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A budget airline is adding new routes from the UK to a beautiful European city. From spring, easyJetwill offer three new routes to Lisbon Airport, with prices starting at £26 one way.

Flights from Glasgow begin on March 29, followed by Liverpool on March 31, and a seasonal service from Newcastle upon Tyne runs from June 22 to August 28. While Lisbonis known for mostly being a city break destination, it's also a short distance from some beautiful stretches of Portuguese coast, and with the weather warming up to 20C in March and April, it could be the perfect spring destination. With flight times under three hours, it's close enough for short breaks and was crowned Europe's Leading City Break Destination at the 2025 World Travel Awards. Lisbon is Portugal'scapital, so as you might expect, it's a colourful, cultural hub rich in history. The oldest district is Alfama, a maze of narrow, cobbled streets that historic trams still manage to squeeze through. The vintage number 28 tram is especially recommended for sightseers who want an easy way to get around and see the main tourist hotspots.

Visit Castelo de São Jorge, an 11th-century Moorish castle perched on a hill, with some medieval ruins still standing. Its location at the highest point of the city makes it a great place to enjoy views across Lisbon and the Tagus River.

A short walk away is Lisbon Cathedral, a church that has stood in the same spot since the 12th century and boasts Romanesque and Gothic architecture that has survived many earthquakes.

For an authentic experience, visit the Fado Museum or book a seat at a Fado performance. Fado is a type of music native to Lisbon that became popular in working-class neighbourhoods in the 19th century.

Often melancholic and full of longing, it's best enjoyed in small, intimate venues. One of the city's best examples of modern architecture is the Oceanário, a huge oceanarium that's one of the largest of its kind in Europe.

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From sharks to penguins, there are all sorts of ocean creatures to see here, and the building sits on its own island in the river, connected by a bridge.

In the evening, look out for tascas, small, family-run restaurants that serve authentic Portuguese food. They often have a simple, rustic décor and offer inexpensive local dishes such as salted cod, sardines, or cozido à Portuguesa, a hearty Portuguese stew.

If you want to find a beach, your best bet is to head to Cais do Sodré and take the Cascais Line train running west and following the coast. There are stops for Carcavelos with a long sandy beach, turquoise seas, and a lively atmosphere.

A little further along is Praia da Azarujinha, a smaller, quieter beach set in a bay, and Tamariz Beach, known for its natural swimming pools, which is about an hour from Lisbon.