When it comes to Lisbon, it's safe to say the secret's out. The coastal capital sees 4.5 million annual visitors, most of whom flock to the city for its fado music, historic ruins, winding old town, trams, not to mention those pasteis de nata. And that's not all: More new hotels and restaurants are on the way, and the city's architectural energy is drawing a new creative class, which means that soon—hard as it may be to believe—there will be even more reasons to visit. What are you waiting for?
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Lisbon Travel Guide
Plan Your Lisbon Trip
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Featured
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15 Best Hotels in Lisbon
Portugal's quickly-changing capital has no shortage of interesting places to stay.
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection, an IHG Hotel$$ | Portugal, Lisbon, R. Dom Antão de Almada 4Read full reviewA modern oasis with serious history cred, set in the heart of Lisbon’s most walkable district.
- Palácio Príncipe Real$$ | Portugal, Lisbon, R. de São Marçal 77Read full reviewAn imposingly grand affair.
Readers Choice Awards
Gold List - AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado$ | Lisbon,Read full reviewAn 18th-century building provides the framework for this boutique gem positioned on Praça de Município, one of Lisbon’s most charming squares.Readers Choice Awards
- Bairro Alto Hotel$$ | Portugal, Lisbon, Praça Luís de Camões 2Read full reviewLisbon’s original boutique hotel is back on the scene after a major revamp.Readers Choice Awards
Hot List - Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon$$$ | , Lisbon,Read full reviewThose looking for a splashy way to do Lisbon will find it at the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, located across from the Parque Eduardo VII.Readers Choice Awards
- The Ivens, Lisbon, Autograph Collection$$ | Portugal, Lisbon, R. Capelo 5Read full reviewThis boutique hotel, a member of Autograph Collection by Marriott, is located in the charming and vibrant Chiado neighborhood, next to the Museu de Arte Contemporânea.Readers Choice Awards
Hot List - Santa Clara 1728$$ | Portugal, Lisbon, Campo de Santa Clara 128Read full reviewA design nerd's dream, down to its eggshell blue walls and limestone staircase, in the old cultural quarter of Lisbon.Gold List Hot List
- Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa$$Read full reviewThis landmark five-star hotel has been earning and keeping its reputation as one of Lisbon’s poshest Chiado addresses since 1933.Readers Choice Awards
- Altis Belém Hotel & Spa$$Read full reviewThis five-star riverfront hotel draws upmarket travelers with its posh spa, roof deck (with a pool), and striking architecture.
- Solar do Castelo$Read full reviewThis hotel at the top of Alfama occupies is inside the walls of Castelo do St. Jorge within a stone’s throw of top sights.
- Hotel Avenida Palace$$$Read full reviewThe deeper you got into this opulent Chiado hotel, which dates to 1892, the more pampered you’ll feel.
- Pousada de Lisboa$$Read full reviewLocated steps from the Tagus River on Praça do Comércio, this restored property embodies Portuguese luxury and heritage.
- AVANI Avenida Liberdade Lisbon Hotel$$ | Portugal, Lisbon, R. Júlio César Machado 9Readers Choice Awards
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The Best Things to Do in Lisbon
- 15 Best Things to Do in LisbonFrom iconic pastries to wandering the old city, our picks make sure you won’t miss a thing.
- 3 Best Day Trips from LisbonIf you decide to stay longer, we wouldn't blame you.
- 10 Best Places for Shopping in LisbonSo many stores, so little time.
- 10 Best Museums in LisbonAll you ever wanted to know about fado, azulejos, and more.
- 10 Best Places for Fado Music in LisbonThis music genre is integral to the Portuguese experience; these are our picks for where to hear it.
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Editor Recommendations
- We Hate Tourism Tours: Walk in the Real CityPortugal, Lisbon,Read full reviewDiscover parts of the city that don’t often land on the mainstream tourist routes.
- Ajuda National PalacePortugal, Lisbon, Largo da AjudaRead full reviewIf you’re into royal collections, this is likely the best you’ll find in all of Portugal.
- Calouste Gulbenkian MuseumPortugal, Lisbon, Avenida de Berna 45ARead full reviewAn art-filled oasis with Egyptian sculptures, Art Nouveau jewelry, and more.
- Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT)Portugal, Lisbon, Avenida Brasília, Central TejoRead full reviewAn architectural marvel that houses the most impressive collection of contemporary Portuguese art.
- Jardim da EstrelaPortugal, Lisbon, Praça da Estrela 12
- Casa-Museu Medeiros e AlmeidaRead full reviewThe setting of this private museum is as elegant as the art: a circa-1896 house that belonged to an entrepreneur.
- National Coach MuseumRead full reviewHorse-drawn coaches symbolize a lost art form, but they get the limelight at this museum, one of Lisbon’s most sought-after cultural sites.
- Museu do FadoRead full reviewGet to know fado music, one of Portugal's most important legacies, through the photos, artifacts, and instruments at this Alfama museum.
- Museum of the OrientRead full reviewIlluminating a dialogue between East and West, this museum addresses Portugal's influence on Asia through paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and more.
- MUDE (Museu do Design e da Moda)Read full reviewThis series of popups—organized by a major museum undergoing a renovation—touch upon the intersection of design, culture, and fashion.
- Berardo Collection MuseumRead full reviewThe art at this museum ranges from Minimalism to Surrealism and includes pieces by Roy Lichtenstein, Pablo Picasso, and Francis Bacon.
- National Museum of Ancient ArtRead full reviewAt this museum, paintings, sculptures, furniture, ceramics, and more capture Portugal’s riveting history from the Middle Ages through the 19th century.
- National Azulejo MuseumRead full reviewGlazed tiles have long played a role in Portugal’s cultural history, and this museum delves into the craft's rich legacy.
- Belém TowerRead full reviewA UNESCO World Heritage site, Belém Tower is an architectural marvel and one of Lisbon’s absolute can't-miss spots.
- Miradouro da Senhora do MonteRead full reviewConsidered Lisbon’s highest perch, this Graça hideaway has views of the castle just across the way, the city, and the river.
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A Day in Lisbon
Travel through Lisbon, Portugal, the thriving port city located at the estuary of the Tagus River, known for its old pastel-colored buildings, elaborately detailed ceramic tiles, and vibrant café culture.
The Best Places to Eat & Drink in Lisbon
- 13 Best Restaurants in LisbonOld and new, historic and molecular, Lisbon's cuisine is an adventure.
- 15 Best Bars in LisbonLike the city in general, nightlife here is lively but relaxed, and there's a watering hole to fit your every mood.
- 11 Best Coffee Shops in LisbonIt's a surprising contender as one of the world's more interesting coffee cities
- 10 Best Places for Fado Music in LisbonThis music genre is integral to the Portuguese experience; these are our picks for where to hear it.
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This string of uncrowded islands offers hikes on active volcanoes, verdant cliffs, and top-notch surfing.
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