Explore Lisbon

lisbon travel review

Plan Your Trip to Lisbon: Best of Lisbon Tourism

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Travel Advice

Essential lisbon.

lisbon travel review

Where to stay

lisbon travel review

Where to eat

lisbon travel review

4 great walks in Lisbon

lisbon travel review

Trip ideas from our community

lisbon travel review

An LGBTQ+ guide to Lisbon

lisbon travel review

Explore Lisbon by interest

Street art ‘round every corner.

lisbon travel review

Grab a drink or two

lisbon travel review

Head to the water

lisbon travel review

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lisbon travel review

Guide to Black culture

lisbon travel review

Under-the-radar art

lisbon travel review

Day trips to write home about

lisbon travel review

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lisbon travel review

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lisbon travel review

Lisbon at night

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lisbon travel review

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lisbon travel review

In the words of those who've been there before...

lisbon travel review

What is the best way to get there?

Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), aka Lisbon International Airport, is the primary airport in Lisbon. It is served by most major airlines to/from many major cities across the world.

Lisbon has two major train stations, Santa Apolónia and Estação do Oriente. Both offer service to/from many European destinations via Eurostar and other regional train lines.

Estação do Oriente is also Lisbon’s bus terminal with service to/from many international and regional bus lines.

For more info on getting to Lisbon, visit here .

Do I need a visa?

Since Portugal is one of the 26 Shengen Area countries, tourists from those countries do not need a visa for visits less than 90 days, but passports must be valid for at least six months after departure dates. The same goes for Americans. For more information, see here .

When is the best time to visit?

Come June, the city of Lisbon is transformed by a carnival atmosphere for Festas de Lisboa, a two-month-long celebration of Portuguese culture, food, art and music. Average daily temperatures this time of year are highs of 25°C with lows of 16°C.

For a slightly sleepier time without summer’s peak prices and crowds, early fall boasts still-warm weather and cheaper hotel rates. Average daily temperatures then are highs of 26°C with lows around 17.

Be sure to get a Lisboa Card, available for 24-, 48- or 72-hour increments. It includes free transportation on Lisbon Metro buses, subways, trams and lifts, as well as discounts and free entry to 35 attractions.

Lisbon Metro offers four lines to 55 stations across the city.

For more info on fares, routes and schedules to get around Lisbon, visit here .

Lisbon has 78 bus lines that are operated by Carris.

For routes, fares and schedules, visit here .

Carris also runs Lisbon’s six tram lines. They are an iconic tourist experience that can also save you from hoofing it up some of the city’s hills.

For more info, visit here .

Another unique way to get up Lisbon’s steep slopes are the four Carris-run elevators. For more info, visit here .

Taxis are widely available in Lisbon, and can be hailed or booked via Cooptáxis.

Gira is the city’s bikeshare program, offering dozens of stations across the city. You can also rent bikes (including e-bikes to do the heavy lifting up those hills!) and take tours through bikeiberia.

For more info about Gira bikeshare, visit here . For more info about bikeiberia, visit here .

Uber operates in Lisbon and can be booked via its app on your smartphone.

Are there local customs I should know?

  • Hotel Avenida Palace
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  • Jupiter Lisboa Hotel
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Lisbon Travel Guide

When it comes to Lisbon, it's safe to say the secret's out. The coastal capital sees 4.5 million annual visitors, most of whom flock to the city for its fado music, historic ruins, winding old town, trams, not to mention those pasteis de nata. And that's not all: More new hotels and restaurants are on the way, and the city's architectural energy is drawing a new creative class, which means that soon—hard as it may be to believe—there will be even more reasons to visit. What are you waiting for?

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lisbon travel review

Plan Your Trip to Lisbon: Best of Lisbon Tourism

kjf_x

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lisbon travel review

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lisbon travel review

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lisbon travel review

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lisbon travel review

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lisbon travel review

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lisbon travel review

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lisbon travel review

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lisbon travel review

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lisbon travel review

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lisbon travel review

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

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Lisbon Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

pretty red rooftops in Lisbon,Portugal with cadtle Sao George in the background

Situated along the south of the country’s west coast, Lisbon ( Lisboa in Portuguese) boasts an incredible mix of museums, historic buildings, eclectic music, a wild nightlife, charming plazas, and laid-back cafés where you can watch the world go by.

In recent years, Lisbon has become a lot more popular thanks to its inexpensive cost of living and lovely year-round weather. While it’s not the hidden gem it used to be (there’s a growing expat and digital nomad community here now), I don’t think it’s lost its magic — especially if you visit during the shoulder season when the weather is still great and the crowds have thinned out.

This Lisbon travel guide will give you everything you need to plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this underrated European capital!

Table of Contents

  • Things to See and Do
  • Typical Costs
  • Suggested Budget
  • Money-Saving Tips
  • Where to Stay
  • How to Get Around
  • How to Stay Safe
  • Best Places to Book Your Trip
  • Related Blogs on Lisbon

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Lisbon

Sao George castle overlooking the colorful city of Lisbon, Portugal

1. Walk around the Old Town

Alfama, the historic area of Lisbon, is filled with narrow, winding streets lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. The name, meaning “hot springs,” comes from the Moors who conquered here in the 8th century. To learn more about this neighborhood, take a walking tour . Tours last 2.5 hours and are a great intro to the city and its iconic sights.

2. See the Belem Tower

Built in 1515, this tower was used as both a fortress and a lighthouse during the height of Portuguese power in the Age of Discovery. Situated on the northern bank of the Tagus River, the tower stands 30 meters (98 feet) and has 4 stories. It’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and is open for self-guided tours where you can wander the halls, peek out the various portholes, and visit the pit where prisoners were kept. Admission is 9 EUR.

3. Walk through the Jardim Botanico

This massive 10-acre garden is a haven from the hustle and bustle of the city. Completed in 1873, it’s home to some 18,000 species of plants, including plants from New Zealand, China, Australia, Japan, South America, and more. It’s one of the best green spaces in Lisbon and perfect for relaxing. Admission is 2 EUR.

4. Hit the beaches

Lisbon has several beaches that are perfect for soaking in the city’s beautiful summer weather. Some of the best beaches are Guincho (best swimming area and good waves for surfing), Meco (peaceful atmosphere), Tamariz (easy to reach from the city center; good for kids), and Morena (has a fun vibe). Just be sure to get there early in the summer as the beaches get busy fast!

5. Explore St. George’s Castle

St. George (São Jorge) Castle is a massive medieval castle overlooking Lisbon. Fortifications on the hill date back as far as the 1st century BCE though the current castle dates to the Middle Ages. It was damaged during various earthquakes and more or less abandoned for centuries until the 1930s when it was finally restored and renovated. Today, you can tour the castle and the towers (they offer a beautiful view of the city) and visit the small archeological museum inside. There is also a small garden you can relax in as well as a restaurant. Admission is 10 EUR.

Other Things to See and Do in Lisbon

1. take a free walking tour.

The first thing I do in a new destination is to take a free walking tour. They’re the best way to see the main sights and connect with a local guide who can answer all your questions. New Europe is my go-to free walking tour company as their tours are detailed and their guides know their stuff. They’re the best way to see the city on a budget. Just be sure to tip at the end!

2. See the Berardo Collection Museum

The Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art has a wide selection of works by Warhol, Picasso, Dali, Duchamp, Bacon, Pollock, and many other masters. Its permanent and temporary exhibits have works representing dozens of modern movements from the past century. While I’m not a huge fan of modern or contemporary art, this is an excellent museum if you are. Admission is 5 EUR and free on Saturdays. Audio guides are 3.5 EUR.

3. Ride the “elevator”

For a sweeping view of Lisbon’s skyline, ride the Elevador de Santa Justa . It’s a century-old elevator located in the city that connects to a 45-meter-tall viewing platform. The elevator was originally steam-powered and offers a gorgeous view of the city. It has a small restaurant at the top where you can eat too. A ride costs 5.15 EUR but you can access the viewpoint (without a ride) for 1.50 EUR.

4. Visit the Praça do Comércio

Commerce Square is Lisbon’s biggest and most popular square. Located along the riverfront, it’s the former location of the royal palace (which was destroyed in a massive earthquake in 1755). Two marble columns from the palace are still standing and the square is now home to lots of small shops. The people-watching here — when accompanied with a book or some refreshing gelato — is excellent.

5. Check out Sé de Lisboa Cathedral

Constructed on the grounds of a former mosque, this Roman Catholic cathedral was built to celebrate the defeat of the Moors in the mid-1100s (a conflict that came about after a failed Crusade to the Holy Land). It’s been partially rebuilt over the years due to earthquakes and is now an amalgamation of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles. While I’m not a huge fan of 12th-century Romanesque construction, the cathedral was very peaceful and beautiful. Be sure to dress appropriately as it is a place of worship. It’s free to enter.

6. Ride the trams

To get a sense of what life in Lisbon was like in the 20th century, hop on one of the yellow “Remodelado” trams. These old-fashioned trams are a fun way to explore the city and see the historic Old Town. While the city also has modern trams, enjoying the charm of the old-fashioned trams is a cheap and easy way to add some character to your visit.

7. See a Fado show

Fado is a local type of music that originated in Lisbon. It’s a rather haunting, mournful style often focused on the hardships of the poor or life at sea. The music first appeared in the 19th century and was popular with the working class (especially sailors). The word “fado” likely stems from the Latin word for fate, which is why many of the songs focus on the inevitability of misfortune and suffering. While melancholic, the music is also beautiful and poetic. To enjoy some traditional fado music, head to Clube de Fado, Tasca do Chico, Parreirinha de Alfama, or Senhor Vinho.

8. Visit the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see when visiting Portugal’s capital. The monastery took over 100 years to build and was designed in the Manueline style (also known as Late Portuguese Gothic). The monks were primarily involved with helping sailors and mariners who anchored offshore, which is why there are many maritime designs and influences in the architecture. While it is no longer an active monastery, you can still tour the massive buildings and grounds. Admission is 10 EUR.

9. Check out the Discoveries Monument

The Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) was inaugurated in 1960 during celebrations of the 500-year anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator (an important figure in the early Portuguese Empire). At 52 meters tall, it depicts Henry holding a small caravel alongside other heroes of Portuguese history. The monument is shaped like a ship’s bow and projects out above the water across the Tagus River. Within the monument is a museum with small historical and cultural exhibitions. On the seventh floor, you can look out to the Atlantic. Admission is 6 EUR.

10. Tour Batalha Monastery

Batalha is a town located just 90 minutes by car from Lisbon. The town is home to Batalha Monastery, officially known as the Monastery of Saint Mary of the Victory. Built in 1388, it’s one of Europe’s greatest Gothic masterpieces and makes for a popular day trip from Lisbon. The monastery took 131 years to build and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through the gigantic gothic doorway and seeing the towering interior (which is lined with 16th-century stained-glass windows) is absolutely breathtaking. Admission is 6 EUR, but you can also purchase a combo ticket to see The Convent of Christ in Tomar and The Abbey of Santa Maria for 15 EUR.

11. Enjoy a pastéis de nata

This delicious custard-filled pastry is a Portuguese staple. You can find them all over the city. They’re traditionally served warm and with cinnamon, paired with a coffee or hot drink. If you’re looking for an authentic experience, check out Pastelaria Versailles. They’ve been around since the 1920s and make some of the best in the city.

12. Take a day trip to Sintra

Lord Byron, writing in the 18th century, said that Sintra was “perhaps in every respect the most delightful [place] in Europe.” If you are visiting Lisbon, be sure to visit Sintra. It’s a wonderful town with cobblestone streets and traditional painted buildings filled with family-run cafes and unique shops. Wander the town on foot and check out the historic town hall, the bustling shopping street of Rua das Padarias, and the church of Igreja de Santa Maria (which dates to the 15th century and is a National Monument). Don’t miss the brightly colored Pena Palace and the Moors Castle. They offer wonderful views of the city. The train from Lisbon takes about 40 minutes and costs less than 5 EUR. If you’d rather take a tour, full-day tours with Tugatrips Tours cost around 65 EUR.

13. Visit MAAT

The Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology is one of Lisbon’s newest museums. Its mission is to showcase contemporary artists, architects, and thought leaders via traditional exhibits and workshops while also revitalizing the waterfront neighborhood. They have rotating exhibits on music, philosophy, contemporary art, and much more. The building is a massive and futuristic-looking structure located beside an old industrial power plant (which you can also tour). Admission is 9 EUR and there is free admission on the first Sunday of the month.

14. Take a food tour

To learn more about the history and culture behind Lisbon’s cuisine, take a food tour. It’s the best way to eat your way around the city sampling the best eats Lisbon has to offer while learning what makes the cuisine unique. Devour Tours runs in-depth food tours led by expert local guides that will introduce you to the food culture and its history. If you’re a foodie like me who wants to learn more about the history and culture behind each dish, this tour is for you! Tours from 79 EUR.

  For more information on other cities in Portugal, check out these guides:

  • Lagos Travel Guide
  • Porto Travel Guide

Lisbon Travel Costs

Locals walking down a narrow, colorful street in Lisbon, Portugal

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available outside of the city. A basic plot for one person without electricity starts at 12 EUR in the off-season and 20 EUR in the summer.

Budget hotel prices – Two-star budget hotels start around 65-85 EUR per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, and coffee/tea makers.

Airbnb is also available around Lisbon, with prices for an entire apartment starting at 70 EUR per night (but averaging more than double that). Private rooms start around 30 EUR but average closer to 70 EUR.

Food – Fish and seafood form the backbone of Portuguese cuisine (Portugal eats the most seafood per capita in Europe). Cod, sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines), sea bass, and shellfish are some of the most common staples. Other popular dishes include cozido à portuguesa (boiled stew), peixinhos da horta (breaded and fried vegetables), and cured ham. Be sure to also try the prego (beef sandwich) or the bifana (pork sandwich). You can find them at local cafes for just 5 EUR.

If you want a traditional meal with drinks at a casual restaurant, you’re looking at spending around 20-25 EUR (prices are higher in the touristy downtown area). Outside downtown, there are many local places where you can find meals for around 10-15 EUR.

A basic fast-food meal (think McDonald’s) costs around 7 EUR while a large pizza starts around 12 EUR. Chinese food costs 10-15 EUR for a main dish.

Beer is around 3 EUR while a latte/cappuccino costs around 2 EUR. Bottled water is less than 1 EUR.

For a week’s worth of groceries, expect to pay 35-45 EUR. That includes basic staples like pasta, vegetables, fruit, bread, cheese, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Lisbon Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, you can visit Lisbon for around 50 EUR per day. On this budget, you’ll be staying in a hostel dorm room, cooking all of your meals, limiting your drinking, using public transportation to get around, and sticking to free activities like free walking tours, enjoying the beaches, and exploring the Old Town. If you plan on drinking, add 5-15 EUR per day to your budget.

On a mid-range budget of 130 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, eat at cheap local restaurants and cook some meals, use public transportation and take the occasional taxi, visit paid attractions like the botanic gardens and Belem Tower, and enjoy some drinks at the bar.

On a “luxury” budget of 240 EUR or more a day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for every meal, drink what you want, rent a car to explore the region, and visit as many museums and attractions as you’d like. This is just the ground floor for luxury though — you can easily spend more if you really want to splash out!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Lisbon Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Lisbon is the most expensive city in the country — but it’s still quite affordable compared to other European capitals. It’s hard to spend a ton here unless you are splashing out. If you find cheap accommodation, cook most of your meals, and stick to mostly free activities, you’re going to be able to keep your budget intact. Here are some quick tips to help you save money in Lisbon:

  • Pick up a Lisbon Card – If you’re planning to visit lots of attractions, get the Lisbon Card. It offers free or discounted entry to several attractions as well as unlimited public transportation. Prices start at 21 EUR for a 24-hour card and there is also a 48-hour card for 35 EUR and a 72-hour card for 44 EUR.
  • Get a bus pass – If you don’t get the Lisbon Card but still plan on using a lot of public transportation, buy a day pass. They are just 6.45 EUR and will save you a lot of money if you’re using public transportation often.
  • Take a free walking tour – If you want to understand more about the history, architecture, and culture of Lisbon then take a free walking tour. They usually last a couple of hours and are a great introduction to the city. Just be sure to tip your tour guide at the end!
  • Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is the best way to save on accommodation in Lisbon. By staying with a local you’ll not only save money but you’ll get to spend time with someone who can show you the city’s hidden gems and teach you more about the culture and history of Lisbon. Just be sure to send your requests early in the summer!
  • Skip the taxis – Taxis are expensive, often adding fees for luggage and airport pickups. Simply use the metro or bus to get where you need to. You’ll save a ton.
  • Say “no” to bread – When eating out, you’ll often be offered bread and olives. They will be brought to your table before your meal. These aren’t free, so politely decline the offer if you’re not interested in paying for them.
  • Use BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing app you can use to travel in between cities. It’s faster than the bus and usually just as cheap. You’ll have to find a ride, which can sometimes be hit or miss, but the profiles are verified and reviewed so it’s quite safe. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with other locals/travelers.
  • Visit the Berardo Collection Museum on Saturdays – Tourists can get a glimpse of Portuguese businessman Jose Berardo’s personal collection of contemporary art, which makes up the permanent exhibits at the museum. Even if you aren’t a fan of contemporary art, the building itself is great to walk through. The museum is free on Saturdays.
  • Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

Lisbon has lots of hostels. In fact, it’s one of the best cities in the world for hostels. Here are my suggested places to stay in Lisbon:

  • Lookout! Lisbon Hostel
  • Lisboa Central Hostel
  • Yes! Lisbon Hostel
  • Home Lisbon Hostel

How to Get Around Lisbon

Old yellow street cars on a narrow street in the colorful city of Lisbon, Portugal

There are two tram lines in the city: the modern Siemens “Articulado” trams and the historic “Remodelado” trams. Trams cost 1.50 EUR.

The metro offers a fast way to get from one corner of the city to another. There are four lines and 56 stations. They are very accessible and the information and maps are provided in English so it’s easy to navigate. Prices are the same as the tram and bus.

Taxi – Taxis in Lisbon start at 3.50 EUR and increase 0.50 EUR for every kilometer traveled. Most drivers speak English but showing them the address on your smartphone will help. If you’re on a budget, skip the taxis. They get expensive fast!

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Lisbon but it’s not much cheaper than the taxis. Bolt and FreeNow are two other ridesharing apps that are usually cheaper than Uber, but I’d still skip ridesharing altogether if you’re on a budget.

Bike rental – If you’re an avid cyclist who likes a challenge, then biking in Lisbon can be fun. For the non-cyclist, it will likely be unpleasant. The city is filled with steep hills and cobblestone streets — hardly ideal for a leisurely ride. Bike rentals start at 10 EUR for a half-day and go up to 25 EUR for a full day. You can also try Gira, the city’s bike-sharing system (you can buy a 24-hour pass for just 2 EUR).

Car rental – You won’t need to rent a car to get around the city as public transportation is reliable and efficient. If you plan to go on a day trip, you can rent a car to have more flexibility. It will be more expensive than taking the bus or train but will give you more freedom. Expect to pay 30-40 EUR per day for a small rental car. Drivers need to be at least 21 years old.

When to Go to Lisbon

Peak season in Lisbon is during the summer months of June-August. Temperatures during that time soar to 25-30°C (77-86°F). This is also the busiest time to visit the city so expect crowds and slightly higher prices. The overall atmosphere during this time is lively and there are lots of places to swim or relax on the beach so it’s still worth visiting during peak season.

If you’re on a budget, the best time to visit Lisbon is during the shoulder season. April-May and September-October are still warm so you can enjoy the outdoors without as many crowds. Temperatures hover between 12-25°C (53-77°F) during these months. It may be a bit rainy, but you can still enjoy the city without much inconvenience.

Winter is from November to February. It gets cold, and tourist crowds thin out considerably. Temperatures vary but hover around 10°C (50°F). It’s still warmer than much of Europe, so if you’re on the continent and are looking to avoid the worst of the weather, head to Lisbon (or even further south to Faro).

How to Stay Safe in Lisbon

Lisbon is very safe for travelers — including solo female travelers. Violent attacks here are uncommon and petty crime is rare. Pickpocketing is the most common crime so just be aware of your surroundings when you’re in busy markets or when using public transportation and always keep your valuables secure and out of reach.

Young backpackers may be approached and offered drugs as Portugal has decriminalized drug use. However, selling drugs is not legal and there are still consequences so simply decline the offer politely but firmly and continue on.

You won’t find a lot of travel scams in the city but read this article on common travel scams to avoid if you’re worried about getting ripped off.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (always keep an eye on your drink when at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

The emergency number in Lisbon is 112.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Lisbon Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
  • Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
  • FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
  • Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
  • BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Lisbon Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Portugal and continue planning your trip:

The 4 Best Hostels in Lagos, Portugal

The 4 Best Hostels in Lagos, Portugal

The Best Walking Tours in Lisbon

The Best Walking Tours in Lisbon

Where to Stay in Lisbon: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Lisbon: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 9 Best Hostels in Lisbon

The 9 Best Hostels in Lisbon

When Three Days Is Not Enough Time

When Three Days Is Not Enough Time

Lisbon: Even Better the Second Time

Lisbon: Even Better the Second Time

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Lisbon Travel Guide

Lisbon is arguably Western Europe's most underrated capital city. It's also one of the continent's oldest. First founded as a trading port city in 1200 B.C., Lisbon pre-dates Rome. Most of the old city was destroyed in an earthquake in 1755. But today, the "City of Light" is thriving. In the last 50 years its population and annual visitors have more than doubled as the rest of the world discovers what this second city on seven hills has to offer.Indeed, Lisbon checks all the boxes. It's home to colonial architecture, destination museums, and even its own genre of music. Hop on an iconic yellow tram and explore a fortified castle, a bustling waterfront, or a colorful maze of cobblestone streets. There's fun food – think themed trucks and even cereal bars – and fine food – five Michelin-star restaurants. At night, retire to a funky hostel, beautiful boutique property, or a 16th Century five-star hotel.

GMT during the winter (last Sunday in October – last Sunday in March)

GMT+1 during the summer (last Sunday in March – last Sunday in October)

Best Time to Go

Lisbon is a shoulder season destination. The best time to visit is in the spring, March to May, or fall, September to November, when the weather is pleasant. During the winter months, it's often cloudy or raining, and the city can feel like a ghost town. During the summer, peak tourist season, temperatures can be uncomfortably hot, crowds are common, and it can be hard to find accommodations (plus rates are higher).

However, you'll definitely want to visit mid-June if festivals are your thing. Sunday, June 13 is St. Anthony's Day – Lisbon's most beloved holiday and an entire night filled with parades, dancing, and plenty of grilled sardines.

Things to Know

Currency: Euro

($1 USD = .83 EUR; Check the current exchange rate )

Language: Portuguese

I don't speak Portuguese: Nao falo portugues

Where is the…: Onde está

Thank you: Obrigada

Learn more Portuguese phrases

Calling Code: +351 21

Outlets: Portugal uses type F and type C plugs. The U.S. uses type A and B. So, pack an adapter or be prepared to buy one at the airport. Since the voltage in Portugal is 230V you may also need to bring a converter if you're using an appliance that isn't compatible with 230V.

How to Get Around

Trains: Lisbon's trains (CP) which connect to major cities and surrounding towns, are frequent, reliable, and affordable. Tickets can be purchased at stations, online, or on the Comboios de Portugal app. The metro (Metro Lisboa) is just as user-friendly. There are four colored lines. The red line goes all the way to the airport, and single rides cost less than €2. Don't forget to validate your tickets before boarding and hold on to them until your ride is over.

Buses: Lisbon's bus system (Carris) runs 24/7 and includes two electric trams (including the historic yellow trolleys) and a funicular. Single rides are €2.

Taxis: Lisbon's taxis are abundant and certainly affordable, unless you use them during rush hour. Fares depend on where you're going, what time of day you're going, and how much luggage you have with you. Coop Taxis tend to be the most trusted. Always have cash available as credit cards aren't always accepted. Rideshare: Uber and Cabify, a Spanish rideshare company often cheaper than Uber, are both available here. Upon arriving at the airport, follow signs for the Uber pickup location.

Best Hotels

The one palácio da anunciada.

Address: Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, 112-134, 1150-268 Av. Liberdade / Restauradores Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-041-2300 Book Now

Lisbon's newest five-star property, The One Palácio da Anunciada, is housed in a 16th-century palace located in Lisbon's most exclusive neighborhood. After a soft opening in 2019, it's now up and running with 83 well-appointed rooms surrounded by manicured French gardens housing a spa, an outdoor pool, and even a solarium.

Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa

Address: Av. da Liberdade, 185, 1269-050, Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-319-8950 Book Now

Highlights at this five-star hotel located on one of the most expensive avenues in the world include an outdoor pool surrounded by a tropical garden and a chic rooftop bar with city views. The property also has an award-winning seafood restaurant and a luxury spa complete with 24-hour fitness center. Deluxe rooms start at $280/night while the Diplomatic Suite, decorated with pieces that once belonged to the late Portuguese actress Beatriz Costa, starts at $1200/night.

Hotel Britania

Address: Rua Rodrigues Sampaio, 17, 1150-278, Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-315-5016 Book Now

Billing itself as the only surviving original Art Deco hotel in Lisbon, Hotel Britania is a design-forward boutique property straight out of the 1940s. It's located just off of Avenida Liberdade on a quiet street. There are only 33 rooms but all have private marble bathrooms and powerful AC (a real luxury in Lisbon). Rates start around $100/night.

Tesouro da Baixa by Shiadu

Address: R. Dom Duarte 3, 1100-240, Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 91-417-6969 Book Now

An ideal home base for exploring Barrio Alto and Chiado, the tried-and-true Tesouro da Baixa by Shiadu is just a five-minute walk from the main train station, Rossio. Like every Shiadu property in Lisbon (and there are six) accommodations are modern, yet classic, and minimalistic, yet comfortable. Guest reviews are always stellar, if not perfect, and rates start at just $80/night, including breakfast.

Dare Lisbon

Address: R. dos Sapateiros 135, 1100-422, Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-346-1407 Book Now

Dare Lisbon specializes in rooms that feel like home, not hotels. This hospitality company prides itself on its 23 mini apartments each outfitted with a well-equipped kitchenette. Think coffee maker, fridge, microwave, electric cooktop, stick blender, and even a dishwasher. Rooms also include AC; rates start at $120/night (long term rates are available).

The Lumiares Hotel & Spa

Address: 142 Rua do Diário de Notícias 1200-146, Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-116-0200 Book Now

This high-end hotel and spa with luxury apartment vibes is perched on a hill in Barrio Alto. The rooftop restaurant and bar have sweeping views of the city's skyline and serve seasonal, locally-sourced fare. Rooms have high ceilings and are spacious, by European standards. They include kitchenettes or full kitchens and living areas. Rates start at $195/night.

My Story Hotels

Address: Rua dos Condes de Monsanto, 2, 1100-159, Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-886-6182 Book Now

All four My Story Hotels in Lisbon are contemporary, budget-friendly properties housed in recently renovated historic buildings. They're popular with younger crowds who want to be within walking distance of nightlife but not on top of it. Rates start at $80/night, and rooms are mostly singles and doubles.

Best Restaurants

Time out market (upscale food court).

Address: Av. 24 de Julho 49, 1200-479 Lisboa, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-395-1274 Website

Time Out Market is Lisbon's answer to New York City's Eataly. Located in a historic market hall just a stone's throw from the waterfront, it features more than two dozen popup versions of the city's best restaurants and bars. It also hosts special events including cooking classes and is home to an exciting fish, meat, and produce market featuring the freshest ingredients around.

Pasteis de Belem (Portuguese)

Address: R. de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-363-7423 Website

Since 1837 people have been lining up at this beloved Lisbon institution selling baked goods faster than they can bake them. Legend has it the secret recipe for Pasteis de Belem's best-selling sweet custard tarts came from within the Jerónimos Monastery. There's usually a massive line, and sometimes it can take a while to get a table inside. But it's always worth the wait.

Tapa Bucho (Portuguese)

Address: Rua Diário de Noticias n 122 1200-281 Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 91-456-6392 Website

It's hard not to go to town at this tapas bar where there are at least four kinds of croquettes centered around proteins like oxtail and alheira (all served with amazing aolis) and pisco sours so good they deserve a cult following. Reservations are highly recommended because the terrace is small and tables go fast. Portions are quite generous, for the low prices, so keep that in mind as you order.

Barrio Do Avillez (Portuguese, Pizza)

Address: R. Nova da Trindade 18, 1200-303 Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-583-0290 Website

The brainchild of Chef José Avillez, Barrio Do Avillez is a great way to experience food created by the first chef to bring two Michelin stars to a restaurant in Portugal. This culinary complex includes: Taberna, which serves elevated traditional Portuguese fare and the perfect lunch spot; Páteo which specializes in specialty fish and seafood; and Mini Bar, a gourmet gastro bar with bold flavors in small bites. Finally, there's Pizzaria Lisboa, which offers a family-friendly atmosphere and pizzas prepared with 00 flour, San Marzano tomatoes, and mozzarella Fior di Latte.

Augusto Lisboa (Breakfast and Brunch)

Address: Rua Santa Marinha, 26 1100491 Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-887-2746 Website

With its bubblegum pink façade and the line out the door on the weekends, it's hard to miss Augusto Lisboa. This dreamy, details-forward restaurant may only serve breakfast and brunch but it's ranked #2 out of more than 5,000 Lisbon restaurants on TripAdvisor. The complete opposite of a greasy spoon, it serves the freshest ingredients and specializes in an avocado toast you've probably already drooled over on Instagram.

Restaurante Feitoria (International)

Address: Doca do Bom Sucesso 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-040-0208 Website

Restaurante Feitoria, Chef João Rodrigues's ode to Portugal, is located in the Altis Belem Hotel & Spa. Just one look at its inventive "material-themed" menu and it's easy to see why this Michelin-star restaurant is so renowned in the industry. Courses are small (but there are at least eight), and don't expect to walk out without spending at least $150 per person, especially if you partake in the extensive wine list. Reservations are required.

Things to Do

Address: R. do Diário de Notícias 39, 1200-141 Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 96-133-9696 Website

Portugal's signature style of music, fado, is where country meets the blues before colliding with opera. Songs are tragic and haunting, but they're not just played, they're performed. Since its birth in the 1830s, watching fado – which takes place in traditional bars and restaurants like Tasca Do Chico – has become the quintessential Portuguese pastime.

Try ginjinha

Address: Largo de Sao Domingos 8 Rossio, Lisbon 1150-320 Portugal Phone: (351) 21-814-5374 Website

Ginjinha is a sweet cherry liquor invented in Lisbon where today it's practically a staple, like sardines. The most popular place to get a shot is A Ginjinha bar , a walk-up hole-in-the-wall bar next to the bustling Rossio train station. There are no seats, just a small crowd of locals getting their daily dose mingling with curious tourists ready for their first taste.

Mosteiro dos Jeronimos

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Address: Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-362-0034 Website

Recognized by UNESCO, this World Heritage site is as magnificent as monasteries come. It's hard to picture monks taking a vow of poverty in this palatial complex dating back to the 16th century. With its delicate ornate stonework, it's even harder to imagine it surviving the 1755 earthquake, but it did. Several tombs of Portugal's historical elite – from poets to explorers – are found here.

Oceanário de Lisboa

Address: Esplanada Dom Carlos I s/nº, 1990-005 Lisbna, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-891-7000 Website

Although it's not within walking distance of downtown, Lisbon's award-winning aquarium is a must for families and anyone with a remote interest in marine biology. More than 8,000 animals live in its 7 million-liter saltwater tank. Temporary exhibits, including submerged forests by Takashi Amano (the foremost "aquascaper" in the world) are just as memorable.

Best Shopping

Address: Praça do Príncipe Real, 26, 1250-184 Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 96-530-9154 Website

A former 19th-century Arabian palace, EmbaiXada (meaning embassy in Portuguese) is now an elegant mall of sorts committed to selling goods designed by Portuguese artists and artisans. From children's clothing to gourmet gin and organic cosmetics, if it's quality and made with love in Portugal, it can probably be found here.

A Vida Portuguesa

Address: Rua Anchieta 11, 1200-023 Chiado, Lisbon, Portugal Phone: 351-21-346-5073 Website

Specializing in products that have "crossed generations and touched hearts" A Vida Portuguesa is where to go for timeless gifts and souvenirs. Shop for stationary, linens, perfumes, and well-curated kits all sourced in Portugal and sold in packaging so pretty it's a shame to toss it.

Livraria Bertrand

Address: R. Garrett 73 75, 1200-203 Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-347-6122 Website

When it opened in 1732, Libraria Bertrand was just another bookstore. Today, it's the world's oldest operating bookstore according to the Guinness World Records. While there are several Bertrand branches in Lisbon, the original is open seven days a week. It's the perfect place to seek refuge from a rainstorm or to find a large selection of books in English.

Address: Rua Rodrigues Faria, 103, 1300 – 501, Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-314-3399 Website

LX Factory is Lisbon's answer to DUMBO. Once an industrial site in the shadow of Lisbon's iconic suspension bridge, it's now a hip district home to eclectic stores, galleries, and restaurants. Think food trucks, street art, and cool concept shops selling everything from chocolate salami to funky reversible lamp shades.

Neighborhoods to Know

Alfama : Boasting some of the best views of the Tagus River, this medieval village (it survived the 1755 earthquake) is perched on Lisbon's highest hill. It's home to Saint George's castle, and is arguably one of the city's most photogenic neighborhoods. Streets are narrow, but not too narrow for the historic 28 Tram which ferries tourists who don't want to deal with cobblestones or stairs.

Bairro Alto : Dating back to the 15th century when artists and authors flocked here in high numbers, this bohemian borough is now a happening scene. But for the most part, the magic only takes place at night. Come during the day to see the Insta-worthy street art. Return after dark for the city's best nightlife, bar-hopping, and dancing.

Chiado : It's hard not to compare this sophisticated neighborhood in the center of Lisbon with one you'd find in Paris or on the Upper East Side. It's far more contemporary than its surrounding districts and home to luxury retailers, elegant theaters, and the city's finest reservation-only restaurants. It also boasts Livraria Bertrand, founded in 1732 and thought to be the oldest operating bookstore in the world.

Belem : Lisbon's most impressive buildings and stateliest parks aren't downtown; they're in Belem. This historic waterfront with an extensive riverside trail was where 15th-century explorers, including Ferdinand Magellan, departed Lisbon to discover the world. The city's most photographed structure, the Tower of Belem, rises out of the river and is only accessible by pedestrian bridge. The neighborhood is also home to beautifully landscaped green spaces, the ornate Jerónimos Monastery and several museums.

Lisbon has four seasons and with the exception of summer, a pretty mild climate. It can be compared to central California's. Temperatures rarely dip below 45°F and typically only climb up to the mid-90s°F in July or August. These months are also the driest. With an average of 13 days of precipitation, November is usually the wettest month. And don't count on seeing snow. It's not uncommon for Lisbon to go half a century or longer without receiving any.

Apps to Download

Lisboa Cool : City guides, maps, planning, scheduling tours iOs | Android

Uber : Ridesharing, food delivery iOs | Android

Google Translate : Translation, phrasebook, transcription iOs | Android

lisbon travel review

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Seven cinematic hillsides overlooking the Rio Tejo cradle Lisbon's postcard-perfect panorama of cobbled alleyways, ancient ruins and white-domed cathedrals, a captivating scene crafted over centuries.

Best Time to Visit

Best things to do, leave the planning to a local expert.

Experience the real Lisbon. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

lisbon travel review

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

Belém’s undisputed heart-stealer is this Unesco-listed monastery. The mosteiro is the stuff of pure fantasy: a fusion of Diogo de Boitaca’s creative…

lisbon travel review

Castelo de São Jorge

Alfama, Castelo & Graça

Towering dramatically above Lisbon, these mid-11th-century hilltop fortifications sneak into almost every snapshot. Roam its snaking ramparts and pine…

lisbon travel review

Wander downhill (to save your legs) through Alfama's steep, narrow, cobblestoned streets and catch a glimpse of the more traditional side of Lisbon before…

lisbon travel review

Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga

Set in a lemon-fronted, 17th-century palace, the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga is Lapa’s biggest draw. It presents a star-studded collection of European…

lisbon travel review

Museu Calouste Gulbenkian – Coleção do Fundador

Marquês de Pombal & Around

Famous for its outstanding quality and breadth, the world-class Founder's Collection at Museu Calouste Gulbenkian showcases an epic collection of Western…

lisbon travel review

Don't leave the city without riding popular tram 28E from Largo Martim Moniz. This rickety, screechy, gloriously old-fashioned ride from Praça Martim…

lisbon travel review

Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

Bairro Alto, Chiado & Cais do Sodré

Hitch a ride on vintage Ascensor da Glória from Praça dos Restauradores, or huff your way up steep Calçada da Glória to this terrific hilltop viewpoint…

LISBON, circa 2017 - Wide establishing shot of Palacio Fronteira Palace, aka Palacio dos Marqueses de Fronteira, one of the hidden gems of Lisbon, Portugal, dating from 1671..; Shutterstock ID 781758556; your: Alex Howard; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: Palácio dos Marqueses de Fronteira POI

Palácio dos Marqueses de Fronteira

This 17th-century former hunting pavilion is in the Benfica neighbourhood. Italian Renaissance influences are blended with Portuguese-inspired blue-and…

Top picks from our travel experts

7 of the best things to do in lisbon.

Museu do Fado

Museu do Fado

Fado (traditional Portuguese melancholic song) was born in Alfama. Immerse yourself in its bittersweet symphonies at Museu do Fado. This engaging museum…

Mesa de Frades

Mesa de Frades

A magical place to hear fado, tiny Mesa de Frades used to be a chapel. It’s tiled with exquisite azulejos and has just a handful of tables, including a…

Portuguese casual meals in the heart of Bica quarter

Água Pela Barba

The marble tabletops and the walls covered in reclaimed wood give this restaurant a casual, ocean-side atmosphere despite the sea being nowhere near. Fish…

100 Maneiras

100 Maneiras

How do we love 100 Maneiras? Let us count the 100 ways… The 10-course tasting menu changes twice yearly and features imaginative, delicately prepared…

Elevador de Santa Justa

Elevador de Santa Justa

If the lanky, wrought-iron Elevador de Santa Justa seems uncannily familiar, it’s probably because the neo-Gothic marvel is the handiwork of Raul Mésnier,…

lisbon travel review

Miradouro da Graça

A much-loved summertime hang-out of lisboêtas, this miradouro (lookout) sidles up to the baroque Igreja da Graça. It has an incredible view of the castle…

Torre de Belem, Belem.

Torre de Belém

Jutting out onto the Rio Tejo, this Unesco World Heritage–listed fortress epitomises the Age of Discoveries. You'll need to breathe in to climb the narrow…

Cervejaria Ramiro

Cervejaria Ramiro

Opened in 1956, Ramiro has legendary status among Lisbon's seafood lovers. Here you can feast on rich plates of giant tiger prawns, percebes (goose…

TOPO Martim Moniz

TOPO Martim Moniz

Baixa & Rossio

This hipster hang-out is an excellent rooftop lounge with extraordinary views over lively Praça Martim Moniz and the whole of Lisbon. It features loungey…

24 free things to do in Lisbon

Feira da Ladra

Feira da Ladra

Browse and haggle for buried treasures at this massive flea market. You’ll find old records, coins, baggy pants, dog-eared poetry books and other attic…

Igreja da Conceição Velha

Igreja da Conceição Velha

Completed in 1534 on orders from King Manuel I, Igreja da Conceição Velha is the second-oldest Manueline religious building in Lisbon. Its facade remains…

Caminho da Água

Caminho da Água

Parque das Nações

Portuguese muralist Rigo designed this splash-happy boardwalk. Watch blue-mosaic volcanoes erupt spontaneously or relax on one of the wave-shaped benches…

lisbon travel review

Igreja & Museu São Roque

The plain facade of 16th-century Jesuit Igreja de São Roque belies its dazzling interior of gold, marble and Florentine azulejos – bankrolled by Brazilian…

Museu do Dinheiro

Museu do Dinheiro

Pop into Banco do Portugal's money museum to see the stunning €34-million interior renovation of the once-mighty São Julião church (closed in 1933); and…

lisbon travel review

Igreja de São Domingos

It’s a miracle that this baroque church dating to 1241 still stands, having barely survived the 1755 earthquake, then fire in 1959. Its sea of tea lights…

lisbon travel review

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

From bougainvillea-clad Miradouro de Santa Luzia, your gaze drifts over a mosaic of rooftops and spires to the river below.

The Monsanto Viewpoint in Lisbon.

Miradouro Panorâmico de Monsanto

Lisbon’s beloved secret viewpoint is a graffiti- and art-plastered building that was once an exclusive high-society restaurant in the late 1960s. A series…

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Cemitério dos Prazeres

Most visitors come to this cemetery, the largest in Lisbon, for the view of the Rio Tejo right next to the artists' plot. But the elaborate baroque family…

Gare do Oriente (Lisbon Orient Station) at Parque das Nacoes (Park of Nations), Lisbon, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.

Gare do Oriente

Designed by acclaimed Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the space-age Gare do Oriente is an extraordinary vaulted structure, with slender columns…

(GERMANY OUT) Blick ?ber den Parque do Eduardo VII. auf die Stadt- 2001 (Photo by Schlemmer/ullstein bild via Getty Images)

Parque Eduardo VII

An urban oasis with British roots, Parque Eduardo VII is named after his highness Edward VII, who visited Lisbon in 1903. The sloping parterre affords…

Diamond-shaped bossage, Casa dos Bicos, Lisbon, Portugal

Fundação José Saramago – Casa dos Bicos

The pincushion facade of Casa dos Bicos, the eccentric 16th-century abode of Afonso de Albuquerque, former viceroy to India, grabs your attention with…

Low Angle View Of Lisbon Cathedral At Night

Sé de Lisboa

The fortress-like Sé de Lisboa is one of Lisbon’s icons, built in 1150 on the site of a mosque soon after Christians recaptured the city from the Moors…

Núcleo Arqueológico da Rua dos Correeiros

Núcleo Arqueológico da Rua dos Correeiros

Hidden under the Millennium BCP bank building are layers of ruins dating from the Iron Age, discovered on a 1991 parking-lot dig. Fascinating…

Ponte Vasco da Gama

Ponte Vasco da Gama

Vanishing into a watery distance, the Vasco da Gama Bridge is Europe’s longest, stretching 17.2km across the Rio Tejo.

Ponte 25 de Abril

Ponte 25 de Abril

Most people experience visual déjà vu the first time they clap eyes on the bombastic suspension bridge Ponte 25 de Abril. It’s hardly surprising given…

Panteão Nacional

Panteão Nacional

Perched high and mighty above Graça’s Campo de Santa Clara, the porcelain-white Panteão Nacional is a baroque beauty. Originally intended as a church, it…

Museu do Teatro Romano

Museu do Teatro Romano

The ultramodern Museu do Teatro Romano, reopened in 2015 after a two-year renovation and further excavation, catapults you back to Emperor Augustus’ rule…

Jardim da Estrela

Jardim da Estrela

Príncipe Real, Santos & Estrela

Seeking green respite? Opposite the Basílica da Estrela, this 1852 green space is perfect for a stroll, with paths weaving past pine, monkey-puzzle and…

Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian

Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian

Home to the Gulbenkian Orchestra, this classical-music heavyweight stages first-rate concerts and ballets.

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Best Neighborhoods

Whether you want to dance and drink into the wee hours or see major sights and relax on the beach, Lisbon has a perfect neighborhood just for you.

From surfing trips and hill towns to emerging art spots and remarkable Roman sites, the best day trips from Lisbon offer such variety.

Transportation

Navigating hilly Lisbon is easy with this guide to the local transportation network.

Free Things to Do

From medieval neighborhoods and riverside parks to urban art and Roman ruins, here are the top things to do in Lisbon for free.

These five retailers blend modern style with artisanal quality. And you’ll find them only in Lisbon.

Plan with a local

Experience the real Portugal

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

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Lisbon and beyond

Bairro Alto, Chiado & Cais do Sodré

36 Hours in Lisbon

By Seth Sherwood Updated April 20, 2023

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Two stroll along a raised cobblestoned pathway in a European city in the daytime. Next to the pathway is a row of different colored houses — in blue, yellow and pink. There is also an old-fashioned lamp post.

You’ll very likely hear many other languages than just Portuguese these days in the hilly, sun-warmed streets of Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, as millions pour in as digital nomads, service-industry workers, home buyers and tourists. For travelers, especially in the summer, this popularity can mean long lines to enter the Castelo de São Jorge or to enjoy a pastry from Pastéis de Belém , which can (almost) diminish the charm of the city’s colorful-tile-wrapped facades, centuries-old churches and melancholy fado music. Lisbon, once a slow-paced maritime city, is in development overdrive, which has not been without discontent: The cost of living has skyrocketed, leading to public debate (and protests ) about the city’s future and to the cancellation of the “golden visa” program , which granted residency to foreigners who invested in high-value properties. Visiting Lisbon thus involves a delicate balance: enjoying one of Europe’s most dynamic cities while being sensitive to the challenges that have accompanied its rapid boom.

Recommendations

  • Arkhe is a plant-filled restaurant that specializes in colorful, intricate vegetarian creations.
  • Gala Cricri nightclub occupies part of a restored 18th-century palace, the Palácio do Grilo .
  • Beato and Marvila , adjacent neighborhoods in an industrial zone, are emerging hotbeds of art and nightlife.
  • Pica-Pau dishes out reverent takes on old-time Portuguese recipes.
  • Dois Corvos , a microbrewery, pours nearly 20 house beers.
  • Tricky’s has clever, contemporary small plates and natural wine in a convivial industrial-ish setting.
  • Monkey Mash , a bar that serves adventurous cocktails amid tropical vibes, has a hidden door leading to Red Frog , a speakeasy-style bar with imaginative drinks.
  • Casa-Museu Amália Rodrigues is a museum in the home of the late, great fado music singer, for whom it is named.
  • Miradouro da Senhora do Monte , an outdoor lookout, offers commanding skyline views.
  • Galeria Filomena Soares represents many noted international and Portuguese contemporary artists.
  • Galeria Francisco Fino , an art space in the Marvila neighborhood, hosts rotating exhibitions.
  • Palácio Nacional da Ajuda , a 19th-century royal palace, contains sumptuous period rooms. Steps away, the new Museu do Tesouro Real displays the crown jewels.
  • The No. 12E Tram , which climbs and descends through multiple central Lisbon neighborhoods, offers a cheap and quick sightseeing trip.
  • Homecore , a French-owned brand and boutique, supplies cool casualwear.
  • Sokyo Lisbon showcases abstract dinnerware and sculptures by Japanese ceramists.
  • Distopia stocks vinyl albums, CDs and books, including English-language guides to Lisbon.
  • Feira da Ladra , a flea market, bursts with everything from antique cookware to contemporary fashion.
  • Feed stocks colorful 1960s- and 1970s-inspired women’s wear in a soaring showroom.
  • Little Chelsea Experience , a gallery-bar-boutique, channels the spirit of rock ’n’ roll.
  • The Casa Balthazar building, near the central Rossio Square, was acquired in the 19th century by the founder of Confeitaria Nacional — an iconic Lisbon pastry shop — and was converted into a hotel in 2010. The 20 rooms (some with panoramic city views) are outfitted with contemporary bedding and vintage furniture. The hotel also offers a spa, a pool and breakfast provided by, yes, Confeitaira Nacional nearby. Double rooms from 240 euros, or about $265.
  • The chic new Hotel Hotel was designed by Pedrita , a studio known for its work on another fashionable Portuguese-owned hotel, the Visionaire Apartments . In addition to its 40 rooms, Hotel Hotel features a swimming pool, a yoga studio and a tattoo parlor. Doubles from €290.
  • Cheese & Wine Lapa is a simple, bohemian option in the Lapa neighborhood. Common areas include rooms full of contemporary art and vintage furniture — all of it for sale. Twin rooms with shared bath from around €67. The Cheese & Wine hotel group has other options around town.
  • Lisbon has a metro system and a bus network that cover much of the city, along with its much photographed yellow trams. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are also widely available and remarkably affordable compared with other European capitals.

A view of a bookshelf in a store that is neatly stocked with books on display.

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The Sweet Wanderlust

The best Lisbon itinerary: a local’s recommendations

By: Author Brittany

Posted on Last updated: February 17, 2023

Are you ready to fall in love with Lisbon? This city will woo you in the most unexpected ways. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself smiling as a Portuguese grandmother ( avó ) keeps an eye on you from her perch in the window. Stopping to smell the roses is fine, but in Lisbon you’ll stop to admire the intricate details and differences on every azulejo tile. Who needs chocolates when a freshly baked pastel de nata, topped with cinnamon and powdered sugar, melts in your mouth? Whether you’re spending 2 days in Lisbon, 3 days in Lisbon, or 5 days in Lisbon, I’ve got you covered! Each day of this Lisbon itinerary is broken down into different regions or interests, so you can pick and choose your own adventure.

Visiting for the first time? This place might just rock your world. It absolutely rocked mine. I fell head over heels for this “city with a sweet tooth” and six years after my first visit, I officially became a resident of Portugal ! Follow this Lisbon travel guide to experience the very best meals, activities, and– of course!–  desserts in Lisbon .

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting The Sweet Wanderlust by booking here! 

Where to stay in Lisbon

Corpo santo hotel .

If an emergency 24-hour/day ice cream machine, a daily Portuguese drink + snack happy hour, and an underground archaeological site pique your interest, you’ll love the Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel. It’s close to the Cais do Sodré station, which goes all the way to Cascais for easy beach access! 

Book your stay at Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel  here . 

Hotel Avenida Palace 

If you want to be treated like royalty in a hotel fit for a queen (or king), consider Hotel Avenida Palace your castle away from home. The breakfast is amazing, the staff is OTT attentive, the bar is well stocked (try the Porto tonic), and the location is unbeatable. The 19th century Belle Époque building is right next to Rossio Station– perfect for your day trip to Sintra!

Book your stay at Hotel Avenida Palace  here . 

Book your travel insurance for Lisbon

Before you take off for your Lisbon adventure, don’t forget to purchase travel insurance. I recommend SafetyWing , which I personally use for all of my travels! Sign up here . 

How to get from your airport to the hotel

Uber and Bolt are the top rideshare apps in Portugal and the metro goes straight from the airport to the city. Download Bolt  or Uber before you travel, or use one of the private transfer services below:

A few phrases to help you get around

Bom dia, boa tarde, boa noite – Good morning, good afternoon, good evening. Always use these phrases as greetings! 

Obrigada/ obrigado  – Thank you (end in -a if you are a female, and -o if you are a male). 

Fala inglês? – Do you speak English?

Se faz favor/ Por favor  – Please (can be used interchangeably)

Queria um pastel de nata se faz favor –  I would like one pastel de nata, please! (This is a VERY important phrase.)

The most fun 5-day Lisbon itinerary

Are you ready to have the most epic trip to Lisbon? I’ve compiled all of my favorite things about this city in a jam-packed Lisbon travel guide. I hope you slept on the plane because we’re going to hit the ground* running!

*The ground here is a mosaic of limestone cobblestones. It’s gorgeous, but it’s slippery. I write this post with a bruised elbow thanks to a slick cobblestone and the ground disappearing under my feet. Pack sturdy shoes and leave the high heels at home. 

Now that the disclaimer is out of the way, let’s get started! 

Visiting for the second, third, or fifteenth time? This blog post on off-the-beaten-path adventures in Lisbon will help you explore the city’s quirky side! 

Day 1: A day for the artists 

Calling all artistas ! T oday is a dreamy, azulejo tile-filled day, so put on a colorful outfit (yellow and pink pop against the blue tiles), lace up your comfy shoes, and head to Alfama for brunch. 

Dear Breakfast Alfama

Dear Breakfast is a Lisbon-based breakfast chain with three restaurants around the city. I’m obsessed with their eggs benedict and avocado toast with beet hummus, but you really can’t go wrong with anything you order.  

lisbon travel review

Dear Breakfast eggs benedict

If brunch is your love language, check out these 25+ places for brunch in Lisboa ! 

Cantinho da Sé

Save some room, though, because there’s another foodie stop right across the street. After breakfast, pop by Cantinho da Sé for a pastry to eat later. The flower-shaped pastry has a souffle-like texture, and it’s topped with a generous dollop of doce de leite. 

Paint Azulejos

Every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:30 am, Art of Azulejo hosts an azulejo painting class. You can sign up here and get $8 off your first experience with Fever when you use code BRITTANYK8574. The instructor, Caroline, walks you through a history of how azulejo tiles were made throughout the centuries, then sets you up for success with a stenciled tile for your first try.

lisbon travel review

Azulejo tile stencil

Once you get the hang of it, you can create your own tile or use one of her pre-made examples as a guide. I love my Lisbon tram and flower azulejos! 

lisbon travel review

Painted azulejo tile

Did you know that the tiles aren’t painted with paint?! Instead, you’ll use finely ground glass, which hardens to make these heat-proof tiles. Once they’re fired in the kiln, you can use your azulejos as hot plates, coasters, or hang them on the wall as art. 

Note: Your tiles need a couple of days to be fired– so don’t save this activity for the end of your trip!

Visit the Museu Nacional do Azulejo to see how the experts painted azulejos throughout history

Now that you’re feeling great about your artistic skills, come back down to earth with a visit to the Museu Nacional do Azulejo. Here, you’ll find tiles created by artists and artisans from the mid-15th century until the present day. The museum is in the former Convent of Madre Deus, and the Renaissance choir room is a stunning look into Portuguese history. 

Before you go, download the app on Google Play (Android)  or iTunes (iOS)  for the full experience. 

The museum also offers tile painting classes on Sunday at 2 pm. 

Eat a small lunch

After visiting the museum, head back into town for a little lunch– emphasis on little! Dinner’s a big one tonight, so I recommend opting for something light. Fábrica da Nata offers several different menus, where you can have something savory, a drink, and a pastel de nata for less than €5.

Alternatively, you can go for the famous pork steak sandwich at As Bifanas do Afonso. Top your bifana with mustard and/or hot sauce and pair it with a beer or vinho verde (green wine) from the tap. 

Street art tour

This morning, you learned about an art form that came to Portugal in the 15th century. Now, you can experience the ever-changing street art scene. After the revolution in 1974, street artists came out in droves to cover the city in political street art. The rich street art culture remains– and is even sanctioned by the government. Join a street art tour to discover works of art across the city.

lisbon travel review

Street art Mouraria

A few of my favorites to watch for? Bordalo II creates art out of trash, proving that one man’s trash really is another man’s treasure. If you spend enough time here, you may spot his Iberian lynx, fox, bee, raccoon, chimpanzee, and stork. Another artist to watch out for is Vhils. The talented artist uses a chisel or explosives to create detailed faces in concrete. 

lisbon travel review

Vhils Mouraria

Learn all about street art culture on a street art tour  at 3 pm or check the Meetup app, where  Grupo Lisbon Street Art has some tours where you can try your hand at wielding a spray can on legal walls.

Delight your senses at a hidden restaurant

Chef José Avillez was awarded two Michelin stars for Belcanto, but it’s his restaurant, Mini Bar, that puts stars in my eyes! For €75, you can experience 12 courses where nothing is quite as it seems. 

lisbon travel review

From the “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” to the “Passion fruit” with coconut sorbet, prep your tastebuds for a wild ride! 

lisbon travel review

Mini Bar by José Avillez

Mini Bar is reservations-only and it fills up fast, so be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Visit a speakeasy

Not ready to say goodnight yet? Wander over to Foxtrot for a nightcap. Ring the buzzer and enter into the Art Nouveau-style bar with an interior terrace and cozy indoor seating. Play a round of billiards or snooker, or settle in by the fireplace if it’s chilly outside. 

lisbon travel review

Day 2: A photo-worthy day

Pack your camera and put on your cutest clothes– today is all kinds of Instagrammable! 

Say cheese at a Lisbon photoshoot

You’ve got your selfie game on lock, but a holiday in a city as gorgeous as Lisbon deserves frame-worthy photos. Enter: Phelipe Paraense. Phelipe is a creative genius with an eye for innovative shots. Case in point? We ran into some street cleaners during our early morning session. I saw wet ground. Phelipe saw this:

lisbon travel review

Rua Augusta Arch Lisbon

With his tips for posing and a persona that puts you instantly at ease, you’re sure to go home with some epic photos. The only issue you’ll have is deciding which to post first! 

lisbon travel review

Alfama tram

Book your photoshoot here  and tell him I sent you! I recommend choosing the earliest session of the day so you can get shots with minimal tourists. 

On your way to Belém, stop in at the LX Factory for hot cocoa at Ler Devagar. The bookstore is consistently named one of the top 10 most beautiful bookstores in the world, and their hot cocoa is one of my favorites in Lisbon. 

lisbon travel review

Ler Devagar in LX Factory

Afterward, wander through the industrial complex to shop for souvenirs and see some great street art. Psst. Bordalo II has a piece here. Can you find it?

Rui dos Pregos

After all that modeling and exploring, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite! When you arrive in Belém, head straight to Rui dos Pregos and order the prego no pão for €2.90. It’s a piece of thin beef steak that’s the size of your face with TONS of garlic on fresh bread. Note to all the single pringles reading this post — today’s *not* the day for smooching strangers if you choose to eat this sandwich. 

lisbon travel review

Pasteis de Belém

Since you’ve been in town for over 24 hours, you’ve probably already tried the famous pastel de nata. Now, you’re going to see where it all began. Don’t be intimidated by the line– it moves fast. When you enter Pasteis de Belém, take a deep breath– you’ll smell buttery pastry, cinnamon, and sweet custard with a side of history.

The pastel de nata is a “conventual sweet,” meaning it originated in the convents. While I’ve heard many stories about how these sweets came to be, most agree that egg whites were used to starch the nuns’ habits and conventual sweets were the result of an abundance of egg yolks. 

Pasteis de Belém opened in 1837 after all of the Portuguese convents and monasteries were shut down. Almost 200 years later, the pastry chefs create each pastel de Belém in a secret room, using the same secret recipe from the convent. Just like Champagne– it’s only a pastel de Belém if you have it here, so be sure to try the original! 

Jerónimos Monastery

The Jerónimos Monastery is quite possibly my favorite building in the world. I lived just up the street from this early 16th century UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, and I still get all the feels remembering walking past this iconic building for the first time as a Portuguese resident. 

lisbon travel review

Jerónimos monastery

Founded by King D. Manuel I, the first stone was laid on Kings Day in 1501 or 1502. The church houses the tombs of explorer Vasco da Gama and Portuguese poet and writer Luís de Camões, while the tomb of Portuguese writer and poet Fernando Pessoa and an exhibit on the history of the monastery lie within the cloister. 

While entrance to the church is free, you’ll need tickets to enter the cloister. Purchase your fast-track pass here . 

Belém Tower

From the monastery, head towards the river and turn right. Stroll along the Tagus until you come to the Belém Tower. Most days, you’ll find vendors selling pina coladas in pineapples and the most talented electric violin busker playing pop tunes. The Belém Tower is the ceremonial gateway to Lisbon and the site of the embarkation and disembarkation of many Portuguese expeditions.  

Don’t want to do it all on your own? Get the full scoop on a guided 2.5-hour tour . 

lisbon travel review

Tower of Belém

Santini ice cream

I hope you packed your sweet tooth today! The first Gelados Santini shop opened in 1949, and the popularity hasn’t dwindled! The chocolate and coconut flavor is my favorite– but I haven’t had a bad scoop yet! 

Sunset cruise

Still not convinced that Lisbon is the most magical place on earth? Head back to the water once more for a sunset cruise on the Tagus. Sail past the monuments with a glass of Portuguese wine in hand as the sky explodes into a multitude of colors. I guarantee this will be a night you’ll never forget! 

This two-hour Lisbon sailing tour offers morning, sunset, and night tours. 

This one or two-hour Lisbon sailing tour offers morning, afternoon, sunset, and night tours. 

A Cevicheria

Head back into town for dinner and cross your fingers you can get a spot at A Cevicheria. Chef Kiko’s restaurant doesn’t accept reservations, but it’s worth any wait.

lisbon travel review

A Cevicheria – Ceviche de Salmão e Ananás

I don’t even like fish (let alone  raw fish) and this is one of my favorite restaurants in Lisbon. Don’t miss the Ceviche de Salmão e Ananás or Taco de Tártaro de Atum e Tobiko!

lisbon travel review

A Cevicheria tacos

Pavilhão Chinês

After dinner, walk one minute down the street to Pavilhão Chines and ring the bell to enter a bar that puts Ariel’s Secret Grotto to shame. Built in an old grocery store, this unique bar is filled with vintage collectibles, tchotchkes from around the world, and a mannequin of a British Palace Guard! 

lisbon travel review

Pavilhão Chines Queen’s Guard

The cocktail menu is one of the most extensive I’ve ever seen, and choosing just one was not easy! After much debate, I decided The Godfather was an offer I couldn’t refuse. Like revenge, the Scotch whiskey, amaretto, crème de cacao, creme, and cinnamon is best served cold. 

lisbon travel review

The Godfather at Pavilhão Chines

Day 3: A Sintra day trip fit for a queen (or king)

Dust off your princess crown! Today, you’re headed for the most magical place on earth (without a larger-than-life-sized mouse). 

Pena Palace

Palacio Nacional da Pena (or Pena Palace) is a Disney castle come to life! The red and yellow castle with gorgeous blue azulejos is a stunning example of 19th century Romanticism architecture mixed with Manueline (like Jerónimos Monastery) and Moorish architecture.

lisbon travel review

Pena Palace Sintra

The site was originally used as a church and later, a monastery, before King Ferdinand II began construction on the site to build a summer home for the royal family. The castle was completed in 1854, but wouldn’t be used for long by the royal family. After the 5 October 1910 revolution, Queen Amélia spent her last night in Pena Palace before leaving the country in exile. 

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth a visit, just listen to the words of German composer Richard Strauss, “Today is the happiest day of my life. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve seen. This is the true Garden of Klingsor – and there, up on high, is the Castle of the Holy Grail.”

Buy your tickets to Pena Park and Palace here . 

Quinta da Regaleira

This is the setting of a Nicolas Cage movie waiting to happen. Dreamed up by a wealthy, Knights Templar-obsessed Brazilian mining mogul, the Gothic pinnacles of the main house are studded with gargoyles, and the extensive gardens are filled with secret Masonic symbolism. Descend the winding steps of the Initiation Well toward the cave system below, crossing the nine platforms designed to evoke the nine circles of hell from Dante’s Inferno. 

lisbon travel review

Initiation Well – Quinta da Regaleira

Was António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro an initiate of the Knights Templar, or simply interested in the secretive group’s traditions? Which rituals and rites have these wells seen? Visit for yourself and try to get to the bottom of it! 

Taste the wines of Portugal at Bar do Binho

Ascend the stairs, past photos of Johnny Depp, and into the tasting room of Bar do Binho. When I visited, we opted for the Premium Table Wines Tasting Set for €32.50 alongside a cheese and meat platter (because four wines on an empty stomach isn’t a great choice). Is this the cheapest wine tasting you’ll ever attend? Definitely not. But the wines were unique and the storytelling is second to none. By the end of our tasting, Carlos felt like an old friend, and I can’t wait to go back for another round of tastings! 

Eat travesseiros at Casa Piriquita

Talk to any local, and they’ll tell you that you simply  must stop at Casa Piriquita for travesseiros. Founded in 1862, the bakery is now in the hands of the fifth generation, who make the fluffy pastry filled with egg and almond custard. Just like Pasteis de Belém– this recipe is so well-guarded that only the family has access! 

lisbon travel review

Don’t want to DIY? Try these Sintra tours.

Book a guided tour and take the guesswork out of the day! Book this tour to enjoy air-conditioned travel to and from Lisbon, a guided tour of Quinta da Regaleira and Pena Palace (entry to Pena Palace is extra). 

Feeling adventurous? Book this Jeep tour of Sintra , with stops at Quinta da Regaleira and Pena Palace with travesseiro and ginjinha tastings included!

Feel saudade at a fado performance

Saudade  is a Portuguese word without a translation. To feel it for yourself, you’ll have to see a fado show. The singers’ mournful tones evoke a feeling of deep yearning, melancholy, and nostalgia. 

While fado performances in Alfama and Mouraria are the most popular (and for good reason!), I love the performance at Trovas Antigas in Bairro Alto. As you’re shown to your table, be sure to peek into the ancient well that once provided water to the area. 

When you sit down, you’ll find a basket of bread (€2) and a platter of meat, cheese, and marmalade (€20). If you’re not up for a €22 investment as soon as you sit down, just let your waiter know that you don’t need the couvert. In Portugal, most restaurants bring small snacks or appetizers to the table– unlike the unlimited chips and salsa at your favorite TexMex spot, these aren’t free. If you want them, great! If not, just let your waiter know.

I highly recommend that you say a heck yes to the black pork cheeks in red wine. The €16 meal is one of the best I’ve had for the price! 

Looking for a Portuguese Connection?

Pop into Pub Português next door for a Portuguese Connection cocktail. It’s a Lisbon-ified version of a G+T, made with ginjinha instead of gin and garnished with sour cherries. Those cherries are soaked in aguardente (translation: firewater) that can contain up to 60% alcohol, so eat with caution! Be sure to say hi to Nuno and Eduardo and tell them I sent you! 

lisbon travel review

Portuguese Connection at Pub Português

Day 4: Step back in history

Gooood morning! I hope you didn’t eat  too many sour cherries last night because we’re going to do some exploring today in two of Lisbon’s most traditional neighborhoods. You’re going to break records with today’s step count, so wear your comfiest shoes. 

Try the best pastel de nata in Lisbon (according to me) 

I believe every day should start with something sweet. And in this city with a sweet tooth, there’s no shortage of amazing desserts  pastries. Some people think desserts should happen after a meal (we’re not friends with those people), but if you call it a pastry it can happen anytime! 

I digress. Start the sweetest day yet with a pastel de nata from Pastelaria Santo António. I believe desserts taste best with a side of magic, and Santo António delivers. St. Anthony was born in Alfama and is known as the matchmaker saint. Whether or not you’ve found true love, make a wish before eating this pastel de nata and Santo António will make it happen*!

lisbon travel review

Pastelaria Santo António

*My wish hasn’t come true yet, but I think that just means I need to eat more pasteis de natas.  

Take a walk on the wild side of Lisbon history

Lisbon’s history is  wild . The slippery cobblestone streets? That’s a direct result of King Manuel I’s rhinoceros and a birthday parade. And that’s not even the craziest story about King Manuel I and the rhino. To find out how an elephant and the pope fit into the narrative, you’re going to have to join the free Alfama and Mouraria: History versus Modern Facts tour . 

The 3-hour tour starts at 10:30 am and will take you through some of the oldest and most authentic neighborhoods in Lisbon. Pedro led the tour I joined, and his encyclopedic knowledge, ability to entertain, and penchant for finding hidden gems made this one of the best free tours I’ve ever taken.

lisbon travel review

History of Lisbon

Don’t forget to tip your guide! 

Food tour – Taste of Lisboa

Hungry yet? You’re in for a treat. On my first visit to Lisbon , Taste of Lisboa introduced me to my favorite cheese in the world and told stories that led to my love affair with (and eventual move to) Lisbon. I can’t promise you’ll want to move here after a Lisbon Roots, Food, and Cultural Walk, but I can’t guarantee it won’t happen, either! Book your tour here . 

Watch the sunset from a secret garden

You deserve to sit down and rest– but you should do it with a great view. Walk up to the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, and find the Secret Garden LX. Behind these unassuming (and unmarked) garden gates, you’ll find a gorgeous oasis with tasty cocktails, meal specials, and occasional live music and poetry soirées!

lisbon travel review

Secret Garden views

Take in the views, watch the sunset, and debrief from all the information you’ve learned! 

Taberna Sal Grosso 

If you’re looking for authentic, affordable Portuguese food in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, make a reservation at Taberna Sal Grosso . Specials are written on a chalkboard mounted on the wall, but you can’t go wrong with anything you choose. After we finished our food, the waiter brought around several bottles of alcohol and two glasses for me and my friend to pour our own digestif.  A fun end to a delicious meal!

Day 5: A day for the foodies 

Your time in Lisbon is coming to a close, and the best way to make the most of your last day is to figure out how to bring Portugal home with you. Today, you’ll be learning how to cook some of the best Portuguese dishes so you can impress your friends and relive this trip over and over again!

Ready for the most OTT brunch in Lisbon? If you’ve been to Porto, you know all about the francesinha sandwich. This delicious heart attack on a plate is a combination of bread, ham, sausage, melted cheese, and a tomato/beer sauce that leaves you begging for mercy while complimenting the chef. Zenith has taken it to the next level with their francesinha pancakes. A stack of pancakes is topped with bacon, chicken, cheddar cheese, a fried egg, and francesinha sauce– I hope you wore your stretchy pants. 

lisbon travel review

Zenith francesinha pancakes

Pastel de nata class

How many pasteis de natas have you eaten on your trip? If you’re thinking of bringing a sleeve home, I hate to break it to you, but these babies don’t travel well. As the saying goes: If you give a traveler a pastel de nata they’ll eat it today. If you teach a traveler to make a pastel de nata, they’ll eat them forever! 

lisbon travel review

Pastel de Nata cooking class

Join this pastel de nata cooking class to learn how to make these custard tarts at home. Bonus? You’ll also learn how to make a fried bacalhau snack! The instructors were friendly and made sure our sweet and savory creations turned out great. 

Spend the day playing

When was the last time you broke the “grown-up” façade and let your inner nine-year-old out to play? If there’s a neighborhood you haven’t seen yet or one you’d like to explore some more, consider a DIY scavenger hunt. Take a look at all of the Secret City Trails riddle routes , and see if you can crack the puzzles to discover more hidden gems in Lisbon.  You can read more about the scavenger hunt I participated in here . 

Try another pastel de nata

You’ve had the original pastel de nata and you’ve tried my favorite traditional pastry. Now it’s time to blow your mind with a chocolate pastel de nata from Nata de Lisboa. If you’re looking for a reason to extend your trip, this might just push you over the edge!

lisbon travel review

Nata de Lisbon – chocolate pastel de nata

Shop for souvenirs

If you’ve saved room in your suitcase, here are a few Portuguese souvenirs to bring home:

  • Cork products
  • Canned Sardines (The Fantastic World Of Portuguese Sardines is a quirky shop with a circus-like atmosphere that sells colorful, whimsical cans of sardines)
  • Portuguese wine
  • Gold filigree jewelry
  • Art (you can purchase directly from artists at most of the mirodouros)
  • Tea from Companhia Portugueza do Chá (the British love of tea is all thanks to a Portuguese woman who married the king of England)

Please don’t buy authentic azulejos. Many are stolen , and increasing the demand for the tiles from historic buildings increases the incentive for thieves to continue destroying the azulejos that make this city special. 

Dinner: DIY-style

It’s your last chance to bring a little Portugal home with you. Join a cooking class to perfect the art of petiscos (Portuguese tapas) or go for a full-fledged 3-course meal . No matter which option you choose, you’ll be prepared to host a Portuguese-themed dinner party when you return home. 

All good things must come to an end, and it’s time to fly back home! I hope this Lisbon travel guide has helped you to fall in love with Lisbon, and that we’ll see you back in Portugal again someday in the future. 

Até breve!  See you soon! 

What was your favorite part of your trip? Let me know in the comments! 

Pin this Lisbon itinerary!

lisbon travel review

Candace Capron

Sunday 7th of January 2024

Where did you try your favorite cheese and what was the name of the cheese. I cannot wait to try out your suggestions this summer!

Friday 12th of January 2024

It's queijo de Azeitao, and you can find it at most grocery stores! If you want a more bespoke experience, check out Manteigaria Silva in Baixa!

Friday 27th of January 2023

I have a disability that makes it hard for me to climb. I can do it and I will do it, but I am wondering how much climbing there is with all the tourist attractions.

Tuesday 31st of January 2023

Lisbon has definitely earned its nickname as the "city with seven hills." There is quite a bit of climbing, and unfortunately, many parts of Lisbon are not very disability friendly. Thankfully, there's a great public transportation system and many free elevators throughout the city to help avoid some of the stairs! I hope you have an amazing time!

Wednesday 24th of August 2022

Hello and thank you for this very informative blog. As a result, we've booked the tile painting. I was also suggesting to my group that we go to Mini-Bar. However, one of them pointed out that the latest reviews - mostly those over the summer - have been quite poor. Do you know of anything that could have changed? We are going in mid-September. Thank you again!

Thursday 25th of August 2022

I'm so happy to hear you've booked the tile painting— I hope you love it as much as my mom and I did! I have been to Mini Bar three times— most recently in May. I've always had great service and an awesome experience. I love the unique presentations and find joy in things not being as they appear. If that kind of thing sounds exciting to you, I think you'll have a great time!

Friday 25th of February 2022

Thank you! I've read a bunch of Lisbon articles and they are all basically the same so I appreciated having a few different ideas. We're looking at a late May visit and I'm jotting down a bunch of your restaurant recommendations!

Saturday 26th of February 2022

This makes me so so happy to hear; I loved putting together this list and I'm glad it's been helpful! I hope you have a wonderful trip to Lisbon!

Lisbon Travel Blog: Complete City Guide

This Lisbon travel blog and guide has all you need to know to plan your trip to the trendiest hotspot in Europe right now. Budget, tourist traps and places not to miss vs main tourist traps, places to eat and of course insider tips. After all I’ve lived in Lisbon for a decade!

After living in Lisbon for 10 years, I know pretty much every corner and street of Lisbon by now and it’s unlike any other European capital.

Although it’s lively and busy, the rhythm of life is somehow slower. Although it has got a modern vibe, it respects tradition. And although it is visited by an ever-increasing number of tourists, it still boasts tons of character and uniqueness.

Together with this detailed itinerary , this easy-to-digest guide will tell all you need to know before visiting Lisbon .

lisbon travel blog guide baixa district santa justa view

I’ve made the hard work for you. This is a pre-filtered list of hotels in the best areas to stay in Lisbon.

Lisbon has a LOT of tourists right now, and I’m afraid we have reached the amusement park level and is suffering the consequences of massive tourism and gentrification. For more chances to discover the “local” and “authentic” Lisbon, come outside the summer months (June, July, August) and avoid staying in AirBnB-packed areas like Alfama.

Best time to visit Lisbon

praca comercio tejo river lisbon travel blog guide

You are absolutely fine to go to Lisbon anywhere between March and October, as the warm weather in Portugal lasts for about half a year.

That said, visiting during the months of July and August the experience can be disappointing. Not only it might be too hot for some people to be walking around – temperatures can easily reach 35 degrees – but also everywhere you go will be busy. Prices of accommodation and goods are higher during summer.

Personally, I think June and September are the best months to be in Lisbon . June is the official month of Lisbon street festivities , so expect parties, open-air concerts, and shows pretty much every day.

September is just right in terms of weather – perfect for a beach day in one of Lisbon’s gorgeous golden sand strips – and tourist crowds.

What to visit in Lisbon

Lisbon attractions map.

The below map contains all the main attractions in Lisbon as well as some of the top restaurants and bars in the city. These are handpicked my me.

You can easily download this map offline and use it to get around when you’re there.

Orange pins: Places not to miss Blue pins: Points of interest Purple pins: Restaurant recommendations Green pins: Bar recommendations Grey pins: Day trips

Lisbon is a playground for adults, with a lot to do and unique things to to experience . Don’t forget all the day trips you can do from Lisbon too!

What is worth to visit

I’ve covered all the worthy attractions in my detailed itinerary of Lisbon in more detail.

I’ll now address about what to expect in each area of Lisbon.

This area used to be the harbour and departure point of all the Portuguese ships in Discoveries Era. You can breathe history here amongst the majestic monuments, spacious gardens and gorgeous river views.

Many things to keep you busy here. The overcrowded Torre de Belém (Belém Tower), the imponent Padrão dos Descobrimentos and the intricate Mosteiro dos Jerónimos are all ode to the glorious Portuguese past as well as beautiful photo opportunities.

travel blog lisbon city guide belem jeronimos monastery

Belém is also the museum district of Lisbon, where locals go for their monthly cultural dose. You can find interesting exhibits in Museu Berardo , Museu dos Coches or in the futuristic MAAT – museum for art, technology and architecture.

How to get to Belém

Take the train or the tram E15 in Cais do Sodré . Your destination stop is Belém . You can also take the 27, 28, 29, 43 and 49 buses which follow the same route.

Alfama, Sé, Graça & Castelo

Alfama is in essence a labyrinth of steep cobblestone streets who up until recent years were the most traditional part of the city. These days, every other door is an Airbnb apartment, but somehow the essence still lingers by. Great neighborhood to get beautifully lost and find kids playing soccer, neighbours chit chatting or putting the laundry out to dry.

Many places worth to visit in the surroundings. Sé Catedral and one of the many miradouros (viewpoints). My favorite are Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte and Miradouro Portas do Sol with its absolutely gorgeous panoramic views facing east and southwest of the city, respectively. Both are great places to grab a cup of wine and take it all in.

lisbon 3 day itinerary alfama district what to see and do lisbon

Despite being increasingly touristy, Lisbon has still some uncovered bits and most of it the hidden beauty lies in these parts. Places like the overlooked Museu do Azulejo (Tile Museum) or the bi-weekly flea market of Feira da Ladra are true hidden gems .

Crowning this maze of authenticity and sitting on the highest hill of Lisbon, the millenium-old Castelo de São Jorge also deserves a visit. For better experience, time your visit for the sunset.

Got a place to stay in Lisbon already? (1/2) ⭐

lisbon itinerary 3 days - Hotel HF Fenix Music best hotel lisbon swimming pool rooftop

Baixa & Rossio

Contrasting to the rest of the city, the downtown area of Lisbon – Baixa Pombalina – has ordered streets, majestic buildings and consistent architecture. This is where visitors usually spend more time.

My personal favorite is Praça do Comércio (Comércio Square): the grandest of the squares in Lisbon and one of the largest in Europe. Historically this was the gateway to the city, where goods from the colonies were traded.

lisbon airport to city center insider tips

Be sure to take a look and go up Rua Augusta Arch , on the northern end of the square and Cais das Colunas , a popular relaxing spot next to the river. Also in Praça do Comercio you can find the iconic café Martinho da Arcada , a favorite from legendary portuguese writers like Eça de Queiroz and Fernando Pessoa.

A bit further up opposite the river, Rossio is the very heart of Lisbon . The beautiful wave-inspired cobblestone pavement – calçada portuguesa – covers the entire square.

💡 TIP: Most restaurants in Baixa are massive tourist traps, offering mediocre food at big prices. Avoid eating in this area.

Chiado & Bica

These are two very different neighborhoods sitting very close to each other.

travel blog lisbon city guide lisboa portugal chiado rua garrett summer

Chiado is the elegant and artsy district, beloved by many poets and writers. Place of theaters, old bookshops and fancy restaurants, you can find a real-sized statue of Fernando Pessoa in A Brasileira , one of Chiado’s century-old cafés.

Most of this bustling area was destroyed in a massive fire in 1988 but has since been reborn. Together with Avenida da Liberdade , Rua Garrett holds the title for the more expensive real estate of Lisbon .

lisbon travel blog guide bica hidden gem district

Despite being a more laid-back and picturesque residential district, Bica is still home to one of the most photographed streets. Bica Funicular , a top tourist attraction, runs through Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo since 1892.

The rest of the neighborhood still remains true to its past though, boasting charm from its extremely steep streets, 17th century buildings and balconies filled with flowers.

Separating both Chiado and Bica , lies Largo de Camões : a popular meeting spot for lisboners. Take the pulse of the city here amongst the trams, the traditional kiosk and the elegant buildings all around. The statue in the center is in honour of Luís de Camões, an iconic portuguese 16th century poet who wrote the Os Lusíadas masterpiece.

Other areas to go in Lisbon

Uphill Chiado and Bairro Alto , Príncipe Real is the hipster-est and trendiest part of Lisbon . This is where you’ll find alternative bars, gay bars, second-hand shops as well as vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free/organic/kosher/whatever places to eat. You get the idea. That said, this area has hands down some of the best restaurants in the city.

Sit on the a café in Jardim do Príncipe Real and do some people-watching. Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden) is very rough around the edges, but still a pleasant stroll. My favorite place: the leafy Praça das Flores , one of the most chilled spots in the city.

city guide lisbon travel blog principe real district kiosk

Hop on a ferry at Cais do Sodré and head to Cacilhas , on the other side of the Tejo river. This side is dominated by the Cristo Rei (Christ the Redeemer) statue, a 40-min walk away. A mini version of the one in Rio de Janeiro , but not really worth the walk IMO.

Instead, just walk along the docks in Cacilhas . Apart from a different-yet-still-beautiful perspective of Lisbon , there are 2 great restaurants here: Atira-te Ao Rio and Ponto Final . Both amongst the best choices for a romantic dinner with the river literally at your feet and Lisbon as backdrop.

They’re always packed so come early or make a reservation.

lisbon travel blog guide cacilhas restaurant river tejo

Extra: Day trip to Sintra

Finally I HIGHLY recommend you take a day trip to the fairytale village of Sintra . Here, imposing castles and ancient palaces live in harmony with exotic gardens and greenery. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason.

There are sights in Sintra to keep you busy for a whole day. From the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira to the intricate Palácio de Montserrat or the iconic Castelo dos Mouros .

lisbon travel blog guide daytrip to sintra

The main attraction however is Palácio da Pena , a colorful Disney-like palace brimming with over-the-top designs. It is located on the very top of a hill and from up there, you can delight yourself with breathtaking views from all the Sintra , Cascais and Lisbon region. Go early as it gets really crowded after 11am.

How many days to stay in Lisbon?

You might be wondering how many days would you need for all this. My detailed itinerary of Lisbon is based on 3 full days. Any less and you will be missing out one way or another.

lisbon travel guide and blog

Lisbon Detailed Itinerary (3 Days)

Continue reading more about Lisbon with a complete 3-day itinerary packed with tips and advice for the main sights of the city. Read now >>

However I highly recommend you staying longer. Not only you can see the main sights less in a rush, but there’s just so many secret places worth to uncover and great day trips to go in!

The below table contains day plans up until 6 full days in the city.

Lisbon Tourist Traps

After the goodies, I decided to incorporate a section on the experiences you want to AVOID in Lisboa.

It’s a bit depressing to think 5 or 10 years ago this section wouldn’t make sense. Back then pretty much everything in Lisbon was a hidden gem and there were definitely no tourist traps. Heck, there were hardly tourists!

Anyway, here are the main time and money wasters of Lisboa .

Torre de Belém

lisbon travel blog guide belem tower tourist trap

Torre de Belém (Belém Tower) is a iconic symbol of the Portuguese Era of Discoveries and a stunning sight on the outside. A true architectural statement sitting right next to the river. For some reason I’ve featured it on my Lisbon itinerary .

The tourist trap happens from the moment you buy the ticket and go inside. Firstly, there’s not really much to see , apart from the major staircase and the main terrace.

Then – you guessed it – it’s overrun with tourists. Prepare to dry out in the sun while you wait in the queue as well as major human traffic congestions of people going up and down the narrow staircases inside.

Basically see it from the outside, avoid going in.

Pastéis de Belém

Apparently the original recipe of custard tarts is held by Pastéis de Belém , a pastry shop that opened in 1837. Today, is recommended by travel guides who have no idea what they’re saying when they say this is the “best pastel de nata” in town.

Every time I go there I feel underwhelmed. The tarts are always cold. There are way too many people inside, to the point where the chit chatter becomes noise . And the service is just what every restaurant/bar/coffee shop doesn’t want to be: blunt and industrial .

Fortunately there are now many good pastry shops in Lisbon with homemade pastéis de nata . One of them is #7 on my list of hidden gems of Lisbon !

Santa Justa Lift

OMG, for some reason people are obsessed with this place. I honestly don’t get why would anyone people place themselves on a huge queue for a absolutely-normal-and-definitely-not-life-changing 20-second lift ride.

You can get a similar experience without wasting an hour of your life. Or even without paying. Just enter through Largo do Carmo for free and make your time count!

The Tram 28

travel blog lisbon city guide tram 28

The Tram #28 is perhaps the largest tourist trap in the city. I mean, it’s literally a trap. The tram is known by the high concentration of pickpockets, as the crowded rides are the perfect opportunity for them to act.

Apart from this, prepare to wait (a lot!) to hop on 28. In peak months, the waiting time on the queue can be up to 1h30 as the stops are absolutely packed with tourists.

In fact I truly feel bad for the locals in this area, their daily transportation routine has been completely ruined.

Fado dinner “tours”

Fado is the most unique type of portuguese music and integral part of Lisbon ‘s culture. It’s beautifully melancholic and you’ll most likely feel the song, if you don’t understand a word of they’re singing.

That said, deny any suggestion of guides trying to shove down your throat suggest dinner + Fado shows as one of the most authentic things you can do in Lisbon . Why?

  • The price . The dinner + fado combo “packages” cost anywhere between 40-60 euros which is a total rip-off. In some, drinks are not even included.
  • The food . One word: mediocre.
  • Not a “local” experience . Very rarely locals this. Fado shows are the equivalent of flamenco shows in Spain . They’re made for tourists and only for tourists only which is a huge turn-off if you ask me.

Museu Calouste Gulbenkian

It really surprises me how this place is featured in some of Lisbon’s top guides. It is in essence a rich man’s personal collection with no particular highlights. And I’m pretty sure personal collections can get more interesting than this.

I can see loads of better things you can do in Lisbon with the 10 EUR entrance fee.

How to get around Lisbon

Best way to get around lisbon.

By far the best way to explore Lisbon is to walk. Despite being hilly, the city is full of hidden gems that will surprise you at every turn. Whether its magnificent views, a little kitsch shop or just amazing street art, you’ll never find it unless you’re walking.

Public transportation in Lisbon

Public transport is good, but not excellent. To ride the metro, trams, buses and trains you’ll need a reusable VivaViagem card. This paper card is reusable and you can then top-up up with individual trips Note however the tickets are NOT the same: the card only holds tickets of one type (bus, metro, train, etc).

For this reason I prefer to top-up VivaViagem with money (Zapping version). This credit is valid in any combination of public transport. There’s also a 24H day multi-transport pass, which pays itself after 3 bus/tram rides.

travel guide lisboa blog transport diagram

For more detailed info on public transportation in Lisbon head here .

Other ways of getting around

Strangely, you’ll see many tuk-tuks around. These have been described by locals as a plague and are directed for tourists only. Prices can be expensive.

I’d avoid taxis completely as they’re known for scams when they have tourists as clients. Specially in airport trips. Apps like MyTaxi help you make sure you get a friendly and honest driver. There are cheaper ride-sharing options though: Uber and Cabify are widely available.

Where to stay in Lisbon

Buildings in the old neighbourhoods in Lisbon have been refurbished to serve as accommodation for tourists on Airbnb. As a result, the flat offer locals is now much smaller and the rents are unbearable for Portuguese standards.

Instead of an apartment, if possible book a hotel or guesthouse which does have less of an impact on the local housing market.

Best areas to stay in Lisbon

Alfama and Castelo are entirely packed with tourists. Intendente , Anjos are cheaper may have some (rare) safety issues and are not the prettiest areas to live for a few days.

I’d also avoid staying in the up-and-coming hipster areas of Bairro Alto (it can get very noisy at night) and in Martim Moniz .

Aim for any area in the “central axis” of Lisbon – São Sebastião , Marquês , Avenida , Restauradores and Baixa and Príncipe Real . They’re all a great choice in terms of shops, restaurants, and transportation.

Below are my top 2 recommendations.

Value-for-money places to stay in Lisbon

road trip portugal lisbon - Hotel HF Fenix Music best hotel lisbon swimming pool rooftop

We Love F Tourists

Located in busy Rossio – the heart of Lisbon – it’s just one of those amazing value places that will make you feel at home. Perfect to make friends. Book now

Or… find your own!

Use this list of quality hotels and guesthouses I’ve put together to get you started. ALL of these are located in the best central areas of Lisbon , with WiFi and with a rating of 8 or higher. Just pick your favourite!

Lisbon Beaches

lisbon travel review

One of the major selling points of Lisbon is its proximity to wide Atlantic beaches, perfect for surfing, swimming or just procrastinating while getting tanned. There are many beach possibilities around – specially if you get a car to get around – but I’ll just drop here my top 5.

Make sure to check my Lisbon beach guide , with complete reviews, a map and tips as to where to go and where NOT to go.

Top 5 beaches near Lisbon

With no particular order:

  • Portinho da Arrábida . Located in a bay enclosed by the a natural park it boasts incredible crystal clear waters. 1 hour from Lisbon and sadly a nightmare to park.
  • Praia da Adraga . A rugged coast with huge cliffs make this beach one of the most dramatic ones in Portugal . The landscape is gorgeous and a bit more safeguarded from the crowds in Praia das Maçãs .
  • Praia da Mata . This beach is actually just one of a total of 15km of Atlantic golden sand beaches of Costa da Caparica . Get there by bus or car. When there’s no traffic, it should be only a 25-min journey.
  • Praia do Meco . Wild and remote, but with great facilities. The main bar/restaurant is very popular hotspot for watching the sunset with a caipirinha in one hand. 1h from Lisbon by car.
  • Praia da Comporta . I just love the beach near this little town surrounded by rice fields and the bliss of Alentejo landscape. 1h30 to get there from Lisbon , so worth to consider staying there for the night.

To make it clear: these are my favorite beaches. You can still find some lower quality but more accessible beaches near Estoril and Cascais . They’re a 30/40 min train ride from the Cais do Sodré station.

What and where to eat in Lisbon

travel blog lisbon guide lisboa pasteis de nata egg custard tarts

There’s hardly a better destination for foodies. Lisbon is packed with great food at delicious prices!

Make sure you try the most popular local specialties:

What to eat in Lisbon

  • Sardinhas grelhadas : grilled sardines are one of Portugal’s most beloved dishes. They’re the symbol of Festas de Lisboa month-long party in June.
  • Bacalhau : they say Portuguese have 365 ways of cooking bacalhau (cod) – we are really world experts. Bacalhau com natas (with cream), Bacalhau à Brás (with fries and scrambled egg) are the most popular choices, but you’re on to a memorable meal with anything on the menu.
  • Caldo Verde : kale soup with slices of chorizo. Sounds boring but it’s actually authentic, delicious and healthy.
  • Pastel de nata : the iconic egg custard tarts. They’re easily available in all pastry shops and accompanied by a bica (café).

The restaurant scene is more alive than never. There’s a place for every budget nd type of food.

Yet I still think for anyone visiting the goal is to go local and seek authenticity on a plate. There are a few places where you can have delicious traditional food in Lisbon :

🍴 Toma Lá Dá Cá (Travessa do Sequeiro, 38)

Very typical and unpretentious place. Don’t expect creative or imaginative dishes, just authentic food as it’s served in any Portuguese home. I find it a particularly amazing choice for meat lovers, but grilled fish is great too. You won’t be disappointed.

🍴 A Gina (Parque Mayer)

Great honest food from the North of Portugal, respecting traditional ingredients and ways of cooking. You can eat a LOT for 20EUR/person, but I’m particularly fan of their meat.

🍴 Carvoaria Jacto (Rua Maria Andrade, 6A)

A steakhouse, done the portuguese way. Choose your meat (lamb, beef or pork), the cut and size and they’ll cook it for you. Salad is complimentary. Everything is great quality, but the Posta À Mirandesa will rock your world.

💡 TIP: the side items that magically appear on your table before the meal are NOT free. I’m talking about bread, olives, cheese, etc. If you don’t want them, flag immediately to the waiter so that they don’t charge you in the end.

city guide lisbon travel blog meat platter food lisboa

Seeking a place to stay in Lisbon? Search no more! (2/2) ⭐

lisbon itinerary 3 days best hotel chiado downtown

Lisbon nightlife

One thing I love about Lisbon is how down-to-earth it can be. “Going out” in the city can be as simple as grabbing a drink from a bar and drinking on a street in Bairro Alto . And it’s damn fun.

There are fancier cocktail bars and clubs, but for this you can go everywhere else in the world, right?

Cais do Sodré

This part of Lisbon is mostly known for its nightlife with loads of unique bars and nightclubs around. People gather around Rua Nova do Carvalho , also known as Rua Cor-de-Rosa (Pink Street).

Have a drink at Pensão Amor , which used to be a cheap pension with rooms rented by the hour to prostitutes and their clients. The 18th-century building has a total of 5 floors and amongst its burlesque decoration, you can find old posters from peep shows, poles and other suggestive items.

Bairro Alto

During the day is one of the oldest and most traditional neighborhoods in Lisbon. At night, specially during weekends, this maze of cobblestone streets gains a new life and turns into the city’s major nightlife hotspot.

Tips for Lisbon nightlife

  • Timings are everything. Locals usually have dinner between 20:00 and 21:30 and don’t go clubbing before 1 or 2 in the morning.
  • Most people will grab a drink in Bairro Alto or Cais do Sodré . If you’re looking for a more chilled location, try Bica and the street along the funicular line (Elevador da Bica).
  • The most famous – and allegedly best? – nightclub in Lisbon is Lux (Av. Infante D. Henrique, Armazém A, Santa Apolónia). This converted warehouse is known for its ecletic electronic music.

hotels lisbon safest areas

I’ve made the hard work for you. This is a pre-filtered list of hotels in the safest areas of Lisbon.

How to get to Lisbon

Lisbon is not in a central location in Europe, so the best way of getting there is by plane.

Companies like TAP Portugal assure daily connections from the United States, South America and Africa. If you’re based in the US, also have a look at travel package deals combining flight + hotel + transfers. Some of them might be a good deal – the best one for this is Azores Getaways .

If you’re coming from inside Europe, your choices are dramatically larger. Several low-costs fly to terminal 2 of Lisbon airport, including Ryanair, Easyjet and Norwegian. To find which one has the best prices on the dates you’re interested, check Skyscanner or my new favorite app TravelPerk .

Regardless of where you’re flying from, when arriving Lisbon , make sure you don’t scammed by the taxi drivers. There are far better options to go to Lisbon city center .

Cost of things in Lisbon

To give you a good idea of the budget you can expect, I’ll give you some examples of what things usually cost me in Lisbon. The prices have been updated in August 2019.

Lisbon budget and daily costs

  • Transportation : The VivaViagem card costs 0,50 EUR. An individual metro ticket is 1,5 EUR, but the Zapping option (topping up money is more convenient). For buses, onboard ticket are even more expensive so it’s better to buy your ticket in advance.
  • Food : a typical lunch menu will cost anywhere between 8 and 15 euros (includes main dish + drink + dessert). For dinner, prices start at 30/35EUR for a full dinner for two, including wine.
  • Water : going up and down those hills will make you thirsty. A big water bottle (1,5L) costs from 0,35EUR in local supermarkets.
  • Accommodation : Prices of accommodation have risen significantly in recent years. Realistically, private rooms start at 40 euros per night. But there’s a room for all budgets – see here my list of hotel suggestions .
  • Entrance fees : the main sights in Lisbon range from the 3 EUR for Arco da Rua Augusta up until the 12 EUR of Mosteiro dos Jerónimos.

Overall and comparing to other european capitals, Lisbon is very cheap. You’ll see the city offers loads for your money, particularly in the food department.

If you’re traveling with more people and dividing costs, it is perfectly possible to get around with less than 60-70 euros per day, accommodation included.

Insider tips for Lisbon

  • Avoid taking taxis, specially if you’ve just arrived to Lisbon . There are far more reliable scam-free options to get to the city center .
  • “Drug” dealers in Baixa are completely harmless. In fact most of them don’t even sell real drugs. Say no and go on with your life.
  • Start off your days portuguese style with a café (coffee) and a pastel de nata (custard tart) in any coffee or pastry shop. Repeat after lunch and dinner, if desired.
  • Whenever you see a sign saying miradouro , follow it. You’ll be rewarded with great views.
  • Couvert items in restaurants – olives, cheese, bread, etc – do not come for free. In fact they can be overpriced. If you don’t want them, just say no as soon as the waiter comes.
  • Do NOT eat in any restaurant with hawkers inviting you in. While in some the food is actually not that bad, others can be a tourist trap. This is specially true in Rua das Portas de Santo Antão .
  • Tipping is completely optional. You do it only if you think your service was far more than expected.

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Lisbon Review

It’s kind of awkward to review the city where I’ve lived for almost 10 years. It’s like you’re reviewing your family: you acknowledge all the flaws, but you still love them anyway.

There’s no doubt recent years have completely transformed Lisbon. Some say it’s for worse – and for sure the “Venice effect” is there. More visitors, tuk-tuks, souvenir shops, and hotels opening in historical buildings are now opening to cater this invasion.

On the other hand, it also means less decrepit buildings, increased safety, more food choices. There’s a positive energy and vibe in the air. There might be many underlying problems going on, but my beloved Lisbon is alive and charming as always.

Lisbon Travel Guide – Other Useful Links

  • The Best Day Trips from Lisbon
  • Visit Portugal : Portuguese official tourism board
  • Weather in Lisbon : detailed data about weather in Lisbon
Have you used this Lisbon travel guide? Which other tips for Lisbon would you add? Feel free to share below your experience, I want to continuously improve this article!

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Traveltomtom<span>.</span>

Ultimate Lisbon Travel Guide for 2024

lisbon travel review

The capital and largest city of Portugal is a beautiful charming city with several characteristic Bairros de Lisboa (neighborhoods) with historical culture and unique architectural landmarks. It’s one of the oldest cities in Western Europe and in the world. Lisbon is situated at the mouth of the Tagus River and is Europe’s only capital city along the Atlantic coast. English is widely spoken so language shouldn’t be an issue if you travel to Lisbon.

lisbon travel guide 1

This Lisbon travel blog is a complete guide with everything you need to know plus the ultimate 3-day itinerary including free walking routes along the best places to visit and the Lisbon highlights. Find some useful Lisbon travel tips about the public transport, optional things to do in Lisbon, where to eat and the best place to stay for your an incredible trip to Lisbon.

What is the best time to visit Lisbon?

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This lovely city has a Mediterranean climate with one of the warmest winters and mildest nighttime temperatures among European cities. That makes Lisbon a perfect destination to visit all year round. The best time to visit Lisbon depends on your needs. 

For surfers it’s best to go in wintertime (great waves), budget travelers probably like January and February (cheapest months). Beach lovers and worshipers of sun and warm weather should travel to Lisbon during July to September; these are the hottest months, but because of summer holidays also the most expensive ones. 

Overall it’s best to visit Lisbon from March to June or after the summer holidays in September and October. During those months the weather is pleasant (18-25°C), Lisbon hotels are cheaper and there are fewer tourists. I visited Lisbon many times, but this travel guide for Lisbon is based on my trip in April unfortunately we had some rain and it was quiet cold for the time of the year (had to wear my winter jacket).

Stay connected when traveling to Portugal and don't waste money on high roaming charges. Check out my complete guide for the best prepaid tourist sim card for Portugal in 2024  or my list of the best e-sim cards for traveling to Portugal . You can also buy a sim card at Lisbon Airport  on arrival.

How many days you need to explore Lisbon?

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On a 3-day Lisbon itinerary you’re able to visit all of the main Lisbon tourist attractions and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of the city! A three days Lisbon trip will also allow you to explore the main historic neighborhoods such as Alfama, Baixa, Rossio, Chiado, Bairro Alto and Belém. If you have some extra days I would suggest to travel to Lisbon for 4 days or 5 days. This gives you the possibility to either enjoy more time in your favorite Lisbon areas or go on a day trip to for example the picturesque Unesco-listed Sintra and the former fishing village Cascais, which is now a famous Portugal tourist destination for its beaches, marina and lively harbor. 

If you like to add some relax-time at the beaches along the Atlantic coast you can easily spend a week in and around Lisbon. There is no need to book a day-trip to Sintra or excursions to Cascais or Cristo do Rei since you can easily visit all these Lisbon highlights and things to do in Lisbon by public transport. Another travel tip is to continue your trip from Lisbon to Porto and a road trip to the Algarve .

Where to stay in Lisbon?

lisbon 5 kim paffen

There are many great Lisbon hotels and the best place to stay in Lisbon depends on your budget, needs and requirements. Since I prefer smaller centrally located boutique hotels instead of huge hotels away from the heart of Lisbon I chose to stay at the charming 4-star LX Boutique hotel , perfectly located in the heart of ‘historical Lisbon’ Cais do Sodré.

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It’s the only hotel in downtown Lisbon that offers views over the Tagus River, Ponte 25 de Abril and Cristo do Rei. It’s also near Pink Street, around the corner of Mercado de Ribeira and only a short walking distance to Bairro Alto, Chiado and Baixa.

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To reach other popular attractions, you can easily use the public transport (Lisbon travel tip: buy a Viva Viagem card to pay for your journeys). The metro station (green line) is only a 3-minute walk from the hotel, next to the ferry station to visit Cristo do Rei and the train station to go to Belém. It’s a perfect location to go anywhere in the city. 

There are also some of the best Lisbon restaurants in this area and for our Sushi lovers I would like to mention that this hotel has its own trendy sushi restaurant called ‘Confraria LX’.

What is a Viva Viagem card and where can you buy it?

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A Viva Viagem card is a great Lisbon travel tip and a fast and easy way to pay for the use of public transport in Lisbon. You can use it to travel on tram, metro, funicular, ferry, bus and the suburban train. For the bus, tram and funicular you can choose to use your Viva Viagem card or to buy a ticket from the driver, but these fares are more expensive. You can buy the card in for example metro and ferry stations at ticket machines or ticket offices and will cost you 0,50 euro. After that you can choose between a single ticket (1,50 euro), a 1-day ticket valid for 24-hours (between 7 and 10 euro depending on the region) or zapping (you can choose your amount). It is the best way to get to all the places to visit in Lisbon.

For my 3-day Lisbon trip I chose the zapping-option and loaded 10 euro to start with (you can easily buy new credit for the same card). You can use the card by swiping it across the card readers to open the gates. I bought mine at the airport because I chose to take the Metro from Lisbon airport to the city center. The red metro line connects the airport to the other three metro lines (yellow, green and blue) and will bring you to Lisbon city center within 30 minutes. Trust me you want to buy this card when you travel to Lisbon.

3-day Lisbon Itinerary + free walking routes

  • Day 1: Cais do Sodré – Baixa – Rossio – Chiado – Avenida da Liberdade – Bairro Alto
  • Day 2: Almada (Cristo Rei + Ponte 25 de Abril) – Belém – Alcântara – Cais do Sodré
  • Day 3: Alfama and tram 28 (possibility to extend with Parque das Nações, Estrela or Príncipe Real)

When I was preparing my 3-day trip to Lisbon, I couldn’t find much useful free walking routes. Probably because it isn’t really necessary, but if you travel to Lisbon for only 3 days and love to have a plan to not miss out on all the things to do and places to see check out the links that will give you access to free walking routes I created for you in Google maps. Im sure it is a great addition to all the Lisbon tips out there already.

Day 1 in Lisbon

Covering: cais do sodré – baixa – rossio – chiado – avenida da liberdade – bairro alto.

On this first day in Lisbon we explored Central Lisbon on foot and walked from our hotel in Cais do Sodré to Baixa, passing through Chiado and Avenida da Liberdade to end in Bairro Alto and back to LX Boutique Hotel in Cais do Sodré. 

LX Boutique Hotel 08KimPaffen

The centrally located neighborhood Cais do Sodré is a good place to start your first day in Lisbon. We started at Praça Duque De Terceira, a nice square facing the Rio Tagus (Tagus River) and our hotel. This square is also the starting point of Ribeira das Naus, a nicely renovated riverfront promenade (walking area) that connects Cais do Sodré to the nearby Terreiro do Paço in Baixa. Walk along the river, enjoy the musicians, have a drink and admire the views! 

Praça Duque De Terceira 09KimPaffen

The promenade ends at Terreiro do Paço, also known as Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square). It is positioned on the banks of the Tagus River with large yellow symmetrical buildings occupied by the government and a huge open space with a statue of King Dom José I in the center of the square. No wonder it is one of the highlights of Lisbon and one of the most important squares and a popular meeting spot. From this point you can easily walk to Praça Dom Pedro IV (Rossio Square).

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Walk through the beautiful Arco da Rua Augusta (triumph arch) to Rua Augusta; a nice pedestrian street that connects these two popular squares. Rua Augusta is the main commercial street in Baixa where you will find several cafés and shops such as H&M, Mango and Zara. In a Lisbon travel guide I found out it’s also a good place to buy some souvenirs and they were right. If you like you can also take a lift to the top of the arch, followed by a staircase to get a panoramic view of Baixa and Terreiro do Paço.

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At the end of Rua Augusta, you’ll reach Rossio Square; a lively iconic square with two beautiful baroque fountains in literally the center of Lisbon (Rossio neighborhood) where people sit and relax or enjoy the many cozy outdoor terraces of the restaurants and cafés. This is a Lisbon must see! Right next to this square you will find Praça da Figueira, another nice square that is home to Lisbon’s oldest patisserie (Confeitaria Nacional), hotels and cafés. 

For lunch, I recommend Veganapati around the corner of the square; a lovely spot for vegans, but non-vegans will love this healthy and nicely decorated urban lunch-spot too. A great Lisbon restaurant to try out for you. Their cuisine is based on fresh natural food; low in calories with an emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, low fat non-dairy products and avoidance of added artificial salts, colors and flavors.

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After lunch, continue your walk to Elevador de Santa Justa (Santa Justa Lift), also known as Elevador do Carmo. An apprentice of Gustav Eiffel built the 45-meter high lift in 1902 to connect lower Bairro Alto to the upper Largo do Carmo (Carmo Square). This also explains the structure’s similarities to Paris’ Eiffel Tower.

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We didn’t take the lift (very crowded and a huge line) but walked through Chiado to the upper Carmo Square instead. In the middle of the shopping-area and cafés of Chiado neighborhood you will find a nice outdoor sculpture of one of Portugal's most famous writers, Escultura de Fernando Pessoa. The statue is located outside 'A Brasileira café’. Lots of tourists take place on the empty chair next to him for a photo together with the writer and pretend listening to one of his famous poems. One of the popular things to do in Lisbon.

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Continue your walk to Convento do Carmo (Carmo monastery), which is close to the top of Santa Justa Lift. The monastery is a testimony to the deadliest earthquake in Lisbon's history in 1755. This gothic style church is amazingly picturesque and should not be missed if you are interested in art, history and archaeology. Explore the area around and walk to the Santa Justa Lift to enjoy some nice views of Lisbon with in the back the iconic castle in Alfama.

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After visiting the highlights of Chiado follow your way to Praça dos Restauradores, the most northern point of Baixa, to enjoy the square and the surrounding buildings like the Eden Theatre.

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This square is dedicated to the restoration of the independence of Portugal from Spain in 1640 and also the beginning of Avenida da Liberdade. It’s the longest street in Lisbon (1,5 km) known as one of the most expensive shopping streets in Europe with various designer shops, expensive restaurants and trendy bars. If you like high-end shopping this is one of the places to visit in Lisbon. Since I don’t have a budget for exclusive shopping I found the walk along Avenida da Liberdade quiet boring.

The street ends at Parque Eduardo VII (Eduardo VII Park), the largest park in central Lisbon with a designed garden and impressive views over Praça Marquês do Pombal, Avenida Liberdade and Tagus River. Walk to the top of the hill, one of the great things to do in Lisbon. It takes some effort, but the view that the park offers on top of the hill definitely makes it worthwhile to go up.

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I have two alternative Lisbon travel tips for you if you want to visit Eduardo Park:

1. There are several metro stations close to the park in case you want to skip the long walk along Avenida da Liberdade: Metro station Marquês de Pombal (downhill), Parque (halfway) or São Sebastião (uphill).

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2. If you don’t feel like walking but you would like to add Avenida da Liberdade to end in the park, then I highly recommend taking a so-called Shared Electric Scooter. You will find one at every corner and it’s a fun and fast (25km/h) way to explore Lisbon. There are around 8 different e-scooter companies and they all require you to download an app. You pay 1 euro to start and 0,15 euro per minute of use, which is an average of 10 euro per hour.

Option 2 is an amazing thing to do in Lisbon! Pick an electric Scooter from Praça dos Restauradores and follow Avenida da Liberdade until you reach the park. You can even take the scooter to the top of the park. Enjoy the view and ride back to Praça dos Restauradores to have a drink in the Hard Rock Café and take Ascensor da Glória (Glória Funicular) up-hill to Bairro Alto to end the first day of your Lisbon itinerary.

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Elevador da Glória is a funicular railway line with iconic yellow trams full of graffiti that connects downtown Baixa with the upper Bairro Alto neighborhood. It’s also possible to walk the steep way up but taking this short tram-ride is a fun experience. Something you can’t miss when you visit Lisbon.

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Don’t forget to take a closer look at the beautiful graffiti street-art on your way up. The funicular stops at São Pedro de Alcântara in Bairro Alto.

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Bairro Alto district is known for its nightlife and therefore a great place to end your first day exploring Lisbon. Enjoy the sunset at one of the ‘miradouro’, for example the Miradouro de Santa Catarina or visit Jardim São Pedro de Alcântara, a beautiful garden.

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Have dinner in one of the high quality Lisbon restaurants in the area and go for a drink in one of the many Bairro Alto bars. Because of the perfect location of our hotel (LX Boutique Hotel) it was an easy walk back (downhill) and if you don’t feel like walking just take a metro or tram.

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Day 2 in Lisbon

Covering: almada (cristo rei + ponte 25 de abril) – belém – alcântara – cais do sodré.

On day 2 we decided to have a closer look at the 110-meter high statue of Cristo Rei (Christ Statue), one of Lisbon's most iconic things to do located in the neighborhood of Almada. With his arms outstretched Cristo Rei dominates the skyline of Lisbon and the banks of the Tagus River. The statue is inspired by the famous Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro.

If you want to avoid crowds it’s best to visit in the morning, but for photos it’s better to visit in the afternoon. I visited in the morning before the crowds and managed to take some nice photos without people and a blue sky.

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It’s not necessary to book a Lisbon excursion to Cristo Rei since it’s very easy to go there on your own. First take the Cacilhas ferry from Cais do Sodré (only a 3-minute walk from LX Boutique Hotel). It’s a 10-minute ferry ride to the other side of the river. On arrival to Cacilhas, take bus 101 and get out at the last stop where you will reach the statue in less than 200 meters. 

If you don’t have a Viva Viagem card yet you can buy it at the station to pay for your ferry ride. In the bus you either pay with your green Viva Viagem card with zapping credit or ask the driver for a return ticket and pay in cash (more expensive).

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It is free to enter the grounds of the Cristo Rei complex and so is the chapel at the entrance. If you want to take the lift to the 80-meter high platform on top of the Christ monument, expect to pay about 8 euros, but you can also enjoy the stunning views of Lisbon, Tagus River and Ponte 25 de Abril without going up.

things to do in lisbon 37

The view of Ponte 25 de Abril (25 April Bridge) is very impressive. The same architect who drew the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco has designed 25 April Bridge, definitely a place to visit in Lisbon. You can see the similarities, but although you would say it’s red, the color is actually ‘International Orange’. It would have been a great thing to do in Lisbon but unfortunately it’s not possible to cross the bridge on foot. You have to go back the same way: bus and ferry. 

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Back in Cais Do Sodré you continue your Lisbon itinerary by taking the Electric Tram Bus (E15) to Bélem at the tram station right next to the Ferry station. Belém is one of the noble areas of Lisbon. No Lisbon trip is complete without exploring the jewels of Belém, a charming suburb located at the riverside, with many historic monuments and museums. 

I recommend riding the tram until the very last stop near Torre de Belém (Belém Tower) and start your Belém sightseeing part from there. Most of the tourists walk the other way around. You can easily spend half a day in Belém it is an amazing thing to do when you visit Lisbon. If you plan to enter most monuments and museums you will probably need more than half a day as there are long queues to visit Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower for example.

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Belém Tower is a small - UNESCO World Heritage - fort that was constructed to guard Lisbon from seafaring attackers. The tower’s unique design includes a modern and heavily armed bastion, extended over the river. In Lisbon’s Belem district, close to the tower, you can also find a remarkable war memorial known as Monumento aos Combatentes do Ultramar (Monument to the overseas combatants). It’s dedicated to soldiers of the Portuguese army who died during the Overseas War of 1961 to 1974. 

The monument consists of three parts: the eternal flame, the V-shaped monument itself and the memorial wall with all the names of the fallen soldiers. The memorial is open all day and there is no entrance fee.

lisbon trip 43

On your way to the monastery I highly recommend visiting the modern Centro Cultural de Belém (Belém Cultural Centre). In this Centre, also referred to as CCB, you can find collections of modern and contemporary art, a number of eateries and small shops. If you want to escape the crowds this Cultural Center is the perfect place for you to have a little rest on one of their beanbags on the grass of the roof terrace or to have lunch, a great Lisbon travel tip believe me!

We ended up in the surprising ‘Este Oeste’ restaurant. They offer a delightful mix of Italian and Japanese cuisine in a beautiful designed area with modern furniture. The staff offered us several free small dishes to taste. All dishes were delicious and I found the mix between Italian and Japanese very surprising. Therefore I recommend Este Oeste as the perfect lunch-spot in Belém. They also have a nice outside terrace overlooking the river. A lovely Lisbon restaurant and a must try on this itinerary.

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CCB strongly contrasts with the opposite located UNESCO-listed Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery), one of the most prominent buildings in Belém and a symbol of Portugal's power and wealth during the Age of Discovery.

lisbon Monastery 47

Did you know that the original recipe of the famous Portuguese pastries pastel da nata (custard tart) was invented by the monks of the Jerónimos Monastery to sell them at a shop next to a sugar cane factory? The secret recipe is at least 180 years old and known by only a few. Today Pastéis de Belém is widely recognized as the patisserie to sample the authentic custard tart in Lisbon and sells thousands of pastéis de nata every day. 

If you have enough time and want to taste the most authentic custard tart, you need to stop at Pastéis de Belém, located only a few meters from the Jerónimos Monastery. A tasty Lisbon travel tip. Because all tourists go there, it’s always very crowded. Since I’m not a fan of huge lines I skipped that part and bought some in a different place and it tasted good as well. You should definitely try these Portuguese pastries on your Lisbon trip.

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From the monastery and patisserie you’re able to walk through the beautiful Praça do Império Garden to Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Discoveries Monument); this huge monument was built in 1940 for the Portuguese World Expo and features more than 30 statues of historical figures who played a big role in Portugal’s Age of Discoveries including Henry the Navigator.

lisbon Praca do Imperio Garden 52

It was given permanent status in 1960 to commemorate the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, responsible for turning Portugal into the leading maritime nation in Europe in the fifteenth century. If you like you can use the lift to the top of this monument for a panoramic view across the Tagus River and Belém.

lisbon Discoveries Monument 53

From there I recommend to take an Electric Scooter along the edge of Tagus River to get to the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT). The design of MAAT is great to see and a nice photography spot with views of the bridge and the river. You can easily walk to the rooftop and inside you can enjoy contemporary art exhibitions. MAAT is also a nice spot to watch the sunset when you travel to Lisbon.

travel to lisbon 54

After MAAT I would suggest visiting Village Underground and LX Factory. Apparently this place can’t be found in a Lisbon travel guide yet as the majority of the tourists did not yet discover it. There weren’t many people at the time we arrived. You can go there by tram or by foot (a 20-minute walk from MAAT).

lisbon travel guide 57

Always dreamed of having a drink in a retro double-decker bus beneath the 25 April Bridge? Then definitely include Village Underground to one of your stops. It’s a co-working space and cultural hot spot, built around 14 shipping containers and two buses. The perfect place to visit in Lisbon for digital nomads and travelers. You will be amazed! I really liked the easygoing atmosphere.

lisbon Village Underground 58

LX Factory is another creative co-working hot spot. It’s an old industrial area with vintage stores, cool restaurants and a rooftop bar with amazing views on Tagus River, Cristo Rei and 25 April Bridge. On the rooftop you will find a great statue of a mosaic girl imitating the Christ statue. It’s a great spot for a sundowner and to enjoy the early or late evening.

If you are up for another long walk along Lisbon’s Tagus River, try walking back from LX Factory to Cais do Sodré (40 minutes). Because we were quiet late and it was already dark we took the tram, but it is a lovely thing to in Lisbon as it is a nice walk back along the river.

lisbon highlights 62

Cais do Sodré is one of the best places for nightlife and has a lot of good Lisbon restaurants. If you want to go (back) to Bairro Alto, the place where you ended on day 1, you can choose to go with Ascensor da Bica. It’s a funicular railway line that brings you to the top of the hill with beautiful views of the streets of Bairro Alto and the Tagus River. We choose to stay in Cais do Sodré to have dinner.

I have two restaurant recommendations for you in this area: SOI (for the people who love Asian food) and ESPADA (a secret seafood hotspot). Both great Lisbon travel tips for foodies. If you want to be sure of a spot I advise you to book a table ahead. Of course, there is something for everyone at the Time Out Market: a traditional food market and food court with plenty of traditional Portuguese food and more! Worth going when visiting Lisbon.

After dinner you might want to explore the nightlife in for example Pink Street. It’s the coolest barhopping spot near the river (and a former red-light district). It’s also around the corner of LX Boutique Hotel, so if you choose to stay there it will take you only 3 minutes to reach your perfect king-sized bed. To me it was the perfect place to stay for my Lisbon trip.

things to do in lisbon 65

Some guests criticise the loud neighborhood, but I didn’t notice any noise pollution and slept like a baby. It might be unpleasant when your window is just above the busy street, so therefore I would advise you to ask for a room at the front side or a room facing the River. Our room was very quiet and loved to sit at the window watching the city life with Cristo Rei and the Bridge in the background.

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Day 3 in Lisbon

Covering: alfama neighborhood and tram 28.

Alfama is the most famous historic and oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, located between São Jorge Castelo (St. Jorge’s Castle) and Tagus River. It’s a really charming neighborhood with small coble stone streets, cozy bars and graffiti. It’s also the place where Fado was created, a Portuguese traditional music genre.

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We started the day at the famous Miradouro Graffiti Fado, just outside Alfama. The most famous Fado graffiti tribute in Lisbon is Fado Vadio, a wall located in the Escadinhas de São Cristóvão. From this point you can easily continue to St. Jorge’s Castle. There are two options to get to the castle: walk the steep way up or take the free elevator. From Baixa the elevator is called Elevador Castelo.

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At the top, you need to cross the street and take a second elevator. It goes upwards to the Zambeze Restaurant. This rooftop restaurant with a nice terrace offers spectacular views of Lisbon city.

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If you like graffiti art I have another Lisbon travel tip for you. There’s an alternative way to get to the top and Zambeze restaurant. Walk to the Graffiti Carpark, next to Fado Vadio. Inside the carpark there are lots of graffiti paintings on every floor and if you take the lift or stairs to the top of the carpark, you also reach The Zambeze Restaurant.

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From the restaurant it’s a 10-minute walk (climb) to the castle. Just follow the signs. You end up at Arco do Castelo, just near the St. Jorge’s Castle. The castle is a national monument and one of the most popular Lisbon tourist attractions. Not only because of its history but also for one of the best views of Lisbon. The castle is located on the highest hill in Lisbon. That’s the reason why the castle can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Even at night it’s part of Lisbon’s skyline.

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The ruins of the castle are very impressive. The castle was destroyed during the earthquake of 1755; most of it has been renovated again and now it is one of the best places to visit in Lisbon. It still retains eleven towers. If you like archeology and nice views, it’s well worth the entrance fee of 10 euros. I would not really recommend it for disabled people, because of the climbs and stairs towards the towers (for the best views of Lisbon). The average visit of the castle takes 2 to 3 hours.

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The castle area also hosts a lot of peacocks on the ground or in the trees. They are quite impressive to watch.

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Searching for a lunch-spot in Alfama? Walk along the surrounding area of the castle and you will come across several small restaurants to have lunch. I highly recommend Augusto Lisboa, where we enjoyed a delicious fresh fruit juice with sweet and savory dishes. The atmosphere in the restaurant is very nice and the people are very friendly. They serve breakfast, lunch, brunch with good coffee but also different local beers. I loved their Avocado/eggs toast and their homemade banana bread! A Lisbon travel tip for hipsters for sure.

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Spend some time exploring Alfama by wandering through the small cobblestone streets to enjoy the nice atmosphere. In my opinion the Alfama district is the most romantic and photogenic neighborhood of Lisbon with lovely viewpoints like Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol. Surely one of my favorite things to do in Lisbon. Also don’t forget to visit Sé Catedral de Lisboa; one of Lisbon’s oldest structures built in 1150.

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If you haven’t been on the scenic tram 28 yet, this is your chance! Tram 28 will take you on a ride covering some of the most scenic corners of the city, a must do in Lisbon. It rides through the neighborhoods of Alfama, Graça, Estrela and Bairro Alto. In Alfama you can hop on tram 28 nearby Miradouro de Santa Luzia, one of the most beautiful panoramic viewpoints in Lisbon.

81 Kim Paffen lisbon

Keep in mind that queues for tram 28 can be long. Alternatively you can choose to use the shorter ride on tram 12 (or 12E). ‘E’ stands for Electric.

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After a long day of strolling down the oldest neighborhood of Lisbon, you can treat yourself with a dinner in one of the Fado restaurants in Alfama or at your favorite Lisbon district. Or if you have enough time left, extend Alfama area with Parque das Nações, Estrela or Príncipe Real to end your Lisbon itinerary for day 3.

Start planning your Lisbon trip! 

Now you know aal the cool things to do in Lisbon. I found my Lisbon trip to be very charming, a great city with friendly people and I felt safe all the time. The only issue tourists may experience is pickpocketing, but if you use common sense at all times you shouldn’t experience any safety issues. I think Lisbon is one of my favorite European capital cities so far and I would love to go back in the future.

Booking.com

If you’re still searching for a good place to stay in Lisbon, LX Boutique Hotel might be your winner! Go check out their rates! The location is perfect, rooms are beautifully designed, clean and spacious and the breakfast buffet was good with enough choice, including mini ‘pastel da nata’ (yum).

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I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this Lisbon travel blog and that it has been useful to you. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need more information about anything. Enjoy your trip to Lisbon and don’t forget to check out my free walking tours around the best spots and highlights of the city.

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This amazing Lisbon travel guide is written by the professional travel photographer Kim Paffen for Traveltomtom. Check out her Instagram account: ourplanetinmylens .

For more of my  blogs about Portugal click on the link or head straight to my Portugal road trip blog . Don't forget to buy a sim card for Portugal , it will save you from high roaming charges.

Enjoy your trip to Lisbon!

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Casual Travelist

Travel and food, with a dash of adventure

25 Tips for Your First Trip to Lisbon, Portugal

By Brianna | April 18, 2018

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Lisbon, Portugal seems to be on everyone’s travel radar these days. Europe’s second oldest capital is equal parts grit and grandeur with both a timeless appeal and modern allure. Lisbon has centuries of history and tradition but is also fiercely independent with a creative streak which makes it one of the most captivating cities in Europe. With so much to see, do and eat planning to travel to Lisbon can be a little daunting, but armed with these tips you can make your first trip to Lisbon one to remember.

25 Tips for Your First Trip to Lisbon, Portugal www.casualtravelist.com

This post contains affiliate links, when you make a purchase or book a hotel through these links the Casual Travelist receives a small  commission that helps support this site at no additional cost to you.

1.Arriving to Lisbon

The Lisbon Portela Airport is Portugal’s main international hub and is well serviced by over 30 airlines. For the most direct way to reach your hotel taxis and Uber are plentiful and costs apporoximately 15 Euro. The most affordable ways to get to Lisbon’s city center are the Metro ( a 25 minute trip on the red line connecting through Saldanha station) or by bus with multiple bus routes serving the city. Check Lisbon Airport’s site for the lastest route information. Visitors from the EU, Britain, Canada and the US do not need a visa, check Visit Portugal for the latest entry requirements.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument of the Discoveries)-25 Tips for Your First Trip to Lisbon, Portugal www.casualtravelist.com

2.Transportation in Lisbon

Lisbon Trams-25 Tips for Your First Trip to Lisbon, Portugal www.casualtravelist.com

Public transportation in Lisbon is decent but not as good as other European capitals. The VivaViagem card is reusable (and offers discounted fares vs. single fare tickets) and can be used for trams, buses, trains and the metro. Taxis, tuk-tuks and Uber are also widely available.

3. Money in Portugal

As part of the EU Lisbon uses the Euro, but compared to other European capitals your money goes far here making Lisbon a great destination for the budget traveler. ATMs are plentiful and most businesses accept credit cards. Beer or a glass of wine can be had for as little as 2 Euro, a quick sandwich for less than 5 Euro, casual menu del dia for 8 Euro and sit down dinners from 15 Euro.

4.Weather in Lisbon

Cais do Sodre-25 Tips for Your First Trip to Lisbon, Portugal www.casualtravelist.com

Weather in Lisbon is fairly moderate with warm summers and cooler,wetter winters. Average high temperatures from June-August range from 80-90 degrees F (25-30 degrees C) while daytime temps in December-February average around 55 degrees F ( 13 degrees C) but are typically wetter than other times of the year. Spring and autumns are glorious with sunny days and average temperatures in the 70s F (22-26 degrees C).

5. Accommodations in Lisbon

Lisbon has a wide range of accommodations from budget hostels to boutique inns and luxury hotels. Renting an apartment is an increasingly popular option but with the popularity of Lisbon as a travel destination many apartment owners are opting to rent through short term sites like Airbnb instead of the traditional long term rental. This unfortunately has priced a lot of locals out of the center of Lisbon.

>Hostels in Lisbon  

>Boutique Hotels in Lisbon

>Luxury Hotels in Lisbon

6. Lisbon has hills. Seven of them.

Lisbon hills-25 Tips for Your First Trip to Lisbon, Portugal www.casualtravelist.com

Like Rome, Lisbon is a city of seven hills and no matter which direction you go it feels like you are always walking up. While I am more than happy to walk these hills (mainly so I can justify eating all the pastel de nata), the people of Lisbon have developed a few easier ways to traverse these steep hills including its famous trams and even an elevator in the middle of the city ( I’ll have more on these shortly).

Itinerary for Four Days in Lisbon

7. Make sure to wear good shoes

Chiado,Lisbon-25 Tips for Your First Trip to Lisbon, Portugal www.casualtravelist.com

Lisbon’s sidewalk mosaic tiles are gorgeous but also quite slick. Be sure to wear shoes with good tread to avoid taking a spill.

8.Lisbon trams

Lisbon Trams-25 Tips for Your First Trip to Lisbon, Portugal www.casualtravelist.com

Perhaps no other image is more associated with Lisbon than a yellow tram climbing the cobblestoned hills past historic tiled buildings (I may or may not have taken over 100 pictures of trams during my visit). Trams are a part of Lisbon’s public transport and can be a great way to get from point A to point B. Tram #28 is especially popular with tourists as it goes pasts several of Lisbon’s most popular sights however it can be quite crowded with wait times to board at over an hour. Tram #28’s popularity with tourists has also made it quite popular with pickpockets as well.

9. For the best views in Lisbon follow signs for Miraduoros

Miraduoros(scenic overlooks in Lisbon-25 Tips for Your First Trip to Lisbon, Portugal www.casualtravelist.com

If you see a sign leading the way to a Miraduoro it would be a good idea to follow where it goes. These scenic overlooks can be found throughout Lisbon. For views overlooking the red tiled roofs of the Alfama district and the Tejo River head to Miraduoro Portas do Sol; or check out the Miraduoro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara near Barrio Alto for great views and people watching.

10. Take in Lisbon’s beautiful sunset views

Sunset views in Lisbon-25 Tips for Your First Trip to Lisbon, Portugal www.casualtravelist.com

More than any other city I’ve been to it seems like much of Lisbon was built solely for taking in amazing sunset views. Join the locals and end your day taking in some of the best sunsets in Europe.

Lisbon Neighborhoods

The Alfama district is a beautiful maze of cobblestone alleys, cozy squares, terracotta tiled roofs and surprises around every corner. Lisbon’s oldest and most traditional neighborhood was untouched by the earthquake of 1755 and today you’re still likely to the sounds of fado echoing through the alleys as you pass ladies hanging their laundry out to dry but you’ll also find Lisbon’s creative spirit on display in the form of colorful street art. The Alfama District is home to the 11th century Sao Jorge Castle and the Se Cathedral, which has been serving Lisbon’s catholic population since 1150.

Alfama, Lisbon-25 Tips for Your First Trip to Lisbon, Portugal www.casualtravelist.com

12. Barrio Alto

A quiet residential neighborhood by day the Barrio Alto comes alive once the sun goes down. Bistros, bars and clubs keep the Barrio Alto buzzing late into the night.

Barrio Alto,Lisbon-25 Tips for Your First Trip to Lisbon, Portugal www.casualtravelist.com

13. Cais do Sodre

Once a seedy area frequented by hard-drinking sailors Cais do Sodre is now home to trendy bars and cafes. Be sure to stop by the Time Out Market and the Mercado da Ribiera to taste the best of Lisbon’s contemporary and traditional flavors.

Pink Stret in Lisbon-25 Tips for Your First Trip to Lisbon, Portugal www.casualtravelist.com

To the west of downtown Lisbon lies Belem, once the port area for Lisbon and departure point for Portuguese explorers during the Age of Exploration. A visit to Belem is one of the top things to do in Lisbon . The Tower of Belem (which in my opinion would make an excellent Game of Thrones filming location) has been seeing off explorers since the 16th century. Nearby the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos is an intricate Unesco World Heritage site with fantastical architecturl details. Belem is also home to Lisbon’s museum district including the contemporary MAAT ( Museum for Art, Architecture and Technology).

To reach Belem take the train or tram 15E from Cais do Sodre.

Tower of Belem,Lisbon-25 Tips for Your First Trip to Lisbon, Portugal www.casualtravelist.com

15.Chiado/Baixia

Located between Barrio Alto and Alfama the neighborhoods of Chiado and Baixia are Lisbon’s upscale neighborhoods. Chiado is artistic, with grand cafes, chic art galleries and a proud literary history. This is also where you’ll find some of Lisbon’s most beautiful architecture including the stunning Carmo Convent, a medieval convent that was destroyed in the earthquake of 1755 whose facade is beautiful and timeless. Baixia is home to wide leafy boulevards lined with tony boutiques and the Elevator de Santa Justa, a wrought iron lift that connects Chiado and Baixia. A popular tourist attraction, waits to ride the elevator can be over an hour. Snap a picture and go on your way.

Santa Justa Elevator,Lisbon-25 Tips for Your First Trip to Lisbon, Portugal www.casualtravelist.com

Food and Drink in Lisbon

16.food in lisbon.

With a focus on simple, fresh ingredients food in Lisbon may be the most underrated cuisine in Europe. With miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean Lisbon is a seafood lovers paradise (more on that below); but carnivores should be sure to sample porco preto , Portugal’s beloved black pork. These Iberian pigs eat a diet of acorns from the cork oak trees that thrive in the Alentejo countryside producing pork with a distinctly nutty taste. Also not to be missed is presunto , a silky dry-cured ham that in my opinion is better than Spain’s jamon iberico. Caldo Verde is a simple but comforting classic Portuguese kale soup. I believe a food tour is a great way to get to know a city and its cuisine in a short amount of time, join one of the culinary walking tours with Backstreet Eats.

What to eat in Lisbon

17. those appetizers aren’t free.

It’s common for waiters to bring out a little plate of nibbles (known as couvert ) at the beginning of the meal that usually includes olives, bread and cheese but be aware it’s not a freebie. To avoid being charged politely send the plate of goodies back untouched.

Seafood in Lisbon25 Tips for Your First Trip to Lisbon, Portugal www.casualtravelist.com

From simply grilled sardine and freshly fried octopus to hundreds of ways to prepare cod (bacalhau) Lisbon is without a doubt one of the best cities for seafood lovers. Lisbon also elevates canned seafood to an art form. Colorful tins contain oil packed sardines, tuna, mackerel and smoked eel that is worlds above that sad can of tuna sitting in your pantry and make for a great souvenir to get in Lisbon .

19. Eat all the pastel de nata (and other pastries)

Pastel de nat,Lisbon-25 Tips for Your First Trip to Lisbon, Portugal www.casualtravelist.com

When you’re in Lisbon you really need to make it your mission to eat as much pastel de nata as humanly possible. This creamy, egg yolk-based custard tart is ubiquitous throughout Lisbon. The guide books will tell you to go to Pasteis de Belem, which has been serving up flaky tarts since 1837 but can also have up to a two hour wait. Instead get your tart fix at Manteigaria, a cozy art deco pasteleria in the Barrio Alto neighborhood. Aside from pastel de nata you will find bakeries on every corner filled with a diverse variety of Portuguese pastries. Be sure to pair your sweet treat with a cup of coffee or bica  (espresso), which is excellent thanks in part to Portugal’s close relationship with Brazil.

20. What to drink in Lisbon

25 Tips for Your First Trip to Lisbon, Portugal www.casualtravelist.com

You’re likely familiar with port, the sweet fortified wine from the north of Portugal, but Lisbon has a wide variety of great wine thanks to its proximity to the Alentejo. Whether you enjoy a glass with lunch or head to one of Lisbon’s many wine bars after the sun goes down wine is Lisbon is plentiful, affordable and above all very good.

The other drink you must try in Lisbon is ginjinha, a sweet liqueur made from sour cherries. Served straight or in a chocolate cup (my favorite), ginjinha can be found in the many kiosks that dot Lisbon.

The soulful melodies of fado are Lisbon’s version of the blues. Songs full of meloncholy and heartache sung with the masterful strums of a 12-string guitar are the soundtrack to Lisbon. Head to a tasca for authenic fado, Povo Lisboa  in Cais do Sodre and Tasca do Chico in Barrio Alto are local favorites.

22.Safety in Lisbon

Barrio Alto, Lisbon-25 Tips for Your First Trip to Lisbon, Portugal www.casualtravelist.com

Portugal has a fairly low crime rate but it’s advised to take the usual precautions as you would in any big city. Pick-pocketing and petty theft can be common in trams, particularly the touristy tram #28.

Day trips from Lisbon

Cascais,Portugal-25 Tips for Your First Trip to Lisbon, Portugal www.casualtravelist.com

Cascais is the closest beach town to downtown Lisbon . A 30 minute train ride from the Cais do Sodre train station this charming town offers sun drenched beaches, dramatic cliffside views of the Atlantic Ocean, whitewashed homes and perpetual sunshine. I was contemplating a move here 10 minutes after arriving.

>Hotels in Cascais

Pena Palace in SIntra,Portugal-25 Tips for Your First Trip to Lisbon, Portugal www.casualtravelist.com

If you take only one day trip from Lisbon make it Sintra . The main draw in Sintra is the colorful fairytale castle of Pena Palace , but this Unesco World Heritage Site also boasts the medieval Moorish Castle and the whimsical home and gardens of Quinta de Regaliera .Trains to Sintra leave from Lisbon’s Rossio train station every half hour and the journey takes around 40 minutes.

>Hotels in Sintra

Evora is the heart of the Alentejo, Portugal’s largest wine and agricultural region. Explore Roman ruins and the Chapel of Bones (a church decorated with hundreds of bones from human skeletons) or taste your way through the nearby vineyards. Evora is about a 90 minute train or bus ride from Lisbon.

Hotels in Evora

More Lisbon and Portugal Inspiration

The Perfect Weekend in Lisbon

Amazing Scenic Lisbon Viewpoints

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Portugal

What to See in Lisbon in Two Days

Planning a trip to Lisbon? Pin this post for later!

25 Tips for Your First Trip to Lisbon, Portugal www.casualtravelist.com

About the Author

Freelance travel writer and blogger who seeks out laid back luxury. Focus on culinary, adventure and nature travel. [READ ALL ARTICLES]

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Tamara says

April 19, 2018 at 8:09 am

Great tips, thank you! Perfect timing as I am headed there next week.

April 19, 2018 at 12:04 pm

#17 took us by surprise on our first trip! We learned quickly though! Great tips!

Esther says

April 20, 2018 at 12:41 pm

I agree with all of these! Visited Lisbon twice and couldn’t get enough. I also recommend Lux, an old textile factory now home to many independent shops and great restaurants and clubs. For a day on the beach I recommend Sesimbra over Cascais, it’s a lot less crowded and touristy. #WeekendWanderlust

April 20, 2018 at 1:47 pm

Amazing tips! I will definitely need them for when I go in the near future. Pinned.

Brianna says

April 27, 2018 at 9:41 pm

Goblinette says

April 20, 2018 at 5:37 pm

Great tips. Haven’t been in LIsbon yet, but it looks lovely.

April 27, 2018 at 9:42 pm

I loved Lisbon and can’t wait to go back!

April 20, 2018 at 5:42 pm

MMMM. Pastel de Nata is my favourite! Great resource!

April 27, 2018 at 9:43 pm

Pastel de nata is the best!

Obligatory Traveler says

April 20, 2018 at 9:37 pm

Great Post. Thanks for including so much great information, especially information about transportation. Since we usually don’t rent cars, it’s good to know the reliability of the public transportation. It’s also nice to know about the wait time for Tram #28 to meter expectations. The food and drinks look delicious. #WeekendWanderlust

April 27, 2018 at 9:45 pm

I hope you find this post helpful if you make it to Lisbon.

Sandi Kowalyshyn says

May 27, 2019 at 9:20 am

Hi Brianna! Can you tell me if it is safe to wear my diamond Jewelry in Lisbon?

Thanks! Sandi

Simone says

April 21, 2018 at 4:47 am

As I’ll be in Portugal during my van trip in September, I’ll definitely use all this infos once in Lisbon. Great pictures!

Can’t wait to see your adventures!

Rhonda Albom says

April 21, 2018 at 8:23 am

I skipped Lisbon when I travelled through Portugal years ago and have regretted it. You seem to have put all the basic travel information about Lisbon together in one spot. This is one resource that I will use when I return to see Lisbon.

Amanda Grace says

April 21, 2018 at 10:57 am

Yessss. This is exactly what I needed!!! Thank you for sharing.

April 27, 2018 at 9:48 pm

You will love Portugal!

Nicole says

April 21, 2018 at 11:24 am

This is a great post. I think that you cover many practical issues that travellers need to know in order arrive and move around the city easily. We spent days in Sintra a few years back and loved it there. We will definitely need to go back to Lisbon to explore more.

April 27, 2018 at 9:49 pm

Isn’t Sintra just magical?

Annie Soul says

April 21, 2018 at 1:16 pm

Great tips! I’m really looking forward to checking out some of the districts and food 🙂 thanks for the info!

April 27, 2018 at 9:50 pm

Any district or food pique your fancy?

Marcus and Mel says

April 21, 2018 at 1:19 pm

A great detailed and useful list. We were there last Spring and loved the place. You definitely need good shoes with all those hills and the pretty pavements are quite slippery, especially when wet. The Time Out Market offers a range of food suitable for all tastes. We really enjoyed our trip to Sintra, make sure you go early.

April 27, 2018 at 9:52 pm

Glad you enjoyed this post, I want to go back!

Lorial Roballo says

April 21, 2018 at 1:44 pm

Ugh I love Lisbon. I visited here in 2016 and it one of my op places to travel to in Europe. That view from the Miraduoro is absolute perfection and even though you get a GREAT instagram photo. It just isn’t the same from real life. Pastéis de Belém was hands down the best pastry that I’ve had during my time in Europe. And I wish I could find it here in St. Louis. Maybe I can I just haven’t checked. Great article and wonderful photos! 🙂

April 27, 2018 at 9:54 pm

Thank you! Perhaps it’s time for a return trip?

April 21, 2018 at 8:53 pm

Thank you very much for this post, I’m actually just starting to plan my trip to Portugal and this post is the first to be saved into my Portugal folder. I’m looking to go in July, flying into Porto and heading North before heading south and of course I will be spending quite some time in Lisbon. Friends of mine have told me i will fall in love with it, and from just reading through this post I can see why. It’s good to know that appetisers are not free, and good advice on the footwear for the slippery streets – I’ll be honest after reading through this I’m most looking forward to trying my first pastel de nata with a Bica 😀 – I can’t wait to get out there 😀 😀

April 27, 2018 at 9:55 pm

I can’t wait to see how your trip goes!

April 22, 2018 at 4:02 am

This is a really great list! Hoping I’ll get to go to Lisbon soon so definitely saving this 🙂 #WeekendWanderlust

April 27, 2018 at 9:57 pm

Thanks a bunch!

Fiona Maclean says

April 22, 2018 at 9:47 am

Although I’ve travelled around Portugal a lot, I haven’t been to Lisbon since I was 30. In fact, it was for my 30th birthday! I went with my boyfriend in search of fado and ended up drinking far too many tequila slammers…I definitely needed some of your tips to keep me focussed. I’m planning to go back this year so I’ll be bookmarking this and using some of your great tips on where to go (Belem for instance) and what to eat (black pork!)

April 27, 2018 at 9:59 pm

Stick to port and ginja this time;)

April 22, 2018 at 12:13 pm

I remember arriving in Lisbon and thinking we can walk all over— oh wait, we could but it is hilly so you are right— you need to wear comfy shoes. We bought the tram card and that kinda saved our lives. Lisbon is pretty but its a lot of exercise— well I guess we just eat and walk it off. We also enjoyed the day trips outside Lisbon.

April 27, 2018 at 10:01 pm

Like I said, I didn’t mind all the walking so I could eat more 🙂

Dorene says

April 22, 2018 at 5:34 pm

Could the sky have been more blue than during your visit to Lisbon? 🙂 I so look forward to getting there, and this is the perfect post for me – lots of great tips and navigation before arrival. I like your detail of the neighborhoods – good to know where to go. Alfama will definitely be on my list. Good to know about the friendly appetizer plates, I would have definitely fallen for that. Bookmarked for future visit.

April 27, 2018 at 10:02 pm

Alfama is absolutely beautiful, great choice!

Efthimis Kragaris says

April 23, 2018 at 7:52 am

Great guide. Hopefully I will visit Lisbon this year. Can’t wait to enjoy some great Portuguese wine while listening to fados and watch the sunset view from the various miradouros. The tiles and the trams are also so instagrammable!

Michelle says

April 23, 2018 at 12:20 pm

I haven’t been to Lisbon yet, so these tips will come in handy when we get there. I didn’t realize the city was so hilly!

Kathleen says

April 23, 2018 at 3:30 pm

Such great tips. I’ve just recently become interested in visiting Portugal, although I never would have turned it down before. Lisbon is so beautiful and picturesque. I really love the tiled walls and sidewalks. The little tarts look like some we had in China. I wonder if they are similar. The ones in China are a sweet egg tart, not tasting like egg at all.

April 27, 2018 at 10:04 pm

Portugal’s food culture spread around the world so I’m guessing the tarts would be very similar.

Siddhartha Joshi says

April 23, 2018 at 11:36 pm

Lisbon is such a dream destination for me, and sadly I haven’t been there at all despite going to Europe so often. Thanks to your lovely guide I am even more inspired 🙂

Thanks for including handy tips also like pick-pocketing in trams and so on…very useful for planning and being mindful 🙂

Indrani says

April 24, 2018 at 12:23 am

I agree with you on – the yellow trams are a symbol of Lisbon. The Elevator de Santa Justa surprised me. Seeing the queue I took just a pic 😛 🙂 Enjoyed reading the post, it was like revisiting.

Medha Verma says

April 24, 2018 at 6:43 am

What a beautifully detailed post! Thanks for the advice on wearing good shoes for those street walks and I am happy to know that it’s a budget destination. Also, it seems like the VivaViagem card is a good investment for those who want to travel in a budget way, using public transportation. Alfama district’s street art looks great!

Julie McCool says

April 25, 2018 at 8:49 am

Excellent round-up of tips. I love the mix of practical info and travel inspiration (those sunsets look amazing). I stayed in Sintra but only passed through Lisbon, so it’s time for another trip to Portugal.

Miranda| Migration Expert UK says

May 7, 2018 at 11:00 pm

Great blog post with lots of useful information about Lisbon! Thanks so much for sharing.

May 10, 2018 at 12:37 pm

Great tips Brianna, thanks very much! I am planning to visit Lisbon for the first time soon, these will come handy.

June 13, 2018 at 8:36 pm

Hopefully you get to Lisbon sooner rather than later!

Sarah Montgomery says

May 13, 2018 at 6:23 am

We’re heading over to Lisbon for the summer and your article was really insightful. It’s great to know that public transport would be easily available as we’re not looking to rent a car. I’m especially looking forward to watching over the stunning views and munching on pastel de nata. Loved the read.

June 13, 2018 at 8:39 pm

I’m glad you found it helpful!

Tina Wright says

May 14, 2018 at 6:05 am

Thanks for such an informative blog. Perfect for our 48 hours in Lisbon next month. So glad I found you, makes my planning easier.

June 13, 2018 at 8:40 pm

You will have a fantastic time in Lisbon!

Matthew Ali says

May 17, 2018 at 5:06 pm

Wonderful post – you covered almost every aspect for a trip to Lisbon. I’ve been there 2 years ago and it is one of the best places to visit in Portugal.

June 13, 2018 at 8:42 pm

I absolutely loved Lisbon and can’t wait to go back!

KB Burt says

November 1, 2018 at 8:24 pm

Ooh, it brings it all back! I haven’t been since 2010 but I loved it. I was quite ill and had to spend a good portion of my ten days on the hotel rooftop in Baixa and it could not have been a better place to recuperate (I’m a city girl and not good at beaches). The people were so nice and helpful, genuinely and I couldn’t agree more about the food! It’s a great place for dietary restrictions as well as you can get such simply cooked, delicious food. One piece of advice I got there was to be careful where there are signs warning against pickpockets – apparently lots of people check their wallet as soon as they see it and it’s a big help to pickpockets hanging around! 🙂

February 20, 2019 at 5:09 pm

Lisbon used to be a nice place to visit but it changed completely over the past 5 years. Now it’s just an artificial and stressful city packed with tourists everywhere. It became the perfect place to have coffee at Starbucks, have fast-food at international food chains or expensive dinners at the latest Butanese restaurant, cross thousands of useless souvenir shops full of made in China products, queue for anything slightly interesting while pickpockets do their job, squeeze and bump into other tourists in overcrowded side walks and not being able to meet and talk to a single Portuguese resident with a non-tourist job. It also became a very expensive city with dinner costing 40 euros/person and hotels averaging 100 euros/night. If you want to experience the Portuguese culture and gastronomy for 1/3 of those prices then run away from Lisbon as fast as you can. I hate to say this but overtourism killed Lisbon and its authenticity. I’d recommend other places in Portugal that are still not that popular such as Braga/Guimaraes/Geres/Coimbra/Aveiro in the North, Sintra/Guincho/Cascais/Evora/Sesimbra/Arrabida/Comporta close to Lisbon or Costa Vicentina/Algarve (Lagos, Tavira, Vilamoura) in the South.

Michela says

April 21, 2019 at 4:23 am

I have been to Lisbon a couple of times, and just realised that it’s a long time ago! This post is inspiring and very detailed, that make me want to go back to Portugal and Lisbon, hopefully soon again. Thanks for sharing!

September 6, 2020 at 2:49 am

This is a great list of tips, we totally agree with the amazing food in Lisbon, however we would recommend that you try to find the smaller cafes and restaurants, where you will here the locals, this will often mean that the food is made for local tastes and not for tourists. But yes, where ever you go to in Lisbon, try a pastel de Nata, like the Bacalhao, every baker, has a slight twist on the recipe, which means you never get the same one twice, which means that you have to try every one you see.

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Wander-Lush

Lisbon Guide for First-timers: A Local’s Tips

Planning a visit to Portugal ? This local’s Lisbon guide offers an ideal introduction to the city – including the top things to do in Lisbon, where to eat, which neighbourhoods to stay in, and other practical information for planning the perfect city break .

About the author: Marco Santos moved to sunny Lisbon three years ago on a mission to rediscover his Portuguese heritage. He now shares his passion for exploring Portugal and Spain on his blog, Travel-Boo .

Portugal, and more so Lisbon, is definitely on the up and up thanks to the numerous ‘Top World Travel’ awards it’s garnered in the past couple of years.

Lisbon is one of those rarities – a place that creeps into your heart and never let’s go, captivating anyone who visits.

Rooftops of Lisbon viewed from above.

What exactly makes Lisbon such a truly special place? Perhaps it’s the warm weather and sunshine, the friendly and welcoming people, the gorgeous views, the fantastic food and nightlife, or even the incredible architecture.

In my view, it’s all of the above… And so much more!

My partner and I decided to make Lisbon our home three years ago, and we haven’t looked back. In this city guide, I will be outlining all the relevant info you may need to help plan the very best trip possible, directly from someone who calls this city home!

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Lisbon guide: Basic Lisbon travel info

  • Language: The official language in Portugal is Portuguese. In saying this, most Portuguese – more so in the larger cities such as Lisbon – do speak English fairly fluently. So, you’ll easily get by on English when visiting. Although it won’t hurt to learn a couple of local words, too!
  • Forms of payment: Both card and cash are generally accepted in Portugal. Many shops or restaurants will only accept card payment for purchases exceeding €5. Some don’t accept international cards and only allow local Portuguese cards due to the higher merchant costs associated with international transactions. As such, always be sure to carry both card and cash.
  • ATMs: ­You will find ATMs, called multibanco in Portuguese, scattered throughout the city. Withdrawing money from these, even when using an international card, shouldn’t be any hassle.
  • Tipping: Generally speaking, tipping is not required in Portugal as staff earn a full-time wage. However, it’s totally up to you. If you feel the service was truly excellent, then absolutely feel free to add a tip. Your waiter will love you!
  • Opening hours: Official office hours in Portugal normally run between 9am to 6pm. Lunchtime usually lasts around 2 hours, between 1pm and 3pm. People normally eat Dinner around 9pm at night. 

A man on the street in Lisbon.

Best time to visit Lisbon

High tourist season in Portugal usually starts in July and lasts through to the beginning of September. During this periods, Lisbon is jam-packed with throngs of tourists, resulting in higher than normal hotel rates.

August and September are also the warmest months. As such, I would highly recommend visiting between May and June or September and October.

If you don’t mind the cold then November and December are also great months to visit. Especially in December during the festive season.

How to get to Lisbon

Considering that Lisbon’s International Airport receives flights from across the globe, travelling to Lisbon from either Europe or abroad shouldn’t pose any problem. Flying directly into Lisbon is unquestionably the easiest way to get to Portugal’s capital city.

Lisbon’s airport is located relatively close to the city centre. You can easily get to your destination using either the metro, bus or taxi.

The red metro line connects Lisbon’s airport with downtown Lisbon and is the preferred method to travel. Alternatively, ride booking services such as Uber, Bolt or Kapten are another option. Since Lisbon is such a compact city, cars can be quite affordable.

Lastly, the Aerobus service runs frequent daily departures between the city and the airport.

Tip: For a hassle-free airport transfer, pre-book an Aerobus ticket or private hotel transfer by car online in advance.

If you’re travelling from Spain , you may also consider getting to Lisbon by bus or train. From Madrid you can catch the overnight RENFE service to Lisbon, arriving at Santa Apolonia train station the next morning.

Bus services such as ALSA or Flixbus also connects other cities within Spain to destinations within Portugal.

A disused tram in Lisbon, Portugal.

Moving around Lisbon

As already mentioned, downtown Lisbon is fairly compact, allowing you to get around pretty much anywhere on foot. This is especially true if your accommodation is located centrally (see the next section for recommendations).

Lisbon does offer a good metro, bus and tram system, making travel further afield a breeze.

The metro system operates four different lines (blue, yellow, green and red) and will require you to purchase a reusable Viva Viagem card for a one-off amount of 0.50€. From there, you can load stored value on the card (for example 3€ or 5€). This is called ‘Zapping’, and you will pay €1.34 per metro journey using this method.

Oftentimes, and especially if you’re travelling as part of a group, it may be worthwhile taking a cab instead. Making use of apps such as Uber, Bolt or Kapten may in fact work out cheaper than taking the metro, depending on where you’re headed.

Planning on doing lots of sightseeing? Then the Lisboa Card may be a good option for you. You can purchase a pass for a predetermined number of days to travel free on trains, buses and trams. It also offers free entry or discounts on some of the major Lisbon sights and museums.

Tip: Pre-purchase your Lisboa Card in advance through Get Your Guide and pick it up as soon as you arrive in the city.

Lastly, you could make use of the many electronic bicycles or e-scooters found throughout the city to get around. These normally require that you download the relevant operator app in order to unlock the bicycle or scooter.

You usually pay per kilometre travelled or on a time basis. Uber also has an e-bike option that you can make use of directly through the app.

The perfect Lisbon guide for your first visit to Portugal. Everything you need to know for a successful visit – including the best things to do in Lisbon.

Where to stay in Lisbon

Best lisbon neighbourhoods.

Deciding on where to stay when travelling to a new city is always somewhat daunting for me. That’s why I’ve decided to keep my recommendations simple and to the point.

If you’re visiting Lisbon and like to be right in the heart of all the action, then I’d highly recommend you stay in Chiado or neighbouring downtown Baixa . Choosing to do so will almost certainly ensure you can get around all the major sights of Lisbon on foot. Depending on exactly where you stay, Chiado can be a tad bit hilly in places, whereas Baixa is pretty much flat.

On the other hand, if you want peace and quiet and prefer to be slightly further away from the tourist hotspots, then I would suggest basing yourself in the beautiful tree-lined Avenida Liberdade around Marques Pombal or in the posh and leafy suburb of Avenida Novas . Both these areas are still fairly accessible to downtown Lisbon either on foot or by train or taxi.

For a trendy alternative, you may also consider staying in the neighbourhood of Principe Real . Typically considered the LGBT neighbourhood, you’ll find all sorts of hip bars, restaurants and boutique souvenir shops in and around this area. If you’re a gin drinker make sure you visit Gin Lovers in Principe Real, which is set in a stunning Moorish Palace.

Also read: The 20 best Airbnbs in Lisbon .

Where not to stay in Lisbon

Personally, I would not recommend staying in the neighbourhood of Belém. It’s a little way out of the main city centre and will require that you make use of public transport to get around. The tram and bus services into the city from Belém can get very crowded, especially on weekends.

Similarly, I would advise against staying in the older historic neighbourhood of Alfama, especially during the Santos festivals in June when the streets are packed and parties happen every night with music blaring until 3am. We were rather unfortunate to experience this and I can assure you it isn’t pleasant!

Don’t get me wrong – Alfama is gorgeous. But given that certain sections are incredibly steep, it can pose a challenge to travellers with mobility issues. It’s definitely no fun dragging your suitcase up steep cobbled streets, either. Believe me, I’ve experience that too!

Street art depicting a woman.

Recommended Lisbon hotels

Thankfully, despite the surge in tourism in recent years, Lisbon still remains one of Europe’s more affordable destinations. You can easily bag some great hotel deals in any of the suggested neighbourhoods.

Rates vary of course depending on the season. Prices are considerably higher in the peak period of July through to September.

Here is a selection of my top recommended Lisbon Hotels to choose from.

  • 3* My Story Hotel Ouro – Baixa
  • 3* Holiday Inn Express Lisboa – Avenida Liberdade
  • 3* HF Fenix Music – Marques de Pombal
  • 3* Hotel Expo Astoria – Marques de Pombal
  • 4* Evolution Lisboa Hotel – Saldanha
  • 4* Lisboa Carmo Hotel – Chiado
  • 4* Altis Prata Hotel – Baixa
  • 4* HF Fenix Lisboa – Marques de Pombal
  • 5* InterContinental – Marques de Pombal
  • 5* Memmo Principe Real – Principe Real
  • 5* Pousada de Lisboa – Baixa
  • 5* Bairro Alto Hotel – Chiado
  • 5* Tivoli Avenida Liberdade – Avenida Liberdade

White and blue tiles.

5 awesome things to do in Lisbon

I often get asked how long a person should spend in Lisbon and I can confidently say, even if you stayed an entire week in this stunning city, you wouldn’t get bored. It still somewhat surprises me when I hear of travellers spending only one day in Lisbon .

There is honestly so much to see and do in Lisbon, from delicious food and wine , to history, museums, art, entertainment, sightseeing and more.

Here is my selection of the top 5 things you have to see and do on a visit to Lisbon.

Top rated Lisbon city tours & experiences

– Belem Tower Fast-Track Ticket (from €8.60) – E-bike Tour of Historic Belem (from €36) – Lisbon Street Art Tour (from €35) – Live Fado Performance & Dinner (from €20) – Gourmet Tour and Wine Tasting (from €46.50) – Make Your Own Portugese Custard Tarts (from €55.40)

1. Check out Belem

Two custard tarts at a cafe in Lisbon.

When exploring the city, I would recommend that you spend at least half a day discovering all that the Belem neighbourhood has to offer. To get there, head out by train or tram from the Cais do Sodré train station.

Spend some time visiting the notable sights (some of which are UNESCO-Listed). These include the Torre de Belem (Belem Tower) , the Discoveries Monument (Padrão dos Descobrimentos), the Jeronimos Monastery (an absolute must visit!), the National Coach Museum, and MAAT (the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology).

Oh, and don’t forget to go try out the Pasteis de Belem at the Fábrica de Pasteis de Belem, the original home of the famous Pasteis de Nata custard tarts. The bakery started operating in 1837 and incredibly, it’s still in operation today.

2. Explore the oldest parts of Lisbon: Alfama and Castelo

Houses and street art in Lisbon, Portugal.

As I mentioned earlier, I personally wouldn’t recommend staying in Alfama. But that’s not to say you shouldn’t visit. I would highly advise spending another half a day getting lost in the narrow, windy and often hilly streets of this beautiful district.

Be sure to check out the Feira da Ladra flea market open on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Or, enjoy a Fado and dinner show where you’ll get to listen to the melancholic and traditional sounds of the Portuguese folk music, which is said to have originated in Alfama. You’ll also find the Fado Museum located in this neighbourhood.

Ready to ogle at some incredible views? Then check out the Portas do Sol viewpoint as well as the Miradouro de Santa Luzia.

3. Visit downtown Lisbon: Baixa and Chiado

A beautiful stone archway with yellow buildings on either side.

Downtown Baixa is where you’ll find Rossio Square, the Santa Justa Elevator, the Rua Augusta pedestrian shopping street (with the iconic Rua Augusta arch at the end), Praça do Comercio square, and so many more iconic Lisbon landmarks.

Head up to Chiado and visit the Carmo church ruins, the Sao Roque cathedral and the Praça Luis Camoes square. Grab another Pasteis de Nata at Manteigaria while you’re there.

4. Indulge in Lisbon’s food and wine scene

A restaurant menu for 'Cafe Buenos Aires' in Lisbon, Portugal.

Food lovers will delight in Lisbon’s vibrant food and wine scene. Whether you want to try out some local traditional fare or prefer international cuisine, the city has a lot to offer.

Head to the TimeOut Market ( Mercado da Ribeira ) in Cais do Sodré for a full-on foodie experience. Here, you can browse the myriad stalls and restaurants and try a selection of Portugal’s finest food and drink.

Alternatively, for a more unique experience, why not book in for a Pasteis de Nata baking workshop . Yes, you can now learn how to make delicious Portuguese egg custard tartlets yourself. There’s even a special vegan-friendly workshop .

After a more refined experience? Then go ahead and book a fine-dining experience at one of Lisbon’s many Michelin starred restaurants. These include Alma, Belcanto, EPUR, Eleven, Feitoria, Fifty Seconds and Loco, where you will no doubt have an unforgettable culinary experience.

5. Enjoy the many viewpoints and rooftop bars

Rooftop view of houses and buildings in Lisbon.

Lisbon is hilly, and when I say hilly, I mean it is known for it’s seven hills! That does mean a lot of steep uphill climbs await. But, once you get to the top, you’ll no doubt be rewarded with incredible views.

This is, in my mind, one of Lisbon’s advantages. I have yet to come across another city with so many different vistas, angles and perspectives to admire.

Head up to one of Lisbon’s many viewpoints ( Miradouros ) or seek out the closest rooftop bar and take advantage of the sweeping outlooks over the city.

Some of my favourite viewpoints include the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara as well as the Miradouro de Graça. For a stunning rooftop restaurant and bar, head to Topo Chiado, Sky Bar Lisbon or Lost In, to name but a few.

A yellow and blue castle in Sintra, Portugal.

Top 3 day trips from Lisbon

If you do intend to spend 2 days in Lisbon or more, then planning a couple of day trips from Lisbon is an absolute must! Here are my top 3 to consider.

First on the list of day trips should be fairytale-like Sintra, the former royal summer residence from when Portugal was still a monarchy.

Scattered with palaces, castles and noble estates, Sintra is pure magic! And best of all, it’s only 40 minutes by train from Lisbon’s Rossio train station.

Tip: Pre-purchase your tickets for Pena Palace online and skip the queue.

Only an hour away from Lisbon by bus, the medieval walled city of Óbidos is incredibly charming, with its whitewashed houses and cobbled streets. It also plays host to various cultural events throughout the year, including a Chocolate Festival around April/May, the Medieval Festival around July/August and a Christmas Village during the December festive season.

Tip: Join an accompanied tour to Óbidos from Lisbon for an in-depth introduction to medieval Portugal.

And lastly, at approximately an hour-long journey by train from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré station lies Cascais. This chilled seaside town is situated on a beautiful coastal stretch running all the way from Lisbon that is often referred to as the Riviera of Portugal.

Swim at fantastic beaches, sample fabulously fresh seafood, and wander through the quaint town centre.

Tip: Take a tour to see the best of Cascais and Sinta in a day .

Lisbon guide: Pin it

The perfect Lisbon guide for your first visit to Portugal. Everything you need to know for a successful visit – including the best things to do in Lisbon.

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One Comment

Great article!

While the train offers convenience, I’d suggest an alternative.

A few years back when I went to Lisbon, I decided to book a guided tour to Sintra and I enjoyed the experience a lot!

It is completely different to explore a place with knowledgeable guides who offer insights into a city’s rich history and attractions!

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Lisbon travel guide

When to go, what to do, and why you’ll love it.

lisbon travel review

Why you’ll love it

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The Portuguese have a word that conveys a feeling of yearning, nostalgia and melancholy: saudade. It’s not a word with a direct translation in English, but you’re sure to understand it after a single visit to Lisbon. You’ll feel it long after you got lost in the tangled lanes of the Alfama or browsed the shops on the grand Avenida da Liberdade. You’ll be overcome by it when you remember that late-night seafood dinner washed down with vinho verde, on the banks of the River Tagus, or the sweetest pastel de nata enjoyed on the grass of the Praça do Império. It’ll overtake you on your commute as you recollect the rattling old trams that took you up and over the city’s hills. When you’re ordering pints in the pub, months after your holiday, you’ll drift back to the night that started with sunset cocktails on a rooftop bar and ended listening to fado music in a candlelit bar. The good news is that there is a simple cure for those suffering from saudade — simply, to return to the city.

Main photo: Vintage yellow tram in Lisbon (Getty Images)

Our top tip: just get walking. A meandering wander might lead you to such treasures as a church covered in blue-and-white azulejo tiles, a tiny art gallery housed in a converted grocery shop, or a shady plaza with a flea market selling local crafts. A good way to give some structure to a walk is to amble between Lisbon’s miradoures — points on the city’s hills offering spectacular views over its red rooftops and pastel buildings. Many have pretty gardens and kiosks serving drinks. One of our favourites is the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, accessed by creaking funicular.

A walk in Belém should take in the Unesco-listed Jerónimos Monastery* ; built during Lisbon’s Age of Discovery in the 16th century, the complex is home to magnificent limestone cloisters. A few minutes’ stroll east is one of Lisbon’s shady botanical gardens, a good spot to rest on sunny days. And if the weather doesn’t encourage walking, check out some of Lisbon’s many art museums, among them the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (for modern pieces) and the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian* (a private collection with more than 6,000 artworks).

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Where to stay.

Lisbon’s emergence as a serious style destination over the past few years has meant that accommodation is available for every taste, from small, architect-designed boutique hotels hidden down quiet lanes to multi-room giants with swimming pools, spas and rooftop bars.

Alfama* is the place to base yourself for a traditional Lisbon experience, with terracotta-roofed heritage hotels tucked along alleys echoing to the sound of fado music. Be aware that the streets are cobbled and hilly — a challenge if you’re bringing a wheeled suitcase.

If you’re after nightlife, Bairro Alto* is your spot. There are more bars and restaurants here than you could possibly try in a single visit. Revellers often mingle outside, enjoying their drinks by the street art for which the area is famous; if you can, book rooms on upper floors to escape the noise.

Best budget hotels in Lisbon

Príncipe Real* , just a little bit north, is just as fashionable, with plenty of bars, independent shops and art galleries. The neighbourhood of Baixa* in central Lisbon has a very different feel, with wide streets and handsome 18th-century buildings; many of the city’s luxury hotels can be found here.

Food and drink

If there is one thing that everyone travelling to Lisbon must try it’s the pastel de nata — a delicious tart of gooey egg custard and flaky pastry. It’s believed to have been created at the Jerónimos monastery in Belém; since 1837 the neighbouring Pastéis de Belém has made up to 20,000 tarts a day, using the monks’ secret recipe.

Away from baked goods, Lisbon’s cuisine is rich in seafood, sometimes flavoured with the spices brought back from Portugal’s former colonies; try bacalhau (salt cod) and açorda (bread and shellfish soup). The city goes big on sardines; available to buy in colourfully decorated tins, they also make great souvenirs. Meat-eaters should look out for piri piri rotisserie chicken and rice; bifana (a sliced pork roll); and alheira (a smoked sausage). A good place to sample all of these and more is the Mercado da Ribeira, a market hall turned gourmet food court with 40 kiosks. Between meals, don’t miss the chance to drop into one of the city’s tiny ginjinha bars to knock back a shot of sour cherry liqueur with the locals.

Many visitors’ experience of the River Tagus (Rio Teju) is to peer at it from on high at one of the city’s many miradoures. It’s worth getting a closer view though. Numerous boat trips — from commuter ferry rides to sunset sails on yachts — allow you to appreciate the city from the water. Stops along the way might include the imposing 110m-tall Santuário de Cristo Rei statue, modelled on Rio’s Christ the Redeemer.

On shore, the Ribeira das Naus is an old boatyard turned promenade and river beach with a kiosk serving food and drink; it’s a great place to see out the day with a chilled cerveja. Riverside is also one place in the hilly city where you might want to go for a cycle; hire a bike from the Parque das Nações and pedal west along the reassuringly flat cycle path to the museum district of Belém. Views of the red suspension bridge, Ponte 25 de Abril, will accompany you for much of the route; to get up close visit Experiência Pilar 7, a multimedia museum and viewing platform devoted to the structure.

Know before you go

Lisbon’s position on the Atlantic means that the city is subject to fog and drizzle even in summer — bring a jumper and raincoat. Also bring trainers to tackle the hilly, cobbled streets. May, June and September are great times to visit, with good weather but fewer crowds than July and August. A trip on historic Tram 28 is often cited as a must-do, but its popularity means long queues and standing-room only; hop on between 7am and 8am or catch it at its last stop, Campo Ourique, to bag a seat.

Take me there

Inspired to visit Lisbon but yet to book your trip? Here are the best packages from Tui* and British Airways* . These are the best tours of Lisbon from our trusted partners* .

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Lisbon skyline at Alfama, one of the city’s older districts.

Lisbon city guide: what to see plus the best bars, restaurants and hotels

Portugal’s capital is bursting with culture and great places to eat, stay and party – and it’s the cheapest city break destination in western Europe

A ssemble a city-break destination from a wishlist of components and you get Lisbon: a wide glittering river, limpid skies, steep cobbled streets, palaces, churches (and a castle, of course), tiles in pink, mint and indigo, and cheap, fresh, grilled sardines to eat outside a tasca (bar) in the sun. It’s a place so beautiful you can’t believe people are using it to live in. And Lisbon is decidedly lively. Every year it seems there is more to do, more to eat and more distance to cover.

WHAT TO SEE

Tram to belém.

Lisbon, Portugal tram

It’s worth going to Belém for the tram ride and a visit to bakery Pasteis de Belém (Rua de Belém 84-92) alone, but this district has many big attractions. The Jardim da Praça do Império is Europe’s biggest plaza, the Museu dos Coches holds one of the world’s biggest collection of royal coaches, and Jerónimos monastery has arches and columns as intricately carved as the filigree silver in every Lisbon jewellers. In its cloisters are two museums: the Museu de Marinha, which is devoted to the golden age navigators and the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia, with Roman mosaics and bronze age metalwork. Also impressive is the private art collection of 20th-century masterpieces at the Museu Coleção Berardo inside Belém Cultural Centre. All of this should be combined with a visit to the iconic 16th-century Torre de Belém , resplendent on the wide and dazzling waterfront. The 15E tram runs the 7km route from Praça da Figueira via Praça do Comércio to Belém (terminating at Algés) and takes 20 minutes (€2.90)

The Gulbenkian

Gulbenkian Museum

See Degas, see ancient Egyptian stuff, hear jazz (or Verdi), feed ducks, eat ice-cream, lie on the grass in the shade of a tree … The Gulbenkian is a one-stop cultural oasis in the city encompassing the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian , which houses an eclectic and stellar art collection, indoor and outdoor auditoriums, a separate light and airy Centro de Arte Moderna focusing on British and Portuguese artists (including Hockney and Rego), and languid landscaped gardens. All come under the aegis of the Gulbenkian Foundation, the legacy of art collector Calouste Gulbenkian. Garden open 10am-7pm daily, museums 10am-6pm (closed Tuesday), Avenida de Berna 45, gulbenkian.pt , São Sebastião or Praca de Espanha metro

A beach at Cascais, near Lisbon Coast, Estremadura, Portugal

Lisbon faces the river Tagus, but its spirit is vast and oceanic, tied up with seafaring, fishing and adventures on the Atlantic, just around the cornerbend in the river. It’s quick and easy to get to the beaches of Estoril and Cascais by train and to the Costa da Caparica (on the west of the Setúbal Peninsula) by ferry and bus, but the team at Lisbon Surf Tours provide the best connection between the city and the sea. Surf instructors collect you from your hotel, provide you with board, wetsuit and advice, and deposit you in the breaking waves of surf spots (generally around 20 minutes from the city) according to weather conditions and your level of experience. Six-hour Surf Day from €60pp for one, €55pp for two, €50 for three or €45pp four or more, lisbon-surf-tours.com

A day on the tiles

Azulejo (porcelan tile)

Feast your eyes on displays of tiles spanning 500 years of feverish creativity at the Museu do Azulejo, housed in convent cloisters not far beyond Santa Apolónia station. It’s like nowhere else, although the 38 blue-and-white 18th-century panels illustrating fables of La Fontaine inside the São Vicente de Fora church run it close. Tile-lovers with deepish pockets should check into the hotels Palácio Belmonte or Palácio Ramalhete, where interior walls are covered in them. For the rest of us, wandering the side streets of Alfama, Chiado and Cais do Sodré is a visual treat. Museum entry €5, open 10am-6pm, closed Mon, Rua Madre de Deus 4, museudoazulejo.gov.pt

Retro store A Vida Portuguesa

A Vida Portuguesa

This emporium is dedicated to selling long-forgotten, once-unfashionable Portuguese products and brands to a retro-facing generation. It’s a museum of childhood for Lisboans, who dreamily stroke the wool blankets from the Serra de Estrela, and stare at wooden display cases of lavender water, shaving creams in tubes, and the Claus Porto soaps their grandmothers used. For everyone else, it is a place to buy lots of beautifully packaged traditional stuff. There are four stores, but the Chiado branch is the best. Rua Anchieta 11, Chiado, avidaportuguesa.com

Flea markets and bric-a-brac

Feira da Ladra

Lisbon has no shortage of antique shops, many on Rua de São Bento (Rato metro) and Rua de São José (Avenida metro). More casual trinket and vintage browsers will like the Tuesday and Saturday Feira da Ladra market (in the Alfama neighbourhood) and the Sunday market at LX Factory , an old factory warehouse now populated with vintage shops, designer shoe sellers and restaurants. But for a poke about and cup of tea, it’s hard to beat Arco da Velha in Cais do Sodré, a time-warp bric-a-brac shop and cafe. Looking for a chandelier plus coffee and a cake? A ceramic saint, some silver cutlery and glass of wine? Homemade soup with a carved wooden chair? This is your place. Feira da Ladra: Campo de Santa Clara, Tues and Sat, 6am-5pm, on Facebook. LX Factory: Rua Rodrigues de Faria 103, lxfactory.com. Arco da Velha: Rua de São Paulo 184-186, on Facebook

Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology

MAAT, Belem

Designed by British architect Amanda Levete, MAAT opened on the banks of the Tagus to great fanfare last autumn. Comprising a former power plant and a separate curvy modern annexe with 7,000 square metres of exhibition space, some critics say the exterior – gleaming white stone turning gold in the setting sun – is the best bit. Museum entry €9 for both buildings, open 12-8pm, closed Tues, Av Brasilia, Central Tejo, maat.pt

WHERE TO EAT

Mini Bar, Lisbon

What a joy! This is dining as a theatre experience with each course representing an act in a play: the waiters are de facto actors, presenting each dish with a theatrical flourish; the setting is an old theatre. Diners enjoy it most if they relinquish control and submit to a series of surprises and revelations. Done badly it could be extremely irritating, but here it really works. Mini Bar is about entertainment, but the spotlight is on the innovative gastronomy of top chef José Avillez, available here in small portions (or “savoury, spicy, sharp and sweet moments”). Select as many dishes as required, making sure to include the caipirinha (which isn’t a drink), and the Ferrero Rocher, which … well, it’s a secret. Or take a leap in the dark with one of two eight-course tasting menus and see what comes – it’ll be fabulous, and strange, and probably funny. The venue is small and informal (there are seats at the bar), staff are hospitable, lighting provides a honey glow, and the sound is of cocktail shakers, good music (DJs on Fridays and Saturdays) and happy diners. Encore! Epic menu €48.50, set menu €39, individual dishes €2.50-€12.50, open daily 7pm-2am, António Maria Cardoso 58, +351 21 130 5393, minibar.pt

Páteo at Bairro Do Avillez

Bairro do Avillez

José Avillez again. Lisbon’s versatile celebrity chef has six restaurants in Lisbon and one in Porto, all using decor to complement the food, just as the right wine does. Here, the speciality is traditional seafood dishes in a setting reminiscent of a courtyard, complete with mock cottages and flooded with natural light. From the dark tuna in ginger marinade on a turquoise plate, and velvet-soft octopus salad to lobster rice served piping hot in a copper pot, it’s impossible to imagine better seafood. Even the açorda (prawn, bread, soft egg, chilli and coriander, stirred to look like soggy Weetabix, and regarded by many Portuguese children as a punishment) is divine. Trust in the sommelier for faultless and imaginative wine pairings. Rua Nova da Trindade 18, open daily 12.30pm-3pm, 7pm-12am, +351 215 830 290, joseavillez.pt

Palácio Chiado

Palacio Chiado

This is essentially an upmarket food hall, in a lavish palace. Downstairs, local producers serve traditional favourites from bacalhau (salted cod) to steaks and great pastries and puddings – as well as salads. House credit cards and buzzers mean there’s no need to continually flash the cash, and you know when your order is ready. Upstairs, things get seriously opulent. Three companies each occupy their own splendid salons: choose oysters at Espumantaria do Mar, sushi at Sushic Chiado, or charcuterie and fabulous local cheese at Delisbon. The latter, its walls covered by murals of Hercules and a cast of thousands, is surely the finest setting for nibbling a cheese board in the world. Justifiably very popular. Weekday offer 12pm-4pm: main course, drink and coffee €10.90 at all restaurants except Sushic Chiado, which offers a weekday lunch special for €16.50 (amuse bouche, starter, 14 pieces of sushi). Rua do Alacrim 70, open daily, Sun-Weds 12pm-12am, Thurs-Sat 12pm-2am, +351 21 010 11 84, palaciochiado.pt

The Insolito Lisbon

Good food comes wrapped in a special dining experience at this grand old house with the feel of a private club. The stylish dining room is accessed through a curtain, where the mixologist works hard behind a bar lit by elaborate chandeliers. Terrace tables look out over the rooftops and lights of the city below. It’s quintessentially Portuguese – like the menu. Try steamed octopus tentacles with violet potato puree; Algarve clams or tender lamb fillet, matched with Portuguese wines handpicked by a keen sommelier. Starters from €5, mains from around €19, Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara 83, +351 211 30 33 06, theinsolito.pt

WHERE TO DRINK

Pensao amor.

Pensao Amor, Lisbon bar

With its blue velvet curtains and red glow, there’s a Twin Peaks mood at this coolly seedy bar. Beyond the cosy parlour of lamps, trinkets, armchairs and 1920s erotica, there’s a bar and small dance floor with glitter ball and stag’s head. With its well-worn wooden floors and various nooks, the venue is poised somewhere between authentically rough and self-consciously cheeky, but the main thing is its lively schedule of stuff – DJ sets, live music, burlesque acts – and friendly staff. A back entrance opens on to the pink street; check out the saucy mural on the stairway. Rua do Alacrim 19, on Facebook

Decadente, Lisbon

Ah, here’s where the party’s at! There’s always a friendly, convivial crowd at Decadente, and they seem to know what’s going on across the capital, though it’s tempting just to spend the whole evening here. Start by working down the blackboard of Portuguese cocktail specials in the informal stylish bar with its black-and-white tiled floor and designer lighting, grab a table for snacks or dinner on the small-but-sweet enclosed candlelit terrace, then relax in an armchair in the book-lined clubby lounge space. Also open for breakfast and lunch, Decadente is inside the social hub that is Independente Hostel & Suites. Cocktails from €5.25, Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara 81, thedecadente.pt

Pavilhão Chinês

View inside of the Pavilhao Chines bar in Lisbon

This grocery store-turned-antiques-shop-turned bar between Bairro Alto and Principe Real is enjoying renewed popularity. The five deeply maroon rooms, reminiscent of an old pub and thick with collectibles, are the setting for an evening of sticky cocktails and gawping. From the serried ranks of action men in the display cases that line every inch of wall, to art deco statuettes on tables, military uniforms and model planes strung from the dark ceilings, this bar is fascinating. Not for minimalists. Rua D Pedro V 89/91, facebook.com/pavilhaochineslisboa, T +351 21 342 47 29351 21 346 13 81; , Mon-Sat 6pm-2am, Sun 9pm-2am, on Facebook

Casa Independente

Three stops on the metro north from Baixa-Chiado, the neighbourhood of Intendente isn’t an outpost, but it’s a different Lisbon, down at heel with a rap sheet of drugs and crime. Seven years after the mayor relocated here in an effort to bring the area into the fold, the rough diamond is getting a polishing. Casa Independente, which occupies an old, slightly ramshackle house on the main square, is a veritable underground institution, offering a mix of live music and DJ sets, and a sense of community spirit. Visit during the day to drink on the cafe terrace, and to check out the signs of new life around Largo Intendente, including cafes, secondhand book and vinyl stalls and new Hotel 1908 , with its Infame restaurant. Largo Intendente 45, on Facebook

WHERE TO STAY

Almalusa baixa/chiado.

almalusa-baixa-chiado-galleryalmalusa-room1-alterada4

Rooms at this newish boutique hotel are in cream and grey with large beds covered in acres of crisp white cotton. The whole place oozes quality right down to the popular small restaurant, Delfina, and the cabinets of expensive soap for sale in the flagstoned lobby. Tucked in a corner of a grand square a few brisk strides from the vast Praça do Comércio in one direction and the bars of Cais do Sodré in the other, it’s a calm sanctuary. This is ironic given that the building used to be an arsenal, a storehouse for the cannons, gunpowder and arquebuses that ensured Portuguese explorers arrived in the new world with a bang. Doubles from €150 B&B, Praça do Município 21, almalusahotels.com

Dorm at LX Factory, Lisbon

Much skill, style, charm and attention to detail is required to make people see cubby holes as desirable overnight accommodation, so hats off to The Dorm. Unless you’re large, old or a claustrophobe, you’ll hanker to occupy one of the double-storey spaces measuring 117 by 138 by 242cm. All 28 cubbies have thick mattresses, white duvets plus hooks, lockers, useful lighting, and curtains for privacy. Shared bathrooms are deluxe, the kitchen and living area is a sun-filled loft space embellished by creative stuff, and partner restaurant A Praça is visible below. Occupying an old textile printing plant, the unorthodox Dorm suits its location inside the indie artsy complex that is LX Factory. Cubby holes in dorms from €20, doubles from €50, B&B, Rua Rodrigues da Faria 103 (LX), thedorm.pt

The Independente Hostel and Suites

the-independente-lisbon

Take a palatial Lisbon building, all grand staircase, arches and columns; knock out the stuffiness; add style, life and humour; and you get the Independente. The former Swiss Embassy makes a light and spacious hostel, with triple-storey bunks in airy rooms with wedding-cake ceilings. Suites in the adjoining property conserve the grandeur and spirit of place but in a fun way, and are full of quality curios, desirable retro furniture, and lots of original art. All this, plus the fine Decadente bar and Insolito restaurant, plus a great location opposite the gardens of Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara. En suite doubles from €90 B&B, dorm beds from €19 B&B, Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara 81, theindependente.pt

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LISBON TRAVEL GUIDE 2024: An essential guide for first-time visitors to Lisbon, offering an engaging exploration of the city&#39;s enchanting attractions

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TAP Air Portugal Airbus A321LR-neo Business Class Review [EWR to LIS]

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TAP Air Portugal Airbus A321LR-neo Business Class Review [EWR to LIS]

Booking TAP Air Portugal Business Class

Lounge access, business class seat, choosing the best seat, entertainment, arrival at lisbon’s humberto delgado airport (lis), final thoughts.

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Airline: TAP Air Portugal Aircraft: Airbus A321LR-neo Flight #: TP204 Route: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) Date: February 19, 2024 Duration: 6 hours, 14 minutes Cabin and Layout: Business class; 16 seats in a staggered 2-2 and 1-1 configuration Seat: 1C (aisle) Cost: 63,000 Avianca LifeMiles + $51.70 in taxes and fees

My wife and I recently visited Portugal and were anxious to try TAP Air Portugal’s business class to get us there. After struggling to find any business class availability from the West Coast, we spent 2 days in New York City before flying directly from Newark to Lisbon on TAP. What started with high expectations turned out to be one of our worst business class experiences in recent memory .

While the seats inside the plane looked incredible, sleeping was uncomfortable, and service missed the mark at every possible turn. When we got off the plane, my wife said, “I’m glad we aren’t flying home with TAP. If we were, I’d tell you to change our flights.” Here’s what our flight was like and why we were unsatisfied.

We booked this flight using Avianca LifeMiles . I found availability online quite easily and booked during a 15% transfer bonus from American Express Membership Rewards . With a cost of 126,000 miles for 2 people, I effectively needed to transfer just 110,000 Amex Membership Rewards points before the 15% bonus. I consistently earn Membership Rewards using my American Express ® Gold Card at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants and The Platinum Card ® from American Express to pay for flights — including the taxes and fees on this award booking.

The cost to book each ticket on the LifeMiles website was 63,000 miles plus $51.70 per person.

TAP Air Portgual business class booking costs EWR LIS using LifeMiles

After booking, I immediately received a confirmation email. With this confirmation number, I went to the TAP website to request special meals and seats. Unfortunately, TAP wanted to send a verification code to a phone number that wasn’t mine but was somehow attached to my reservation. When I called TAP, agents told me to contact LifeMiles to update the phone number on my account — even though the wrong phone number wasn’t the number on my LifeMiles account. LifeMiles was as confused as I was, so I simply called TAP again and asked for the special meals and seats we wanted.

All airline award tickets will have a cash component for taxes and fees. Pay this with a credit card that earns bonus miles on flights or a credit card that offers travel insurance .

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Since we couldn’t access our reservation on TAP’s website, we weren’t able to check in online in advance. However, the check-in process at the airport was very quick .

TAP departs from Terminal B at EWR , which we reached from the AirTrain . Within Terminal B, TAP’s check-in area is on the third floor.

TAP Air Portugal check in EWR Newark

When we arrived, there was hardly anyone in line. The separate line for business class passengers had no one in front of us.

TAP Air Portugal business class check in EWR Newark

The employee at the desk gave us a head nod that we understood to mean we should approach the counter. He didn’t say anything or smile at us as we approached.

After weighing our luggage and showing our passports, the non-smiling employee asked to see our hand luggage and put stickers on our backpacks to show that they were approved for bringing on board. I asked him to add our TSA PreCheck numbers to our tickets, which he did efficiently. With that, he gave us our boarding passes. I asked if we had lounge access , and he told us we could use the SAS Lounge after security and use the priority line at security.

This employee was efficient at his job and wasn’t grumpy, but he also wasn’t friendly by any stretch of the imagination. This set a pattern all TAP employees would follow during this flight: We never saw any of them smile.

Flying business class with TAP provides access to the SAS Lounge, located on the right-hand side after passing security in Terminal B. This lounge is accessible for anyone flying in a premium cabin with a Star Alliance airline. However, it’s not accessible with Priority Pass or the American Express Global Lounge Collection .

SAS Lounge entrance EWR Newark

The lounge had a simple buffet with a few salads and sandwiches.

SAS Lounge EWR Newark buffet

A separate area had 2 hot dishes and a soup of the day.

SAS Lounge entrance EWR Newark hot food options

In addition to several types of wine, there was also a self-serve soda machine, 2 juices, infused water, and an espresso machine.

SAS Lounge entrance EWR Newark non alcoholic drinks

Near the kitchen, there were large tables with numerous chairs and charging points built into the base of the lamps. Further into the lounge were armchairs and abundant outlets for charging devices.

SAS Lounge entrance EWR Newark tables near buffet

Our flight departed from gate B60. There was very minimal seating near this gate, and people stood around or sat on the floor. With a scheduled departure of 11:55 p.m., the number of people sitting on the floor increased as we got closer to boarding time.

TAP Air Portugal business class EWR LIS gate 60 Newark EWR

We started boarding just 15 minutes before our scheduled departure, and boarding was a complete mess . When agents announced the start of preboarding, the door to the jet bridge was still closed, and the machine for scanning boarding passes wasn’t turned on. Thus, everyone who moved forward couldn’t board.

TAP Air Portugal business class EWR LIS boarding

Once it was time for business class passengers, employees herded us into an area between several ropes that they then struggled to open. Moreover, the machine to scan boarding passes stopped working, so we had to wait while they found another. Once we entered the jet bridge, the flight crew wasn’t ready for passengers, so we wound up standing around on the jet bridge for a few minutes .

TAP Air Portugal line in jet bridge during boarding

My wife and I finally entered the plane 5 minutes before our scheduled departure, so we knew takeoff would be delayed . Flight attendants said hello to passengers at the boarding door, but neither smiled.

On Board TAP Air Portugal’s A321LR-neo

We sat in seats 1A and 1C, which were window (A) and aisle (C) seats in the first row of business class. TAP’s A321LR uses a staggered layout , where rows 1, 3, and 5 have a 2-2 layout. Rows 2 and 4 have a 1-1 layout where these “throne seats” have extra space. Window seats in the odd-numbered rows don’t have direct aisle access.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class seat map

I had seat 1C, which felt spacious. The area around my feet was generous, and the seat had a 3-point seatbelt.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS seat

I also had a generous footwell in front of me under the entertainment system.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS foot well

On arrival, the divider between our seats had menus and amenity kits.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS seat items at boarding

At hip level on this division, I found the control panel for reclining the seat or laying it flat. The buttons worked easily.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS seat controls

The tray tables folded out from the divider, coming down from shoulder level and then sliding over. It was a fair size.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS tray table

The tray table was released with this latch at the base of the division between seats.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS latch for tray table

Above the division, each seat had a reading lamp with 3 brightness levels next to a USB port and the headphone jack.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS reading lamp

The lamp was in addition to the overhead lights that could be activated from the entertainment system remote.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS overhead lights

This remote was stored at the back of the division between seats, near my shoulder, next to headphones and a bottle of water.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS entertainment control

The division between the seats continued to the floor, ending with a small pocket that held sick bags.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS space between seats

We also found USB and universal outlets here.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS outlets

The only storage space was this fold-down net under the entertainment screen.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS storage pocket

At boarding, each seat had a pillow and blanket in plastic wrap, found on the seat.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS blanket and pillow

The package fit easily into the footwell, for lack of a better place to put it.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS bedding in foot well

As a seat, this was a great seat. When laying flat to sleep, however, it was a different story.

I’m 5 feet 10 inches tall, and my feet were pressed against the plastic at the end of the footwell, even when I moved as far up the bed as possible. Thus, I couldn’t stretch out.

Additionally, the space around the shoulder/head area felt cramped. Moreover, the area around my hips and belt felt unnaturally firm, making it difficult to get comfortable . My wife and I barely slept, though seat comfort was only one of the reasons for that.

If you’re traveling alone in business class on TAP’s A321LR-neo, choose a seat in the even-numbered rows. Not only do they have more space, but you’ll avoid the situation where you’re sleeping next to the aisle and someone else climbs over you to go to the bathroom — or being the one doing the climb.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS row 1 seats

Those traveling in pairs will like the odd-numbered rows. Beyond these elements, seats in rows 1 and 5 are nearest to the galleys and may have extra noise.

There were a few amenities worth noting from this flight.

Both paid and complimentary options were available. Free messaging throughout the flight was an option for all passengers.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS free messaging option

Paid options ranged from €9.99 to €29.99, depending on how long you wanted to stay connected. That’s roughly $10.80 to $32.40 for the full flight.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS wifi costs

I didn’t purchase internet during the flight, so I can’t comment on speeds. However, the messaging option worked as expected .

Each business class seat had a personal entertainment system in front of the seat. It was not adjustable.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS entertainment screen

The home page allowed us to choose not just TV and movies but also to see the menu, practice some Portuguese, and learn about activities in Portugal.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS entertainment system menu

Movie options were abundant.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS entertainment options

There was even a special section for children’s entertainment options .

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS entertainment for kids

The screen was touchscreen, but you could also use the remote found on the division between the seats. Both options worked, though touching the screen required leaning forward pretty far. I found using the remote much simpler.

Amenity Kit

Each seat had an amenity kit waiting for us at boarding. These were made of a soft fabric in pastel colors.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS amenity kit

We found hand lotion, a small toothbrush, a sleep mask, earplugs, and a pair of socks inside the kit.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS amenity kit contents

Business class had a single lavatory at the front of the plane near the cockpit. In terms of size and amenities, it matched what you’ll find in economy cabins on most planes .

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS lavatory

The soap dispenser leaked around the base, unfortunately.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS lavatory leaking soap

I mentioned above that service missed the mark at nearly every turn, so let’s jump in.

First, I mentioned that we never saw a single employee smile . That’s just odd. We were also surprised there was no offer of a welcome drink , as that’s standard on most business class flights these days.

After boarding, flight attendants came around to take orders for meals. Menus were placed at each seat before boarding.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS menu

There was also an extensive wine list.

TAP Air Portugal A321LR neo business class EWR LIS wine list

When the flight attendant came to our row, she stated our names and said that our special meals were on board. Then, she asked what drinks we would like.

Once meal service started, the flight attendant placed a tray of fish in front of my wife. We told her that we’d requested vegan meals, and she apologized while taking it away. However, what we got wasn’t much better.

For dinner, we received a tray that had cheesy pasta, a Caprese salad (which is 50% cheese), and flan for dessert. This, despite the fact I’d called TAP twice to request and confirm vegan meals. However, the agent had somehow put us down for vegetarian meals. Thus, there was nothing for us to eat at dinner. It’s a good thing we’d had some snacks in the lounge. We told the flight attendants there was no need to give us the trays and put away our tray tables.

The flight attendant moved on without much apology, but I also don’t fault her. There was no kitchen on board for the crew to whip up meals for us. Another flight attendant asked if we wanted to be woken for breakfast, so I asked what it was. Our special meal: a selection of local cheese from Portugal. Comedic.

I don’t know what it is with Star Alliance airlines, but they are consistently the worst offenders for not getting our special meals correct. Thus, since we weren’t eating, we decided to just sleep for as much of the flight as possible.

However, sleeping was further hindered by flight attendants dropping items in the galley (next to our seats) multiple times, including spilling a tray full of silverware. You know the sound it makes — not conducive to sleeping. Neither was their banter and laughing at each other’s jokes throughout the night, which again happened right near our seats.

Before deplaning, the flight attendants said they were putting a note on our reservation and encouraged us to apply for some sort of refund with TAP after the flight . They said to wait a few weeks to give the powers that be time to review the notes, so I haven’t submitted anything yet. However, I’m not holding my breath that I’ll get any points or money back.

Despite taking off about 15 minutes late, we arrived in Lisbon 15 minutes early. Thus, our gate wasn’t ready, and we had to sit on the taxiway for a few minutes before pulling up to the gate.

The crew made the necessary announcements, such as border control processes and baggage claim location. After arriving at the gate, I was surprised at how quickly the jet bridge was moved into position and the aircraft door was opened . Sitting in row 1, we were off the plane quickly.

We were excited to fly TAP’s A321LR-neo business class but were quickly let down. Sleeping wasn’t very comfortable, and service left a whole lot to be desired. From royally messing up our special meal requests to never smiling throughout the entire trip experience and banging around to interrupt sleeping passengers, I struggle to think of any highlights from this flight.

I asked my wife if she remembered any highlights from flying on TAP, and she said, “Yeah, it ended.” Maybe a bit too critical, but that’s how we felt walking off the plane.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What terminal does tap portugal use at newark.

TAP’s check-in is on the upper (third) floor of Terminal B.

How many business class seats are on TAP's A321LR-neo plane?

TAP has a staggered layout in the business cabin on this plane. You’ll find 2-2 seating in rows 1, 3, and 5. There’s 1-1 seating in rows 2 and 4. That makes for a total of 16 business-class seats.

Is TAP Portugal a budget airline?

In some ways, TAP is a budget airline, not offering the frills of some of its competitors. However, it’s not a budget airline in the sense of fares offered on long-distance flights.

What alliance is TAP Portugal in?

TAP is part of the Star Alliance. Other members include United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, and Air Canada.

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About Ryan Smith

Ryan completed his goal of visiting every country in the world in December of 2023 and now plans to let his wife choose their destinations. Over the years, he’s written about award travel for publications including AwardWallet, The Points Guy, USA Today Blueprint, CNBC Select, Tripadvisor, and Forbes Advisor.

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