City guide to lovely Lisbon
To me, Lisbon is the most beautiful city ever. Okay, maybe I’m biased because I was born and spent the first four years of my life there and every visit to Lisbon is filled with nostalgia. But at that tender age, I was too young to really experience Lisbon as a local. I have my childhood memories and family members that still connect me to Lisbon, but I would not be able to tell you how much the city has changed since the nineties, good or bad. I only know Lisbon from a tourist point of view. And from that point of view, it’s a wonderful city. Whether you want to enjoy good food and drinks, marvel at the views of the Seven Hills City, discover its UNESCO Heritage sites, wander its pastel streets, relax at one of its many squares or simply sit down by the water and soak up the fresh air, Linda Lisboa has something to offer for everyone. Add 300 day of sunshine per year in the mix and you found yourself the perfect city trip!
In this guide, I share the most popular tourist attractions of Lisbon as well as some hidden gems. What to see, what to do, where to eat, where to stay and what other beautiful places to visit around Lisbon.
What to do/see in Lisbon
Alfama
It doesn’t get more traditionally Lisbon than Alfama. This neighborhood is known for its colorful streets, fado houses and the popular tram 28 that goes straight through it. But personally, I think it’s nicer to walk through Alfama instead of using the tram. That way you will be able to discover the hidden gems of Alfama on your own pace and the locals, who need to use the tram for their commute, will thank you.
Praça do Comércio
Praça do Comércio is the most famous square of Lisbon and possibly even the most iconic spot of the city. I can totally see why. There’s no way to look at the beautiful bright yellow Arco da Rua Augusta and not be impressed by it. And the square’s stunning location by the river, overlooking 25 de Abril Bridge and the statue of Christ the King, definitely helps too.
São Jorge Castle
The skyline of Lisbon is dominated by the São Jorge Castle. I wasn’t too impressed by the castle itself, so I wouldn’t really say that it’s a must to go up there. But if you want to see one heck of a view over all of Lisbon, then yes, go.
Miradouros
Another - and free - option to admire the views of Lisbon is to go to one of the many beautiful miradouros that the city has to offer. Miradouros are terraces that overlook the city. Miradouro the Santa Luzia is probably the most popular one, with a dreamy view over Alfama. And Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is the one you see here on the photo, capturing the Saint Jorge Castle.
Belém
At the edge of Lisbon you’ll find Belém, an area which is filled with UNESCO world heritage sites such as Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower. Belém is also the birthplace of the pastel de nata, the typical Portuguese custard tart.
Parque das Nações
Lisbon also has an opposite side, literally. Most of Lisbon’s neighborhoods have that old town charm, but not Parque das Nações. No, what you will find here is a futuristic world filled with skyscrapers, technology museums and Lisbon Oceanarium, the largest indoor aquarium of Europe.
Pink Street
Pink Street, or Rua Nova do Carvalho as it is really called, is one of the most popular streets of the Cais do Sodré neighborhood. During the day, Pink Street is a haven for Instagrammers who want a photo opp with its pretty pastel colors. At night, it turns into one of Lisbon’s fun bar streets.
Marquis of Pombal Square
This square features a statue dedicated to, you guessed it, the marquis of Pombal who once was the ruler of Portugal. This statue is one of the most important landmarks of Lisbon and right behind it you’ll find the Eduardo VII Park, Lisbon’s largest urban park.
Avenida da Liberdade
Avenida da Liberdade is the main boulevard and THE fancy shopping street of Lisbon. If your wallet allows you to shop at Gucci and Louis Vuitton, then Avenida da Liberdade is definitely the place for you. But even if you’re a simple mortal like I am, go to Avenida da Liberdade for a stroll. Just look down and admire the many beautiful calcadas, the traditional-style Portuguese pavements.
Admire the azulejos
Just like pavements, Portugal has their own style of tiles, azulejos. And the best part about it is that you can admire them all over town!
Colombo Shopping Center
Colombo Shopping Center is the largest mall of Lisbon and it is beautifully designed. You can go here to shop until you drop but honestly, just walking around in the mall itself is already quite an experience.
Lx Factory
I haven’t been here myself yet (photo is courtesy of Adobe Stock), but I heard so many good stories about this place that I felt that this Lisbon guide would not be complete without it. From what I was told, Lx Factory is a hotspot for creative folks, with some quirky shops and nice terraces overlooking the 25 de Abril Bridge.
Nightlife
For the full Lisbon experience, make sure to include a night out into your itinerary. A Portuguese night out usually starts with a late dinner, followed by a couple of drinks at a bar and then heading to a nightclub around 1 or 2 AM. The main nightlife areas of Lisbon are Bairro Alto and Pink Street. As for nightclubs, you got Lux and Main to choose from.
Nearby places to visit from Lisbon
Almada
Go to the other side of the 25 de Abril Bridge and admire a full panoramic view over Lisbon. You can also go to the top of the Christ the King statue!
Sintra
You can’t go to Lisbon and not pay a visit to Sintra as well. This fairytale town is surrounded by a forest full of castles and palaces.
Cabo da Roca
Finish your day in Sintra with a sunset at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe.
Estoril & Cascais
West of Lisbon you’ll find many charming coastal towns, of which Cascais and Estoril are the most popular ones for a visit. Estoril is kwown for its casino which made an appearance in a James Bond movie. And Cascais is known for its elegant 19th century architecture and its several beaches.
Other beach towns
If you simply just fancy a tan and a swim, then you can also go to one of the beaches closer to Lisbon. Paço de Arcos, Carcavelos and Parede are some of the nicest beaches around Lisbon.
Where to eat and drink in Lisbon
Time Out Market
This is a food hall where you can get try all sorts of Portuguese and international food.
O Palácio
If you’re into seafood, then I recommend restaurant Palácio. It is located inside the neighborhood Alcantara (close to the 25 de Abril Bridge) and a place where Lisboetas go to eat.
Parking Bar
This is a rooftop bar on top of a parking garage! The view is really nice and it has a laidback atmosphere.
Bora Bora
One of the oldest cocktailbars in town, I believe it opened in 1982. The place isn’t really trendy anymore to be honest, but I still want to recommend Bora Bora as they serve delicious, large-sized cocktails.
How to get around in Lisbon
Lisbon is a very hilly city, so be prepared and wear good walking shoes! I think walking is the best way to see any city, but of course Lisbon also has a great public transportation system. And I would really recommend renting a car for a day or two so you can drive to Sintra or any of the other beautiful places around Lisbon. You can get there by public transportation as well but it will take you a lot longer to get there and you will be able to see a lot more with the freedom of a car.
Where to stay in Lisbon
During my last trip to Lisbon, I stayed at the lovely bed and breakfast by family Macedo. I honestly couldn't recommend them more. Macedo is a great host who loves to share tips and stories about Lisbon. His bed and breakfast includes free parking (which was a must for me as I wanted to explore the surrounding areas of Lisbon by car!) and is centrally located next to a metro station and Martim Moniz square. Click here to book bed and breakfast Family Macedo.
Do you prefer to stay at a hotel? Then VIP Inn Berna Hotel is a great option. I stayed there a few years ago with my family and loved it. Very comfortable rooms and centrally located. Click here to book VIP Inn Berna Hotel.
Or see this map for more options in Lisbon:
I hope this guide was useful for you! If you got more questions about Lisbon, or Portugal in general, then please leave a comment below or reach out to me on Instagram and Facebook 🙂
Ayo! AR x
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