Page last updated: 21 November 2024
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 18.76 million international and domestic tourists visited Lisbon in 2023.1
- In 2019, Lisbon welcomed 14.73 million international visitors marking the highest recorded international visitors in pre-pandemic years.
- When the pandemic began in 2020, this number dropped by 77% to 3.31 million visits.
- By 2021, Lisbon experienced an increase of 53% in international tourists with 5.06 million tourists.
- Inbound tourism rose with 13.95 million visitors in 2022 and continued to recover in 2023 with 15.32 million visitors, surpassing the number of tourists in 2019 by 4%.
How many people visited Lisbon in 2023?
- In 2023, Lisbon welcomed a total of 18.76 million overnight visitors and 8.1million same-day visitors. Of these, 15.32million were international tourists, while 3.4 million were domestic visitors.
How much do tourists spend in Lisbon every year?
According to the WTTC, a minimum of 20% of Portugal’s tourism expenditures come from Lisbon every year.2
- Tourists generated €6.8 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 €8.83 billion, surpassing the total expenditure in 2019 by 30%.
How much does Lisbon make from tourism?
- According to Statistics of Portugal, total tourism expenditure in 2022 was €8.83 billion.
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 2023, the USA was the top source of international visitors to Lisbon, accounting for 2.36 million visits with 15% of market share.
- Brazil also contributed about 9%, with 1.3 million tourist visits.
- France also accounted for 1.3 international visits with a market share of 9%.
How long do visitors stay in Lisbon?
- Generally, tourists spend 2 days exploring Lisbon’s popular attractions each year.
- In 2023 and 2022, the average stay was 2.31 and 2.35 days, respectively.
How popular is Lisbon as a tourist destination?
- 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 (7.04 million visits). Another common reason is visiting friends and relatives (VFR), with 5.3 million visits. Business travel accounts for 1.7 million visits, reflecting Lisbon’s role as a centre for professional events and activities.
- While religious and health-related travel have a smaller impact, they still demonstrate Lisbon’s ability to cater to niche travel motivations. The diverse mix of “other reasons” further underscores Lisbon’s broad appeal, drawing people for a variety of unique and personal purposes.
Lisbon Tourism Statistics – International & Domestic Tourism
- Pre-Pandemic Period (2009-2019): Lisbon experienced steady growth in both international and domestic visitors, peaking in 2019 with 18.6 million visitors.
- Pandemic Impact (2020-2021): The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted tourism, causing a 72% drop in visitor numbers in both segments.
- Despite the pandemic, domestic tourism showed more resilience compared to international tourism, reflecting reliance on local travel during global disruptions.
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
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- Portugal Statistics
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- United Kingdom Statistics
