Lisbon: where to stay and how to get there from Ireland
Lisbon for Irish couples and families: three airlines direct from Dublin all year, a quick metro into town, the best months and which area to pick.
Updated Saturday 17 October 2026
Why go
Lisbon is a hilly, compact capital on the River Tagus. It has old trams, viewpoints, good seafood and a long history as a seafaring city. It is one of the easiest city breaks from Dublin.
It also works as a mix of city and beach. Trains run from the centre to the coast at Cascais, and Sintra is a short train ride inland. Couples get food, culture and nightlife. Families get short journeys, castles and the sea.
Getting there from Ireland
Aer Lingus, Ryanair and TAP Air Portugal fly direct from Dublin to Lisbon all year. Cork, Shannon, Knock, Kerry and the Belfast airports have no direct flights. From those airports, the usual option is to connect in Dublin, or fly to Faro and take the train or bus north.
The flight from Dublin takes about 2 hours 35 minutes.
Lisbon Airport is only about 7 km from the city centre. The metro station is at the edge of Terminal 1 arrivals, and the trip downtown takes about 20 minutes. A taxi takes about 15 minutes.
When to go
Average daily highs in Lisbon:
- March to May: 19°C to 23°C. Good for walking the hills and sightseeing.
- June to August: 26°C to 29°C. Warm and busy. The Atlantic stays cool, at about 20°C in August.
- September and October: 27°C falling to 23°C. A good time to visit, with warm days and fewer crowds.
- November to February: 15°C to 18°C. Mild for winter, but this is the wettest part of the year.
The sea at Lisbon averages about 16°C in January and 20°C in August. Swimming is for the brave outside high summer.
Air and sea temperatures come from the Lisbon climate table on Wikipedia, using 1991 to 2020 data from the Instituto Geofísico station.
Where to stay
- Baixa and Chiado: the flat, central grid and the shopping streets above it, handy for first visits.
- Alfama: the oldest district, below São Jorge Castle, with steep lanes and fado bars.
- Bairro Alto: the main nightlife area, lively until late, so not for light sleepers.
- Belém: by the river to the west, with the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and a calmer feel.
Good for
- Couples who want food, viewpoints and nightlife.
- Families who like old trams, castles and river views.
- Day trips to Sintra, a UNESCO site, and the beaches at Cascais.
- Short breaks at any time of year, with no long flight.
Late deal tip
Pack for the hills. Lisbon’s centre is steep and cobbled, so a cheaper hotel at the top of a hill can mean a hard climb every evening. Check the walking route from the nearest metro station before you book.