Stuck with time to kill at Lisbon Airport (LIS)? Whether you’re facing a long layover, an overnight wait, or an early-morning departure, the airport offers a few ways to pass the time — though comfort and quiet can be hit or miss, especially late at night. Terminal 1 is where you’ll find most of the food, shops, and services, while Terminal 2 is more limited and mainly handles short-haul departures. If you’re tired, hungry, or just looking to stay occupied until your next flight, here are some realistic things to do at Lisbon Airport.
1. Have a meal
Start your layover with a bite to eat. Lisbon Airport has a decent mix of cafés, casual eateries, and bars, particularly in Terminal 1, both landside and airside. Options range from quick coffee and pastries to sandwiches, salads, and hot meals. You’ll find familiar international chains alongside a handful of Portuguese-inspired spots serving items like soups, toasted sandwiches, and custard tarts.
Late at night, food choices narrow considerably. Most 24-hour or late-night options are landside in Terminal 1. Airside dining hours generally depend on flight schedules, and Terminal 2 has limited food services overall.
If nothing is open when you’re hungry, vending machines are scattered throughout the terminals and can be a fallback for snacks and drinks. For specific restaurant locations and hours, it’s best to check the airport’s official food directory, as offerings and schedules do change.
2. Check into a lounge
Are you catching up on work between flights? Want a cooler, calmer place to hang out? Check into one of the three lounges here. For a single fee, you can take advantage of WiFi, unlimited drinks and food, news and TV, and a quieter environment than the main terminal. Some even offer shower facilities. The nice thing about these lounges? All travellers can take advantage of them, not just First or Business Class travellers. Pre-book your visit online or use your lounge membership program to get in. [ read more ]
3. Go shopping
Shopping at Lisbon Airport is concentrated mainly in Terminal 1, especially airside after security. Along with standard duty-free goods, you’ll find shops selling products that reflect Portugal’s local culture and make easy last-minute souvenirs.
Things travellers may want to look for include:
- Portuguese food gifts such as tinned sardines, olive oil, wine, port, and packaged sweets
- Cork products, a well-known Portuguese specialty, including wallets, bags, and small accessories
- Ceramics and azulejo-inspired items, often featuring traditional blue-and-white tile patterns
- Local beauty products, including soaps and skincare made with olive oil or natural ingredients
Terminal 2 has far fewer shops, with limited selection both landside and airside, so travellers looking to browse or buy souvenirs should allow time in Terminal 1 if possible. As with dining, store hours can vary, particularly late at night or early morning.
4. Go sightseeing
If spending yet another layover wasting time in the airport has you feeling a bit itchy, we’ve got a recommendation for you – get out and explore! Public transit connects the airport with the Lisbon city center quickly and affordably, so travellers with a layover of at least 6 hours can get out for some fresh air and local eats, and return to the airport in time for that next flight.
The cheapest way is the Metro’s red line, which takes you to the city center in about 40 minutes. Buses are available, but won’t save you time. Splurging on a taxi might be worth it – the airport to downtown runs about €15, and it shouldn’t take longer than 20 minutes.
In town, stroll along the Praca do Comercio, the pedestrian walkway that leads from the Bairro Alto, the central neighbourhood, towards the Tagus River. The tiles and architecture are exemplary of the traditional Portuguese style. Ride the historic tram 28 to the top of town, where you’ll pass popular neighbourhoods like Alfama and Graca and be rewarded with views of red-tile roofs and the deep-blue river below. Tour Castelo de Sao Jorge or the Jeronimos Monastery, where you can sample the traditional Belem pastries.
However you spend your layover away from the airport, leave enough time to make it for your next flight. Visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Lisbon.
5. WiFi
Lisbon Airport offers free public Wi-Fi throughout both terminals.
6. Sleep
Spend your layover catching up on Z’s, but if you’re serious about it, you’ll want to head to the comfier Terminal 1. Travellers recommend the rest zone near Gates 19-20, plus the couches in the food court. If you’re pre-Security for the evening, head to the quiet corner on the upper floor. Bring an extra layer to combat cold temps. [ read more ]
Several hotels are within a 10-minute drive of the airport, though only a couple run free airport shuttles. See our Lisbon Airport Guide for locations and details. [ read more ]
Updated 12 December 2025
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Lisbon Airport. Visit our Lisbon Airport Guide for more details on airport services and facilities, including nearby airport hotels, luggage storage, showers, transportation into the city, and more.