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It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve visited Europe; If you haven’t visited Portugal yet, then it’s time to plan another visit!
More than 30 million travelers visited Portugal in 2024, with Lisbon cited as the most popular destination for tourists in the country.
And that number will only increase in 2025.
According to Euro weekly newsExperts predict that 33 million travelers will visit Portugal this year and Lisbon will be back in the spotlight.
It’s easy to see why.
Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Europe and also one of the sunniest. And its coastal location means you can explore ancient sites and beautiful architecture and visit the beach at the same time!
The rising popularity of Lisbon
Lisbon may have a reputation for ‘overtourism’, but it is still my favorite city in Portugal. It’s easy to get to, the food is delicious and the culture is fascinating. And it’s impossible not to be happy when you ride up and down the city hills in a bright yellow tram!
Because Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Europe, it is a paradise for history buffs. The list of historical sights here seems endless.
Start with Castelo de São Jorge (St. George’s Castle), which was built by the Romans in 200 BC. This imposing castle sits atop Lisbon’s highest hill, meaning it’s also a great place to take in the views and scale of the city. Entrance costs 15 euros ($15.30) per person.
Return to the city to visit the Jeronimos Monastery. This is one of the most important examples of the Portuguese Gothic Manueline architectural style, and it is stunningly beautiful both inside and out. Entry costs 18 euros ($18.36) per person.
For incredible views, wander around the Praça do Comércio. This is a huge and extensive square overlooking the harbor and surrounded by large 18th century arcades.
It’s a great place to people watch and enjoy the atmosphere of the city. Lisbon is a charming city with an incredible soul.
The beautiful beaches of Lisbon
Another great thing about Lisbon is that when you get tired of wandering the streets of this old city, you can relax on the nearby beaches.
Take the train from central Lisbon to the small fishing village of Cascais, where the beaches are incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike.
This village has beautiful beaches with small sheltered bays, providing calm water for swimming. The train from Lisbon to Cascais takes about 35 minutes costs only €2.30 for a single ticket.
And do you just want to get on that golden sand as quickly as possible? The closest beach to Lisbon is Praia de Cruz Quebrada. This is located just 12 km from the city center and is easily accessible by both private car and public transport.
To get there by public transport, take train 19001, which takes 13 minutes. from €1 for a single ticket.
Transport to Lisbon
Another reason for Lisbon’s rising popularity is that more and more air connections to the country are being added regularly.
There is one direct flight every day between Chicago and Boston to Lisbon. Two direct flights per day between Miami and Lisbon. And no fewer than four direct flights a day between New York and Lisbon.
How much does a trip to Lisbon cost? Spring is the best time to visit the city, so I looked at flights to visit the city in April.
Direct flights from New York are the cheapest option. A non-stop return flight from April 1 to 8 costs $498. This flight is with AirPortugal and has an outbound flight time of 7 hours and 5 minutes and a return flight time of 8 hours.
If it’s easier for you to fly from Boston, these are the next most affordable flight options. These are also non-stop round-trip flights departing the US on April 1 and returning on April 8.
Prices for direct flights on this route start from $517 per person. Both TAP Portugal and Delta Airlines operate on this route, with a shorter flight time of 6 hours and 25 minutes.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
