Bordered by the Tagus River, Lisbon is a capital with an exceptional heritage, whose steep hills, historic districts and gastronomy have won us over. In winter, the city reveals itself from a different angle. The sites are less crowded, temperatures remain mild and the festive atmosphere of December adds a bright touch to its cobbled streets.
Here are our tips for visiting Lisbon in winter: activities, weather, temperatures… Plus, information on how to spend Christmas or New Year in this city full of surprises!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Visiting Lisbon in winter: is it worth it?
Our review
Yes, visiting Lisbon in winter is well worth it. The Portuguese capital is often associated with summer and its Mediterranean lights, but we were won over by its winter charm. Monuments such as the Belem Tower and the Hieronymites Monastery can be visited in appreciable tranquillity, without the long queues of the high season. You’ll also love strolling through the narrow streets of Alfama and Chiado at this time of year. With daytime temperatures hovering around 15°C and plenty of sunshine, Lisbon offers a pleasant winter setting for exploring its neighborhoods on foot. In December, illuminations and seasonal markets add a warm atmosphere to the city.
Benefits
- Temperatures are mild, around 15°C during the day, ideal for walking tours.
- Tourist sites less crowded, queues shorter
- Hotel rates more affordable than in high season
- Sunshine remains frequent and pleasant
- In December, Christmas lights and seasonal markets bring the city to life
- Most museums, monuments and restaurants remain open
Disadvantages
- Shorter days mean less time for outdoor exploration
- Rain may arrive, even if only moderately
- Some monuments have reduced opening hours in winter
- Cool evenings
- Some outdoor activities are less enjoyable on overcast days
WHERE TO STAY IN lisbon
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Baixa district in the heart of Lisbon
Hotel da Baixa – See prices, photos and availability
Dare Lisbon House Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Alfama district, the oldest and most charming
Hotel Poussada Alfama – See prices, photos and availability
Chiado district, the most elegant
Art Legacy Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Weather, temperatures and conditions
In winter, Lisbon enjoys a temperate climate, much milder than in most European capitals. Temperatures generally hover around 15°C during the day and rarely fall below 8°C at night. There’s plenty of sunshine. It’s not unusual to enjoy bright, sunny days, even in January. Of course, it can rain, but it often comes in short spells. We advise you to take a raincoat rather than an umbrella, which is impractical in windy conditions. On the whole, winter conditions make it possible to visit Lisbon on foot without any major constraints.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Portugal
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Don’t take a car that’s too wide, as old towns have narrow streets and small parking spaces.
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
What to do in Lisbon in winter
Lisbon has plenty to offer in every season. In winter, the city even offers a significant advantage: its monuments and museums can be visited in better conditions, without the summer crowds. Here are our suggestions organized by theme.
Not-to-be-missed monuments
Lisbon is home to a number of world-famous monuments that are accessible and can be visited in winter. The Belem Tower, built in the early 16th century during the reign of Manuel I, is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, with remarkable views over the Tagus River. We were fascinated by the finesse of its sculptures, particularly the rhinoceros figures nestling in its turrets. Nearby, the Hieronymites Monastery, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, impressed us with the richness of its cloisters and south portal. Built to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s return from India, the site houses the tombs of several Portuguese sovereigns. We advise you to book your tickets in advance for these two monuments, even in low season.
- Belém Tower – Tram E15, Lg Princesa stop. Currently closed for renovation. Visit the official website for more info here.
- Monastère des Hiéronymites – Bus 727, 728, 729, Tram 15E. Open every day. Book your ticket now.
Perched on the Alfama hill, São Jorge Castle offers an exceptional panoramic view of the capital. Built in the 5th century, this Moorish castle has stood the test of time and invasion. From its ramparts, you can see the red-tiled roofs, the Tagus River and the city’s main monuments. We were also amused by the château’s camera obscura, an optical instrument that projects a moving image of Lisbon onto a concave mirror.
The Palais National d’Ajuda, residence of the last Portuguese monarchs before the proclamation of the Republic in 1910, is worth a visit for its sumptuous salons, flower-filled winter garden and astonishing hall entirely covered in marble.
- Château São Jorge – Minibus 37 or Tram 28. Open every day in winter. Book your ticket now.
- Palais National d’Ajuda – Buses 760, 742, 771, 729. Open every day except Wednesday. Book your ticket now.
- The Lisboa Card gives you access to public transport and many museums.
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Churches, convents and cathedrals
Lisbon’s religious heritage is remarkable, and particularly accessible in winter. The Carmelite Convent, founded in the 14th century and severely damaged by the earthquake of 1755, retains a singularly beautiful open-air nave. We were touched by the atmosphere of these ruins, whose stone arches and columns bear witness to a tumultuous history. Inside, an archaeological museum displays artifacts from the Paleolithic, Neolithic and Pre-Columbian mummies. An unexpected collection, to say the least.
- Carmelite Convent – 300m from Rossio and Baixa-Chiado metro stations. Open daily except Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm (Nov.-Apr.). Visit the official website for more info here.
The Cathedral da Sé is one of the city’s oldest churches. Built in the 12th century, its architecture blends Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles. We enjoyed the gilded altarpieces, the elaborate stalls and the archaeological digs in one part of the building. Other churches worth a visit include the Monastery of São Vicente, the Basilica of Estrela and the Church of São Roque, whose interior is richly decorated.
- Cathédrale da Sé – Tram 28, stop in front of the cathedral. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Book your tickets in advance.
Historic districts to explore
Lisbon is best explored on foot, venturing into its contrasting neighborhoods. Chiado and Bairro Alto are two particularly lively areas, even in winter. We were seduced by the atmosphere of the squares and alleyways, where locals and travelers meet. Here you’ll find street musicians, pretty squares shaded – in summer by purple jacarandas – buildings covered in colorful azulejos and numerous boutiques. Some cafés are historic, and have played host to great figures in Portuguese literature, including the poet Fernando Pessoa. Bairro Alto also comes alive in the evenings, with a vibrant nightlife.
TheAlfama is one of the capital’s oldest districts, whose narrow streets and steep staircases have retained a very authentic character. We were seduced by the lively atmosphere and the presence of fado, the traditional Portuguese music that is part of UNESCO’s intangible heritage. A museum dedicated to this music can be found at the foot of the Largo do Chafariz de Dentro square. Enjoy grilled sardines, a local specialty, in the area’s small restaurants. Alfama is also home to Sé Cathedral and São Jorge Castle. We recommend an evening fado show.
Museums and culture
Lisbon’s particularly rich cultural offering is one of the major assets of a winter holiday. The Museu Nacional do Azulejo, the National Tile Museum, is housed in a beautiful monastery to the east of the city. Here we admired a unique collection of azulejos, the painted tiles that adorn facades throughout Portugal. Exceptional pieces trace the country’s history from the 15th to the 20th century. We were captivated by the golden chapel, with its white and blue frescoes, and by the immense panorama of Lisbon on the top floor.
In the north of the city, the Musée Calouste-Gulbenkian houses over 6,000 works of art ranging from antiquity to the early 20th century. We were fascinated by the variety of the collections: paintings by Rembrandt and Velasquez rub shoulders with an exceptional series of art deco jewelry and glassware by René Lalique, including the famous Dragonfly pendant. The museum, which is a pleasure to visit thanks to its uncluttered architecture, is surrounded by a landscaped garden. Other museums worth a visit include the Fado Museum in Alfama, the Museum of Ancient Arts, the Fondation d’Orient and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC/CCB) in Belém.
- Museu do Azulejo – Bus 742, 203, 210, 718, 759. Open every day except Monday, from 10am to 6pm. Visit the official website for more info here.
- Calouste-Gulbenkian Museum – Metro São Sebastião or Praça de Espanha. Open every day except Tuesday, from 10am to 6pm. Visit the official website for more info here.
- The Lisboa Card gives you access to public transport and many museums.
Gastronomy: pastéis de nata, cooking workshops and fine dining
In Lisbon, we really enjoyed ourselves. The city’s culinary offering is centered on Portuguese cuisine, rich in products from the sea and land. The famous bacalhau, cod or cod depending on the preparation, is a must, as are grilled octopus, suckling pig and sardines. Wine lovers will also be delighted. The capital’s establishments bring together the finest wines from the Douro and Alentejo regions.
Among the specialties not to be missed, pastéis de nata occupy a special place. These custard tarts are a Portuguese institution. La Pastelaria de Belém is the most famous. Its secret recipe is said to have come from the monks of the nearby Hieronymite Monastery. But we also liked theAlcôa (Ivens street) and the Confeitaria Nacional (Praça da Figueira), where the queues are much more reasonable. To take your discovery of local cuisine a step further, we recommend taking part in a Portuguese cooking workshop. A friendly way to learn about local products and techniques, particularly appreciated in winter.
For a more advanced gastronomic experience, Restaurant Encanto, a Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant, dazzled our taste buds. The Restaurant Prado and its wine bar offer typical Portuguese tapas dishes in a more relaxed setting. Finally, the Restaurant O Frade in Belém serves specialties from the Alentejo region in a typical bistronomic setting.
- Restaurants generally open at 12:30 or even 1:00 p.m. for lunch and 7:30 p.m. for dinner – not before!
- Book in advance for gourmet addresses
- Long queues at the Pastelaria de Belém: expect to pay between €1.50 and €3 per pastéis de nata
- Take part in a cooking workshop to discover local recipes such as pasteis de nata.
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Take a walk and get some height
Known as the city of seven hills, Lisbon lends itself naturally to hilltop walks, and there are numerous miradouros(panoramic viewpoints). We found the atmosphere particularly soothing in winter, when the crowds thin out. Visit the miradouros da Graça, São Pedro de Alcântara or do Recolhimento to admire the red-tiled roofs and the Tagus River winding below. The Miradouro de Santa Luzia, adorned with azulejos and colonnades, struck us as the most romantic.
To get around the city without too much walking, two iconic forms of transport are a must. TheSanta Justa Elevator, designed by Gustave Eiffel’s pupil Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard, is an architectural feat that offers a breathtaking view over the rooftops of Chiado. Line 28 of the tramway, meanwhile, traverses the narrow, steep streets of Alfama and Chiado in a bright yellow carriage with 1930s woodwork. We had fun testing them both. Walking along the Tagus is a simple and free pleasure: from the docks, you can see the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology), the Belem Tower and the Cristo Rei statue in the distance. For a different perspective, a sunset boat trip is an option if the weather is particularly fine.
- Santa Justa elevator – in the Chiado district. Open from 7am to 9pm. Free access with Lisboa Card
- Tramway 28 – runs from 6 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. Visit the official website for more info here.
- Take a tuk-tuk if you want to go from one miradouros to another without walking too far.
Family activities
Lisbon offers a number of family-friendly activities, accessible whatever the weather. TheOceanário de Lisboa is the city’s aquarium, located in the modern Parque das Nações district. We found the visit particularly successful. The diversity of marine species on display and the scenography of the central aquarium make this a captivating experience for young and old alike. Right next door, the Pavilhão do Conhecimento – Ciência Viva offers fun, interactive science activities ideal for children. São Jorge Castle and its camera obscura will also delight younger visitors. Last but not least, the Musée des Carrosses (carriage museum) displays sumptuously decorated royal vehicles that look as if they’ve been plucked straight out of a fairytale. The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT), on the banks of the Tagus, offers games and activities for children as they explore its exhibitions.
- Oceanário de Lisboa – Book your tickets online
- The Lisboa Card gives you access to public transport and many museums.
Excursions around Lisbon
The Lisbon region lends itself well to day trips, especially as the roads are less busy in winter. We had some great outings in the surrounding area. SintraSintra, a 40-minute drive away, is a UNESCO World Heritage site whose colorful palaces and terraced gardens are well worth a visit, even in cool weather. Cascaisthe seaside jewel of the Portuguese Riviera, can be reached in 40 minutes and offers a beautiful seaside promenade. Further south, Sesimbra and the Arrabida Natural Park offer unspoilt coastal landscapes, ideal for winter hiking. You can combine several of these destinations in a single day – see prices, photos and availability.
To find out more, read our full article on what to do in Lisbon!
FUN around Lisbon: activities
Lisbon by electric bike
Excursion to Sintra from Lisbon
Dolphin watching
Kayaking in Arrabida
Surfing in Cascais
How to get to Lisbon
Lisbon is well served from all major European cities. By plane, Humberto Delgado International Airport offers direct connections from Paris, Lyon, Brussels, Geneva and many other cities. In winter, rates are generally more attractive than in high season.
From France, it’s also possible to reach Lisbon by train via Spain, although the journey time is quite long.
By car, the capital can be reached via major freeways from Madrid (approx. 6 hours) or from northern Portugal. If you use a car in town, just be aware that parking can be difficult. Public transport is also well developed. The Lisboa Card gives access to the entire transport network (buses, streetcars, metro, elevators) and to many museums – an excellent deal.
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Christmas in Lisbon
Spending Christmas in Lisbon is an experience we gladly recommend. In December, the city is decked out in lights, with the streets of the city center, the banks of the Tagus and the facades of monuments illuminated every evening. We were pleasantly surprised by the scale of the decorations and the warm atmosphere in the shopping districts. Seasonal markets and pop-up stores by local designers liven up the streets, offering the opportunity to find original gifts. It’s also a good time to treat yourself. Prestigious hotels offer attractive deals, and many gourmet restaurants serve festive menus. Why not take the opportunity to dine in one of the capital’s finest establishments?
New Year’s Eve in Lisbon
New Year’s Eve in Lisbon is a big party. Every year, on the evening of December 31st, the city organizes a spectacular fireworks display visible from the Tagus and from many high points. The miradouros are prime spots for the occasion. We advise you to choose one in advance to enjoy the show in the best possible conditions. The festive atmosphere continues in the bars and restaurants of the city center. To make the evening an unforgettable gastronomic experience, many establishments offer exceptional New Year’s Eve menus. You can also try a boat trip on the Tagus to admire the lights from the water.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Portugal
- Best of
Best attractions in Portugal
The most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful towns and villages
Portugal’s most beautiful beaches
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