As the coastal capital city of Portugal, Lisbon is a popular destination. The gothic architecture, glamour, and waterscape make it a breathtaking destination for families and couples alike. When looking for the best time to visit Lisbon, you may prefer the milder temperatures of spring or the cooler fall months. Summer is hot and humid, while winter can bring unpredictable rainstorms. Tourist season strikes a peak from June – August, and beaches are full from July – August with locals and tourists alike. Ideally, you want to plan your visit anywhere from May – September, especially if you plan to take advantage of the beaches.
In general, November is the cheapest month to fly from Canada to Lisbon. Due to it being the ‘off-season’ during this time, you can expect flight prices to be around 695 C$. If you are unable to visit Lisbon during the month of November, then departing from Canada during the month May is also very affordable. Most momondo users find prices during this month for around 706 C$.
We recommend purchasing flights from Canada to Lisbon 60 days ahead of your departure date because this is when momondo users tend to see the best flight rates. On average, our users have found flights to Lisbon for 799 C$. Keep in mind that you might be able to find cheaper flights to Lisbon at any time. In fact, our users found flights for as low as 542 C$ in the past 72 hours.
Our data shows that Thursday is the least expensive day to fly to Lisbon. Tickets to fly out on this day can be as low as 743 C$. The most expensive day to fly to Lisbon is Friday, with ticket prices averaging around 855 C$.
Flying to Lisbon from Canada in the afternoon is the least expensive time of day to depart. momondo users have found prices as low as 791 C$ when looking at flights departing in the afternoon. In contrast, the most expensive time of day to depart to Lisbon is at noon when prices are around 960 C$.
Finding an alternative and possibly cheaper destination airport near Lisbon is possible. If you are planning a flight to Lisbon, consider booking flights to Cascais Aerodrome Airport (19 km from Lisbon city centre).
For direct international flights to Lisbon from Canada, look for those operated by Air Canada, SATA Internacional, TAP Portugal, and Air Transat. Other options include Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, Aegean Airlines, Air France, American Airlines, and Alitalia. While there are cheap flights to Lisbon, you may want to avoid these. The amount you save in costs will translate into longer layovers and multiple stops.
Lisbon Airport is 20 minutes away from the city centre. Getting to and from the airport is quick and easy, especially with the transportation offered by the city.
Lisbon transportation options are plentiful, especially once you get to the city centre. Most of the city is compact; therefore, you will find it is easy enough to look around the city without requiring wheels.
Subway
The metro underground subway is safe, clean, and very efficient. It runs daily from 6:30 am – 1 am. The most popular stops include Cais do Sodre, Rossio, Sao Sebastiao, and Jardim Zoologico. If you purchase the Lisboa Card, you can use the metro for free. A 24-hour Lisboa Card costs €19.00 EUR per person, while a 72-hour card is €40.00 EUR per person.
Tram
Take the tram 28 and tram 15 to explore downtown and some of the more historical areas of Lisbon. You will find tram 28 at Miradouro das Portas do Sol, while tram 15 is found at Praca da Figueira Square and Comercio Square. You can ride free with your Lisboa Card.
Taxi
Most attractions outside of city centre are accessible via taxi. Also, when the tram and metro stops operating just after 1 am, you can use a taxi for nightlife. It should not cost more than €10 EUR to ride around the city centre in a taxi.
Bus
The Aerobus goes between city centre and the airport, but the local Carris bus takes you downtown too. Take routes 727, 737, and 744 to see most of the main attractions in the city. You can also ride all bus lines free with your Lisboa Card.
Walking
Lisbon is a very walkable city. You will find that one of the best and most pleasurable ways to explore the historic downtown areas is by walking. You can stop and sit down to people-watch and just take in the charm of the area. Also, the hilly streets are well worth the hike once you reach the top.
Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter Portugal for tourism or business purposes under 90 days. For other nationalities, please check the Schengen Visa Info website.
Lisbon has plenty to offer outside the city, but most of what you will want to see as a new visitor to the area is in the city centre.
Lisbon is a safe city to visit for most tourists, but you should still be prepared while you are here. For starters, the sidewalks have embedded black stones and the city prides itself in this form of walk-on art throughout the centre and hillsides. Unfortunately, these small stones are extremely slick when wet. There are also holes in some; therefore, you should proceed with caution. Be aware that the taxis are independent from the city. You can bargain with the drivers, but do not allow the driver to add extra charges. Also, make sure the driver does not turn off the meter and that they start the meter the moment you get inside the vehicle.