April in Lisbon is a fantastic month. The nice weather comes earlier to Lisbon that other important European cities such as Berlin, Paris, and Amsterdam, so April is a month in which you can enjoy pleasant weather, blooming flowers, and a fantastic atmosphere. With nice spring temperatures there are lots of activities you should do and attractions you should see as you come to Lisbon. There are enough things to see and explore in Lisbon, so you don’t have to worry about having too much time in Lisbon.
Are you ready to plan your April adventure in Lisbon? Here you have ten recommended activities!
1. The Belem Tower (Torre de Belém)
The Belem Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it stands as a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery. It was built in the 16th century and it shows Manueline architecture and offers an awesome view of the Tagus River. In April, the weather is ideal for strolling along the riverfront and admiring this iconic monument. Do not forget to taste the original Pastel de Nata as you visit the Belem Tower.
2. The Alfama district
If you want to visit the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, you must visit the charming streets of Alfama. This is an area full of colorful houses, hidden courtyards, and lively taverns. In April, Alfama comes alive and you can hear live music being played in the beautiful cafes, making the atmosphere of this area even more beautiful.
3. The Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos)
Another masterpiece of Manueline architecture is the Jerónimos Monastery. This is a must-visit attraction whenever you decide to visit Lisbon, not only in April. If you visit the monastery, you get a chance to discover the intricate details of the building, which includes delicate stone carvings and grand cloisters. As you visit the monastery (and also the Belem Tower), you should not miss out on the chance to taste the original Pastel de Nata at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery. If you need some sugar and a coffee after visiting the monastery, this is the perfect place to go.
4. Lisbon Oceanarium
The Lisbon Oceanarium is located in the magnificent Parque das Nações. This is a perfect place for the entire family, and the kids will especially enjoy Lisbon Ocenarium, one of the largest aquariums in Europe. The place is a home to thousands of marine species, including sharks, rays, and penguins, which means the place will be an enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages. Since it is indoor, this is a perfect activity if some bad weather should attack Lisbon. But, this isn’t only for days with bad weather, so you should visit it even if the sun is shining throughout your entire trip to Lisbon.
5. São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge)
The castle is one of the most famous landmarks in Lisbon. It is located on the top of a hill overlooking the city, meaning that you get a fantastic panoramic view of the city as you visit the São Jorge Castle. In addition to the fantastic view, people with a ticket can also explore the medieval walls, gardens, and archaeological sites. As a result, this is a perfect place to step back in time and learn a lot about the history of the castle itself, the city, and Portugal.
The castle is worth visiting all months of the year, but it is perfect to visit in April. Why is that? The temperatures are nice which means you don’t have to be cold, but you don’t have to stand in long lines and be surrounded by gigantic crowds (like you often do in the middle of the summer).
6. The LX Factory
Would you like to visit a place in Lisbon that is different from everything else? Why don’t you visit the LX Factory which is located in the Alcântara district. This is a former industrial complex which has been transformed into a vibrant hub of art, culture, and commerce. Here you can visit all sorts of shops, look at exhibitions in galleries, and drink coffee in cafes with style. Do not forget to look around while walking int he area, as there is a lot of street art painted directly on the walls of the area.
7. Travel to Sintra
It isn’t in the city of Lisbon, but it is one of the most popular places to visit among tourists coming to Lisbon. Sintra is a picturesque town located in a green and colorful area. The city has several fairy-tale palaces, including the colorful Pena Palace and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira. In April, the gardens of Sintra are in full bloom, adding to the town’s magical allure. Once again a place you should visit whenever you come to Lisbon (not only in April).
8. Praça do Comércio
Praça do Comércio is the largest square in Lisbon and an important point in the city’s social and cultural life. It is impossible not to see this square as you come to Lisbon, but it is always interesting to explore it a little bit deeper. Learn more about the buildings surrounding the square, read about important events that have happened on the square throughout history, and create stunning photos of the Tagus River from the square. In the middle of the summer, the square gets extremely hot, but in April, you can enjoy nice temperatures and a fantastic view as you walk along the buildings of the square. This is also a perfect place to eat some lunch or grab a cup of coffee before you walk towards the Belem Tower or other fantastic attractions in Lisbon.
9. Parque Eduardo VII
Would you like to relax and get some fresh air in a green environment? You should travel to the popular Parque Eduardo VII which is Lisbon’s largest park. The park was named after the British monarch who visited Lisbon in 1902. It is a green oasis with a breathtaking view of the city and the Tagus River. In April, the park bursts into color with blooming flowers, which means it is an ideal spot for a relaxing picnic or a quiet walk.
10. Tram 28
You cannot leave Lisbon without traveling with the legendary tram line number 28. This tram line will take you on a nostalgic journey through the city’s historic neighborhoods. The tram travels through narrow streets, and along the way you can get a glimpse of iconic landmarks such as the Sé Cathedral and Miradouro da Graça. A trip with tram 28 a delightful experience, as it lets you travel in a nostalgic environment while you explore the beautiful buildings and the amazing city.
What kind of weather can I expect in April?
April is a month with mild and pleasant weather. The temperatures are normally between 13 and 20 Celsius, but it can easily get warmer on a sunny April-day. You should be aware that it can get quite cold in the night, so you should bring some warmer clothes if you plan on getting out early in the morning or to stay our late at night.
It doesn’t rain often in Lisbon, but you should look at some weather forecasts before you visit the city. In case of emergency, you can always buy a cheap umbrella in Lisbon!
As you probably understand by now, Lisbon is a fantastic city to visit in April! It has a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. What we have mentioned in this article are only a few of the fantastic attractions and activities Lisbon has to offer. For more inspiration and ideas, look at our blog posts and article about the different activities and attractions in Lisbon.
If you want to learn more about ongoing and upcoming concerts, festivals, markets, and exhibitions in Lisbon, then our Lisbon calendar is a great place to start.
We wish you a fantastic trip to Lisbon. If you have comments or questions, write them below.
There will be loads of great concerts in Lisbon this summer, but the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert on July 13th is for sure among the major highlights.