Tick Lisbon, the Portuguese Capital off Your Bucket List This Autumn

As summer hits its peak, we think ahead of what adventures may lie ahead for you in autumn, and we’ve got an ideal destination in mind...

Lisbon, Portugal’s stunning capital is a city rich in history, culture, and architectural wonders. It was built on seven hills, providing visitors with incredible viewpoints of the cityscape and Tagus River, and its nearby coastal regions offer even more natural beauty with blissful beaches. The culinary delights of Lisbon are also a highlight, especially the fresh seafood and of course the iconic pastéis de nata – aka custard tarts!

Visiting Lisbon in autumn makes for a wonderful travel experience. There will be fewer tourists as the summer season dies down, so you can explore at a slower pace, and it will be simpler to navigate. The weather will be mild, ranging from 18°C to 25°C in September and gradually cooling to 11°C to 18°C by November, and though there will be occasional rain, dry sunny days are likely, too.

Autumn is a great time for outdoor activities such as walking tours, visits to historical sites, and day trips to nearby towns including charming Sintra, home to storybook castles and pretty gardens that stand out even more with colourful leaves highlighting autumnal hues and glowing with the sun.   

Another advantage of travelling to Lisbon off-season is you’ll save money on your flights and accommodation, plus discount rates are offered at restaurants across the city.

Here’s What You Can Get up to in Lisbon on Your Autumn Adventure...

Explore Historic Neighbourhoods

Wander through the narrow, winding streets of the ancient Alfama district, where you can visit the Lisbon Cathedral and enjoy Fado music performances. Experience the dynamic nightlife, trendy shops, and historic cafes of Bairro Alto and Chiado, and don’t miss a chance to explore Belém and its attractions like the iconic Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery.

Delve into the City’s Cultural Landmarks

Learn about the history of Portuguese tiles at the Museu Nacional do Azulejo, explore a vast collection of art from different periods and cultures at the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, and enjoy contemporary exhibits in a stunning riverside building at the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology).

Take Day Trips to Nearby Gems

Visit the fairytale-like Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira at Sintra, take a day to relax at the beaches in the charming coastal town of Cascais, and embark on a sightseeing tour of Roman ruins and the eerie Chapel of Bones in Évora.

Indulge with Local Cuisine

Lisbon is renowned for its fresh seafood due to its coastal location; make sure you try popular dishes like grilled sardines and bacalhau (salt cod). Other local staples include bifana and prego – traditional Portuguese sandwhiches, and a trip to the city is not complete without indulging in one or a few of the pastéis de nata custard tarts.

Lisbon Events to Enjoy in Autumn

Lisbon & Sintra Film Festival

LEFFEST – The Lisbon and Sintra Film Festival takes place every year, and this year it falls on 8th-17th November, bringing renowned filmmakers, musicians, writers, and artists from across the globe together to share their talents and celebrate the best in cinema.

ModaLisboa (Lisboa Fashion Week)

ModaLisboa brings together world-class, famous, and up-and-coming Portuguese fashion designers to present their brand-new collections and upcoming trends with a series of runway presentations. The sought after event highlights the rich cultural heritage of Portugal and allows attendees a sneak peek into future fashion.

Other Useful Tips & Information – Getting Around & What to Pack

Lisbon’s public transportation network is efficient, including buses, the metro, and trams - vintage trams (especially Tram 28) are a bucket list experience in Lisbon, and are much more pleasant in the autumn without the huge crowds. The city is generally safe, but be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and on public transport.

If you plan to explore by foot, please note that Lisbon is hilly with lots of cobblestone sidewalks, so comfortable shoes are a must. Layered clothing is ideal, including a light jacket or sweatshirt for cooler evenings. A raincoat or umbrella is useful for occasional rain showers.

Book Your Autumn City Break to Lisbon with Brightsun Travel

Brightsun Travel has a fab package offer to Lisbon priced from just £459pp, including a 3-night stay at the stylish Hotel Lisboa Plaza, return flights with TAP Air Portugal, return private airport transfers, checked baggage, and a half day city tour.

If you’d like to take advantage of this bargain or find out more about what else we offer, do give us a call on 0208 819 0531 and let us help plan out your autumn adventure to Lisbon.