10 Things to Do in Lisbon in the summer

You're going to Lisbon in the summer and I'm so envious! It's a very pleasant season when people take to the streets to celebrate the good weather and the city's culture.

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

On those sunny summer afternoons in Lisbon, I promise there is no better plan than a cruise along the Tagus. When you get on board and start cruising along the river, watching the sunset glow paint the banks, you'll understand why I say that. The views are much better when there is light, which is why this experience is so much more enjoyable in the summer months. Also, the gentle breeze on deck is appreciated on the hottest days.

The boat will take you on a tour so you can see the Cristo Rei, the Jerónimos Monastery or the Belém Tower, one of the most famous attractions in the Belém neighbourhood. 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 the sun can be dangerous in summer, so don't forget to bring sunscreen and even a sun visor. If you book a 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 colours... The city turns into one big party during Saint Peter's, Saint John's and Saint Anthony's Day. 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 12 June. 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 dancing, bonfires, open-air dances and barbecues until the early hours of the morning.

Stroll around Lisbon and discover its colour

Lisbon's different neighbourhoods are decorated to try and win the annual competition, so don't miss the chance to stroll through them all and pick your favourite. Each area also has its own music and choreography groups, which can also win a coveted prize.

Festas traditions

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

If you want to learn more about Portuguese culture and the meaning behind all these celebrations, this season is one of the best to take a guided tour of the capital. 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's no doubt about it, that's why during the three months that it lasts the BaixAnima festival is held. Acrobatics, circus, sport, dance, music, theatre... In short, a lot of art fills the city's neighbourhoods thanks to this festival. The best thing is that all these shows, which are organised on weekends from July to September, are free of charge.

The city centre of the Portuguese capital, especially the Baixa district, near Rua Augusta, is where the BaixAnima Street Festival is held. Although you can find performances of all kinds, my favourites are the circus ones.

I don't know about you, but summer smells like the beach to me, so if you're in Lisbon you have to escape to Cascais. It's easy to do with an organised excursion from Lisbon, which I highly recommend so you can focus on a relaxing visit to the town's Atlantic beaches. Just 40 minutes from the capital, Cascais is part of the famous Portuguese Riviera, where white sand and turquoise blue beaches provide the ultimate summer backdrop.

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

Apart from taking a dip when the heat is noticeable in the city, it is also very common to see surfers or simply people strolling along the promenade. My advice is to spend at least one day there and discover one of my (and many Portuguese) favourite beaches: Praia da Rainha. It's close to the train station and is 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. This means that most of Lisbon's nightlife is on the terraces and in the streets. In winter in Lisbon this can be difficult because of the cold, but in summer it is a luxury. In the evenings the temperatures drop just enough so that you don't die of heat but can still enjoy the atmosphere.

Besides the nightclubs in 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 way to get from one point to another in comfort.

Although the heat in Lisbon is not always a problem, there may be times when you can't fully enjoy your trip, especially if you have to walk in the sun. To avoid this, I recommend taking tickets for a sightseeing 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 won't be so hot.

The best thing is that these buses connect the most important points of the city, such as Praça do Comércio, the Belém Tower or the Eduardo VII Park. 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. You've probably heard of Rock in Rio, which takes place at the beginning of summer, but there are many others that find in the Portuguese capital the 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 line-up brings together great bands and world-renowned singers. A few years ago, The Weeknd was there, as were Metallica and Ryan Adams. . Super Bock Super Rock: are you more into rock? This festival is held every July in the Parque de las Naciones, where big rockers such as The Strokes and the Red Hot Chili Peppers perform. It has a very cosmopolitan and urban feel, so expect to see lots of new and different bands ... Jazz Festivals: in the plural because, yes, in summer Lisbon sounds like jazz. First up is the Cool Jazz Fest in July, which takes place in Lisbon's most beautiful parks and also features blues and funk concerts. Later on, in August, the Jazz em Agosto takes place, 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 campsite, near Cascais, has surfing and DJs playing all day long. . Festas do Mar de Cascais: more than just music. While it's true that concerts by national artists play a major role, the town is also filled with street markets, crafts and fireworks to light up 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, making it a favourite activity for locals and visitors alike. My advice is not only to go somewhere like Cerca da Graça, but also to buy fresh, typical and quality food at one of Lisbon's markets.

One of my favourite parks is the Eduardo VII Park; it is the largest in the city and has plenty of space, including a picnic area. Many people go there in the middle of the day to get some fresh air. If you're travelling to Lisbon with children, you might want to check out 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 fruit, head to the Mercado da Ribeira. And if you want to try the rich and famous national preserves, you'd better go to the Conserveira de Lisboa. You'll come away with the perfect menu for the day.

One of my favourite things to do in Lisbon in the summer is to listen to music in the open air, which is easy with the Jardim Da Estrela concert series. During the months of July and August, mainly, shows are organised in the iron kiosk in this park.

Also called Guerra Junqueiro, this garden is located in the centre of Lisbon, acting as its great lung. If you go to one of its summer concerts (tickets go on sale on its website when the dates arrive), I recommend you go beforehand to have time to stroll 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. As well as incredible views, many of these places have terraces for sunbathing. In fact, some of them have sun loungers that you can rent, such as the lounge at Portas do Sol.

I'm not going to lie to you, going there at midday can be a bit oppressive, 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're sure to be able to take amazing photos from the heights, with the whole 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 becomes a landscaped beach during the summer months.

With temperatures ranging from 15ºC to 35ºC, very little 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 little stifling and very dry, especially in August. However, the liveliness of the city during these months and all the outdoor activities are well worth the effort.

If you are going to Lisbon during these months you should bear in mind that the heat will be noticeable, although you will understand why it is considered "the city of light" like never before. Lisboners and tourists alike take to the streets during the summer season, especially in the evenings when temperatures drop and are more pleasant.

What you won't need is an umbrella, as 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 hat or cap.

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