Lisboa is the capital of Portugal and the country’s biggest city, located on the estuary of the Tagus river, on the European Atlantic Coast. It is continental Europe’s westernmost capital.
Portugal’s official language is Portuguese. Derived from Latin roots, Portuguese is the third most spoken European language in the world, with around 250 million speakers.
Around 3 million people live in the Lisboa region, with around 600 thousand living in the capital itself.
In Lisboa winters are mild and summers hot, though moderated by its location near the sea. During spring and autumn there are usually sunny days with mild temperatures.
The Portuguese Constitution allows religious freedom, with various religions being practised in Portugal.
230 / 400 volts, on a 50-hertz frequency. The electric sockets adhere to European standards. Blade plugs (US standard) must be used in conjunction with a 230 volts transformer, as well as an adaptor.
There are many ways to get to Lisbon and all of them are easy to use. With the airport just a few minutes from the centre of the city, stations with international rail links and various ports for cruise ships, there are many options for getting to the capital of Portugal. If you prefer to come by car, there are excellent roads from various points north and south along the border with Spain.
Land at the Lisbon international airport which is just a mere 7 km from the centre of the city. Served by the main international airlines and just 3 hours away from the main European capitals, it is very easy to reach.
It is just as easy to reach the centre of the city. National and international trains arrive every day at Santa Apolónia station, which is very close to all the traditional neighbourhoods and Terreiro do Paço. But if you would like to add a unique architectural experience to your arrival, get off at Gare do Oriente, whose Calatrava-designed lines impress even those who see it every day.
Those arriving by sea have one of the best views of Lisbon – from the river – and can moor in 3 different places, all near the centre. If you come by cruise ship, you can dock at Alcântara, Rocha Conde de Óbidos or Santa Apolónia. If you arrive by yacht, there are several marinas as you sail up the river.
The best ways to enter Lisbon are via the A1 and A2, which both have national and international connections along their course. The landscape is beautiful and mobility around the region compensates the long hours of driving. After all, there is more to Lisbon than just city.
Jan / Mar | Apr / Jun | Jul / Sep | Oct / Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Air Temperature | 17.1ºC(62.78ºF) | 21.8ºC(71.24ºF) | 26.3ºC(79.34ºF) | 17.2ºC(62.96ºF) |
Sea Temperature | 17.1ºC(62.78ºF) | 17.5ºC(63.5ºF) | 19.5ºC(67.1ºF) | 17.2ºC(62.96ºF) |
The euro is portugal’s official currency, having been introduced in January 2002.
1 euro is divided into 100 cents.
There are coins of: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 and 2 euros.
The bills can be distinguished by their size and colour and have the following face values: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros.
In Portugal, payments can be made in cash, bank transfer, checks, credit cards and debit cards.
Lunch from 12:00 pm to 03:00 pm, Dinner from 07:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Monday to Friday from 08:30 am to 03:00 pm.
Monday to Friday 09:00 am to 03:00 pm.
Monday to Friday 09:00 am to 07:00 pm (Some pharmacies close at lunchtime). Saturdays from 09:00 am to 01:00 pm (When closed all pharmacies indicate the nearest open pharmacy on duty, where there is a 24-hour service).
Everyday from 10:00 am to 12:00 am.
Monday to Friday 09:00 am to 06:00 pm. (The post offices at Praça dos restauradores, Cabo Ruivo and the airport are open on weekdays until 08:00 pm, and with restricted timetables on weekends.)
International Calls: 00 + country area code
Portugal area code: +351
112
The hospital emergency services must only be used for serious emergencies. In order to have access to this service: E.U. citizens who are non-resident in Portugal must show their passport or ID card and the European Health Insurance Card, a free card that gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the EU countries.