Lisbon in January

If you're looking for a destination to kick off the new year, heading to Lisbon in January is a fantastic idea! This month is perfect for exploring the Portuguese capital away from the crowds of peak season while enjoying a more authentic and relaxed atmosphere. Whether it's wandering through neighborhoods, visiting the most iconic landmarks, or enjoying evenings filled with fado music or a cruise, Lisbon has wonderful surprises in store for you... Without further ado, discover how to visit Lisbon in January!

In January, Lisbon offers a mild climate considering its location by the Atlantic. Average temperatures range between 46°F and 59°F during the day, with often sunny skies, although a few showers may occur ☔️

There are only 9 rainy days during this time, which is low! The weather remains pleasant and allows visitors to explore Lisbon under the best possible conditions, provided you prepare a few warm clothes for mornings and evenings. Otherwise, you have nothing to fear for your stay

Unlike the summer and December, it's true that Lisbon is quieter in January. This is a great time to enjoy a beautiful vacation away from the summer tourist bustle, and although the streets are not deserted, the atmosphere is more relaxed... Therefore, you won't have trouble exploring the capital without worrying about pushing your way through trams or queuing at the most iconic monuments

This moderated tourist attendance also brings other benefits, particularly regarding accommodation prices and activities that are more affordable. If you have a moderate or tight budget for your trip to Lisbon, consider booking your hotel nights and flights as early as possible. The same goes for tours and excursions, don't waste too much time and buy all your entrance tickets before your arrival in Lisbon

Are you traveling to Lisbon for the first time? If so, I recommend getting the Lisboa Card! This pass is a great way to save money as it provides free access to essential monuments and transportation. For activities to try in the city, it's the same. Plus, it's flexible since you can choose the duration of your pass: 24h, 48h, or 72h. To learn more, check out my article dedicated to the Lisboa Card that reveals all its advantages

Of course, a trip to Lisbon in January must include a stroll through Alfama! You'll see whitewashed houses adorned with azulejos, balconies, and picturesque nooks... A visit to this neighborhood also includes discovering places like the Sé Cathedral and the São Jorge Castle, which can be reached by taking tram line 28! The view of Lisbon and the Tagus river from this castle is breathtaking

The nightlife in Alfama is also vibrant and lively! The streets are filled with small bars for watching traditional fado shows, typical restaurants, and shops... If you haven't booked your accommodation yet, I should mention that the Alfama neighborhood is the best place to stay in Lisbon

In summary, Alfama is undoubtedly one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Lisbon! It's famous for its steep alleys and architecture, a neighborhood to explore without delay during a guided walking tour, for 49 €. This activity, in addition to planning a discovery of the Alfama neighborhood, also includes a fado evening with a traditional dinner

The Belém Tower is a must-visit if you want to understand Portugal's maritime history. Built in the 16th century, this Manueline-style fortress served as a starting point for Portuguese explorers. If you choose to visit the Belém Tower, I recommend also taking a stroll around the area to enjoy a pastel de Belém, an excellent pastry located nearby, at the Pastéis de Belém bakery. To find out more, you can book a guided tour of the area for €30.

In January, the Belém Tower is much less crowded, so buy your entrance ticket for €8 to fully enjoy this iconic monument! Once you have the precious ticket in hand, you can visit the rooms of the monument, climb the spiral staircase to the top, and enjoy an exceptional view of the Tagus river and its surroundings. Take advantage of the tranquility to admire the architectural details of the Belém Tower, including the carved rope and armillary sphere sculptures

Take advantage of the more relaxed and calm atmosphere in January to discover Lisbon in a different way! For this, nothing beats a boat tour on the Tagus River to unwind. It's a great activity to do at the end of your stay if you want to admire Lisbon one last time before departure! Of course, there are various themed cruises, such as those that include music where you can dance! If you're too busy during the day or in the evening, a night cruise to enjoy the city lights could also suit you.

For more details, I present the best cruises below

I think you've guessed it, tram 28 is not just a means of transportation in Lisbon, it's a true tourist attraction in itself! Easily identifiable with its yellow color, this tram crosses the most picturesque neighborhoods of the Portuguese capital, from Graça to Campo de Ourique, passing through iconic places like the historic Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela

January is perfect for a tram ride without too much disturbance. However, if you want to avoid long waits (which is always possible), take tram 28 early in the morning or in the mid-afternoon, and always try to sit by the windows to make the most of the journey!

The fare for tram 28 in Lisbon is about €3, but I highly recommend buying a 24-hour unlimited transport card with tram 28 for just €18. It's much more economical, especially if you plan to hop on and off the tram to visit certain parts of Lisbon. Once that's said, you will truly be charmed by the ambiance of this historic tram, with its viewpoints set to the sound of creaking

During your trip to Lisbon in January, you must not miss this architectural masterpiece located in the Belém district! A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Jerónimos Monastery will amaze you with its cloisters and ceilings embellished with lace-like stone patterns. It's a must-see to add to your itinerary ️

With the reduced crowds in January, you'll be able to calmly enjoy the beauty of this building and other stunning places like the Santa Maria Church, where Vasco da Gama is buried. By the way, there is a combination ticket for €70 that includes a visit to the Jerónimos Monastery along with the Belém district! Nearby, you'll also find the Maritime Museum and the Jerónimos Naval Museum if you want to extend your visit to the monastery and learn more about Lisbon's history. Further south, there's also the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Located in the former Mercado da Ribeira hall, the Time Out Market is a must-visit if you don't know where to eat in Lisbon. This market hosts about forty stalls run by local chefs and offers a wide variety of dishes and Portuguese specialties. At the beginning of the year, the atmosphere is more relaxed, allowing you to stroll between the stalls without being disturbed by the crowd.

This outing will be the perfect opportunity to try bacalhau à brás, cod prepared with eggs and potatoes, or enjoy other more international dishes. As the sun sets, the market livens up with concerts and a festive atmosphere. The market is open every day from 10 AM until midnight

Are you planning to travel to Lisbon in January? That's a great idea! The tourist attendance is lower at this time, allowing you to enjoy the city's best spots without the rush. You can visit the Alfama neighborhood or climb the Belém Tower. For lunch, enjoy a traditional Portuguese dish at the famous Time Out Market. Many activity options are open to you, but don't forget to book your activities in advance for a stress-free trip

Among the most popular miradouros (viewpoints), Santa Catarina, locally known as >, is particularly favored for sunsets. It offers a magical view of the Tagus river and the 25th of April Bridge. To perfectly enjoy this special moment, the best thing to do is to settle down on a bench or on the terrace of the bar located nearby to sip a drink while taking in the view

While wandering in Lisbon, you'll inevitably come across its miradouros, viewpoints offering spectacular panoramas of the city. You can access these viewpoints on your own or by participating in a guided bicycle tour of Lisbon for €32, or discover the seven hills of the capital by e-bike for €45

Located 40 minutes from Lisbon, the Sintra natural park can make for a beautiful day trip during your stay in Lisbon in January, for €79 per person. This small village, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its colorful palaces like the Pena Palace, perched on a hill that seems straight out of a fairy tale! You can also visit the Regaleira Palace and explore the picturesque charm of Sintra...

Planning a trip to Lisbon in January will be advantageous for many wallets! When comparing it to the summer season and the busy December holiday period, you'll have better chances to save money by traveling at this time. In terms of flights, for example, the price of a round-trip ticket averages $140, and it can even decrease to an average of $100 if you depart at the end of the month

Regarding accommodations, you can easily find a hotel room or vacation rental starting at $50 per night, even if you stay in a central area. For meals, the prices remain accessible, provided you eat at typical establishments away from tourist attractions. By making the right choices, meals can range from $8 to $15, and even less at the markets ️

Lisbon is easily accessible from the United States, with numerous direct flights available from cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami! On average, it takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to fly to Humberto Delgado Airport, which is just 7 kilometers from downtown Lisbon. To find the best flight prices, I recommend using a comparison site like Skyscanner. Once you arrive, you can take the red line of the subway or call a taxi to reach your accommodation.

This article has come to an end, and you now have all the information to prepare for your upcoming trip to Lisbon in January! I hope it helps make this journey memorable, and if you're looking for where to stay in Lisbon, I also have an article listing the best addresses for a stay in the Portuguese capital