Lisbon Holidays

An amazing blend of the past and the present, holidays in Lisbon offer you everything from delicious Portuguese cooking and seafood, buzzing bars, sandy beaches, historic neighbourhoods, charming street squares, markets, great-value shopping to glitzy nightclubs, boutique hotels and cool restaurants. One of the few European capitals blessed with sunny beaches and balmy weather, Lisbon holidays are great for families, couples, friends or solo travellers. Enjoy the sunset from the vantage point of the Torre de Belém, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built on the city’s harbour, tour the captivating city by tram, wander around Lisbon’s oldest district Alfama, savour Portuguese delicacies at waterfront restaurants or take a day trip to the fascinating town of Sintra – Lisbon holidays tick all the boxes.

Discover the best Lisbon beaches

A string of gorgeous beaches frame the Atlantic coastline of Lisbon. Just a short hop away from the city, these powder-soft sandy beaches boast are ideal for swimming, paddle-boarding or sunbathing. For some family fun, head to the beaches of Praia de Carcavelos or Praia Sao Pedro. Arrabida in the south and Silver Coast to the north are good for paddle-boarding, while Costa da Caparica, which is accessible by public transport, has a trendy bar scene. Pack a picnic and take a catamaran cruise to the peninsula of Troika, which has 18km of beaches – and if you're lucky, you'll spot dolphins.

Stunning cityscape from Santa Justa

One of the iconic things to do in Lisbon - ride in a Victorian elevator right up to the ruins of the Igreja do Carmo church. The Santa Justa Lift, with its wooden carriages and Neo-Gothic arches, means that you don't have to battle Lisbon's infamous hills. Once you reach the top, take in the gorgeous views of the city and after returning down again, explore Baixa’s plazas, magnificent architecture, little shops and cafés.  A leisurely stroll by the old quarters is highly recommended for the pastel-coloured buildings, quiet squares and atmospheric lanes that exude an ageless charm. If you want to discover more of this charming city, take a ride on the Glória Funicular railway line through the centre of Lisbon, or hire a bike from bikeiberia and cycle around the city.

Savour Portuguese cuisine

Lisbon has no shortage of restaurants offering amazing seafood and Portuguese cuisine. Be prepared to take your palate on a tour of delectable traditional fare. Bacalhau (salted cod) and oysters are a speciality at Restorante Doca Peixe, while Eleven offers a seasonal menu along with amazing views of the city and Tagus river. Joao do Grao is famed for its Carne de Porco (pork cooked with clams) and Caldo Verde (traditional soup with sausages). But when it comes to desserts, the custard tarts at Antiga Confeitaria de Belem are divine and are prepared from a 200-year-old recipe. Lisbon is also famous for its exclusive cheeses or queijos, so get ready to indulge in this city.

Soak in Lisbon nightlife

Whether you are looking for entertainment for the whole family or party hard the entire night with friends, Lisbon has countless options for you. The traditional Fado Houses presents soulful live music that suits families or couples, while Lux and Kubo are known for their upbeat ambience and cool crowd. Bairro Alto, Cais do Sodré, Largo de Santos and Docas are the major hotspots to party in style. Head to Park, a converted car park turned rooftop garden for one of the hippest spots to enjoy a cocktail, the city view and upcoming DJs.