Portugal · Europe
Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, set on hills above the Tagus estuary. The city received roughly 8.5 million visitors in 2024 and saw house prices rise about 176% over the previous decade, driving a sharp drop in residents in historic neighbourhoods such as Alfama. In response, the city raised its overnight tourist tax, introduced a maritime arrival tax for cruise passengers, and restricted short-term rentals and tuk-tuks in the old centre.
Saturation snapshot
Last updated: 2026-05-07
Movement through central areas is slow — expect to dodge and wait. Lines at major sights routinely exceed 1–2 hours without pre-booking. Iconic views are difficult to photograph without crowds in frame. Local residents have publicly raised concerns about visitor volume.
Restrictions, taxes & fees
| Fee | Amount | When | Source | Verified |
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Overnight Tourist Tax Recently changed
Per-person, per-night municipal tourist tax (Taxa Municipal Turistica) on overnight stays in all registered accommodation in Lisbon. Doubled from EUR 2 to EUR 4 on 1 September 2024. Capped at 7 consecutive nights; children under 13 are exempt.
How: Collected by your hotel or short-term rental host at check-in or check-out
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4.00 EUR | Every overnight stay in Lisbon municipality, up to 7 consecutive nights per visitor | Camara Municipal de Lisboa (official) |
2026-05-05
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Cruise Arrival Tax Recently changed
Maritime arrival tourist tax (Taxa de Chegada por Via Maritima) of EUR 2 per cruise passenger over 13 disembarking from a cruise ship in transit at Lisbon terminals. Charged to cruise operators and typically passed through to passengers. Began collection 1 April 2024.
How: Paid by cruise operators via the Janela Unica Logistica platform; usually included in cruise fare
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2.00 EUR | Each disembarkation from a cruise ship in transit at a Lisbon port terminal | Observador (Portuguese) |
2026-05-05
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Castelo de Sao Jorge Entry
Adult entry to Castelo de Sao Jorge, the hilltop fortress operated by the municipal cultural agency EGEAC. Reduced rates: EUR 14 for seniors 65+, EUR 8.50 for youth 13-25, free for children under 12 and Lisbon residents.
How: Online via the official site or at the on-site ticket office; only authorised online seller is BOL
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17.00 EUR | Daily during opening hours; summer 9am-9pm, winter 9am-6pm | Castelo de Sao Jorge / EGEAC (official) |
2026-05-05
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Mosteiro dos Jeronimos Entry
Adult entry to the UNESCO-listed Jeronimos Monastery in Belem, managed by Museus e Monumentos de Portugal (state cultural heritage body). 50% discount for visitors 65+ and student/youth card holders. Free entry on Sundays and public holidays until 2pm for residents in Portugal.
How: Online via the official ticketing platform or at the on-site ticket office
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18.00 EUR | Tuesday-Sunday during opening hours; closed Mondays and selected public holidays | Museus e Monumentos de Portugal (official, Portuguese) |
2026-05-05
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Tuk-Tuk Historic Centre Ban Recently changed
From 1 April 2025, tuk-tuks are banned from circulating on roughly 337 streets across Lisbon's historic core, including Alfama, Mouraria, Castelo, Bairro Alto, Chiado, Cais do Sodre, and Terreiro do Paco. Visitors wanting to tour these areas must walk, take public transport, or use authorised taxis.
How: Compliance only; no fee for visitors, but tuk-tuk routes through the old town are no longer available
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— | Year-round on the listed streets in the historic centre | ECO News |
2026-05-05
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