The Best Hotels to Stay at in Lisbon
Dream of strolling the streets of Portugal? From budget-friendly stays to boutique hotels, here are the best hotels to stay at in Lisbon!
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Portugal is the perfect combination of white sandy beaches, architecturally beautiful cities, rugged coastlines, and a booming restaurant scene. Oh, and not to mention, a lot of wine.
Portugal also happens to be one of the most affordable international destinations and incredibly safe, making it a great getaway for solo female travelers.
Lisbon has become a hub for nomads and ex-pats from all over the world, but there’s so much more to see than Portugal’s capital city—there’s the Algarve, the Alentejo, Obidos, and Braga, to name a few!
The most idyllic time to visit Portugal is in either the spring (March to June) or fall (September to mid-October) when there are fewer crowds, prices are lower, and the temperatures are warm. Fall is also a great time if you’re looking to experience some of Portugal’s famous wines.
The summer months are considered to be the high season in Portugal. Streets, beaches, and historical sites are often busy. Local transportation is also often sold out, and accommodation prices can increase to around 30-40%.
Come November, the rainy season begins, and a lot of resorts shut down for winter. Expect thinner crowds but shorter hours at many of the main sites. If you’re visiting Portugal for the holiday season, Lisbon is known for its Christmas markets and decorations.
Read more about The Best Time to Travel to Portugal!
Language: The official language of Portugal is Portuguese.
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Credit Cards & ATMs: Many Portuguese shops, restaurants, and hotels accept credit cards, especially in bigger cities that are often visited by tourists. Like many other destinations in Europe, it is wise to keep a little cash on you. An ATM in Portugal is commonly referred to as “multibanco” or “caixa automatica.” These ATMs in Portugal are not only used to withdraw money but also used to pay bills, buy movie tickets, or make transfers. They can be found at most banks, airports, train stations, and shopping centers.
Plugs: The plugs in Portugal are type F, the standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hairdryers and hot tools.
Safety: Portugal is one of the safest places to visit in Europe, being ranked as the 13th safest country in the world. Crime rates are low and are typically in isolated neighborhoods. The biggest issue is pickpocketing. Exercise caution with valuables, and you won’t run into any issues.
*European Travel Alert*
Starting sometime around November 2023, US travelers between 18-70 years old will need to fill out an ETIAS visa-waiver form prior to their trip, and pay a €7 ($7.25) entry fee, to travel to European countries within the Schengen Area. It’s a quick form, and you will most likely receive instant approval—but it’s important to plan and submit ahead. Your ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Portugal is one of our favorite European destinations because of how LGBTQ+ friendly it is. Same-sex marriages are legally recognized and it’s one of the only countries to ban LGBTQ+ discrimination in their constitution! We highly recommend Lisbon for the best gay scene. We felt safe and comfortable being out as a lesbian couple during our travels there, and the locals were very kind and respectful.
Dream of strolling the streets of Portugal? From budget-friendly stays to boutique hotels, here are the best hotels to stay at in Lisbon!
Read More >Ready to explore your new favorite European destination? Here’s your guide to the top 10 places to visit in Portugal (that aren’t Lisbon).
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Read More >You can easily spend 2 days and 2 nights here, but if you opt for something shorter, here’s how to spend a day in Aveiro, Portugal!
Read More >I spent much of my stay weaving in and out of cafés, stores, bookstores, and restaurants. Here is where to find the best food in Lisbon, Portugal.
Read More >Ready to explore your new favorite European destination? Here’s your guide to the top 10 places to visit in Portugal (that aren’t Lisbon).
Read More >Portugal is a country that truly has it all—from white sand beaches to architecturally beautiful cities to all the wine you can drink!
Read More >You can easily spend 2 days and 2 nights here, but if you opt for something shorter, here’s how to spend a day in Aveiro, Portugal!
Read More >I spent much of my stay weaving in and out of cafés, stores, bookstores, and restaurants. Here is where to find the best food in Lisbon, Portugal.
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