Portugal is a firm favourite with Brits, and the capital city of Lisbon is one of the cheapest city breaks in Europe – and it’s less than 3 hours from the UK
Lisbon in Portugal has some of the cheapest drinks in Europe(Image: Getty)
A breathtaking European city offering £1.30 pints and 19C temperatures in March is merely a three-hour flight from the UK. Approximately 2.4 million Brits are believed to have visited Lisbon in Portugal for a city break during 2024.
Whilst the city might be viewed as a less conventional destination, it features filter coffees for under £1.25, whilst beer in the Portuguese capital is “among some of the cheapest in Europe”. A glass of wine will meanwhile set travellers back £1.93 in Lisbon, compared to roughly £9.86 in destinations such as Oslo in Norway.
Speaking on Channel 4’s Bargain Holiday Secrets, A Place in the Sun presenter Jasmine Harman commented: “It really pays to do your research. The capital city of Portugal has all the charm you could ask for but it’s one of the cheapest city breaks out there though it may not be your ideal destination.”
Lisbon also provides Brits with an opportunity to catch some winter sunshine if they venture there during the colder months. The capital city experiences average temperatures ranging from 17C to 19C in March.
During the summer, temperatures can climb as high as 28C in Lisbon. The city also remains dry for much of the year, with the majority of rainfall occurring between November and February.
A flight from London to Lisbon takes roughly between 2hrs 30minutes and 2hrs 55minutes. And on SkyScanner, flights from London to the city are available from just £49 next month.
The Portuguese capital has no shortage of attractions either. As one of the world’s most ancient cities, trailing only Athens in age, Lisbon showcases millennia of heritage, with the Castle of São Jorge hailed as an “unmissable” must-see.
Perched at the city’s highest elevation, the castle nestles within Lisbon’s most authentic neighbourhoods. Meanwhile, the Terreiro do Paço stands as the capital’s emblematic square, reconstructed in 1755 after a catastrophic earthquake devastated the area.
Visit Lisbon recommends the square for a “very pleasant walk” beside the River Tagus during late afternoon hours, noting: “It is also a very beautiful view from the river as you pass on a boat.”
Downtown, the remarkable Santa Justa elevator represents another essential stop. Crafted by celebrated architect Gustav Eiffel, this lift provides breathtaking panoramas across the city’s historic quarters.
Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites grace Lisbon – the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém. Commissioned by King Manuel I, the monastery exemplifies the elaborate Manueline architectural tradition characteristic of the capital.
After dark, Lisbon truly comes alive. Travellers can browse boutiques in the fashionable Chiado neighbourhood before savouring dinner in the lively Bairro Alto district.
Culture enthusiasts, meanwhile, can explore the national tile museum or the coach museum. Portugal’s distinctive Fado musical tradition has also garnered international acclaim.
The music, typically featuring a vocalist accompanied by a guitarist, frequently echoes through the cobbled streets of Alfama, Mouraria or Madragoa. Meanwhile, the fado vadio tradition commonly sees an amateur performer take the lead, with guitar players joining in spontaneously.