Say NO to Tiring and Boring Layovers at Lisbon Airport
Whether you have a long or a short layover ahead of you, it doesn’t have to be a waste of time. LIS Airport has all the necessary amenities to guarantee pleasant stopovers, while Lisbon is only 20 minutes away from the airport complex!
7+1 Things to Do During Short Layovers at Portela Airport
1. Do Shopping Therapy!
The vast majority of shops lie at T1, while T2 has limited shopping options and a basic Duty-Free area. In any case, if you have some last-minute shopping to do, if for you it’s always “shopping o’clock time” or if you simply want to do some window shopping, LIS Airport will live up to your expectations.
2. “Eat” your Layover out!
If you want to enjoy a nice meal or a refreshing drink or beverage during your stopover, forget all about the “bad airport food” and explore your options. International restaurants, fast-food chains, local dining spots, bars, and coffee shops are at your disposal at LIS Airport. Please keep in mind that T2 dining alternatives are narrow.
Our Tip: If you want to fully explore your options, you can download the ANA APP. In that way, you’ll also be aware of the airport’s discounts and deals.
3. Do you have Work to Do?
Do you have unfinished business you wish to take care of? Lisbon Airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout all its premises, while is equipped with a business center and the “Living Spot”, an area designated for working and relaxing between flights.
4. Exploit the Airport’s Wi-Fi for your Entertainment.
Whether you want to scroll through your social media feeds, chat or video-call your loved ones or watch your favorite Tv show, all you have to do is connect your device to the airport’s Wi-Fi.
5. Pamper Yourself at Portela Airport
Enjoy a relaxing massage or indulge yourself in beauty treatments, making the most of your free time at LIS Airport.
6. Do you Travel with Children?
Apart from the usual services anticipated by an international aviation hub, Lisbon Airport has a playground addressed to children between ages 2 and 7 and a family room with sofas, automatic vendors, and other useful amenities (microwaves, bottle heaters, etc.). Moreover, baby strollers are provided by the airport for free. Still, travelers have to drop them off before the boarding process. LIS Airport also features changing tables, while child seats are available at several restroom facilities.
Our Tip: The playground near Gate 44 is permanently closed. However, a new facility for young passengers will be available soon.
7. Get to Know the Airport Lounges
LIS Airport has some lounge options, offering premium services to VIP passengers or travelers who pay for their entrance. Spacious and comfy areas with drinking and dining services, shower facilities, and above all, calmness and silence are on tap if you settle on spending a peaceful time at the airport.
Our Tip: ANA Airport Lounge and Blue Lounge have special smoking areas. Moreover, another smoking zone lies in T1, after the security. Besides these options, smoking in Lisbon Airport is prohibited.
8. Do you Want to Sleep?
Sleeping is allowed at Lisbon Airport, although the available options aren’t appealing. Thus, if you feel really tired and want to close your eyes for a moment, you can opt for the couches in the food area or the chairs of the “calmer” airport zones near gates 19-20 and close to gates 40-50. You’ll find some comfortable chairs in the pre-security area toom yet limited in number. In general terms, T1 is more convenient for sleeping at the airport. Hence, if you are departing from T2, you should consider spending your layover at the main LIS airport terminal.
Our Tip 1: If you are thinking about chilling at the airport lounges, you should bear in mind that they are closed at night.
Our Tip 2: If money isn’t a problem, you can check in at the adjacent airport hotels. Star Inn Hotel and Hotel Meliá Lisboa Aeroporto are within a 5-10-minute walking distance from the airport.
Long Layovers: The City of Lisbon is Calling you!
Lisbon Airport is located only 7km away from the city center. Thus, a taxi ride to downtown usually lasts 20 minutes, while public transfers, either by bus or subway, shouldn’t exceed 30-35 minutes. So, if you have at least a 6-hour layover at the airport, don’t overthink it: flow out to the beautiful Portuguese capital!
Our Tip: If you are worried about carrying your luggage, LIS Airport has the solution to your problem. You should exit the departures area of terminal 1 and head to the luggage storage facility. You’ll find 234 lockers of various sizes, where you can safely store your personal items. The prices for this service are rather affordable.
The Top Attractions of Lisbon
- Alfama District: If you are looking for the old city, that’s exactly it! One of the most scenic Lisbon neighborhoods lies under the shade of Sao Jorge Castle. Here, you can wander endlessly on the narrow, picturesque streets and enjoy a meal or a refreshing drink.
- Lisbon Cathedral: It is one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating back to 1147. Lisbon Cathedral, also known as Sé de Lisboa, has a distinctive gothic style, with its austere lines softened by the impressive design and its numinous interior.
- Ascensor di Bica: You can’t leave Lisbon without having at least taken a close look at the famous yellow funicular, which climbs the abrupt Bairro Alto alleys. Ascensor di Bica is a 19th-century lift that has become a real Lisbon landmark. If the waiting line is too long, you should just take some pics and continue your exploration.
- Bairro Alto: Bairro Alto is one of the oldest Lisbon districts, full of color, charming restaurants, various shops, and cozy cafes. Verily, the “boho” area of the city is an ideal dining and shopping option during the day as well as a perfect choice for night outs.
- Praça do Comércio: The impressive square hosting King Joseph 1 statue is one of the most well-known attractions of Lisbon. You should definitely pass by the famous coast-side plaza and admire one of the biggest squares of Portugal.
- Elevador de Santa Justa: When talking about amazing views along with an impressive design, then Elevador de Santa Justa always comes to mind. The lift with the gothic character not only impresses with its exterior, but it is the only one moving vertically and offering such an amazing city panorama. Unfortunately, there is usually a big waiting line for the lift.
- Convento do Carmo: Your place for perfect insta pics! Moreover, the ideal sightseeing for culture lovers or travelers who value serenity. The convent is totally worth the time spent there. Please note that you should need approximately 1 hour to visit it properly.
- Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara: Out of the many “Lisbon Miradouros”, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara stands out being a peaceful and relaxing spot and an “oasis” from the heat during the hot summer months. It offers amazing city views and is accessible on foot or via a funicular. If you want to fully enjoy the area, you can organize a mini picnic, having the city under your feet.
- Belem Tower: One of the most remarkable Lisbon monuments, Torre de Belém, lies literally in the sea. Whether you opt for enjoying its imposing exterior or stand at the (unfortunately long) line to visit its interior, the 16th-century tower should be on your to-do list during your stopover in Lisbon.
- São Jorge Castle: Built in the 11th century, São Jorge Castle rises above Lisbon, being one of the most popular landmarks of the city. However, if you plan to add it to your itinerary, you should have 2-3 hours spare to explore it stress-free.
- Tram 28: Can you think of a better way to discover Lisbon than the historic tram rides? Opt for the Hills Tramcar Tours and get to know Lisbon in the most relaxed way.
- Pastel de Nata: It may not be an attraction. Still, you can’t visit Lisbon and not taste it. You’ll find plenty of pastries in the city, serving the famous tarts, as well as street vendors selling them almost at every corner.
- Lisbon Oceanarium: Can you exclude the biggest indoor European oceanarium from your schedule? Lisbon Oceanarium is a top attraction for families and not only!
Our Tip 1: If you have a 3-hour stopover at LIS Airport, you can still leave the airport and explore the nearby Oriente district.
Our Tip 2: It is recommended to buy a Lisboa card, as it offers free or discounted entrance to many of the Lisbon sightseeing along with free public transfers.