The Best Hotels in Lisbon

Lisbon Hotels

Hit golf balls into the deep blue sky, or relax with a picnic by the river in Lisbon - a pretty North Dakota town that’s bursting with leafy trees and wide open parks. Back in 1889, the railway helped to make this hidden town a prosperous place, which led to the construction of a number of classy buildings, many of which are still standing today. Explore the quiet streets at leisure, taking in coffee stops at welcoming cafés as you go.

Things to see

The wavy landscape of the Sheyenne National Grasslands is ideal for walkers, and you can fill your lungs with fresh, country air while stretching your legs in a haze of green scenery. Return to the grasslands at night to experience a secluded walk beneath a sprawling ceiling of stars and galaxies. There’s even more gentle green scenery to enjoy at Sandager Park - where brass bands practice bombastic songs on the pretty white pavilion, and balls fly back and forth on the volleyball and tennis courts that sit next to the Sheyenne River. Golfers can use the river’s gently rushing waters to help them hone their concentration while driving down the sweeping fairways of the 9-hole, Lisbon Bissell Golf Course. The fairways are scenically bordered by dark green fir trees, and the course offers a short but challenging round - perfect for a leisurely morning session. For a little evening’s entertainment, watch a new release at the quaint Scenic Theater, which is the oldest continually running movie theater anywhere in the US. You can almost feel the history that the walls have soaked up, as you recline to enter the movie-world, while munching on buttery popcorn. The Opera House is also dripping in history, having opened in 1889. Its superb acoustics ensure every concert and play hits the right note.

Hotels in Lisbon

Whether you’re here for work or a family vacation, you’ll love Lisbon's hotel offerings. Choose from budget-friendly motels - where you can catch up on your favorite TV shows using free WiFi, or spacious apartments - where the entire family can spread out and feel at home. Kitchen areas with refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers are all available, while many Lisbon hotels offer glimmering indoor swimming pools to splash in. There’s no arguing – a morning dip is the best way to wake up and prepare for a busy day out exploring.

Where to stay

Downtown Lisbon is where all the action is, and the hotels are within easy walking distance of the sights and sounds of the town center. If it’s character you're looking for, bob into one of the charming cafes, where you can sip coffee and eat meaty sandwiches surrounded by stained, antique wooden furniture and hand-carved cuckoo clocks. The sense of community in Lisbon is infectious – stay for a few days and you’ll soon start recognizing the same smiling faces, waving to you from across the street.

How to get to Lisbon

The simplest way to get to Lisbon is to fly into Hector International Airport, in nearby Fargo. The drive over takes around an hour and 15 minutes, and you can rent a car from the airport with ease. Fargo is also well connected by train, or you can fly in to the small airport at Lisbon. The nearest international airport to Lisbon is at Minneapolis, which is 267 miles away.

When are the best times to travel to Lisbon?

Whenever you choose to book your hotel in Lisbon, you’re bound to have a visit to remember. Summer is the main tourist season, with the perfect sunny days bringing holidaymakers to the region’s beaches. June also happens to be a time for partying, thanks to the saint’s day celebration which makes the streets come alive with music and the scents of sizzling grilled sardines. If you prefer urban exploration to lounging by the beach, come in spring or autumn, when the weather is a bit cooler and the streets a little quieter.

What are the top must-see attractions in Lisbon?

If one single building could be said to symbolise Lisbon, it’s Belem Tower. This 16th-century structure, fashioned from white limestone, guards the harbour and is adorned with sculptures celebrating Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Another iconic landmark is the Jeronimos Monastery, which took a century to build, and is an ornate haven of carved cloisters, curving vaulted ceilings and lush gardens. In the heart of the city is Rossio Square, which has witnessed celebrations, skirmishes and bullfights across the epochs, and is now a buzzing hub with striking wave-patterned paving.

What are the best types of food and restaurants in Lisbon?

Bacalhau is something you can’t not eat when in Lisbon. This salted cod delicacy forms a key ingredient in many long-standing dishes, and is a true taste of Portugal. Even more emblematic is the pastel de nata, an egg custard tart which can prove dangerously addictive. The Bairro Alto district is a hit with foodies thanks to its plentiful eateries, while the Mercado da Ribeira is a very hip food market for sampling the wares of some of the city’s best chefs.

What are the top things to do in Lisbon?

If you never thought an elevator could be a tourist attraction, then Lisbon will surprise you. Its Santa Justa Lift is a must-visit, being a tall tower of intricate Gothic-style arches and ironwork, which offers fine views of the city. The local coastline is another essential on any Lisbon itinerary, with Carcavelos Beach one of the most popular and easily accessible stretches of sandy bliss. A major family attraction, meanwhile, is the Lisbon Oceanarium, which is the largest of its kind in Europe, boasting penguins, puffins and sea otters among its residents.

What are some fun facts about Lisbon?

Lisbon happens to be one of the very oldest cities in Europe, and actually predates Rome. If you like a pint or two of the black stuff, you’ll be interested to learn that Lisbon was the first city outside of the UK to import Guinness from Ireland. One of its most famous sons was Fernando Pessoa, a beloved poet and writer, who had a number of quirks. As well as being a passionate astrologist, he had a penchant for pen-names – some estimate he had as many as 75 aliases.

What kinds of public transport are there in Lisbon?

To travel in Lisbon you can make use of the highly efficient and speedy metro system. Covering 4 lines, the network provides an easy way to see the major landmarks and shopping and dining areas. A form of transport which is almost an attraction in its own right is the number 28 tram, which is a vintage yellow trolley that criss-crosses the centre of the city, and makes a rather charming way to get from around.