Top Story

Belém Tower and the €67 Million Rescue Mission

Belém Tower and the €67 Million Rescue Mission

Lisbon wrapped its riverfront icon in scaffolding—and opened a far bigger question about what it costs to keep a city’s memory standing. Here is where the money went, what changed inside the tower, and which doors are open now.

Featured

This month's top stories

Latest

Live

Company Facts

At a glance
Category
CONSUMER
Legal name
Município de Lisboa
HQ
Lisbon, Portugal
Customers
The municipality counted 545,923 residents in the 2021 census, while serving metropolitan commuters, students, businesses, conference attendees and international visitors. In 2025, Lisbon Airport received 18.2 million arriving passengers, about half of Portugal's airport arrivals.
Model
Lisbon is a municipality rather than a company. Public services are funded through municipal and national revenue, user fees and European programs; its tourism economy monetizes accommodation, food, attractions, events and transport, including a €4 nightly municipal tourist tax for eligible guests, capped at seven nights per stay.
Alternatives
For city-break travelers and international talent, practical alternatives include Porto, Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and other southern European capitals. Lisbon differentiates itself through its Atlantic river setting, compact historic fabric, fado tradition, English-friendly international scene and close connection to beaches and Sintra.

Updates

Recent updates
Jan 2026
The CARRIS/Metro single ticket rose to €1.90, the 24-hour CARRIS/Metro ticket to €7.25 and zapping to €1.72.
Dec 2025
Lisbon approved changes to its municipal local-accommodation regulation after extending restrictions on new registrations.
Nov 2025
Startup Genome's Lisbon report placed the ecosystem in the Top 30 emerging ecosystems and reported 13% ecosystem-value growth since 2022.
Jan 1, 2025
Lisbon Airport received 18.2 million arriving passengers during the year.
Sep 2024
The overnight municipal tourist tax increased to €4 per guest aged 13 or older, capped at seven nights per stay.

Timeline

Company history
1147
Lisbon joins the Portuguese kingdom

Afonso Henriques captured the city, ending Islamic rule and anchoring it in the emerging kingdom of Portugal.

1256
The capital moves to Lisbon

Under Afonso III, Lisbon became the kingdom's capital.

1755
Earthquake, tsunami and fire destroy the center

The disaster devastated Baixa and triggered a planned Pombaline reconstruction.

1983
Belém landmarks enter the World Heritage list

UNESCO inscribed Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower.

1998
Expo remakes the eastern waterfront

The 132-day world exposition brought more than 10 million visits and seeded Parque das Nações.

2011
Fado receives UNESCO recognition

The urban song tradition joined the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

2016
Beato begins an innovation conversion

A former military maintenance complex was designated for a startup, technology and creative district.

2020
Lisbon becomes European Green Capital

The award recognized the city's sustainability work and sharpened its climate commitments.

2024
Tourism's cost becomes explicit

The overnight tourist tax increased to €4 as Lisbon tightened management of visitor pressure and local accommodation.

2025
Startup ecosystem reaches the emerging Top 30

Startup Genome reported growth across funding, talent, market reach and ecosystem value.

Product History

What shipped, and when

Lisboa Card

A visitor pass combining public transport with admission or discounts at museums, monuments and attractions.

Integrated public transport

Metro, CARRIS buses and trams, suburban rail and ferries connect the municipality and metropolitan area through interoperable tickets and passes.

Cultural and heritage network

Museums, monuments, performance spaces, historic neighborhoods and public art form both civic infrastructure and the visitor offer.

2016

Startup support ecosystem

Unicorn Factory Lisboa and the Beato Innovation District offer incubation, acceleration, workspace, partnerships and investor access.

Green corridors and public realm

Connected parks, cycling links, riverfront routes and climate walks extend recreation and low-carbon mobility beyond the historic core.

FAQs

Frequently asked
What is Lisbon best known for?

Its hilly historic neighborhoods, Tagus waterfront, yellow trams, tiled architecture, fado music and monuments in Belém.

How many people live in Lisbon?

The municipality recorded 545,923 residents in Portugal's 2021 census; the metropolitan area is much larger.

How much does public transport cost in 2026?

A CARRIS/Metro ticket costs €1.90, zapping costs €1.72 per Metro journey, and a 24-hour CARRIS/Metro ticket costs €7.25.

What is the easiest way to get around?

Walk within one district, then use Metro, tram, bus, train or ferry between districts. Hills, cobbles and crowding make route choice important.

When does a Lisbon visit work poorly?

A checklist-heavy trip centered only on the busiest historic streets can mean queues, heat and crowded transit. The city works better with extra time, neighborhood focus and off-peak travel.