10 Things to Do in Lisbon in the summer

Are you going to Lisbon in the summer? I'm so envious! It's a very pleasant season when people go out in the streets to celebrate the good weather and the culture of the city.

Although the summer heat can reach high temperatures, there is always a way to combat it by taking advantage of all there is to see and do in Lisbon. I've compiled my favorite plans so you can enjoy them too.

On those sunny Lisbon summer afternoons I promise you there is no better plan than a ride on the Tagus. When you get on board and start cruising the waters of the river, watching how the glow of the sunset paints the banks, you will understand why I say so. The views are much better when there is light, which is why this experience is much more enjoyable in the summer months. In addition, the gentle breeze on deck is appreciated on the hottest days.

The boat will make a tour so you can see the Cristo Rei, the Jerónimos Monastery or the Belém Tower, one of the most famous attractions of the Belem neighborhood. Also, to make this tour even more refreshing, it usually includes a drink on board, so take the opportunity to have a glass of Portuguese wine!

Be careful, as it is summer, the sun can be dangerous, so don't forget to bring sunscreen and even a visor. If you book the sunset tour, check the temperatures and bring a light jacket just in case.

Who doesn't feel like carnival all year round? The good thing is that if you travel to Lisbon in summer, you can celebrate it during practically the whole month of June. The good weather, the music, the colors... The city becomes one big party during St. Peter, St. John and St. Anthony. The commemorations of these three patron saints come together in the so-called Festas dos Santos Populares. You won't want to miss them!

The most important day, or rather night, is June 12. That's when the big parade takes place along Avenida Liberdade, one of the most central and largest avenues in Lisbon. Be prepared to endure between dances, bonfires, verbenas and barbecues until the wee hours of the morning.

Stroll around Lisbon and discover its color

The different neighborhoods of Lisbon are decorated to try to win the contest held every year, so don't miss the opportunity to walk through all of them and choose your favorite. Each area also has its own music groups and choreographies, which can also win a coveted prize.

The traditions of the Festas

If there is one food you absolutely have to try in Lisbon's summer, it is roasted sardines, which legend has it that St. Anthony used to feed an Italian village. This is not only the patron saint of the city, but also of newlywed couples, which is why you will see many on the streets on June 12, as it is a day when many weddings are celebrated at the same time.

If you want to learn more about Portuguese culture and the meaning of all these celebrations, this season is one of the best to take a guided tour of the capital. Surely if you understand your surroundings better, you will be able to enjoy the festivities much more.

Lisbon's summer is lived in the streets, there is no doubt about it, that's why during the three months that it lasts the BaixAnima is celebrated. Acrobatics, circus, sport, dance, music, theater... In short, a lot of art fills the neighborhoods of the city thanks to this festival. The best thing is that all these shows, which are organized on weekends from July to September, are free.

The urban center of the Portuguese capital, especially the Baixa neighborhood, near Rua Augusta, is the place where the BaixAnima Street Festival is held. Although you can find performances of all kinds, my favorites are the circus ones.

I don't know about you, but summer smells like the beach to me, so if you are in Lisbon you have to escape to Cascais. It is very easy to do it with an organized excursion from Lisbon, something I recommend you to focus only on making a relaxing visit to the Atlantic beaches of this town. Just 40 minutes from the capital, Cascais is part of the famous Portuguese Riviera, where the white sandy beaches and turquoise blue become the best summer scenery.

Years ago this city was only for the wealthy and the glamor mixed with the waves of the Atlantic. Nowadays it is a destination open to everyone and with affordable prices. Of course, if you are going to spend the night, book a hotel in advance because in summer they fill up.

Beyond taking a dip when the heat becomes noticeable in the city, it is also very common to see surfers or just people strolling along the promenade. My advice is to spend at least one day there and discover one of my favorite beaches (and that of many Portuguese): Praia da Rainha. It's near the train station and it's beautiful, perfect for relaxing.

If you haven't been to Lisbon yet, you might be surprised by the size of the bars at night. Why do I say that? Because they are rather small. That makes Lisbon' s nightlife mostly on the terraces and in the streets. In winter in Lisbon this can be complicated by the cold, but in summer it is a luxury. At night the temperatures drop just enough not to die of heat but to enjoy the atmosphere.

In addition to the nightclubs of Cais do Sodré, the best bars are in Barrio Alto and Alfama, where you can also listen to live fado concerts in the open air. However, you can also find venues with more commercial music. But don't go too early, because in summer you have to wait until almost midnight for the locals to go out and party.

Temperatures in Lisbon during the summer months can reach 35ºC and, in the middle of the day, walking up and down the city's many hills may not seem like a good idea. When the heat doesn't allow you to walk around the city, have you thought about booking a Lisbon sightseeing bus? They are air-conditioned and are a great alternative for getting from one point to another in comfort.

Although the heat in Lisbon is not always pressing, there may be times when it prevents you from fully enjoying your trip, especially if you have to walk in the sun. To avoid this, I recommend taking tickets for a tourist bus with free stops. From the top you can have a panoramic view of Lisbon and, being in motion, you will feel the wind in your face and you will not be so hot.

The best thing is that these buses connect the most important points of the city, such as the Praça do Comércio, the Belém Tower or the Parque Eduardo VII. Because although everything is more or less close in Lisbon, its hills can be challenging on the hottest days, you'll see.

From June to September Lisbon is full of music and the best festivals come to the city. Surely you've heard of Rock in Rio, held in early summer, but there are many others that find in the Portuguese capital a perfect climate and atmosphere to bring music and art to the streets, such as:

. NOS' Alive: it is held during the first days of July and its lineup brings together great groups and world-renowned singers. A few years ago The Weeknd went there, as did Metallica or Ryan Adams. . Super Bock Super Rock: are you more into rock? In the Park of Nations this festival is held every July where big rockers like The Strokes or the Red Hot Chili Peppers perform. It has a very cosmopolitan and urban feel, so expect to see a lot of novelties and meet different bands. . Jazz Festivals: in plural because, yes, in summer Lisbon sounds like jazz. First there is the Cool Jazz Fest in July, which takes place in Lisbon's most beautiful parks and also features blues and funk concerts. Later, in August, there is the Jazz em Agosto, with a much more summery and Portuguese feel. Sumol Summer Fest: at the end of June and beginning of July, for about two days, the Ericeira Camping, near Cascais, has surfing and DJs playing all day long. . Festas do Mar de Cascais: they go beyond music. Although it is true that concerts by national artists play a major role, the city is also filled with street markets, crafts and fireworks to illuminate the summer nights in August.

There's something about summer that makes a picnic the best plan for lunch (or dinner). Lisbon also has many parks and green areas, so it is one of the favorite activities for its citizens and visitors. My advice is not only to go somewhere like Cerca da Graça, but also to buy fresh, typical and quality food in one of Lisbon's markets.

One of my favorite parks is Eduardo VII; it is the largest in the city and has a lot of space, including a picnic area. Many people go there in the middle of the day to get some fresh air. If you are traveling with children in Lisbon, it might be worth going to the Jardim da Estrela, which has a playground.

What food to bring? If you don't mind getting up early to buy freshly baked bread and fresh fruit, head to the Mercado da Ribeira. And to try the rich and famous national preserves, go to the Conserveira de Lisboa. You'll come away with the perfect menu for the day.

One of my favorite plans in Lisbon when summer arrives is to listen to music outdoors, something that is made easy with the Jardim Da Estrela concert series. During the months of July and August, mainly, shows are organized in the iron kiosk in this park.

Also called Guerra Junqueiro, this garden is located in the center of Lisbon, acting as its great lung. If you go to one of their summer concerts (tickets go on sale on their website when the dates arrive), I recommend you go before to have time to walk around it. Why? Because it is home to many exotic plants, as well as peacocks and swans. It also has many sculptures, making it almost a museum in the middle of nature.

If you want to return from Lisbon with a good tan, take advantage of the sun that falls on its viewpoints in summer. In addition to incredible views, many of these places have terraces for sunbathing. In fact, some of them have hammocks that you can rent, as in the lounge of Portas do Sol.

I'm not going to lie to you, going at noon the heat can be overwhelming, as the sun falls directly. My advice is to take advantage of the afternoon hours to catch some rays as the sun sets; at the same time you can take amazing pictures from the heights, with all of Lisbon at your feet and an enviable light.

If you don't feel like having to climb the hills of Lisbon, you can always sunbathe on the banks of the Tagus. In particular, I recommend the Ribeira Das Naus area, which turns into a landscaped beach during the summer months.

With temperatures ranging from 15ºC to 35ºC, very unlikely rainfall and up to 15 hours of daylight a day, Lisbon is a destination to enjoy the Mediterranean summer. However, the weather can be a bit stifling and very dry, especially in August. However, the liveliness of the city during these months and all the outdoor plans are worth it.

If you are going to Lisbon during these months you should be aware that the heat will be noticeable, although you will understand why it is considered "the city of light". Lisboners and tourists take to the streets during the summer season, especially at night, when temperatures drop and are more pleasant.

What you will certainly not need is an umbrella, since the chances of rain are minimal. Otherwise, remember that temperatures can reach up to 35ºC, so pack summer clothes, such as skirts, shorts and tank tops. Of course, don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap or hat.

Although the weather is rather hot, it cools down a bit in the evenings. You will not need warm clothes, but you will need a thin jacket to take out after sunset.