Lisbon is a city full of opportunities at any time of the year, but spring is one of the best times to visit. The temperature is around 22-24°C, the streets aren’t swamped with tourists, and those who don’t mind swimming in colder waters can even enjoy a nice day at the beach. So here are some things you can do in Lisbon in May 2022.
May events in Lisbon
May is full to the brim with gigs all over Lisbon. To give you just an idea, on May 19th there’s Einstürzende Neubauten, on May 22nd there’s Shirley Davis & The Silverbacks, and on May 29th there’s Anna Setton. But these are just a few examples of the more than twenty gigs of well-known bands that are playing in Lisbon in May. What’s more, this month also kicks off the Somersby Out Jazz 2022 which continues through the Summer until September. The open-air concerts are organised every Sunday from five and in May they take place in Parque Dos Poetas. So get out there and dance, listen and enjoy.
If you’re interested in bars and bar culture from the perspective of the bartender, owner, or the marketer then the Lisbon Bar Show is perfect for you. With an estimated turnout of over 10 000 people, this is by far one of the largest trade shows in town. Taking place on the 17th and the 18th of May, the show offers great food and drinks as well as a ton of insider knowledge of the changing bar market.
The next large event may be strange to some but it is one of the biggest festivals in Lisbon with projected visitors going up to 5000 people. IberAnime is a festival celebrating everything related to Japanese anime and manga with exhibitors selling merchandise, games, and comic books as well as giving talks and screening films. If you love Japanese anime, you owe it to yourself to go to the Feira Internacional de Lisboa on the 21st or the 22nd of May and enjoy the atmosphere.
But there’s a lot more going on in Lisbon. There’s the Pet Festival trade show from the 20th to the 22nd of May, the Global Investor Conference between the 15th and the 20th of May, and the Lisbon Tech Job Fair on the 25th of May. And tons more we don’t even have space to cover here. Suffice to say, you won’t be bored this month in Lisbon.
Places to go in Lisbon
Seeing the sights in May is great because you avoid both the tourist crowds and the sweltering weather. Go see the Águas Livres aqueduct from the 18th century, the Carmo convent which dates back all the way to the 14th century, visit the luxurious Palácio Nacional da Ajuda, and don’t miss out on the iconic Torre de Belém by the sea.
And if you’re tired of history, why not check out the beautiful Botanical Garden with over 18 000 species of plants on display. Alternatively, head on down to the LX Factory, a trendy hub full of pubs, parties, decorations, clothes, and more. If you love all things new and cool, this is the place for you.
