Pretty in pastel colors and tiled with (literally) rustic, worn-in charm, this charming hilly city on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean has it all. Lisbon, Portugal’s capital and largest city, is built on seven hills and stretches along the Tagus River. There’s beauty everywhere you look in downtown, from narrow, winding fairy-tale alleyways to impressive Gothic cathedrals. Lisbon boasts a warm Mediterranean climate and a thriving gourmet culture, with plenty of day trip options to nearby towns such as Cascais and Sintra. Lisbon has definitely experienced a resurgence in recent years and the world is taking notice. Here’s a quick guide to Lisbon.
Population: 530,000+
It is famous for its beaches, castles, colorful azulejos (ceramic tiles) and abundance of Portuguese tarts.
Climate: Subtropical/Mediterranean climate – hot summers, mild winters
Quick guide to Lisbon
Before arrival
Lisbon is part of the European Union and is easily accessible by air from most European cities. Lisbon is also a great gateway for exploring Portugal’s farther-flung seaside and coastal areas, such as the popular Algarve region (just a two-hour drive from the city).
upon arrival
If you’re arriving by plane, the easiest way to get into central Lisbon is by metro (red line). The journey takes approximately 25 minutes and requires one transfer (€1.90 each way). Alternatively, you can buy a day pass for 6 euros (24-hour pass) that gives you access to the metro, buses, trams and trains.
A taxi from the airport to downtown Lisbon costs approximately 15-20 euros.
There’s also the Aerobus, which runs every 20 to 30 minutes on three routes to the city’s main areas.
means of transportation
Lisbon is a very large city and has many beautiful areas to visit. Public transport such as buses, trams, cable cars, and metros are reliable, efficient, and cost-effective ways to get around. Lisbon is also a beautiful city to experience on foot, especially in the old town of Alfama.
make ends meet
The language spoken in Lisbon is Portuguese, although English is widely understood by Portuguese people. Transportation signs have English translations, and restaurants have English menus, making it an easy town for foreigners to visit.
It’s always good to memorize Portuguese phrases. Here are some basic phrases.
Hello: Hello
Excuse me: Excuse me!
Thank you: Thank you (male) / Thank you (female)
You’re welcome: You’re welcome!
Goodbye: Goodbye
Highlights
Lisbon is made up of several main districts, each with its own charm and atmosphere. Visit must-see areas such as Chiado (historic streets and popular shopping district), Baixa (downtown), Plaza de Commerce (the beginning of downtown), Belém (home of authentic Portuguese tarts) and Alfama (the oldest district with a winding maze of very charming streets).
The best views of the city are from Miradouro das Portas do Sol (rooftop of Alfama), Miradouro da Graça (overlooking the city and castle), Castle of São Jorge, and from the rooftop of Castello São Jorge. Four Seasons Ritz Lisbon.
There are many monuments that are must-sees. In particular, the Castle of São Jorge (a Moorish castle perched on the Alfama hill overlooking Lisbon’s historic center) and the Lisbon Cathedral, a Roman Catholic cathedral and Lisbon’s oldest church.
We also recommend visiting. LX factory – A hidden gem that not all tourists know about! It’s a creative urban area with outdoor bars and dining, hipster cafes, burger joints, chocolate shops and a carefully selected gift shop with locally made goods by locals, including a famous potter. Anna Westerlunda magazine shop and creative design studio housed in a shipping container.
what to eat and drink
Your first stop in Lisbon is definitely a pastelaria. Here you can buy typical pastis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts). Find the original and the best belem pastries – They have been making tarts since 1837 and are rumored to make around 14,000 tarts a day.
To sample some of the best food in town, we recommend booking a tasting menu. mini-bar – A popular restaurant by renowned chef Jose Aviles – The WoW team dined here and we all agreed that night was one of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had.
Brunch isn’t popular in Lisbon, but Varanda (located at the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon) is exceptionally popular and worth experiencing on a Sunday.
Other typical Portuguese dishes include caldo verde (soup made with potatoes, shredded kale, and spicy Portuguese sausage), seafood such as fresh sardines and bacalhau (cod), and amijoas a bruhao pato (clam dish).
For those interested, enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Lisbon, especially in the Bairro Alto district.
Get out
Wondering where to go outside of Lisbon? There are so many great options! Sintra is less than an hour’s drive from central Lisbon and feels like a storybook experience. Here you’ll find green mountains dotted with fairytale-worthy palaces.
Also, be sure to visit Cascais, a popular fishing port less than an hour from Lisbon. It has beautiful beaches perfect for swimming and a beautiful old town to explore.
Further afield, you can explore the beautiful Algarve region.
The World of Wanderlust team recently visited Portugal and stayed as guests at the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon. Thank you for such a wonderful visit!