The secret is out! After many years of being overlooked, Lisbon has become a major European hot spot. Boasting an average of 290 days of sunshine each year, charming neighborhoods, incredible views, and marvelous cuisine, Portugal’s capital city on the shore of the Tagus River should not be missed. With airlines offering inexpensive flights from other major European cities and North America along with reasonably priced food and accommodations, Lisbon has risen to the top of many bucket lists. This sunny destination has also become a favorite weekend getaway for Europeans as well as a popular cruise-ship stop. Rich in history and culture, and one of Europe’s oldest cities, Lisbon has an incredible past that is still apparent today in the city’s architecture, cuisine, and customs.
The famous Earthquake on All Soul’s Day of 1777 devastated the city. Most of the population of Lisbon was in church when the disaster struck. Many of the church rooves collapsed and fires ensued causing survivors to run down to the river just in time for a deadly tsunami to arrive. It is estimated that close to 100,000 people died making it one of Europe’s deadliest known earthquakes. This disaster and the rebuilding afterward are still visible in the architecture and present in the minds of the locals today.
Even though Lisbon is not really a beach town, there are local beaches about ½ hour away. If you are planning to travel south to enjoy one or more of Portugal’s many spectacular beach towns, I would not necessarily carve out the time to head to the sea in the Lisbon area. However, if you plan to head to the local Lisbon beaches for a relaxing day you can find location and transportation information on the Lisbon Lisboa site.
Lisbon Beach Rhino
The Twelve
Know Before You Go
Lisbon is known as the city of 7 hills, so packing a good pair of walking shoes is a must. If you happen to be in Lisbon on one of its rare rainy days, watch your step as the characteristic Portuguese paving stones can be slippery.
You won’t need a travel visa when traveling in Portugal if you hold a United States, Canadian, or European passport if you are in the country for less than 90 days. Be sure to confirm visa requirements from your country as part of planning your travel.
Portuguese is the language spoken by the locals. Most also speak English, especially if they work in the tourist industry.
All of Portugal uses the Euro. Major credit cards are accepted in most places, but it is always best to have some Euros on hand just in case. ATMs that dispense Euros are also readily available throughout Lisbon.
Appetizers aren’t free. Bread, olives, cheese are often delivered automatically to your table. If you accept and indulge in these tidbits, be ready to see them itemized on your bill.
Lisbon is a relatively safe city. Violent crimes are rare and other than watching for pickpockets on crowded public transport, just following the normal safety precautions for travelers, you should not have any extra concerns.
Temperatures in Portugal’s capital city are quite moderate and pleasant. Ranging from the mid-’50s in winter to mid-’70s in summer with loads of sunshine, it’s no wonder Lisbon appeals to those trying to escape a hot humid summer or frigid winter. Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen for your trip.
” Traveling – It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”
~ Ibn Battuta
10 Things To Do While in Lisbon
1. Take a Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tasting
As self-proclaimed foodies, our favorite way to meander around a new city is to be escorted by a knowledgeable guide who schools us on the culinary specialties of the area as we sample delectable treats along the way. While there are a wide variety of different tours, we took a half-day version that included lessons on the culture and history of Lisbon and its neighborhoods. I recommend doing this within a day or so if arriving to give you the lay of the land before you start exploring on your own. We really enjoyed the tour that we booked through Viator.
2. Stroll Through the Alfama
Take a step back in time as you explore the oldest district of Lisbon. Wandering these winding narrow, hilly streets of the Alfama neighborhood will give you the workout you will need after eating your share of the famous local pastries. Visit the Lisbon Cathedral, Castelo de Sao Jorge, ride a tram, enjoy some of the best views in Lisbon, and have a meal at a traditional outdoor café.
3. Visit Castelo de Sao Jorge
Seen from anywhere in old Lisbon, and a bit of a laborious walk uphill through the Alfama is the historic Castelo de Sao Jorge. For a cost of 8,50 euros, you can tour the castle, walk the walls and experience the castle’s greatest feature, its panoramic view of old Lisbon. Be sure to arrive first thing in the morning or late in the day to avoid what can be an extremely long line of tourists that can show up during peak times.
4. Take in the Views of the City
I am a sucker for a great view and there are many spectacular viewpoints in Lisbon. The most impressive is the Miradouro das Portas do Sol in the Alfama. Stunning views over red roofs out to the Tagus river, and a convenient kiosk serving various snacks, wine, and beer, make this an amazing place to view the sunset.
5. Dine at the Time Out Market
Along with a traditional fresh food market, the Mercado da Ribeira houses a high-end food court featuring more than forty 4 and 5-star restaurants under one roof. Competition for a spot at the Time Out Market is fierce with only the finest establishments being selected to participate. The restaurants do change and any of them can lose their spot if their ratings drop. With seating for 800, you are sure to find either a delectable full meal or several tapas-style tastings ranging from traditional Portuguese fare, burgers and fries, Asian fusion, and heavenly desserts.
6. Visit Belem
Southwest of old Lisbon, along the Tagus river, you will find the district of Belem, famous for its seafood restaurants, and Pasteis de Belem. These delicious famous Portuguese custard pastries originated from this area in the early 1800s from the monks of the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos.
Built during the 16th century, the Belem Tower is a UNESCO world heritage site erected to protect the port from enemy attacks. A sunset stroll along the Tagus after visiting Belem Tower, followed by a seafood dinner at a waterfront restaurant would be a lovely way to spend an evening.
7. Have Dinner With Fado
A visit to Lisbon is not complete without experiencing this traditional, melancholy style of singing, originating in this historic city. Even though you can find Fado performers on the streets of Lisbon, we recommend the full experience of dining on a traditional Portuguese meal while enjoying these passionate storytellers in the background. Many restaurants and cafes featuring Fado can be found throughout the city, however, the Alfama neighborhood is known for this. Booking in advance through Viator is an option and is advisable during the busy travel season.
8. Take a Portuguese Cooking Class
As lovers of great grub, we find the food culture of a nation fascinating. What better way to learn about Portugal than through its combinations of ingredients spices, flavors, and culinary techniques? If you love to cook and have an affinity for Portuguese fare, we recommend Cooking Lisbon. We really enjoyed our tour, which we booked our class through Viator.
9. Visit the LX Factory
Formerly a textile plant, then a food processing facility and a printer, this abandoned factory has been repurposed to promote the arts and trendy businesses. This creative hub is now home to an array of funky establishments including artists, fashion shops, music, restaurants, and cafes. LX Factory frequently hosts events promoting art and diversity.
10. Ride a Funicular
Lisbon’s trams, also known as Funiculars, are fashioned after the American streetcars of San Francisco and are a popular mode of transportation for both locals and tourists alike. The famous 28 tram, Lisbon’s sightseeing streetcar, shuttles tourists past many of the major attractions and historic sites.
Neighborhood Vibes
When deciding what neighborhood to base yourself in while you explore Lisbon, consider your interests. What is within walking distance from several of the locations on your list of things to do? Is it close to cafes and restaurants or markets? Will you be using public transportation? The following description of four popular districts should help guide you as you choose your hotel or apartment.
Alfama
The oldest and most charming neighborhood, in my opinion, is home to the Lisbon Cathedral, Castelo de Sao Jorge and many other historic sites. You will feel as if you have taken a step back in time as you wander the narrow hilly streets, stop at local shops and cafes and bars with the sounds of Fado music wafting in the air.
Cais do Sodre
This fashionable area has gone through a transformation in recent decades and is now home to many shops, both locally owned and chains, restaurants, and bars. Its newly rejuvenated waterfront comes alive at night as locals and tourist alike make their way down to the Tagus and sip their wine as they watch the sunset. This neighborhood comes alive at night so be aware of the noise levels if you are not a night owl.
Chiado
If you love luxury shopping, theaters, opera, and museums, Chiado is the place for you. The cities earthquake in 1755 destroyed much of this area, so the rebuilding focused on wider streets and wide-open public squares. This popular high-end shopping mecca also hosts some of the more beautiful and elegant bars, restaurants, and hotels.
Bairro Alto
Commonly referred to as the bohemian part of the city, Bairro Alto’s narrow cobblestoned streets are lined with colorful homes and loads of street art. Small trendy and even a bit quirky are the shops, bars, and restaurants found here. This multicultural district is known to come alive at night as you discover a multitude of cuisines and tiny bars and lively music. It may be wise to pack some earplugs if you plan to call Bairro Alto your home away from home as the street parties can continue well into the morning hours.
Verandas in the Square
Commerce Square
“Actually, the best gift you could have given her was a lifetime of adventures”
~ Lewis Carroll
Lisbon, once a relatively unrecognized gem in Europe and has become one of our favorite cities to visit. The sun-drenched weather is nothing short of amazing. The city has everything from a local seashore, plentiful shopping, a great food scene, a lively nightlife, and a vibe steeped in a rich cultural history that is both alluring and romantic. We highly recommend spending time in Lisbon while visiting Portugal.
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