Lisbon from the USA! Lisbon, Portugal’s vivacious capital, is one of the hottest new destinations for American travellers. With a stunning culture that seamlessly blends dazzling history, expert design, and playful, progressive ideology, Lisbon is a perfect postcard-perfect playground for embracing the best of Portuguese traditions, from the time-honoured and to the brand new. Here’s everything you need to know about when to visit Lisbon, where to go, and how to get there from the USA. Lisbon from the USA.
Best Time to Visit Lisbon
Ideally, the best period to visit Lisbon from the USA would be Spring, December to February , and Fall, September to October. These should be the best seasons ,when it is not too hot, and not to cold. Those periods are much better, with the temperature between 60°F to 75°F, and the sun is shinning. The Summer is also a great season to visit Lisbon, but it could be a little to hot compared with the other seasons. To me, the shoulder seasons are the best time to visit this beautiful city, for many reasons. First of all because it is perfect, the weather is great, and it is not full of tourists, so it is more comfortable to visit Lisbon’s attractions. Lisbon from the USA.
Summer (July and August) sees temperatures often in excess of 86°F, which can be unpleasant if you’re not used to the heat, so if you’re looking for lower temperatures, then you should avoid visiting in this period. Although the summer months are hot, this is also the height of the tourist season, so expect lots of crowds and to pay higher prices for flights and accommodation. However, summer is also the time when the city is most vibrant, and famously a time of festivals. The cooler and wetter weather of winter (November to February) means you can expect fewer tourists, and hopefully lower accommodation prices, but with Lisbon’s mild climate, sightseeing is still practically enjoyable during these months. Lisbon from the USA.
Traveling from the USA to Lisbon
It is quite easy to fly from the USA to Portugal’s capital, Lisbon. It is a hop, skip and a jump direction from pretty much any city in the USA. There are ample direct flights from many major US cities to Lisbon with numerous carriers. It is a good five to eight hours from any of the larger East Coast cities like New York, Boston or Miami. It is 10 to 12 hours from the West Coast. You can get there by flying with TAP Air Portugal, Delta or United Airlines (among others), with daily departures from most major US cities.
Although you can often get cheaper flights that connect via one of the European hubs, such as Madrid, Paris or London, you might find you are fighting your way through a crowded airport for hours longer than you would have done if you’d flown direct. Upon arrival in Lisbon, it’s a short drive from the airport into the city centre, so getting a taxi or bus into town isn’t a problem, and you can even catch the metro.
Must-Visit Spots in Lisbon | Lisbon from the USA
Lisbon is full of monuments, neighbourhoods and attractions with centuries of history. One of the most emblematic places is the Belém Tower, a 16th-century UNESCO World Heritage maritime monument located on the banks of the river Tagus. The tower was built as a defence fortress but became a symbol of Portugal’s maritime past. Lisbon from the USA.
Within walking distance of Belém Tower is the Jerónimos Monastery, another UNESCO site and architectural wonder. The Manueline design of the church, its stunning stonework and tranquil cloisters are simply beautiful, and the tomb of Portugal’s most famous explorer Vasco da Gama is housed here.
For a more cultural experience, head to the Alfama District, one of Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods. Its cobbled, winding streets, white houses, steps and local Fado music will make you feel like you’ve travelled back in time. There are several viewpoints, or miradouros, in Alfama, such as Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Miradouro de Santa Luzia, from where you can look over Lisbon’s red roofs and out to the distant river. Lisbon from the USA.
More Lisbon from the USA
Praça do Comércio, Lisbon’s majestic waterfront square, is another touristy hotspot that’s worth visiting. If you have time, you can stroll around, buy souvenirs and gifts at Centro Comercial Vasco da Gama, or sip a drink at one of the many cafes. Nearby is the Baixa District, where you can also shop and dine. Tourists are drawn to the neighbourhood’s wrought-iron Elevador de Santa Justa, an elevator built in 1907 that offers a 360-degree view of the city.
For a taste of the contemporary, the LX Factory is a hip area around a former industrial site full of art galleries, tiny boutiques and packed restaurants. While your skin sizzles and your face threatens to melt in the heat, it is hard to find many of these places empty. But step inside the LX Factory and you are caught up in Lisbon’s new pulse. This is one of the coolest districts in town. Lisbon from the USA.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a history buff looking for the story of Portugal’s reach, an architecture fan dazzled by the rooflines and tile-covered buildings, or just a chill-seeking traveller trying to find the time and place for the ultimate freebie holiday, Lisbon is, and I’m sure will remain, a city that is many things to many people. Its mild climate for the majority of the year is a boon, as is an ever-increasing number of direct flights to Portugal’s capital from all over the USA. It’s an easy and memorable place to travel. The fascinating history of the city and the country is on display everywhere, from the UNESCO-listed Belém Tower and nearby Jerónimos Monastery to the narrow streets of Alfama. Lisbon from the USA.