WHAT TO DO IN LISBON IN DECEMBER: A SHORT GUIDE.
I make no secret of how much I love Lisbon. Having spent one month in a bijou apartment in Alfama in the summer of 2023 and visited Lisbon many years ago in Autumn, I was really keen to return in winter to see a different season in the city.
What I discovered, is that December in Lisbon offers a much quieter charm. There’s a chance to walk around the city without the slightly maddening summer crowds. The mild temperatures of winter make a welcome change to the often oppressive heat of summer. And the festive atmosphere will make even the worst Scrooge feel warm and fuzzy.
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of Lisbon in December
What’s the weather like in Lisbon in December?
While Lisbon’s December weather isn’t warm enough for lounging on the beach, it’s still much milder compared to much of Europe and pleasant enough to walk around for the day. Expect daytime highs of 14-17°C (57-63°F) and cooler evenings around 8-10°C (46-50°F).
It’s not unusual to have a mix of sunny days and some rainy ones, so it’s always good to be prepared for both.
What to wear in Lisbon in December
Layers are key when visiting Lisbon in winter. A light waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes for navigating the cobbled streets, and a scarf to keep out the evening chill will serve you well.
The locals dress smartly even in colder months, so if you’re heading to a fado performance or an upscale restaurant, you might want to add a touch of style to your outfit.
Best things to do in Lisbon in December
Here are 17 of the best things to do in Lisbon in December.
1/ Christmas Markets
This was something that really surprised us about Lisbon in December – there are so many Christmas markets. Every corner we turned, we seemed to find another one.
Lisbon’s Christmas markets bring a delightful Portuguese flair. Visit the boisterous market at Eduardo VII Park, which features twinkling lights, festive decorations, and a variety of stalls.
A quieter Christmas spot is Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara, which has cute stalls and the chance to take in a city view whilst you browse.
2/ Lights of Baixa
The city’s Baixa district transforms into a glowing wonderland in December. Wander along Rua Augusta and through Praca do Comercio, where the intricate light displays create a magical ambiance. The grand Christmas tree in Praca do Comercio is a must-see, towering over the square and offering a perfect backdrop for photos.
3/ Visit an offbeat neighbourhood
In warmer months, it can be hard to wander too far off the beaten track in Lisbon but in winter, you can really get the steps in. On our latest visit, we moved away from the tourist-heavy spots to explore Santos, a quirky neighbourhood known for its artistic vibe.
This area is home to unique design shops, cozy cafés, and eclectic restaurants. In December, Santos takes on a quieter, more intimate feel, making it ideal for an afternoon of slow exploration.
Don’t miss hidden alley ways like Rua da Silva, home to The Roots Experience restaurant known for it’s hangover soup. If you’re visiting in the evening, consider stopping Boca Linda, a delightful Mexican restaurant local to Santos.
4/ Time out market
Hear me out: while I wouldn’t recommend Time Out Market in the summer due to its overwhelming crowds (it starts to feel like a school dining hall), it’s a much better spot to enjoy during the quieter winter months. The market’s indoor setting is cozy, and you can indulge in a great selection of food under one roof.
Visit if it’s raining, or you just want to relax somewhere – we grabbed coffees and spent an hour or so reading our books in a quiet corner.
5/ Explore the ghostly streets of Alfama
In summer, Alfama is a bit mad. I used to marvel at how many guided tours would go past our apartment window during the month that we stayed there. In contrast, Alfama takes on an slightly eerie but magical vibe in winter.
Without the usual throngs of tourists, its narrow, winding streets feel more intimate and atmospheric. Take a quiet walk early in the morning or in the late afternoon as the light fades, and you’ll feel transported to a different era. It’s a total contrast to the hedonistic vibe of the summer.
6/ Listen to Fado
There’s something extra special about listening to fado in the winter. The soulful music resonates deeply on a chilly evening, adding to the cozy and nostalgic atmosphere.
Find our guide to the best Fado in Lisbon here.
7/ Head to a museum
If it’s chilly or raining, dive into Lisbon’s cultural treasures. The Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo) is a visual feast and one of my faves.
The Gulbenkian Museum, John’s fave, has an impressive collection of art from around the world. It’s also free to visit on Sundays. If you’re curious about Portugal’s musical traditions, the Fado Museum in Alfama provides fascinating insights into this beloved genre.
Find our guide to the best free museums in Lisbon here.
8/ Cross the river to Ponte Finale
Take the ferry across the river to Cacilhas and enjoy a meal at Ponte Final, a charming riverside restaurant with unbeatable views of Lisbon. Even in winter, it’s worth sitting outside if the sun is shining, ask for a blanket if it’s chilly out. It’s pretty difficult to get a reservation in summer, but in winter is much easier.
9/ Stroll on the beach
If you are craving to see the sea, you can either hop on a train to Cascais or Estoril for a bit of a potter. Or cross the river and make a beeline for Costa Caparica, which has more of a long sweeping coastline. While it’s too cold for swimming, the seaside is quieter in winter, allowing you to find a peaceful moment by the water.
Find our guide to the best beaches in Lisbon here.
10/ Day trip to Sintra
Sintra is beautiful, but mildly hellish in peak summer months due to overcrowding. If you’re in Lisbon in December and have more than two days, then consider visiting the misty hills and palaces of Sintra. Be sure to visit the landmarks of Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. The cooler weather makes the hilly terrain more pleasant to explore, and the lack of crowds means you can linger longer and appreciate the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Find our guide to visiting Sintra here.
11/ Visit a brewery
Lisbon’s craft beer scene is growing, and winter is the perfect time to cozy up with a pint of locally brewed beer. Here are three good options:
AMO Brewery an intimate micro-brewery high up in the Pena area. It has a nice community feel and you can sample before you commit to a choice.
Dois Corvos Brewery is a little way out of the centre, but offers a great space. A large building with an interesting selection of beers. There are a few breweries in this area, so you can enjoy quite a pub crawl.
Cerveja Canil Marques is a cool bar In Pena. Here you can pour yourself a range of different beers, choosing the size you want. There’s also live music and they serve excellent burgers.
12/ Take a hot drink to a view point
Lisbon’s miradouros (viewpoints) are magical year-round, but in winter, they take on a special charm. Grab a coffee or hot chocolate from a nearby café and head to your nearest viewpoint to sit back and take in the sights.
The three we most regularly frequent in Lisbon are Miradouro de Santa Caterina (a popular spot for sunset drinks in Cais do Sodre), Miradouro da Graca (a more local and romantic haunt in Graca) and Miradouro de Santia Luzia.
13/ Browse Corte Ingles food hall and visit the cinema
This is a bit of a niche recommendation, but one I wanted to share. I am obsessed with El Corte Ingles’s gourmet food hall in Lisbon. It’s an actual treasure trove. There’s a massive supermarket that I could browse for hours, then lots of little stalls selling different delicacies. In winter, especially pre-Christmas, it gets pretty popular with locals and has a really nice atmosphere in the evening.
There’s a cinema in the complex, one which we’ve visited twice during our travels in Lisbon. If you’re in the city for an extended period of time, or the weather is terrible, I’d really recommend picking an English movie (the majority of what the screenings are), grabbing a few treats from the food hall and settling in.
14/ Have a hearty meal
Winter calls for comfort food, and Lisbon has no shortage of options. Warm up with a bowl of Portuguese stew at a traditional restaurant.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, try one of the many Ramen places in the city. We loved Lotus Ramen, which happened to be close to our hotel last time we visited, but there are lots of top rated ones. Another option off the beaten track, is to head to Rua do Benformos. This is a really diverse street, with a mix of Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants, like Sonar Bangla.
15/ Go to a wine bar
Lisbon’s wine bars are the perfect refuge on a chilly evening. Black Sheep Wine, located in the Bairro Alto area, offers a curated selection of Portuguese wines in a relaxed setting. Antiga Wine Bar, with its rustic charm and knowledgeable staff, is another excellent choice for sampling local vintages and learning more about Portugal’s wine heritage. But there are many to choose from around the city!
16/ Bask by the river
Even in December, the banks of the Tagus River can be lovely on a sunny afternoon. Head to one of the bars with deckchairs and soak up the views with a drink in hand. It’s a peaceful way to enjoy the beauty of Lisbon’s waterfront without the summer crowds.
17/ Shop for Christmas gifts
Lisbon’s Avenida da Liberdade is a haven for luxury shopping, but you’ll also find unique gifts in the smaller boutiques scattered across the city. Check out the shops in Principe Real for artisanal products, handmade jewellery, and beautifully crafted homewares.
18/ Learn to make Pastel de Nata
Portugal’s famous custard tarts, pastel de nata, are a must-try in Lisbon – but why not take it a step further and learn to make them yourself? I did a workshop when I was in Porto and had a ball.
Cooking classes around the city will show you how to create them from scratch. It’s a fun way to spend a couple of hours and you’ll leave with a box of freshly baked tarts.
Find our guide to the best Pastel de Nata workshops in Lisbon here.
19/ Visit Belem
The riverside district of Belem is a great spot to explore Lisbon’s history. Highlights include the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower
It’s also a pleasant area for a walk, with gardens and views along the Tagus River.
Where to stay in Lisbon in December
Central is the way to go when choosing accommodation in December. Neighborhoods like Baixa, Chiado, and Avenida da Liberdade are ideal, as they keep you close to the action and have plenty of festive charm. With fewer tourists around, you’re likely to find great deals on hotels and apartments. Avoid staying in Alfama, as it can feel eerily quiet in the winter months.
You can find a detailed guide here on all the neighbourhoods and the best hotels in them.
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Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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