Discover things to do in Lisbon in April. Find out if an April trip to Lisbon is worth doing. Enjoy the best of Lisbon during the Spring.
Are you wondering what it’s like to visit Lisbon in April? We moved to Lisbon in 2022 and have appreciated the opportunity to experience life in the city during different parts of the year.
In April, Lisbon comes alive with people taking to the outdoors after the winter months. You can feel a shift in the energy as Spring gets underway.
The average temperature in April is 18°C (64°F), with highs of 22°C (72°F) and lows of 14°C (57°F). There is an average of 4 rainy days in April, but the rain is usually light and sporadic.
If you're planning on spending time outdoors, bring layers. You may need shorts and a t-shirt, but you may also need a light jacket or sweater for the evenings, as the temperature tends to drop as the sun goes down. I find that Lisbon's weather is a little like the San Francisco Bay Area in that regard.
In the spirit of trying new places, we also tried How About Coffee, a specialty coffee place near Alameda, one of the largest green spaces in the heart of the city.
In April, Lisbon comes alive with people taking to the outdoors after the winter months. You can feel a shift in the energy as Spring gets underway.
Tourism also starts to pick up in April (given the usual Easter holidays and people looking for things to do over Spring Break), but in my experience, Lisbon is less crowded in April than it is during the summer.
Let’s explore a variety of cool things to see, do, and eat in Lisbon in April to help inspire your Spring trip to Portugal.
Let’s explore a variety of cool things to see, do, and eat in Lisbon in April to help inspire your Spring trip to Portugal.
What is the weather like in Lisbon in April?
Based on my experience, I think April is a great time of year to visit Lisbon, as the weather is starting to get warm and sunny, and the tourist crowds have not yet arrived in full force.The average temperature in April is 18°C (64°F), with highs of 22°C (72°F) and lows of 14°C (57°F). There is an average of 4 rainy days in April, but the rain is usually light and sporadic.
If you're planning on spending time outdoors, bring layers. You may need shorts and a t-shirt, but you may also need a light jacket or sweater for the evenings, as the temperature tends to drop as the sun goes down. I find that Lisbon's weather is a little like the San Francisco Bay Area in that regard.
Things to do in Lisbon in April at a Glance
Now let's take a look at things to do, see and eat in Lisbon in April at a glance. Each heading is clickable and will take you directly to the item of interest.Table of Contents
- Head to the Quiosque at Bibliotheca Palácio Galveias
- Be on the Lookout for Pet Pigs (Seriously...) on a Lisbon Photowalk
- Have Dinner with Friends at Frade dos Mares
- Grab A Vegetarian Lunch at My Mother's Daughter
- Support New Businesses
- Browse Dona Ajuda in Rato
- Spend the Afternoon in the Garden in Príncipe Real
- Take Advantage of Kiosk Weather
- Dine al Fresco on Av. Conde Valbom
- Eat Lunch at the Food Court in Campo Pequeno
- Eat Chicken that Packs a Punch at VIRA Frangos
- Spend a Day in Parque de Nacões
- Enjoy Rooftop Drinks at TOPO Martim Moniz
- Have a Workcation at Heden Rossio
- Explore Craft Markets in Lisbon's Parks
- Discover Lena Coffee Shop
- Visit Jardim Cesário Verde for Portuguese Mosaic Sidewalks
- Savor a Relaxing Lunch at Whisk Cafe
- Experience Authentic Nepalese Flavors at Casa Nepalesa
- Explore the Ever-Changing Exhibits at MAAT Museum in Belém
- Travel Beyond Lisbon
Things to do in Lisbon in April in Detail
Let's explore cool things to do in Lisbon in April in more detail. I've actually done all of these things in the month of April, so they are tried and tested for this time of year.
1. Head to the Quiosque at Bibliotheca Palácio Galveias
Lisbon in April is like a breath of fresh air. The weather is perfect for enjoying a beer, glass of wine, or bite to eat at a local kiosk (quiosque).One of my favorite kiosks is in Jardim Maria José Moura, tucked away behind the Bibliotheca Palácio Galveias near Campo Pequeno.
The kiosk is surrounded by a walled garden lined with marble busts and historic Portuguese tiles featuring the kings of Portugal. It's a great place to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy some local flavor.
April in Lisbon is a time when anything goes. I recommend taking a stroll in the evening. You never know what you might see.
I kid you not, I saw a man walking a huge pig down one of the main streets in Saldanha.
I told my Portuguese teacher about it, and if I hadn't shown her a photo, she would have never believed me.
She probably would have thought I was using the wrong words and was trying to say something different. April is definitely a great time for a photo walk in Lisbon.
3. Have Dinner with Friends at Frade dos Mares
April is when tourists start coming back to Lisbon. Since we moved here, we've had a bunch of visitors—people passing through on vacation—and it's a great opportunity to meet up for meals.We met some friends from Dublin for dinner alfresco at Frade dos Mares. We've been there before, but the great thing about going in April is that even though it's still chilly after dark, you can actually sit outside.
We had some delicious seafood dishes, as well as an amazing chocolate mousse for dessert, washed down with a bottle of Portuguese red wine.
4. Grab A Vegetarian Lunch at My Mother's Daughter
We aren't vegetarians but we like to eat vegetarian food sometimes. If that describes you as well, I recommend a spring visit for lunch at My Mother's Daughter.They have a very small menu and a few tables outside. The restaurant is located near El Cortes Ingles. Enjoy vegan stews and vegetarian falafel served with guacamole.
The cafe even serves vegan hot drinks. I got a spicy cha with plant-based milk.
5. Support New Businesses
April is a time for new beginnings, so it's worth keeping your eyes peeled for new businesses. While walking around, we discovered Solo Brewing, a specialty coffee bar run by a charismatic Brazilian named Adroaldo.Located in the heart of Saldanha, Solo Brewing is a bit pricey, but it's worth popping in for their delicious single-origin roasts or even a bite to eat.
You can get a full breakfast here or just a small piece of Brazilian cheese bread. Solo Brewing is the newest addition to my list of favorite coffee shops in Lisbon!
In the spirit of trying new places, we also tried How About Coffee, a specialty coffee place near Alameda, one of the largest green spaces in the heart of the city.
Sit in their courtyard and enjoy a bit of sun, or sit inside if the April weather is still too cold during your visit. Why not indulge in a blueberry scone with your cappuccino?
We found that How About Coffee is a great place to meet up with friends. It's located right on the green line (Linha Verde) of the Lisbon metro, making it a convenient meeting point.
6. Browse Dona Ajuda in Rato
April is also about recycling and reusing, so I decided to visit Dona Ajuda, a thrift store near Rato.One of my expat friends volunteers there and loves it. It's a great place to find English books, household items, clothes, jewelry, and more.
If you like digging through stuff, finding bargains, or looking for hidden gems (one person's trash is another person's treasure), Dona Ajuda is worth checking out.
7. Spend the Afternoon in the Garden in Príncipe Real
It's April and spring is in the air in Lisbon! Head to the Príncipe Real garden for a relaxing afternoon. If you time it right on a Saturday or Sunday, you might even catch a live music performance at the café in the park.Grab a seat under one of the giant trees and order a glass of wine. There's nothing quite like enjoying a leisurely drink in one of Lisbon's most vibrant neighborhoods.
8. Take Advantage of Kiosk Weather
April is prime kiosk weather in Lisbon. I covered one of my favorite kiosks at the start of this post. However, kiosks in general are part of the fabric of life in Lisbon.Hit up your local favorite and grab a glass of wine. You can find some great deals, with glasses of wine going for just €2-€3.
And if wine's not your thing, no worries - there are plenty of small beers to choose from. Soak up the spring sunshine and enjoy!
9. Dine al Fresco on Av. Conde Valbom
Eating dinner outside is a rite of passage in Lisbon in April. Head to Av. Conde Valbom in Saldanha, where you'll find a huge array of restaurants serving cuisine from around the world.Indian Thali is one of our favorites. You'll get three or four dishes served in a single tray with rice and naan. Grab a beer to wash it down and you're all set for the evening.
10. Eat Lunch at the Food Court in Campo Pequeno
It can still rain in Lisbon in April, so if you find yourself caught in a downpour, head to the food court at Campo Pequeno for lunch. This is a great excuse to marvel at the whimsical architecture of this former bullfighting ring.We love Ricos Tacos, which has a Taco Tuesday special that's a great deal. You'll eat well for a very reasonable price.
11. Eat Chicken that Packs a Punch at VIRA Frangos
VIRA Frangos is a great place to stop for a quick late dinner in April.They serve roasted chicken in a variety of flavors, as well as beer and a specialty beer drink. The chili oil and salted rim are a nice touch.
But the coolest thing about this fast food place is that they serve french fries that are shaped like churros! So delicious.
12. Spend a Day in Parque de Nacões
Check out Parque das Nações for a walk along the Tagus River in Lisbon. It's April, so the weather may or may not be great, but if it is, go for it!Walk around and check out the amazing views and street art. If the weather's not cooperating, head to the Vasco da Gama shopping mall and kill some time inside while waiting for the sun to return.
13. Enjoy Rooftop Drinks at TOPO Martim Moniz
In April, take advantage of the opportunity to sit outside at this rooftop bar and enjoy sunset views over Lisbon's hills and Castelo Sāo Jorge while sipping on a beer or craft cocktail.TOPO Martim Moniz is a great spot to visit in the heart of spring in Lisbon. Consider trying a cocktail garnished with pretty flowers, created by the bartender.
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14. Have a Workcation at Heden Rossio
If you're planning a workcation in Lisbon in April, consider some time at Heden Rossio. I delivered a talk for the Enterprise Tech Leadership Summit, and the conference organizers arranged a watch party here.
I found the co-working space to be conveniently located above the Rossio train station. This venue is ideal if you want to combine work with exploring the city. You might even see a resident hound dog basking in a pool of sunshine cast by the huge windows of the main meeting space.
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15. Explore Craft Markets in Lisbon's Parks
Keep an eye out for pop-up craft markets in various parks around Lisbon. I got lucky and discovered a market in Jardim das Amoreiras on a Sunday afternoon.
I found colorful earrings by a local artist that I absolutely adore. These markets are a fantastic way to find unique treasures and support local artisans. I consider Jardim das Amoreiras to be one of Lisbon's hidden gems.
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16. Discover Lena Coffee Shop
Visit this Argentinian-run coffee shop near Parque Eduardo VII and El Cortes Ingles. Lena serves excellent craft coffee and Argentinian alfajores and opens around 9:00 AM. There's plenty of seating, especially if you go early.
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17. Visit Jardim Cesário Verde for Portuguese Mosaic Sidewalks
Get off the beaten track and explore the small but imaginative green space of Jardim Cesário Verde near Estefânia. This small park is a true hidden gem, where you can appreciate the Portuguese mosaic sidewalks (calçadas portuguesas) featuring shapes of shamrocks and animals like big black cats.
It probably doesn't make sense to make a pilgrimage here just for the park, but if you check out Cafe Victoria, one of my favorite traditional Lisbon coffee shops, pop by the park while you are in the neighborhood.
18. Savor a Relaxing Lunch at Whisk Cafe
If you're near Rato and looking for a delightful lunch spot, Whisk Cafe is a great choice. On a Sunday afternoon, I savored a healthy chicken salad accompanied by a refreshing glass of iced tea. It's a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a light meal while exploring the neighborhood in Spring.
19. Experience Authentic Nepalese Flavors at Casa Nepalesa
For those craving Nepalese cuisine, Casa Nepalesa near Campo Pequeno offers a delicious dining experience.
Given its popularity, especially during the vibrant month of April, it's highly recommended to book ahead to secure your table.
Prepare to be transported by the rich and aromatic flavors of Nepal in the heart of Lisbon.
20. Explore the Ever-Changing Exhibits at Museum in Belém
Be sure to visit the MAAT Museum in Belém, known for its dynamic and rotating exhibits. The MAAT Museum comprises two distinct sections: a modern, sterile space and a repurposed old power factory.
During my visit, the artist in residence was showcasing exhibits made from yarn and fabric, creating an immersive, almost otherworldly experience.
The space felt like an undersea world, with fabric creations lit with what appeared to be Christmas lights, and a giant textile tree stood prominently in the main hall of the power station.
Keep an open mind and be prepared to encounter something new and unexpected, as the museum's offerings are constantly evolving.
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21. Travel Beyond Lisbon
I find that April is also a great time to travel outside of Lisbon. You might even have the Easter holidays off from work, and there are so many great places you can visit from Lisbon.
We've been having a blast exploring places like Aveiro and the Azores, which we couldn't easily get to when we lived in Ireland.
Should you visit Lisbon in April?
As you can see, April is a great time to visit Lisbon. The weather is starting to get warm and sunny, and the full-on tourist crowds have not yet arrived.Visit some local gardens, dine al fresco and enjoy a glass of Portuguese wine with your meal, and consider taking a trip further afield to explore some of the lesser known destinations in Portugal, taking advantage of the Easter holidays to make the most of any time off from work.
Are you trying to decide what time of year to visit Lisbon? Check out month-by-month ideas based on my personal experience living in Portugal:
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Post Archive
This post has been updated since it was originally written to remove outdated information. I am including the original details below in the post archive to preserve the memories of my trip. The places below are sadly permanently closed.
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Sip a Beer at Mean Sardine
If you're in the area, check out Mean Sardine for a craft beer. They're based in Ericeira but have a taproom near Campo Pequeno.Mean Sardine has got a great selection of beers, as well as small snacks like fries or samosas. It's one of my favorite craft beer bars in Lisbon!
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