, seated on the edge of the River Tagus. Its unique structure is supported by bridges on both sides, making it appear like a massive structure is floating in the middle. In addition to marine life, you can see different species of birds also, while here.  
  • Museu Calouste Gulbenkian: If you enjoy art, then you need to explore this museum which features the works of world-renowned artists. Museu Calouste Gulbenkian is located in a lush area of the city’s northwestern outskirts. You can easily spend at least half a day exploring the exhibition galleries and some of the finest collections of art. It has artefacts ranging from 14thto 17th century European art and an 1810 painting of the Wreck of a Transport Ship, to Persian and Turkish carpets dating back to the 17th century .

Places to eat in Lisbon 

  • BAHR & Terrace: While their outdoor seating is much appreciated because of the view, the inside of BAHR & Terrace has a welcoming vibe with cosy corners and curved ceilings. Situated inside the Bairro Alto Hotel, the restaurant draws guests to savour classic Portuguese cuisine and irresistible cocktails.  
  • BouBou’s: This restaurant has lovely decor with wall hangings and plants. The façade of the place is enough to lure guests. If you are looking for a casual eatery around Lisbon, BouBou’s couldn't be a more appropriate place. You can savour impeccable dishes and enjoy vintage wines.  
  • Ofício Tasco Atípico: If one has to describe the ambience of Ofício in one word, it would be elegant. It is very popular among locals, and as a result it attracts many tourists also. Known for its inventive cuisine and lively atmosphere, you can pair your food with some of the best wines to complete your meal.  
  • Prado: One of the hippest eateries in Lisbon is Prado, which provides ingredients for food brought straight from the farm. The menu offers a variety of Portuguese dishes that are beautifully presented. The restaurant has an industrial, chic décor with a fine selection of locally sourced wine and modern seasonal cuisine.

Shopping in Lisbon 

  • Time Out Market: One of the largest markets in Lisbon, it is located close to Cais do Sodré (subway). Time Out Market is also called Mercado da Ribeira and is quite popular among the locals and. It has a variety of food products, including fruits, vegetables, fishes, and meat products, as well as a wide selection of chillies and spices.
  • Mercado de Campo de Ourique: Another market similar to the Time Out Market is the Mercado de Campo de Ourique. Despite being smaller in size, you can find a variety of fresh produce and several spices. There are food stalls as well that offer delicious street food.  
  • Feira da Ladra: If you enjoy thrift shopping, you need to explore Feira da Ladra at Campo de Santa Clara. This major flea market opens every Tuesday and Saturday, and provides an eclectic mix of clothing, housewares, arts, antiques, handmade jewellery and vintage vinyls.
  • LX Factory:A full-on hipster ambience and tons of trendy clothing, LX Factory is one of the best markets in Lisbon. It is only open on Sundays, so expect a crowd of both locals and tourists. The market was formally a fabric company, but it has now been converted into one of the trendiest places in Lisbon.

Where to stay in Lisbon?

  • The Lumiares Hotel & Spa: Among the many hotels in Lisbon, the Lumiares Hotel & Spa offers a mixture of homely ambience with a dash of ultra-modern appeal. The building, which was a 17th-century palace, is now a hotel catering to guests with luxury facilities, comfortable rooms, calming spa treatments, sleek rooftop restaurants, and panoramic views of the city.
  • AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado: To get immersed in history, come to AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado and stay at this hotel which has its origins in the 18th This polished hotel overlooks the Municipal Square, and is close to a prominent site like Castelo de São Jorge. Here, you will be pampered by convenient facilities and comfortable rooms, furnished with essential amenities.  
  • Memmo Alfama: For the love of the breathtaking view and the rooftop pool, you need to book a stay at the Memmo Alfama. This hotel is located in the oldest part of the city. The building oozes a calm and modern ambience, with soft textures on the walls, wooden bed frames, an attention-grabbing pool and classic views of Lisbon’s colourful buildings.
  • The Vintage Hotel & Spa: The first glance of the building will make you think of Paris, and as you enter, the hotel reveals its regal and art-deco vibe. This is one of the most stunning hotels in Lisbon, with a mid-century theme throughout. It has facilities such as spa and restaurants, along with comfortable rooms. Their V Rooftop Bar is considered to be one of the best in the city; it opens up to a beautiful view of Lisbon.

More reasons to visit Lisbon

  • Festivals: Lisbon can pretty much be described as the city of festivals, since several festivals take place throughout the year. One in particular is the Estoril Music Festival. It is the most famous summer festival in Lisbon. And if you love classical music, this event might just be the calling factor for you to book a flight to Lisbon. The Estoril Music Festival takes place inJuly, where local and international artists take the stage by storm. This is definitely a must-see event in Lisbon.

Visa and Immigration

A Portugal visa allows the visitor to enter the country; all you need to do is provide an error-free visa application form with all your travel documents so that you will not stall the process. To visit the country, you can check the Schengen visa page for in-depth information. Portugal is a part of the Schengen Area and a member of the European Union, and through this visa the visitor is allowed to enter the country for a short-stay of 90 days. 

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