How to make the most out of your layover in Lisbon

If you haven’t been to Lisbon recently, I bet it’s at the top of your travel bucket list. And for good reason! The food? Absolutely mouthwatering! The nightlife? It’ll keep you up dancing till dawn. And those views from the city's many lookout points? Trust us, they’re worth every step up the steep hills. Also, if you want to visit a UNESCO World Heritage site, there are two in Lisbon: Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) and Belém Tower (Torre de Belém).

The Portuguese capital has something for everyone. Digital nomads can work from cafes with great views and solo travelers can explore its streets and discover hidden spots. For families, attractions like the Lisbon Oceanarium and São Jorge Castle have fun and engaging activities that kids will love.

Lisbon is a city that effortlessly wins you over with its colorful houses, rich history, and amazing views of the Tagus River. And here’s the kicker: Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado Portela) is just a hop away from the city center, so even if your layover is short, you can still get a taste of this place.

Things to keep in mind before leaving Lisbon airport

Before heading out to explore, make sure you know your next flight departure gate and factor in time for passport control if you’re arriving from or heading to a non-Schengen country. Lisbon Airport offers amenities like shops, free Wi-Fi, and food stops to make your layover easier.

Visa requirements in Spain

Whether you need a visa to leave Lisbon Airport during your layover depends on your nationality and travel plans. If you’re traveling within the Schengen Area, you won’t need a new visa to step out and visit Lisbon. But, if you’re from a non-Schengen country, check if your passport allows short stays in Portugal without a visa.

For many U.S., Canadian, and Australian travelers, a short visit for up to 90 days within the Schengen Zone is allowed without a visa. Always confirm your status and specific entry requirements beforehand to keep your layover experience hassle-free.

Minimum layover times in Lisbon

• Short layover (2–4 hours): If you have a short stopover, it’s best to stay within Lisbon Airport. The airport is very equipped, from duty-free shops in Terminal 1 to the Blue Lounge, where you can enjoy snacks, drinks, and showers for a quick refresh. Hungry? You’re in luck. Lisbon Airport has many dining options, including international chains, local eateries, and cafes. If you need to work, the airport has free Wi-Fi and areas like the Living Spot, perfect for catching up on emails. Traveling with kids? The airport has play areas and family rooms with amenities such as microwaves and bottle warmers, which will make your stop comfortable for the whole family.
• Long layover (4–8 hours): A layover of at least four hours gives you enough time to visit some quick highlights. Take the metro Red Line or a taxi ride (about €15–€20) to the city center. Stroll through Rua Augusta and visit the Arco da Rua Augusta for panoramic views of Praça do Comércio. Try a warm pastel de nata, famous custard tarts at Manteigaria, which cost around €1.20 each.
• Layover of eight hours or more: An eight-hour layover means you can explore Lisbon more thoroughly. Start your journey by taking the metro from Lisbon Airport to Alameda Station, then switch to the green line for a quick ride to Rossio Station. The metro ride takes about 30 minutes and costs around €1.50 (one-way). Taxis are another option that’ll run you approximately €15–€20 for this 20–30 minute ride, depending on traffic. Plan to return to the airport at least two hours before your connecting flight to give yourself time for security and passport control.

What to do in Lisbon during a layover

If you plan to explore Lisbon during your stopover, make the most of it by starting light. Use Bounce’s luggage storage solutions to safely stash your bags and roam the city hands-free. With convenient locations all around the city, you can enjoy Lisbon’s sights without lugging around your bags.

Morning layover

Start your morning layover in Lisbon with a visit to the Alfama district. Give an authentic Portuguese breakfast a go, and try a tosta mista (grilled ham and cheese sandwich) or pão com manteiga (bread with butter) with a shot of strong espresso. This classic combo is popular among locals and you can try it at cafes like Fábrica Coffee Roasters or A Brasileira near the city center for about €5–€8.

You also shouldn’t miss pastel de nata at places like Pastéis de Belém for an iconic Lisbon experience. The pastéis de nata with a bica (Portuguese smooth and strongespresso), costs around €1.20–€2 per pastry. After breakfast, visit Sé de Lisboa, the city’s oldest church, to experience the morning energy and history of Alfama.

Afternoon layover

If you’re lucky enough to have a longer stopover past the morning, here’s how to continue making the most of your time. For lunch, treat yourself to a traditional Portuguese dish like bacalhau à brás, a codfish meal with potatoes and eggs.

This dish is a staple in local restaurants such as Laurentina - O Rei do Bacalhau, and you can get it for around €15. After lunch, head to Praça do Comércio and take a relaxing walk along the waterfront, taking in the views of the Tagus River.

Evening layover

If your layover stretches into the evening or you’ve had a full day in Lisbon, there’s still more to experience. Head to Bairro Alto for some of the best fado music performances and enjoy drinks at local bars. Dinner here is around €20–€30, with many options to try Portuguese dishes with local wines.

To catch a sunset, visit the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, one of the best viewpoints in the city for panoramic views over Lisbon. You can get there by taking the 28E tram or a short taxi ride from the city center, which costs about €10. Watching the city during the golden hour is the perfect way to round off your layover before heading back to the airport.

Overnight layover in Lisbon

For an overnight layover, you have several accommodation options to suit any budget. You can stay at TRYP Lisboa Aeroporto Hotel, just minutes from Lisbon Airport, with rooms starting at about €120 per night. If you prefer to be in the city center, Yes! Lisbon Hostel has a budget-friendly option with dorms from €15 and private rooms starting at €50. It’s also a great spot if you want to meet some new friends.

For dinner, check out Time Out Market Lisbon. This restaurant serves various dishes which is great if you’re a picky eater. You’ll definitely find something you like here! If you’re in the mood for something more traditional, head to Casa de Linhares for a fado dinner show. You can expect to pay around €50 for dinner and the performance.

To cap off the night, visit Lust in Rio, a popular open-air nightclub with an entry fee of around €15–€20. Note that most clubs have an age restriction of 18+.

Tips to make the most out of your time in Lisbon

• Currency: Portugal uses the euro (€). Most places accept credit cards, but it’s smart to have cash for smaller purchases.
• Language: Portuguese is the official language, but most locals speak English too.
• Weather: Lisbon is known for its mild climate. Summers can reach up to 30C (86F), while winters are comfortable at around 10C–15C (50F–59F).
• Safety: Lisbon is generally safe, but keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas like Rua Augusta.
• Budget: Plan to spend around €50 per day for meals, public transport, and activities, depending on your preferences. Budget-friendly accommodation options start at €40–€60 per night, while mid-range hotels are around €100–€150.
• Transport: Public transport, including the Red Line metro and buses, is reliable for getting from Lisbon Airport to the city center. A single metro ticket costs about €1.50.

One last tip? Make sure to use luggage storage services in the city center or somewhere else to travel light. This allows you to navigate Lisbon’s crowded and narrow streets and enjoy the city’s popular, steep hills without extra weight. With your hands free, savor the best of what the city has to offer on your Lisbon airport layover!