Explore the City
Lisbon, Portugal, is a vibrant and exciting city with interesting sights, distinct neighborhoods, and delicious food. Whether you’re interested in historical attractions, exploring the city on foot, or learning about Portugal’s vibrant culture, there is something for everyone in Lisbon.
Let’s explore some of the fantastic things to do in this incredible city:
Visit Alfama
The Alfama district of Lisbon, Portugal, is a must-visit for anyone wanting an authentic glimpse into traditional Portuguese life. Located in the city’s eastern part and almost entirely spared from destruction during the 1755 earthquake, Alfama is perhaps one of Europe’s most charming and unchanged neighborhoods.
Narrow alleyways twist and turn, presenting a captivating network filled with Fado bars, artistic graffiti, breathtaking views, charismatic people, and plenty of Moorish influence. Winding streets are lined with quaint row houses draped in the laundry – many featuring intricate tiles adorning their facades.
Exploring Alfama on foot is an absolute must. You will stumble upon hidden gems such as impromptu concerts in alleyways filled with locals dancing to traditional Fado music or street-side restaurants serving freshly caught seafood dishes. If you want to experience Lisbon through its history and culture, there is no better neighborhood than that Alfama!
Take a Tour of Belem
Belem is a great place to visit and explore, just a few miles outside Lisbon. Once considered the gateway to the New World, Belem is home to many of Portugal’s most important monuments and areas of historical significance. Take a tour and discover the charm of this unique city and its proud maritime tradition.
Start in front of the Jeronimos Monastery – an immense architectural wonder from ages past. Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1993, this impressive building is home to some of Portugal’s most exquisite 16th-century stone carvings and paintings – a fantastic way to kick off your tour!
Continue along cobblestone streets toward Belem Tower – another legacy from Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Rising over 60 feet above sea level and standing strong for centuries, Belem Tower serves as a reminder of the city’s historical importance as an international center for shipping, trade, and exploration. Climb up to take in incredible views across both land and river alike!
As you return to Landago Park, stroll through Belem Palace Gardens – perhaps one of Portugal’s loveliest green spaces with manicured lawns, ornamental water pools, vibrant rose gardens, exotic fruit trees, and flower beds – it only gets better each month! Then, stop off at one of two traditional windmills nearby while learning about local farming methods during centuries past.
Finish up in Pasteis de Pasteis de Belém – one of Lisbon’s famous cafes; here, visitors line up for their heavenly fix: crunchy circles filled with creamy custard topping served fresh from the oven. Then, enjoy a view overlooking the Tagus River; Get ready for Lisbon sightseeing bliss!
Wander around the Baixa District
No trip to Lisbon is complete without a wander through the historic Baixa (lower downtown) district. This vibrant area, bounded by a grid of streets and various monuments, is where the city was first rebuilt in 1755 after the devastating earthquake and adjoining tsunami.
Stroll along Rossio Square, where baroque tiles adorn buildings, and cafes offer a glimpse into centuries past. Explore arcaded Praça do Comércio or marvel at the Miradouro de Santa Luzia view – one of seven hills defining Lisbon’s historic center. Step into Chiado, an eclectic art nouveau quarter home to lovely cafes and traditional stores.
Follow narrow alleys to explore Lisbon’s enchanting alleyways, admire street tile artworks, take in dramatic views from panoramic terraces, or enjoy traditional music with the locals at night.
Enjoy Local Cuisine
Lisbon is renowned for its local cuisine and its unique cooking style, blending Mediterranean flavors with ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and wine.
From seafood dishes like caldeirada to desserts like Pasteis de Belem, Lisbon has something for everyone. So if you’re looking for a delicious meal, here’s a look at some of the best dishes Lisbon has to offer:
Try the Local Seafood Dishes
When in Lisbon, make sure you take advantage of the local cuisine. This city offers a vast selection of seafood dishes characteristic of a coastal region. Whether you order your meal in a restaurant or buy it off the street from a storefront, be prepared for hearty plates with lots of flavor and texture.
One of the most popular seafood dishes is the caldeirada de peixe, a type of stew made of various kinds of fish cooked in one pot and served in a casserole or white rice. It is often accompanied by fried bread slices and Portuguese seasonings such as garlic, olive oil, and salt cod–bacalhau. The national dish – bacalhau à brás – is also popular and purely seasoned with black olives and diced potatoes.
When trying other classics such as grilled sardines or shrimp cubes over rice, clams oreganato accompanied by french fries, or steak with ham and melted cheese served over white rice, your senses will come alive. If you’re brave enough to try lesser-known flavorsome dishes such as salted cod cheeks cooked in tomato sauce or octopus salad (salada de polvo), you’ll surely enjoy your time dining in Lisbon!
Sample the Wines from the Douro Valley
The Douro Valley, located in northeastern Portugal, is one of the world’s top wine-producing regions. The hillsides, steeped with sunshine and lined with extensive vineyards, provide the perfect backdrop for sampling. With locally produced red and white wines ranging from dry to sweet and featuring notes of peach, almond, and apricot, these wines offer something for everyone’s taste.
The soils of the Douro Valley are primarily composed of schist – a metamorphic rock characterized by its thin layers – and granite. These soil types impart a unique minerality to the Douro wine region’s plantings.
From entry-level table wines to intense fortified wines made from some of Europe’s oldest vineyards planted on steep slopes comprised of decomposed schist granules – soil packed tightly against granite – Douro wine has something to offer with every tasting. Enjoy bold reds such as Touriga Nacional or lighter, refreshing whites such as Malvasia Fina or Codega to appreciate all the Douro offers!
Indulge in the Famous Pastel de Nata
Pastel de nata is a traditional Portuguese custard tart that’s sweet, creamy, and irresistible. It can be found in practically every pastry shop in Lisbon. Because the recipe varies so much between shops, determining your favorite can take some time. The most common thing people look out for is the muchness of the custard filling and the sugar/cinnamon topping ratio.
No trip to Lisbon would be complete without a visit to a pastry shop! Some of the top choices for visitors include Pastelaria Aloma, Confeitaria Nacional, and Manteigaria Silva. These places all offer delicious versions of this beloved treat. They also serve other delicious items perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, like croissants, brioches, muffins, sandwiches, and coffees.
Bring some Pastel de Nata as a souvenir – it will impress any family or friends back home! And remember: tasting all the different iterations of this custard tart is part of the experience while you’re here in Lisbon!
Outdoor Activities
Lisbon, Portugal, is a great city to explore, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy. From surfing on beaches to hiking to exploring castle ruins, Lisbon has something to offer every outdoor enthusiast.
Let’s look at some of the fun outdoor activities you can enjoy in Lisbon:
Go Surfing at the Beaches of Cascais
The beaches of Cascais are ideal for surfing, bodyboarding, and kitesurfing. The crystal-clear waters, large waves, and many beaches make this destination suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced surfers.
Several surf schools in Cascais offer lessons, equipment hire, and other activities such as stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, scuba diving, and more. With warm temperatures throughout the year, Cascais’s coastline makes it an excellent spot for surfing, even during the year’s colder months.
Take a Hike in the Sintra Hills
Take in breathtaking views and explore the unique natural beauty of the Sintra hills by hiking its well-marked trails. A small investment in good hiking shoes and a pocket guide can open up a world of exploration. Although there are hundreds of paths to explore, some of the most popular include the following:
- Hiking from Monserrate Palace to Cabo da Roca, a coastal path that leads to stunning views at Europe’s most westerly point.
- Walking from the Quinta de Regaleira Gardens to the Castle of the Moors.
- Heading down Pena Park’s hilly paths for a look at striking castles.
For those looking for an extended adventure, Portugal’s 550 km long Great Route passes through this region, providing an unforgettable full-day experience designed specifically for hikers. Also known as Caminho do Fátima, this Route goes past places like Cabo da Roca. It connects with European nature reserves via the Purple Path that leads deep into Portugal’s farming heartlands.
Go Fishing in the Tagus River
Surrounded by stunning scenery and blessed with ample sunshine, Lisbon is the perfect place for outdoor activities. With various family-friendly attractions just outside the city center, visitors have plenty of possibilities to explore and enjoy. One of the most popular is fishing in the Tagus River, which runs through central Portugal from Spain to the Atlantic Ocean.
Fishing in the Tagus River offers a unique experience as anglers explore its tributaries, back bays, and estuaries for various species, ranging from largemouth bass to striped bass, bluefish, mackerel, and even sharks! Fishers can choose their method for success – either trolling or casting – depending on whether they’re looking for a thrill or a steady catch. The river’s depths can be as shallow as two meters in some areas or as deep as 28 meters in others.
From fishing charters offering supply packages and professional guidance to shoreline opportunities available closer to downtown Lisbon, fishing spots are close by no matter what type of experience you are seeking. There are also options for fly fishing along the river banks, starting around Ajuda National Park and heading north. Although catches vary depending on the season, temperatures, and water level, you can boost your adrenaline after an intense battle with one of nature’s wiliest denizens!
Cultural Attractions
Lisbon, the stunningly beautiful city in Portugal, is known for its culture. Lisbon has incredible attractions you won’t miss, from vibrant nightlife and live music to historical sites and museums.
In this section, we’ll look at some of the best cultural attractions in Lisbon that you should try to visit during your stay:
Visit the Iconic Jeronimos Monastery
The Jeronimos Monastery is a must-visit during a stay in Lisbon, Portugal. It is famous for its unique and ornate Manueline style of architecture, developed uniquely in Portugal during the Age of Discoveries that marks the height of the Portuguese Empire. This sixteenth-century landmark is part of a World Heritage Site and stands opposite explorer Vasco da Gama’s Torre de Belem (Belem Tower).
The site captures the spirit and adventurousness of the Portuguese people during this period in history when they set out to explore and colonize parts of Africa, Asia, and South America.
Inside this breathtakingly beautiful building, you will find some remarkable features such as its domed roofline with a twisted cross that symbolizes Christ’s suffering, magnificent marble columns set around an inner courtyard, white staircases climbing up to delicate galleries, intricately carved altars, stained-glass windows depicting important moments from Portuguese history. Beyond the main structure lies an extensive cloister with lush gardens filled with fruit trees, statuary, streams, and ponds – all representing a paradise promised after death by Christopher Columbus to crew members who sailed on his ships.
The Jeronimos Monastery has been designated by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational Scientific Council) as one of their World Heritage Sites for its importance to cultural heritage worldwide. You can explore it throughout your visit or take advantage of guided tours that provide insight into its historical significance and incredible artwork – making it an exciting way to travel in Lisbon!
Explore the National Tile Museum
The National Tile Museum is a one-of-a-kind treasure located in Lisbon, Portugal. Founded in 1965, the museum houses and displays a vast collection of cultural tiles that span centuries and reflect various religions, myths, and societal themes.
The National Tile Museum has a renowned collection of 18th-century ceramics from Europe and South America. These masterpieces provide insight into the history of tile making, from the complex manufacturing techniques to their use as decorative works of art. In addition to these pieces from past centuries, modern Portuguese collections can be admired at this unique exhibit.
Visitors can marvel at the stunning artistry and grandeur as they peek into the world’s largest ceramic tile collections, including over 600 pieces from industrial sources like Mannequin porcelain artworks and Bisazza mosaic and Azulejos Azuis cobalt blue tiles. This museum also holds an extensive library with books about tiles and tile manufacturing processes and photos of murals, sculptures, and other decorative artifacts related to this special craftsmanship.
The National Tile Museum is open to visitors all year round, offering guided tours in various languages, including English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. It also works closely with schools so that students may explore its fascinating artifacts while learning about its rich history firsthand – an experience never to be forgotten!
Check out the Gulbenkian Museum
For an incredible cultural experience, one of the best things to do in Lisbon is to visit the Gulbenkian Museum (Museu Calouste Gulbenkian). Located in a green park stretching over 20 hectares, this beautiful museum houses an extraordinary collection of European and Oriental pieces, mainly from the 15th to 19th centuries.
The extensive collection includes paintings, sculptures, furniture, and jewelry. Highlights of the museum include works by Monet, Cézanne, and Rembrandt, along with ancient artifacts from China, Japan, and Egypt.
Visitors can explore six different pavilions that showcase different art types: painting and sculpture, furniture, Islamic art, and Asian collections.
In addition to admiring exemplary works dating back centuries, visitors can enjoy guided tours explaining the masterpieces on display. It can significantly enhance your appreciation for these fascinating works of art.
Whether you are a culture enthusiast or just someone looking for a great destination to spend a day in Lisbon – visiting the Gulbenkian Museum won’t disappoint!
Nightlife
Lisbon is a vibrant city full of diverse nightlife options. From lively clubs and bars to fun restaurants, there is something for everyone in Lisbon. In addition, the city is known for its warm hospitality, making it an excellent spot for a night out with friends.
Let’s explore some of the most popular nightlife spots in the city:
Check out the Bars of Bairro Alto
For a night out on the town, Bairro Alto has the most diverse and energetic nightlife in Lisbon. This area is known for its creative density and is home to many of the city’s artists, immigrants, and ex-pats. So whether you are looking for places to hang out with friends or a romantic evening out with your special someone, Bairro Alto boasts an incredible selection of bars, restaurants, and clubs.
From traditional taverns offering tapas and live music to sleekly designed cocktail bars located on terraces, rooftops, or within modern courtyards – Bairro Alto has something for everyone’s taste. With various beer gardens, jazz venues, trance discos, and art spaces joining the neighborhood scene, it’s no wonder this part of town never sleeps. So whether you’re ready to go until dawn or need a relaxing beer before calling it a night – you won’t be disappointed in what Bairro Alto offers.
Enjoy the Live Music Scene in Cais do Sodre
Cais do Sodre in Lisbon is the perfect place to catch some live tunes and truly experience the culture of Lisbon. Located in the old port area of Lisbon, Cais do Sodre is full of bars and restaurants, each with its unique atmosphere, but all playing fantastic live music.
Among the most popular places is The Late Night Parlour, a cozy little bar tucked away in one of the many steep alleyways that make up this vibrant district. Offering live jam sessions late into the evening, this bar makes for an intimate yet fun evening for anyone wanting to learn about jazz music or enjoy quality entertainment.
If Latin music is more your thing, then you are in luck too – at places like Lota Bar, you can find local bands playing samba and bossa nova all night long. With DJs spinning vinyl records until 4 am here, too, it’s easy to get lost in this melting pot of traditional Portuguese sounds and modern beats.
The jam-packed atmosphere at Cais do Sodre makes its nightlife hard to beat. With great live music on every corner, it’s easy to find something that suits your taste – no matter what vibe you seek!
Take a Fado Tour of the City
Fado is a type of Portuguese traditional music with influences from Africa, India, and South America, characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics that often deal with fate and destiny. As Lisbon is the birthplace of Fado, it’s the perfect place to explore its rich cultural heritage. Taking a Fado tour in Lisbon gives you an insight into the country’s vibrant culture and unique music style.
The perfect way to take in some famed Fado music is to join an expert-led tour through the city’s winding streets and quaint neighborhoods. Discover firsthand how Fado singers bring their stories of love, life, and life loss. Visit small cafes where influential musicians come together to perform before audiences every night, or get theatrical by visiting some iconic theatres for an unforgettable show.
If you’re serious about exploring Lisbon’s lively nightlife, then a Fado tour is something you won’t want to miss. So book your tickets online and start a journey that will entertain your mind as much as your feet – all while experiencing one of Portugal’s most beautiful traditions up close!