A trip to Lisbon is practically a must. And here’s why…
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It’s impossible to visit Lisbon and eat poorly: This destination boasts a vast and delicious culinary scene. Highlights include feijoadas, fish and seafood, and a wide variety of cheeses. Of course, you can’t leave Lisbon without trying the famous Pastéis de Belém.
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Language won’t be a problem either: if you don’t speak Portuguese or English, they’ll always make an effort to understand you, as they say, using “Portuñol.”
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It’s an affordable and safe destination: Portugal is a generally inexpensive country, and this becomes even more apparent when you venture away from the major Portuguese cities and visit smaller towns. As is the case in any city you’re unfamiliar with, you need to stay alert, but overall, Lisbon is a very peaceful and safe city.
And as if you needed more reasons to get lost in the streets of this magical city, here are 10 things you can’t miss in Lisbon. If you check off this list, you’ll get to know the Portuguese capital inside and out:
You simply must ride tram 28
Lisbon is built on seven hills, and although outdated, its tram system is not only an engineering marvel but also the best way to explore the city. Route 28 runs from the Basilica of the Star to Bairro Alto (the largest district), Baixa, the cathedral, and the castle. It will take you through all the key areas and points of interest in no time for just about €3.85.
Visit the Mercado da Ribeira
This market is currently one of the best places to eat in Lisbon. You can also enjoy a great atmosphere within the walls of a historic building that for decades was the center of the city’s commercial life due to its proximity to the Tagus River.
This gourmet paradise is located at Avenida 24 de Julho 50, and admission is free. It’s open Sunday through Wednesday from 10:00 AM to midnight and Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM.
Here you’ll enjoy the best wines, cheeses, and cold cuts at very affordable prices. The central part of the market features long wooden tables shared among all the stalls, making it a great place to go with friends or as a couple so everyone can enjoy their preferred type of food without having to change locations. Portuguese food is some of the best in the world!
Take home a tile as a souvenir
Azulejos are an integral part of Portuguese culture, and you can’t leave without one. They’re usually sold as souvenirs so tourists can take a piece of Lisbon home with them. The Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum) is the best place to buy tiles, located at Rua do Alecrim 95, in the Chiado neighborhood. This magnificent 16th-century building illustrates the history of tile art and its diverse influences: Arabic, Flemish, Spanish, Dutch, and even Asian.
Visit LX FACTORY
Walking and getting lost in its streets is the best way to get to know it. Lisbon’s magical light highlights its colorful streets and that distinctive local charm it retains—a blend of traditional and cosmopolitan city.
If you’re up for more, head away from the tourist center and visit LX FACTORY—it’s Lisbon’s most avant-garde market: there are shops, stalls, and restaurants located in an old factory. It maintains that slightly hipster vibe that’s so trendy lately, and it’s worth visiting to get to know the less touristy side of Lisbon. New generations of young artists and designers have transformed this place into a creative hub. LX Factory is home to a number of interesting spots; a visit to the Ler Devagar bookstore is a must.
Enjoy the sunset from São Jorge Castle
You can’t leave Lisbon without visiting one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Both day and night, it stands out atop São Jorge Hill, the highest point in Lisbon and home to the Castelo and Alfama neighborhoods. In addition to the castle with its eleven towers, the grounds also feature a small museum, a bar, and a restaurant.
Have a drink on a terrace overlooking the city
In Lisbon, many restaurants and bars offer panoramic views from their terraces. From there, you can see São Jorge Castle, the Tagus River, and the entire city of Lisbon. Memmo Alfama Hotel is a renovated late-19th-century building in the picturesque Alfama neighborhood, featuring a wine bar, an outdoor pool, and the best views. The wine bar on the first floor is the ideal place to enjoy Portuguese wines and light meals to the sound of Portuguese music. It’s open Monday through Sunday, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Learn About Portuguese Literature
Fernando Pessoa and José Saramago are just a few of the Portuguese writers who have inspired us through their poems and stories. If you’re looking for a unique experience, visit A Brasileira, a bar founded in 1905 and frequented by the country’s most brilliant writers (including Pessoa and Almada Negreiros). This historic café is located at 120 Rua Garrett, near the Santa Justa Elevator, and not only serves excellent coffee but also features magnificent Art Nouveau-inspired interior architecture.
Take the Santa Justa Elevator
Built in 1902 by Raoul de Mesnier du Ponsard, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, the Santa Justa Elevator connects one street, Rua Aureia in Baixa, with another, Largo do Carmo, rising to a height of 45 meters. Taking the iron elevator is worth it, not only for its interesting mechanism but also for the panoramic view you can enjoy from the rooftop café. The ticket price is approximately 6 euros. If you have time, have lunch at the Bella Lisa restaurant, where you can enjoy a delicious meal along with one of the best views of Lisbon.
Try the Pasteis de Nata
This pastry is worth one, two, or even 100 visits to Lisbon if necessary. They’re all over Portugal: in supermarkets, shops, markets, and bakeries. But the one and only originals are at the bakery in Lisbon’s Belém neighborhood, right next to the Jerónimos Monastery—you’ll recognize it by the long lines at the door. These tarts consist of a puff pastry base filled with a cream similar to pastry cream but softer, made with heavy cream. They’re usually topped with cinnamon and powdered sugar. Each pastry costs about 1.90 euros.
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