I’m embarrassed to admit that Lisbon, Portugal had never really been on my radar. However, upon arrival, it quickly became one of my favorite cities!
Lisbon is a captivating city with its antique trams, picturesque waterfront views, charming cobblestone streets, hilly neighborhoods, and colorful
tiles adorning buildings, homes, churches, and various other places.
The local cuisine was divine, especially the seafood and the famed pastel de nata custard pastries. Just the thought of Portuguese wine, Vinho Verde,
is enough to make my mouth water. I’m already eager to book another flight back!
Know Before you go:
The language in Lisbon is Portuguese, but English is widely spoken. I didn’t have any trouble communicating at restaurants or stores.
Lisbon is known as the city of seven hills, so be ready for many incline walks! Make sure to bring good walking shoes with some grip, as the cobblestones can be slippery.
For dining, be aware that the food placed on the table before you order, like bread baskets, cheese, and olives, are not free. You will be charged for these if you accept them, so kindly inform the staff if you don’t want them to avoid being charged.
Best Time to Go:
Visit during the shoulder season if you can and try to avoid the summer to steer clear of crowds and school holiday vacationers. The hotel rates are cheaper during this time of year as well.
How to Get Around:
The trams are an easy way to get around, but they can get really packed as locals use them to commute.
Uber and Bolt are available and are often cheaper than taxis.
Moreover, you can walk to most areas in Lisbon, just make sure to wear comfortable shoes with good grip for those steep hills and stairs.
Where to Stay:
I stayed in the Príncipe Real area and I loved it because it was quiet, yet super close to good restaurants, and I was able to walk to most of the attractions.
If you want to be closer to the attractions, consider looking into the Alfama neighborhood, Chiado, or Bairro Alto.
Top Things to do in Lisbon
1. Walk around the Alfama Neighborhood
When in Lisbon, don’t miss the chance to explore the streets and narrow alleys of the Alfama district, the city’s oldest and most charming neighborhood. You can join a free walking tour or venture out on your own.
While wandering through the enchanting streets, be sure to try the delicious homemade cherry liquor (ginja) sold by local elderly ladies from their homes.
2. Visit Belém District
Head over to the Belém District and explore the significant monuments such as Belém Tower, Monument to the Discoveries, and Jerónimos Monastery.
– Jerónimos Monastery: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome holds historical importance.
– Monument to the Discoveries: Built to honor Portugal’s famous explorers.
– Belém Tower: A UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed for the defense of Lisbon from enemy ships.
Before leaving Belém, make a stop at Pastéis de Belém bakery for the famous Portuguese egg custard tarts, known as the original recipe made by the monks at the Jerónimos Monastery, and in my opinion, the best ones in Lisbon!
3. Attend a Fado Concert
Lisbon is known for its enchanting folk music, Fado. There are numerous places to enjoy Fado music in the city. While many restaurants offer a show along with dinner, I recommend attending a local Fado Concert in a unique venue.
I attended an intimate Real Fado Concert underground, and it was a memorable highlight of my trip due to the amazing acoustics and magical ambiance!
4. Go Shopping at the LX Factory
Visit the industrial LX Factory for boutique shopping and dining. If possible, visit on a Sunday to catch the outdoor market.
5. Learn about Tiles at The National Tile Museum
Portugal is famous for its beautiful ceramic tilework “azulejos,” that adorn the streets, shops, homes, and so many other places! Head over to the National Tile Museum to learn about the history of tiles, even though it’s a bit far away from the city center.
6. Try the Local Food
Lisbon is a haven for seafood lovers, offering some of the most incredible seafood in the world. Some must-try dishes include Bacalhou (cod fish), grilled prawns, sardines (only when in season), and bifanas (delicious and cheap Portuguese pork sandwiches). For a sweet treat, try Pastéis de Nata, a delicious custard pastry.
7. Try a Typical Drink
Don’t miss trying Ginjinha, a sweet cherry liquor that originated in Lisbon. The city is filled with ginja bars, such as the popular bar “A Ginjinha,” which is solely dedicated to selling cherry liquor.
Made of ginja berries, aguardente, and sugar, this drink is meant to be savored, even though it’s served in a shot glass and can be ordered with or without cherries at the bottom.
No trip to Portugal is complete without a few glasses of Vinho Verde. Despite the name, the wine itself isn’t green, but the translation of “green wine” in this case means “young wine.” It’s a bit fizzy, dry, and very easy to drink.
8. Get Out on the Water
Take in the picturesque sights of Lisbon from the water by booking a Sunset cruise. There are many cruise options to choose from, mine was a relaxing 1.5-hour boat ride along the Tagus River, showcasing the city’s stunning sights during a magical sunset.
The tour, which costs $32.60 through GetYourGuide, included a welcome drink and light snacks.
9. Take a Day Trip to Sintra
Just 30 minutes from Lisbon, Sintra is a fairytale town filled with enchanting palaces and beautiful gardens, making it a must-do day trip from Lisbon.
Don’t miss these top 3 places:
– Park and Palace of Monserrate
– Quinta da Regaleira
– National Palace of Pena
In the historic center of Sintra, be sure to try Travesseiro, Sintra’s famous pillow-shaped puff pastry filled with almond cream and sugar on top.
10. Visit the Viewpoints
Lastly, visit the viewpoints (miradouros) for impressive views of the city. One popular viewpoint is Miradouro de Santa Luzia in the Alfama District.
Where to Eat & Drink
There are endless options of yummy restaurants of all kinds in Lisbon, but here are some of my favorites that you should check out while in Lisbon.
LUNCH/DINNER
A CEVICHERIA – delicious ceviche and amazing pisco sours!
PONTO FINAL – although technically it’s in Almada, it’s a quick ferry ride to the other side of the river.
TIME OUT MARKET – a foodhall with lots of options.
BIFANAS DO AFONSO – cheap and yummy pork sandwiches (be sure to add mustard)
POMME EATERY – the grilled prawns are chefs kiss!
ZEROZERO – easy Italian eats
BOA-BAO – tasty Pad Thai
MERCEARIA DO SECULO – traditional Portuguese meals in a cozy home-style restaurant.
BRUNCH/COFFEE
HEIM CAFE – a very popular spot for weekend brunch.
DEAR BREAKFAST – another popular place so try to arrive early if not be prepared to wait, especially if you want to try to grab the best seat in the house, a table by the window to see the trams pass by!
FABRICA COFFEE ROASTERS – tasty coffee and delicious banana cake.
COPENHAGEN COFFEE LAB – good coffee and eats.
PASTEIS DE BELEM – this bakery has the best Portuguese pastries IMO!
DRINKS
A GINGINJA – yummy cherry liquor to enjoy at any hour! Do as the locals ;)
Where to Shop
I wish I had taken checked luggage with me to bring back all the amazing finds!
LIVRARIA BERTRAND – Don’t miss the oldest bookstore in the world. They have a good selection of English books that you can get stamped for a unique souvenir!
CORTIÇO & NETOS – Portugal is famous for its beautiful “azulejos” that decorate streets, shops, churches, homes, and so many other places! Check out Cortiço & Netos for discontinued industrial tiles created between the 1960s and 1990s.
CONSERVERIA DE LISBOA – Canned seafood is a Portuguese staple and makes a great gift. Conserveira De Lisboa has a wide selection and pretty packaging!
LOCAL MARKETS – Check out the street markets to discover unique arts and crafts created by local artisans. I suggest visiting the market in Príncipe Real on Saturdays and the LX Factory Market on Sundays.
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