Last Updated on January 19, 2024 by Soumya
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Lisbon in spring, you’re in the right place.
Spring is a fantastic time to explore Lisbon.
The weather is perfect, with warmer weather, longer days, and lovely sunshine that makes the city come alive with vibrant colors.
Enjoying an outdoor picnic, attending a food festival, and soaking in the gorgeous views from Alfama are some of my favorite springtime activities in Lisbon.
Let’s find out all the fantastic things you can do during spring in Lisbon.
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Why visit Lisbon in spring?
Springtime in Lisbon is beautiful.
The weather is most pleasant during this time, striking a perfect balance between the chilly winter and the scorching summer.
Pleasant weather makes it an excellent time for exploring outdoors in Lisbon and around without the discomfort of intense heat or cold. Think walking tours, bicycle rides, and outdoor picnics.
All the parks and gardens are in full bloom, adding to the charm of the Lisbon Spring. You’ll find all kinds of flowers – camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, jacarandas, and more.
Lisbon’s cobblestone streets and historic buildings are bathed in soft sunlight. Glittering tiled walls, anyone?
Spring is the best time to get those amazing pictures for your gram.
Spring also means a multitude of festivals and events in Lisbon. It allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rich culture and tradition of the city.
Additionally, the crowds are comparatively less in spring, making it a perfect time for travelers who prefer a more serene and relaxed experience.
13 Best Things to Do in Lisbon in Spring
Enjoy Alfresco Dining in Lisbon
Springtime is the best time to explore alfresco dining options in Lisbon.
The winter chill is gone, and the sun is out. It is the perfect time of the year to enjoy good food outdoors while basking in the not-so-hot Portuguese sun.
Also, the views from terrace restaurants and sky bars are stunning. Can’t blame you for wanting to eat outside.
Further, Lisbon has a classic kiosk (quiosque) culture.
Small Moorish-style kiosks are everywhere in Lisbon. They provide chairs and local food and drinks.
In spring and summer, quiosques are the center of public life in Lisbon.
If you want to immerse yourself in Portuguese culture, be sure to eat at a kiosk in Lisbon.
Some of the most famous ones are Quiosque das Portas do Sol, Quiosque da Ribeira das Naus, and Quiosque Sao Paolo.
📖 Related Read: Head to Lisbon? Find out the 10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Lisbon.
Enjoy a Picnic in a Lisbon Park
Lisbon has several magnificent parks, such as Jardim da Estrela, Eduardo VII Park, Lisbon Botanical Gardens, and Gardens of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.
Jardim da Estrela is a lush, green oasis in the heart of Lisbon. In spring, the park is awash with color from the blooming flowers.
The Botanical Garden is one of the best hidden gems in Lisbon. The garden has over 10,000 plants, many exotic trees, and a butterfly greenhouse.
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation has a beautiful garden called the Gulbenkian Garden. It is full of interesting flora and fauna.
If you’re a flower lover, you’ll love visiting Gulbenkian Garden. The garden is home to white cherry laurel blooms in April, pinkish white cherry blossoms in late March – April, red and pink azaleas in May – June, and white Laurustinus flowers in early spring.
Grab some delicious snacks and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in one of Lisbon’s green oases.
Perfect for picnics and leisurely walks, these green spaces offer a relaxing retreat from Lisbon’s hustle and bustle.
Experience the Beauty of Jacarandas in Lisbon
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Spring is the season of blossoms in Lisbon.
Depending on the month that you visit, you can see azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons, and bougainvillea.
However, nothing can beat the beauty of jacarandas in Lisbon in spring.
The entire city is painted purple by blooming jacarandas, which is best seen from a cruise on River Tagus.
Some of the best places to see jacarandas in Lisbon are Largo do Camo, Eduardo VII Park, Largo do Rato, and the road leading up to Belem Tower.
Explore the Historic Alfama District
The Alfama district is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, known for its narrow, winding streets and quaint houses.
In spring, the streets of Alfama are covered with hot pink bougainvillea that drapes every wall and street corner.
Soulful fado music emanates from traditional fado houses, and Alfama’s tile-covered walls sparkle in the bright sun.
Spring is the most beautiful time to be in Alfama, exploring its many attractions.
✦ Pro Tip: If you’re planning to visit Alfama, be sure to read our post on the 14 Best Things to do in Alfama.
Hop on a Vintage Tram Ride
Lisbon’s vintage red and yellow trams are a must-try experience.
They offer a scenic and affordable way to explore the city’s most picturesque neighborhoods, including Alfama.
Hop on the famous Tram 28, which takes you on a tour of some of the city’s most iconic sights, such as the Castelo de Sao Jorge and the Miradouro da Graca.
Riding Tram 28 in spring is best because the crowds are fewer, and you don’t have to struggle to find a seat.
Plan a Day Trip to Sintra
Sintra is a magical town home to several stunning palaces like the Pena Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira. The good news is that it is only a short train ride from Lisbon.
Sintra is packed with tourists in the summer. That means you must wait in neverending lines under the hot Sintra sun, making your Sintra trip less memorable.
In summer, temperatures in Sintra can go up to the 80s, even more in the current era of global warming.
When I first visited Sintra in September, the Pena Palace Gardens were closed because of the fear of forest fires. Yeah, it was that hot!
Therefore, spring is the best time to plan that fantastic day trip to Sintra from Lisbon.
Fewer crowds, shorter lines, and milder temperatures – what more could you ask for?
✦ Pro Tip: Check out our detailed Sintra day trip itinerary before you begin planning.
Visit the Manueline Monuments of Belem
The Manueline Monuments of Belem, including the Jeronimos Monastery and the Tower of Belem, are a testament to Portugal’s Age of Discovery.
The intricate architectural style, unique to Portugal, blends Gothic and Moorish influences with nautical motifs inspired by the experiences of the navigators.
Summer in Belem gets extremely busy, with long lines donning every historic landmark.
Therefore, spring is a great time to visit the historic neighborhood of Belem.
✦ Pro Tip: Visiting Belem? Read our Belem one-day itinerary to figure out the logistics.
Join the Lisbon Fish and Flavors Festival
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For all the foodies out there, don’t miss the annual Lisbon Fish and Flavors Festival in early April.
One of Portugal’s most significant gastronomic events, the Lisbon Fish and Flavors Festival or Peixe em Lisboa, celebrates the city’s rich seafood heritage.
The festival features a variety of fun culinary events like cooking classes, tastings, and demonstrations.
There are competitions for the best codfish cakes and Pastel de Nata.
Come prepared to taste the delicious creations of some of Lisbon’s best chefs.
✦ Pro Tip: Wondering what to eat in Lisbon? Check out our guide for the best Lisbon eats and drinks.
Attend the Santo Antonio Festival
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Every year, in June, Lisbon hosts the Santo Antonio Festival, one of the biggest street celebrations in Portugal.
The festival is dedicated to Saint Anthony, the patron saint of Lisbon.
All of Lisbon is decked in colorful flags, streamers, and tinsels, giving the city a festive look. And, there’s a lot of grilled sardines on offer.
The biggest parties happen on the 13th of June which is the day of Santo Antonio.
At Avenida da Liberdade, you can experience a massive carnival and parade called Marchas Populares.
Buy a book or two at Feiro do Livro
Book lovers should attend Feiro do Livro or the Lisbon Book Fair, one of the largest book fairs in Europe.
The fair is usually held at the Eduardo VII Park in Lisbon every year from May to early June.
There are thousands of books for every age and genre. There are reading sessions, book signings, and many children’s activities.
Please find details on their official website here.
If you or someone in your group loves reading, then attending the Lisbon Book Fair is one of the best things to do in Lisbon in spring.
Experience the Out Jazz Event
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The Out Jazz festival in Lisbon makes the city’s parks come alive every Sunday from May to September.
Technically, Out Jazz is a summer festival. But if you’re in Lisbon till the end of spring, then you can enjoy it too.
There are free outdoor concerts – perfect for music lovers and those who enjoy a relaxed, outdoor atmosphere.
Please find more details on their official website here.
Enjoy a cruise on the Tagus River
Spring is also a great time to cruise on the Tagus River in Lisbon.
Days start getting longer, and there’s ample opportunity to witness the spectacular sunsets from the river that paint the sky in hues of orange and red.
You’ll also see Lisbon’s iconic landmarks from the water, like the Belem Tower and Monument of Discoveries.
Warmer temperatures (than winter) and fewer crowds (than summer) make a cruising experience more enjoyable in Lisbon in spring.
Hit the Beach
While summer is the most popular time to hit the beach, spring is when the locals head to the seaside.
The weather is warm enough for a swim, and the beaches are less crowded. This makes spring an ideal time to bask in the sun and enjoy the beautiful coastline of Portugal.
I am not a big fan of beaches in Lisbon in spring because the water is still too cold. But my family loves them. I am sure many of you do not mind the cold, either.
Visiting Lisbon in Spring FAQ
What months are spring in Lisbon?
Spring in Lisbon begins around mid-March and ends in mid-June. Therefore, the months of March, April, May, and June can be considered spring months in Lisbon.
What is the best month to visit Lisbon, Portugal?
April, May, and June are the best months to visit Lisbon. These months have warmer temperatures but are not as hot as summer. Further, crowds in Lisbon are fewer in spring, making springtime an ideal time to visit Lisbon.
Is Lisbon worth visiting in April?
Yes, Lisbon is absolutely worth visiting in April because temperatures hover between the mid-50s and late 60s. In April, cherry blossoms bloom, and Lisbon hosts the famous Fish and Flavors Festival. All this makes April a fun time to visit Lisbon.
What do you wear in Lisbon in spring?
You can wear dresses, shirts, and tops of light, breathable material during springtime in Lisbon. Evenings may get a little cold, especially if you’re visiting in early spring. So, be sure to pack a light jacket or a windcheater to protect you against rain. Get a good pair of walking shoes because spring weather is perfect for exploring Lisbon on foot.
Is Lisbon worth visiting in May?
Yes, Lisbon is absolutely worth visiting in May because temperatures are milder (range between 55 – 75 degrees), and crowds are smaller than in summer. Azaleas are in full bloom, and if you come early, you might catch some cherry blossoms, too. Festivals like Out Jazz and the Book Fair make Lisbon a fun place to visit in May.
Is Lisbon worth visiting in June?
Yes, Lisbon is absolutely worth visiting in June because temperatures are milder than in summer (range between 60 – 80 degrees), and crowds are fewer. Jacarandas, azaleas, and bougainvillea are in full bloom, and events like the Lisbon Book Fair and the Out Jazz Festival make Lisbon an exciting place to visit.
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