When is it cheapest to visit Lisbon?

Lisbon is cheapest to visit in January, February, and November.

Peak season is May, June, July, and August, when rooms cost the most.

Lisbon seasons and room prices

Lisbon is most expensive from June through September. June brings the Santo António festival, when the old town turns into one long street party on the night of June 12 into the 13th, and the NOS Alive music festival in July lifts city rates again. Web Summit in early to mid November fills the city with tens of thousands of attendees, so rooms run short in what is otherwise a quiet month. The cheapest stretch is January and February after the New Year holidays, rainy but mild. Weekends carry a premium from European short breaks, so a Sunday to Thursday stay usually costs less.

Lisbon local costs and payment

The currency is the euro, and cards and contactless payment work in hotels and most restaurants and shops. Small tascas and neighbourhood cafes sometimes take cash only or set a minimum, so carry a little cash. The bread, olives and cheese placed on the table before you order are not free and appear on the bill if you eat them. Tipping is optional, usually just leaving the change. The city charges a tourist tax of 4 euros per person per night for guests aged 13 and over, capped at seven nights, usually collected by the property at check in or check out and often missing from the booking site total. Use bank Multibanco machines for cash and decline conversion into your home currency.