If you’re dreaming of a trip to Portugal, but wondering if it’s still a good idea to visit Lisbon in winter, rest assured. Winter is a great time to visit the Portuguese capital! Although Lisbon doesn’t instantly spring to mind when you think of winter city break destinations, a winter vacation in Lisbon will reward you with uncrowded tourist attractions, cheaper prices, and very mild weather.
I had a fantastic time visiting Lisbon in January, so here are my top tips to help you plan your winter Lisbon getaway – including the best things to do in Lisbon in the winter and everything you need to know to prepare for your trip. You’ll discover the many reasons why you should visit Lisbon in winter, so don’t delay – book your trip today!
This is a guest post written by Ella from Many More Maps with edits and additions by Claire
Know Before You Go to Lisbon
Before travelling to Lisbon, make sure you book accommodation and popular attractions ASAP as hotels and tickets can sell out, especially in busy holiday periods.
🛌 MY RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN LISBON:
$$ Zurin Charm Hotel: A small romantic hotel in the Campolide district of Lisbon
$$ Alegria A Lisbon Boutique Hotel – lovely hotel in a beautiful old building
$ Good Morning Hostel – I loved this friendly hostel, it’s perfect for solo travellers
⭐ TOP 3 LISBON ACTIVITIES TO BOOK IN ADVANCE:
Why Winter Is the Best Time to Visit Lisbon
A problem Lisbon has faced in recent years is overcrowding during the peak summer months. It’s become an incredibly popular destination for a European city break! Unfortunately, though, this results in summer accommodation prices skyrocketing and huge queues for the city’s best attractions.
However, visit Lisbon in winter and you can explore without any crowds, and it’s definitely cheaper.
Unlike other destinations in Portugal, like the Algarve for example, Lisbon doesn’t “shut down” for the winter, meaning restaurants and attractions will still be open and the city will still have its buzz. For this reason, Lisbon is definitely the best place to visit in Portugal in winter.
Christmas in Lisbon
Christmas in Lisbon is a festive affair, and the city comes alive with colourful Christmas trees, intricate nativity scenes (presépios), and charming Christmas Markets selling traditional crafts, souvenirs and foodie treats.
Some of the most popular Christmas markets in Lisbon take place at Praça do Comércio and Parque Eduardo VII which hosts a Christmas village with handmade crafts and local products. These markets, along with others like Feira da Ladra, offer a chance to experience a Portuguese Christmas atmosphere.
Families traditionally gather on Christmas Eve for a festive meal featuring classic dishes like bacalhau (salted codfish) and the iconic Bolo Rei cake. There are Midnight Mass services in historic churches, like Sé Cathedral, and carol singers and cultural events performing around the city.
New Year in Lisbon
As the year draws to a close, Lisbon’s New Year’s Eve celebrations include street parties, fireworks over the Tagus River, and a lively atmosphere as you would expect! Many restaurants and clubs offer special New Year’s Eve dinners and parties, or you can join the crowds at popular spots like Praça do Comércio or Avenida da Liberdade to see in the New Year.
Winter Weather in Lisbon
The winter weather in Lisbon is surprisingly mild. It’s perfect for travellers who want to escape the harsh winters you’ll find in the rest of Europe! The coldest month in Lisbon is January, when temperatures hover between a pleasant 8° and 15°C (46-59°F). The temperature hardly ever gets below freezing, and it never snows in Lisbon.
November and December in Lisbon are the wettest months when an average of 110mm of rain falls. Luckily, though, you’re just as likely to have a clear, sunny day as a rainy day when you’re in Lisbon in winter, as the rain tends to fall all at once rather than drizzle.
The best winter months to visit Lisbon in terms of weather are January and February when you’ll see around 90mm of rain per month, with fewer rainy days overall too. This means, provided you bring warm clothes and your umbrella, it’ll still be easy to go out and about sightseeing in Lisbon.
Want More Winter Travel Inspiration?
Check out these blog posts for your European winter vacation inspiration!What to Wear in Lisbon in Winter
Jeans, trainers or boots, and a light coat or jacket are essentials for Lisbon in winter. And make sure you bring an umbrella! Aside from that, though, you won’t need to pack anything specific to visit Lisbon in winter.
Unlike many European winter city breaks, you shouldn’t need a scarf or gloves unless it is unusually cold!
The Best Things to Do in Lisbon in Winter
The mild winter weather, leaner crowds, and more affordable prices are just a few reasons you should visit Lisbon during the winter. We’ve created a list of the best things to do in Lisbon during the winter that you can enjoy more than at any other time of the year.
- Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour Along the Historic Tram Line 28
- Get Tickets to a Fado Show
- Take a Pastel de Nata Baking Class
- Join a Small Group Day Trip to Sintra
- Explore Sao Jorge Castle
You can browse more tours and attractions in Lisbon on GetYourGuide here, most are available throughout the year. I use GetYourGuide to book tours and tickets as I love how you can choose from a variety of options to find the best for you, comparing prices and reading reviews.
Using GetYourGuide means you also get immediate confirmation once you’ve booked which is perfect for last-minute plans, and when you book in advance you can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity in case your plans change. However, If you prefer to use Viator you can find tours on Viator here.
Enjoy a Tour of Lisbon on Tram 28
Tram 28 is probably the most popular activity in Lisbon, but in summer it can be a nightmare. You’ll often find yourself queuing for over an hour to get a place on the tram, and then you’ll spend the entire journey so crammed in that you’re barely able to look out of the windows. Not fun!
That’s why winter is the perfect time to take Tram 28. Without the tourist crowds that descend on Lisbon in summer, you’ll be able to get straight onto the tram without queuing, and you’ll even get a seat to admire the beautiful scenery you pass! Or take a tour alongside Line 28 on a guided tuk-tuk tour.
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Attend a Fado Show
Attending a Fado show is an essential Lisbon experience, and since it’s indoors this is the perfect thing to do if it’s raining or cold. Fado is the traditional music of Portugal, and it was first created in Alfama, a neighbourhood of Lisbon.
In summer, it can be difficult to find a seat at a decent Fado show – they fill very fast! However, a huge benefit of visiting Lisbon in winter is that you shouldn’t have any issue getting yourself a seat at one of Lisbon’s top Fado shows. Make it even easier by pre-purchasing tickets to a Fado show.
Sample a Pastel de Nata
This Portuguese egg custard tart is one of the most delicious desserts on the planet, and you can’t visit Lisbon without trying one (or five!). Although they’re popular all over Portugal, they were first made in Belem, just outside of Lisbon.
Numerous bakeries claim to be the ‘best’ Pastel de Nata, but since they cost as little as €1, you can try a few and decide for yourself which are the best! You could even take a cooking class to learn how to make these moreish custard tarts again once you’ve come home.
Gorge on Portuguese Food
Custard tarts aren’t the only delicious things to eat in Lisbon! There are some excellent restaurants in Lisbon to enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine or join a food tour to learn more about what to eat in Lisbon. I joined a Taste of Lisboa Downtown Mouraria food tour which was fantastic.
As well as learning about the Mouraria neighbourhood, Fado music and the history of Lisbon, we ate lots of delicious food, including pata negra cured ham, codfish croquettes, bifana pork sandwiches and ginjinha cherry liqueur among many other tasty treats.
There is nothing better than tasting local food while travelling, so take advantage of fewer crowds to book popular restaurants, or just wander the streets and find a local joint where you can sit outside and enjoy the sunshine with a glass of Portuguese wine or two!
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Take a Day Trip from Lisbon
There are countless day trips you can take from Lisbon, and most of them are great all year-round. The most popular day trip from Lisbon by far is to the town of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site where you’ll get to explore Sintra’s beautiful palaces and castles. Sintra is very steep and hilly, so visiting in winter means you’ll be able to hike up those hills without struggling in the heat!
Undoubtedly the best winter day trip from Lisbon, though, is a trip to see the biggest waves ever surfed, in the town of Nazaré. Huge swells in winter create these massive waves, which can be over 100-feet tall. People visit from all over the world to witness these waves – and some crazy people even surf them! If you come to Lisbon during the winter, you’ll have the best chance of seeing them.
Visit the Belém Neighbourhood
Catching the bus from central Lisbon to the neighbourhood of Belém is definitely worth the journey. Here, you’ll find some of the most fascinating landmarks and tourist attractions in the city, including the Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries and the Jerónimos Monastery.
You’ll also find the 25th of April Bridge in Belém, which looks almost identical to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco! If you have the Lisboa Card, your bus tickets and entry to most of the attractions in Belém are included, so visiting this neighbourhood is an easy way to get good value out of it!
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Enjoy the View from São Jorge Castle
Overlooking the city atop a steep hill, São Jorge Castle is one of the oldest landmarks in Lisbon. There’s evidence of this fortification dating as far back as 1 BC. The original fortification has been expanded many times over the years, including by King Alfonso I in the mid-12th century, and today it’s one of the best places to visit in Lisbon if you’re into history.
Entry to the castle costs €10, but if you’re on a tight budget you can explore the outer walls of the castle for free. Plus, it’s worth walking up to the castle since it’s one of the best viewpoints over the city. Or, splurge on a skip-the-line ticket for guaranteed views.
Visit the Best Museums in Lisbon
If the weather turns, visiting some museums is one of the best things to do in Lisbon in the rain. Lisbon has some excellent museums to choose from, so no matter what you are interested in you’ll find something fascinating to learn more about.
The National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo) is a fabulous museum displaying beautiful Portuguese tiles in a 16th-century monastery, or if you’re interested in underwater life the Oceanário de Lisboa aquarium is home to diverse marine life from different ecosystems around the world.
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum has an extensive art collection spanning various artistic periods and cultures, whereas the National Museum of Ancient Art (Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga) focuses on classic Portuguese and European art, and the Berardo Collection Museum (Museu Coleção Berardo) features more modern works by artists like Picasso, Warhol, and Dalí.
TOP TIP: If you plan to visit several museums in Lisbon, it will be worth getting the Lisbon Card which includes free entry to various museums and attractions in Lisbon. >>>SEE WHAT IS INCLUDED
Where to Stay in Lisbon
Since Lisbon is such a big city, finding the right place to stay is really important if you want to avoid spending time travelling to attractions on public transport or having to walk for miles up and down Lisbon’s steep streets.
I recommend booking accommodation close to the Restauradores metro station and the Rossio train station. Staying in this area means you’ll be within walking distance to almost all of Lisbon’s top attractions, with both the metro and train nearby if you’re looking to take a few day trips.
Hotels in Lisbon
The standard of hotels in Lisbon is generally pretty high, and in winter it won’t be hard to find a brilliant place to stay in Lisbon on a budget.
If you’re looking to stay in central Lisbon, check out Tempo FLH Hotels Lisboa. From just €69 per night, you’ll get a spotless double room with breakfast included. Each guest room is bright and airy, and since it’s located so centrally you’ll save money on public transport since you’ll barely have to take any! You can find other hotels in Lisbon on Booking.com, like the examples below.
Zurin Charm Hotel: A small romantic hotel in the Campolide district of Lisbon with a crisp, clean, and modern look. Sao Jorge Castle and Commerce Square are less than 5 km away. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY
Alegria A Lisbon Boutique Hotel: The architecture and design of this renovated building dating back to 1865 is inspired by authentic Portuguese culture. History and culture buffs will love staying here and being surrounded by 19th century mansions. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY
If you prefer to stay in an apartment in Lisbon then Booking also has some amazing vacation apartments in Lisbon, and they often have better cancellation terms than Airbnb. There are also various options for Airbnbs too, take a look at some of the rental homes available here.
Hostels in Lisbon
The best hostel in Lisbon is without doubt the Good Morning Hostel. For €18 per night you’ll get a bed in a dorm room, free breakfast (including waffles, scrambled eggs and cheese toasties!), free beer and sangria for an hour each night, and guaranteed new friends.
It’s probably the most sociable hostel in Lisbon, and it’s right in the city centre, meaning you can walk pretty much everywhere which makes it the best hostel in Lisbon for solo and budget travellers. Read Claire’s full review of Good Morning Hostel here, or check reviews and prices on Hostelworld. You can also find other hostels in Lisbon on Hostelworld.
I hope this post has given you some great ideas about the best things to do in Lisbon in winter, and convinced you to visit this fabulous city during the winter. If you have any more tips about spending winter in Lisbon, please comment below – I’d love to hear what you think!
About the Author
Ella Moore is a part-time travel blogger who has been obsessed with exploring the world for as long as she can remember. In 2020, just months before the global lockdown, she started a travel blog to share stories about her adventures. Her blog, Many More Maps, is all about seeing the world on a budget and balancing wanderlust with a full-time job. You can keep up with her adventures on Twitter.
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