Lisbon is a city that will surprise you, please plot and joy…but more than anything, it leaves you in a world of happiness that is inexplainable. The city is destroying life at every turn, with colorful buildings, friendly locals and a wonderful community atmosphere. Honestly, there’s nothing I don’t enjoy about the last couple trip to Lisbon. Let’s go!
1. Walk through the Alfama district
It is the Alphama district that conveys my favourite parts of Lisbon and makes Lisbon stand out in my eyes. The area has incredible old world charm, covered in rainbow colors, and also has some amazing local eateries!
2. Check out the views of San Jorge Castle
This Moorish castle is one of Lisbon’s most popular attractions and for good reason. You’ll get the best views of the entire city. The ruins are fun to walk around, and the views are gorgeous on sunny days.
3. Enjoy a small cheese from a Serra & Portuguese wine picnic
If you love your cheese, when you visit Portugal you are for a real treat! Locals will quickly say to taste this creamy yellow cheese and thistle flower tips made from sheep’s milk (the cheese is said to be a very tasty ingredient). Pair it with a bottle of Portuguese wine (also great) and have the perfect picnic!
4. Interact with local people
One of my absolute favorite things in any city is meeting locals, but not specifically mentioning the locals in Lisbon would be a crime. Whether you’re a taxi driver or a bellboy, have a conversation and see what you’ve learned!
5. Visit the local market
One of the best places to see local life in Lisbon just before your eyes is in one of the local food markets. My favourite is the Mercado da Ribeira, located near the river, but if you visit Lisbon on a Tuesday or Saturday, head to the Feira da Radra Flea Market (morning). Don’t miss it!
6. Incorporates the view from the Lua Augusta Arch
Another stunning view of the nearby city is at Lua Augusta Arch, located in the heart of the city’s bustle.
7. Find amazing views – anywhere!
From a perspective, it is important to mention that in many cases the best views of the city are completely free and fully gushed out without immediate notice. Wandering on foot, you will find many wonderful views without even trying!
8. Step into the Jeronimus Monastery
As far as the monasteries are concerned, this is certainly one of the most impressive things I have come across. If architecture is interested in you and you stand up for something completely different, head to Belem to discover this beauty. Stop by Pastis Deverem for an afternoon snack!
9. Day trips to Sintra and Casketeers
I love Lisbon and I would say to anyone visiting who needs at least three days to explore the city, but on top of that, there is always a great opportunity to leave the capital and try nearby Sintra and Caskai. Both of these small towns are full of charm and you won’t miss it.
10. Eat your stupid self in the pastel de belem
If you only have one thing to eat in Lisbon, then go for the famous and very public pastel natana of Pastis Deverem. Do not further research on this topic. Just go there, order the whole bunch and eat yourself in a turn-inducing panel of warm eggs. You will not regret it!
11. Visit Belem Tower
Make sure it takes time to enjoy the local area while visiting Pastes de Belem (although it’s a bit out of town, there’s a way to feel the world!)
12. Take the sidecar on the street
One of my favorite things I’ve ever been to in Europe is riding a sidecar in Lisbon. The tour lasts for a few hours and has photographed most sites in the city, making it a great option if you have shorter times.
11. Eat all the miniatures in the minibar
Don’t eat anywhere else in Lisbon before eating here! Certainly, that may sound a little dramatic…but trust me when I say this place is not the world from now on. The food is original and melts in the mouth, but the portions are small and the food keeps coming all night, so you’re always craving more! Seriously one of my favourite restaurants – ever.
12. Step into Lisbon Cathedral
While exploring the hills of Lisbon, you may have happened to stumble across Lisbon Cathedral. The old tram running here makes great photo opportunities if you can catch it when it passes!
13. Visit Karmo Monastery
Sometimes you don’t read about a particular attraction or ignore it as something you don’t care about, but in many cases these interesting points are what will surprise you and adore you. Carmo Convent is such a place to make an effort to visit, especially in the summer sun in Portugal, as the architecture is stunning!
14. Enjoy Sunday brunch in the four seasons
One of my favourite memories in Lisbon was Sunday afternoon brunch (yes, afternoon – in Australia there is brunch between breakfast and lunch, but in Lisbon it is lunch time). I sat down with three close friends and enjoyed what I could only call a feast.
15. Going to a door hunt
Lisbon is an absolute wonderland for door lovers (yes, that’s a thing!) The streets are filled with colorful and quirky doors, paved with intricate tiles around the door frame, and more often decorated with pot plans. There are many beautiful entrances to the home throughout Lisbon. So make sure to open your eyes while you wander!
16. Visit Lisbon Aquarium
I’m pretty sure I’ve seen them all after seeing one aquarium, but I don’t deny that the Lisbon Aquarium is a great attraction to the city and there’s good reason for it. If you are visiting Lisbon with your kids, this is not just because you have a penguin, but also an amazing half-day activity (but mostly because you have a penguin!!!!)
17. Get on the tram
One of the most distinctive features of Lisbon is the appeal of antiques. It’s a tram that looks like you’ve been caught in a time warp and winding cobblestone alley in the town centre. Make sure to ride the tram and venture in all directions. There is always something new to discover.
18. Step into the National Tile Museum
One thing I will never forget about Lisbon is the complexity of the tiles. It is on display almost everywhere in the city. When you start Geeking (like me), there is a museum dedicated to tiles that allows you to see many different styles and patterns that have been formulated over the years.
19. Visit Placa de Commercio
For things that are a little different than central Lisbon and certainly not quiet, head to Placa de Commercio, not far from the water. This public plaza shows another aspect of Lisbon.
20. Venture beyond Lisbon
One of the biggest mistakes travelers make when visiting Lisbon is visiting the capital and not venturing further into Portugal. On my first visit to Lisbon I did exactly that, but by round two I had decided to learn better and spend 4 nights in the Algarve (South Portugal) to truly grasp the culture of Portuguese. I’ve also heard rave reviews about Porto in the North.