The Lisbon Marathon is one of Europe's most scenic road races. The course starts across the Tagus River in Cascais or near the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, then sweeps along the riverfront through Belém, past the Jerónimos Monastery, and finishes in the Parque das Nações district. With mild autumn weather, excellent food, affordable prices by Western European standards, and a city that oozes character at every turn, Lisbon is a spectacular marathon destination.
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The Event
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Lisbon Marathon 2026 |
| Date | October 11, 2026 |
| Venue | Start: Ponte 25 de Abril area / Finish: Parque das Nações |
| Address | Parque das Nações, Alameda dos Oceanos, 1990-204 Lisbon |
| Airport | Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) |
Weather: Mid-October in Lisbon is ideal for running — expect 16–22°C (61–72°F) with plenty of sunshine. Mornings can be slightly cooler at around 14°C (57°F). Rain is possible but not common. Sunscreen is still recommended.
The Venue: Parque das Nações
Parque das Nações is Lisbon's modern waterfront district, built for Expo '98. It is a complete contrast to the city's historic centre — all wide promenades, contemporary architecture, and open spaces along the Tagus River. The finish area is spacious and well-organised, with easy access to metro, restaurants, and the Vasco da Gama shopping centre.
What's nearby:
- Oceanário de Lisboa — one of Europe's largest and most impressive aquariums, a five-minute walk from the finish area
- Vasco da Gama Bridge — the longest bridge in Europe at 12.3 km, visible from the finish line
- Centro Comercial Vasco da Gama — a large shopping centre with food courts, pharmacies, and shops for any last-minute needs
- Telecabine Lisboa — a cable car running along the riverfront offering aerial views of the Tagus and the district
Important: The marathon start and finish are in different locations. Study the logistics carefully and plan your transport to the start line the night before. Shuttle buses are typically provided from the finish area.
Where to Stay
The best areas for runners are Parque das Nações (close to the finish), Baixa-Chiado (central, excellent metro links), and Belém (along the course). Lisbon's metro is efficient and affordable, so staying anywhere along the red or green lines works well.
Myriad by SANA Hotels — Closest to Finish
A striking five-star hotel right on the waterfront in Parque das Nações, steps from the finish line. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Tagus River. The spa and indoor pool are ideal for post-race recovery. Premium pricing, but the location cannot be beaten on race weekend.
Hotel Ibis Lisboa Parque das Nações — Best Value Near Finish
A reliable budget option in the Parque das Nações district, within walking distance of the finish area and the Oriente metro and train station. Rooms are simple but clean. Excellent value for a race-weekend base.
Hotel do Chiado — Best for Sightseeing
Located in the heart of the Chiado district, overlooking the rooftops of Baixa and the Tagus. Surrounded by restaurants, cafés, and Lisbon's best shopping streets. The Baixa-Chiado metro station is moments away, connecting you to the start and finish areas.
Getting There
From Lisbon Airport (LIS)
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro (Red Line) | ~25 min | €1.65 | Direct to city centre; buy a reloadable Viva Viagem card at the station |
| Aerobus (Line 1) | ~30 min | €4.00 | Stops at key locations including Marquês de Pombal, Rossio, and Cais do Sodré |
| Taxi / Uber | ~15 min | €10–20 | Flat fare of approximately €15 to city centre; Uber is widely used and often cheaper |
Public Transport
Lisbon's Carris/Metropolitano network includes metro, buses, trams, and funiculars. The Viva Viagem card works across all modes.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Single ride (metro/bus) | €1.65 |
| 24-hour pass (all transport) | €6.80 |
| Zapping (pay-as-you-go, per trip) | €1.47 |
Where to Eat
Baixa & Chiado — The historic centre is packed with restaurants. Rua das Portas de Santo Antão near Rossio is a classic restaurant row with seafood houses and traditional tascas. Chiado has more upscale options and rooftop bars.
Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira) — Located at Cais do Sodré, this is Lisbon's most famous food hall. Dozens of stalls from top Lisbon chefs, all under one roof. Great for sampling a variety of dishes in one sitting.
Lisbon Food to Try
- Pastel de nata — the iconic Portuguese custard tart with a flaky crust and caramelised top; Pastéis de Belém is the most famous spot
- Bacalhau à Brás — shredded salt cod mixed with eggs, onions, and thin-cut fries; a national comfort food
- Bifana — a pork sandwich marinated in garlic and white wine, served on a crusty roll; a perfect cheap lunch
- Sardinhas assadas — grilled sardines, a Lisbon summer staple best enjoyed with bread and a cold beer
- Francesinha or Prego — the Prego is Lisbon's steak sandwich; simple, cheap, and deeply satisfying post-race
Budget eating: Lisbon is one of Western Europe's most affordable capitals for eating out. A daily lunch menu (prato do dia) at a local tasca costs €8–12 including drink. Bakeries and pastelarias serve pastries and coffee for under €3.
Essential Lisbon Tips
Currency. Euro (€). Portugal uses the euro throughout.
Cash vs card. Card payments (including contactless) are widely accepted in Lisbon, even at smaller establishments. Still, carry some cash for market stalls, tascas, and tipping.
Tipping. Not obligatory, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% at restaurants is appreciated. Service charge is not typically included.
Language. Portuguese. English is widely spoken, especially by younger people and in tourist areas. Hotel and restaurant staff almost always speak English.
Weather in October. Average highs of 21–23°C (70–73°F), lows of 14–16°C (57–61°F). Mostly sunny with occasional rain showers. Very pleasant for running.
Safety. Lisbon is generally safe. Be cautious with belongings on Tram 28 and in crowded areas like Baixa and Alfama, where pickpocketing can occur.
What to See
- Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) — a 16th-century fortified tower on the Tagus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of Lisbon
- Jerónimos Monastery — a masterpiece of Manueline architecture in Belém, one of Portugal's most important monuments
- Alfama district — Lisbon's oldest neighbourhood, a labyrinth of narrow streets, Fado houses, and miradouros (viewpoints)
- São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge) — perched on the highest hill in the old city, offering sweeping views over Lisbon and the river
- LX Factory — a creative hub in a former industrial complex under the 25 de Abril bridge, with shops, restaurants, and a famous bookshop
- Miradouro da Graça — one of Lisbon's best viewpoints, perfect for watching the sunset over the city's pastel-coloured rooftops
Quick Reference
| Need | Answer |
|---|---|
| Airport | Lisbon Airport (LIS), ~7 km north of city centre |
| Venue | Start near Ponte 25 de Abril / Finish at Parque das Nações |
| Nearest station | Oriente (metro, train, bus) for finish area |
| Transport to venue | Metro Red Line direct to Oriente station |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Cash needed? | Minimal — cards widely accepted |
| Language | Portuguese (English widely spoken) |
| Weather | 16–22°C (61–72°F), mostly sunny |
| Tipping | Round up or 5–10%, not obligatory |
| Emergency | 112 (EU-wide emergency number) |
This guide will be updated as more event details are confirmed. Last updated: May 2026.