Lisbon Tourism Statistics

Page last updated: 20 July 2025

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and picturesque views, making it a top destination for travellers worldwide.

How many tourists visit Lisbon each year?

Over 6.54 million international tourists visited Lisbon in 2024. ¹

• In 2019, Lisbon welcomed 5.99 million international visitors, marking the highest recorded international count in pre-pandemic years.

• When the pandemic began in 2020, this number dropped by 78% to 1.33 million visits.

• By 2021, Lisbon experienced an increase of 46% in international tourists, with 1.94 million visitors.

• Inbound tourism rose to 5.44 million international arrivals in 2022 and continued to recover in 2023 with 6.20 million visitors, surpassing the 2019 total by 3.5%.

• In 2024, Lisbon welcomed 6.54 million international visitors, a 5.5% increase over 6.20 million in 2023 and a 9.2% increase over 5.99 million in 2019. 

Lisbon Tourism Statistics 2024: International and Domestic

In 2024, Lisbon’s tourism continued its strong recovery, welcoming 6.54 million international visitors alongside 1.98 million domestic guests. Together, this 8.52 million total represents a 5.5% rise in international arrivals and a 3.7% uptick in domestic travel compared to 2023. 

• This reflects Lisbon’s enduring appeal on the world stage. Meanwhile, a steadily rebounding domestic market underscores the city’s broad attractiveness to Portuguese travelers as well as to overseas visitors.

How many people visited Lisbon in 2024?

• In 2024, Lisbon welcomed a total of 8.52 million visitors. Of these 6.54 million were international tourists and 1.98 million were domestic visitors, representing a 5.1% increase over the 8.11 million in 2023. That 8.52 M in 2024 also tops the 8.22 million guests seen in 2019, confirming a full recovery and growth beyond pre-COVID levels.
  

How much do tourists spend in Lisbon every year?

In 2024, tourists spent €6.67 billion in Lisbon, a 10.8% increase over €6.02 billion in 2023 and a 55.1% increase over €4.30 billion in 2019.²

• Tourists generated €4.30 billion in Lisbon in 2019.

• This number decreased to €3.37 billion in 2020 due to coronavirus travel restrictions and fewer international visitors. This slightly increased by 21% in 2021 to €4.25 million.

• In 2022, this increased further to €5.01 billion, surpassing the total expenditure in 2019 by 16.5%.

How much does Lisbon make from tourism?

• In 2024, Lisbon generated €2.01 billion in direct tourism expenditure, up 10.4% from €1.82 billion in 2023, and well above the €0.32 billion recorded at the pandemic low in 2020, confirming a full recovery and growth beyond pre-COVID levels.
  
  

How much do tourists spend in Lisbon?

On average, tourists spend €782.86 per trip in Lisbon.

• Domestic visitors average €176.7 per trip.

• International visitors average €843.8 per trip.

• Leisure trips (≥ 1 night) cost about €381.4, rising to €637.4 for stays of four nights or more.

• Visiting friends & relatives (≥ 1 night) averages €134.9, and €361.4 for longer stays.

• Business trips (≥ 1 night) come in at €328.6 per trip.
  

Which countries visit Lisbon the most?

The leading sources of foreign tourists to Lisbon are the USA, followed by Brazil, France, Spain, and the UK.

• In 2024, the USA was the top source of international visitors to Lisbon, accounting for 1.14 million visits with 17.5% of the market share.

• Brazil also contributed 532,000 visits, representing 8.1% of the international total.

• France accounted for 496,000 visits, or 7.6% of international arrivals.

How long do visitors stay in Lisbon?

• Generally, tourists spend 2 days exploring Lisbon’s popular attractions each year.
  
• In 2022 and 2023, the average stay was 2.35 and 2.31 days, respectively. In 2024, the average length of stay rose to 4.7 nights, a significant increase from previous years.
  

Portugal Travel Resources

When is the best time to visit Lisbon?

The best time to visit Lisbon is in Spring during March to May due to its mild temperatures, blooming gardens, and fewer tourists than summer.

• Fall (September–October): Warm days, cultural festivals, and shorter museum lines.

• Winter (November–February): Lowest rates and minimal crowds if you don’t mind cooler, quieter days.
  

How popular is Lisbon as a tourist destination?

Lisbon’s global standing is reflected in a series of top-tier awards and rankings:

• 2024 World Travel Awards:
  • World’s Leading City Break Destination
  • World’s Leading Heritage City Destination
  • Europe’s Leading City Destination
    

• TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice:
  • 2025: Santiago De Alfama Boutique Hotel located in Lisbon has been crowned #1 Best Luxury Hotel in the World
  • 2023 & 2024: Local operators (e.g. “Lisbon is on Tour,” “Boost Portugal”) and venues (e.g. “O Gambuzino”) regularly earn Choice awards.

• ForwardKeys‘ latest study ranked Lisbon as the 7th most popular destination.³

• VisaGuide’s World’s annual ranking highlighted Lisbon as the best European capital to visit, earning a score of 29.83 based on what travellers valued most.⁴
  

Why do people travel to Lisbon?

• People visit Lisbon primarily for leisure, recreation, and vacations (2.28 million visits). Another common reason is visiting friends and relatives (VFR), with 3.92 million visits. Business travel accounts for 970,000 visits, reflecting Lisbon’s role as a centre for professional events and activities.

• While religious (110,000) and health-related (51,000) travel have a smaller impact, they still demonstrate Lisbon’s ability to cater to niche travel motivations. The diverse mix of “other reasons” (490,000) further underscores Lisbon’s broad appeal, drawing people for a variety of unique and personal purposes.

Lisbon Tourism – Economic Impact (2024)

• Direct Expenditure: Tourists spent €6.67 billion in Lisbon in 2024—a 10.8% increase over €6.02 billion in 2023.

• Economic Contribution & Employment: Tourism accounted for 20% of Lisbon’s total economic output and supported a significant share of the 1.2 million tourism jobs nationwide.

• Cruise Industry Impact: The cruise sector generated €1.934 billion in total production, contributed €794 million directly to GDP, generated €317 million in taxes, and supported over 20,000 jobs across Portugal.
  

Things to do in Lisbon

Climbing to the Castle of São Jorge in Alfama offers panoramic views and a deep connection to Lisbon’s history with the Tagus River.⁵

• Listening to fado, whether during a candlelit dinner or spontaneously in the streets, is an essential cultural experience in Lisbon.

• Visiting Terreiro do Paço, Lisbon’s largest square, provides a glimpse of the city’s post-earthquake resilience and offers scenic riverfront views.

• Riding the historic Santa Justa Elevator gives a unique perspective of downtown Lisbon and a connection to its architectural heritage.

• Taking a tram ride, especially on the No. 28, is a classic way to explore Lisbon’s historic neighbourhoods and experience the city’s charm.
  
  

Europe Travel Statistics Resources

• Austria Statistics
• Belgium Statistics
• Croatia Statistics
• Denmark Statistics
• France Statistics (incl. Paris, Disneyland Paris, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame)
• Georgia Statistics
• Germany Statistics (incl. Berlin)
• Greece Statistics (incl. Parthenon)
• Iceland Statistics
• Italy Statistics (incl. Florence, Milan, Rome, Venice)
• Netherlands Statistics (incl. Amsterdam)
• Norway Statistics
• Portugal Statistics
• Spain Statistics (incl. Barcelona, Madrid, Mallorca)
• Sweden Statistics
• Switzerland Statistics
• UK Statistics (incl. Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Oxford, Scotland)
  
  

---

References

1.  SP: Tourism Key Figures and Statistics in Lisbon ↩︎
2.  WTTC: Lisbon Tourism Expenditure Contribution ↩︎
3.  TPN: Ranking of Lisbon 2023 ↩︎
4.  SN: Ranking of Lisbon 2024 ↩︎
5.  VP: Must see places in Lisbon ↩︎