Lisbon has been officially named Europe's Leading City Destination 2026 at the World Travel Awards, with flights from the UK starting from as little as £13. The Portuguese capital, situated on the northern banks of the River Tagus, beat major European hotspots including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Dubrovnik, Geneva, London, Lyon, Porto, Rome, Venice and Vienna to claim the top spot.
Lisbon's Award-Winning Streak
This is not the first time Lisbon has received such recognition. Last year, it was named Europe's Leading City Break Destination, and the year before, it was crowned the World's Leading City Break Destination, outshining the likes of New York, Sydney and Tokyo. In the World Travel Awards 2026, Lisbon has also been nominated for the World's Leading City Break Destination, though results are yet to be announced as voting remains open.
The city is famously hilly, with its iconic yellow trams providing routes across the bustling city, which is lined with pastel-coloured and tiled buildings along winding cobblestone streets. Visitors can find panoramic views stretching over red terracotta roofs towards the glistening blue waters.
What to See and Do
Aside from wandering through pretty streets, visitors can stop by independent shops, traditional restaurants, trendy coffeehouses and bakeries for an authentic Pastel de nata. Key attractions include the waterside plaza Praça do Comércio with its arched statue, the striking Jerónimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries, and the picturesque views at Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
For those eager to visit, cheap and direct flights are available from airports across the UK. Flights start from £18 departing from London Stansted in November, or from £20 from Birmingham, with the journey taking just under three hours, according to Skyscanner.
Weather and Flight Deals
In November, visitors can expect temperatures of up to 18C, while December welcomes cooler rays of around 16C, with even cheaper flights available. Flights from Birmingham to Lisbon in December start from just £13 one-way, while a flight from Manchester starts from £16 to the colourful Portuguese city.
