Is Lisbon worth going?

Lisbon is, among other things, known for its unique historical center, stunning architecture, colorful azulejos (ceramic tiles), and fantastic food. It also has a fascinating history, filled with rulers, invasions, destructions, and re-constructions. History aside, Lisbon is a fantastic place to visit.



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Big sister Lisbon is twice the size, more cosmopolitan, faster paced and 200 miles further south, so in summer it can be sweltering. Compact, walkable Porto has a more traditional feel and is cooled by Atlantic breezes through summer, though fog and rain can roll in via the same route during the winter.

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Lisbon is, among other things, known for its unique historical center, stunning architecture, colorful azulejos (ceramic tiles), and fantastic food. It also has a fascinating history, filled with rulers, invasions, destructions, and re-constructions. History aside, Lisbon is a fantastic place to visit.

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Head to Portugal if you're a seafood fanatic wary of crowds, or if you're on a budget. Portugal is an up-and-coming destination that will surprise you. If you're really into fine dining, world-class museums, or rock climbing and hiking, Spain is a great choice.

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Portugal is cheaper than Italy, particularly when it comes to eating out. Overall, Portugal is a cheaper place to buy and rent property, however some parts of Portugal (like Lisbon) are above average in terms of cost. The cost of living in Italy varies greatly too, with the south usually cheaper than the north.

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Lisbon to Madrid (night train) The final 90 minutes of the journey take in some fine scenery as the train weaves its way through the rugged Sierra de Guadarrama before dropping down steeply past El Escorial to reach the Spanish capital. In Lisbon you can board the Lusitania at Santa Apolónia station where it starts.

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Yes, Lisbon is walkable. While it has a reputation for being hilly, Lisbon's historic streets are indeed walkable. There is no need to rent a car, just remember to pack some good walking shoes!

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The average journey time by train between Lisbon and Porto is 4 hours and 8 minutes, with around 17 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

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Yes, Porto can be a day trip from Lisbon. But be prepared, as it will definitely be a long day. Is one day enough in Porto, Portugal? One day is enough to see the main attractions in Porto, but spending two or more days will allow for a deeper exploration of the city and its surroundings.

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The peak tourist season is from June until the end of August, and during this period there is a buzzing, vibrant atmosphere about the city. In the summer Lisbon will be hot, but not unbearable, with the temperatures lessened by the close proximity of the Atlantic Ocean and evening breezes.

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To get a well-rounded experience of Portugal, it makes sense to try to visit both places. Ideally, I'd recommend three or four nights in Lisbon (in order to do a day trip to Sintra) and two nights in Porto. On the shortest itinerary I would plan on two nights in each city. Fly into one city and out of the other.

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This route has one of the most picturesque views. Hence, taking a Porto to Lisbon train is a great way to relish Portugal's beauty. Thus, make sure to book your tickets in advance as they get sold out quickly.

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Many consider the Linha do Douro, the train line that follows the valley, one of the most beautiful train rides in Europe. Under 125 miles (200km) long, the line terminates at Pocinho, just shy of the Spanish border.

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Eating and Living Well The cost of food is lower in Portugal because the average wage is lower than in places like the US. The typical worker in Portugal makes about €925 per month (based on 2019 figures). That works out to a little over $12,000/year.

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While there are definitely far more beautiful places to see in Portugal, from Óbidos to the Berlengas Islands to Monsanto and beyond, there's no doubt that you can cover a bigger percentage of Portugal's top destinations in one trip than you can Spain's.

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If you have a little more time, you can also make a day trip out to Sintra which is a gorgeous town filled with colorful palaces. If you have more time on your visit, Barcelona would be a better choice as there is so much to explore. If you don't like being in an area with massive crowds, Barcelona is not for you.

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