LISBON

Halal-friendly holidays

Direct flights to Lisbon Airport (LIS) are available from most major airports worldwide, with flights in December and January being cheapest. The extensive metro system will take you straight from the airport to the centre in 20 minutes and gets you around the rest of the city. Buses and taxis are also available. From Lisbon, the rest of the country can be reached via cheap and efficient public transport links.

Located in southern Europe, Lisbon has a good climate all year round. May to June is the best time to book your holiday and maximise sightseeing with fewer queues, cheaper flights and pleasant weather. There is also a film festival in April and May and Carnaval (Lisbon's biggest festival) in February and March - this is when plane ticket prices and tourist numbers soar.

In 714 the Islamic Moors conquered Lisbon and the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal first became part of the Emirate of Cordoba and remained under Muslim rule until 1147. The city was considered the capital of Lisbon due to its ideal location and excellent port.

Visit the Castle of the Moors - a mediaeval castle in Sintra, the city's oldest monument, built as a vantage point overlooking and defending the region. Located on a hill, it offers a magnificent view of the city. Discover the Alfama neighbourhood of Lisbon, the Arabic part of the city that still has the same characteristics since the Moors built it - a step back in time.

Amazingly, Arabic influences can still be found in the Portuguese language today, showing that history has not been forgotten but remains visible for all to see.

Not only does Lisbon offer stunning attractions and views, but it is also perfect for halal-conscious travellers looking for prayer areas and halal food. There are several mosques in the city that serve the city's moderate Muslim population. The Central Mosque of Lisbon is not only an impressive building to perform your obligatory prayers in, it is also a great way to interact with Muslims from all over the world and pray together in a meaningful and spiritual way. The mosque serves delicious halal food at the restaurant. Also visit the Aicha Siddika Mosque, a beautifully designed mosque in the pleasant suburb of Odivelas.

Castelo de São Jorge
The silhouette of Lisbon is incomplete without the amazing Castle of São Jorge, which stands on São Jorge Hill. Watch as it lights up each night forming the beautiful skyline. Built in the 5th century, it was remodeled and embellished by the Muslim Moors and offers history with beautiful views of the city.

Tower of Belém
Built in 1514, the Tower of Belém originally aimed to defend and protect Lisbon. It was once a prison for hostages and later in its life was converted into a lighthouse. With five floors and several spiral staircases, it is a beautiful place and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Praça do Comércio
The iconic and beautiful architecture of the Praça do Comércio was of historical importance in Portugal in the 18th century. The place where captains planned voyages to Brazil, India and other parts of the world is still visible to all.

Santa Justa Lift
The unique Santa Justa Vertical Elevator was built in the 1900s to climb the hills of Lisbon. Not only is it an easy and pleasant way to get from the upper to the lower parts of Lisbon, but it also offers stunning views from the observation deck at the very top.

Jerónimos Monastery
The amazing monastery is a symbol of European Gothic architecture and an icon of Portuguese heritage. Feel inspired as you walk outside through the beautiful gardens and step back in time.

Lisbon Cathedral
The famous Lisbon Cathedral is the most important building in the history of Lisbon. The oldest church in the city was built in the 12th century. The magnificently built structure has been well preserved over time for all to see and admire.

Food in Lisbon deserves a special mention as most of the halal food from around the world such as Iranian, Moroccan, Turkish, Kashmiri, Indian and authentic Portuguese cuisine with peri-peri chicken, sardines and grilled seafood can be tasted here.

In Lisbon, you're in for a treat, as every street has a café, boutique coffee shop or delicate pastry cart. Be sure to try the iconic Pastel de Nata, Portugal's egg custard tart dusted with cinnamon and dates, the recipe of which dates back 300 years. If you choose to stay in a villa, you can buy fresh organic produce as well as halal meat at farmers' markets and halal-certified butchers.

Halalbooking offers a great choice of halal-friendly properties in Lisbon. Make your city break everything you want from hotels, villas and guesthouses and use our halal-friendly filters to find your ideal property in Lisbon. The halal-friendly options of halal food at hotels and nearby, alcohol-free stays, pools, spa and wellness facilities will make your holiday special. Explore the flexibility of Halalbooking with the options of ‘Book Now, Pay Later’ and ‘Free Cancellation’ to make your holiday easier.