Have you been wondering, “is Lisbon worth visiting…?”
Well seriously, just stop, because the answer is YES.
Back in 2016, whenever I saw something about Lisbon I would think it sounded like a cool place to go but I never ranked it super high on my must-visit list.
Then for some reason, I started to see it EVERYWHERE. I swear every second travel blogger I met was moving to Lisbon, and it was on all the lists of the best places to visit in Europe. And that hasn’t changed!
While living in Spain for a year I knew I wanted to try and travel to Lisbon. Then not long before I left I finally had the chance to visit Lisbon and find out for myself why it’s a top European destination.
Spoiler alert, I LOVED it.
So now I want to help you out with my best tips on Lisbon, what Lisbon is famous for, and things to know before you plan a trip to Portugal!
Why visit Lisbon? Is it worth visiting?
Well, I’d been told Portugal is great for solo travel, but also that spending a weekend in Lisbon with family or friends is a must. But I wanted to find out for myself!
The thing is there’s something in Lisbon for everyone and that’s why it’s become so popular in recent years, before you know what at least. And now it’s back!
Yes, Lisbon is worth visiting, but be prepared for lots of other people to think so too!
I learned a thing or two about what to do in Lisbon, what not to miss, what Lisbon is known for and some awesome stuff about the city and Portugal as a whole while I was there.
Instead of the usual “what to visit in Lisbon”, “top things to see”, “what to do”, or “where to go”, blog about Lisbon, I’ve compiled this list of quirky and fun facts about Lisbon that also includes lots of little tips for planning your Lisbon trip.
You’ll find out what you need to know before you go and what makes Lisbon worth adding to your bucket list!
Lisbon is the second oldest capital city in Europe
After Athens, Lisbon is the capital city in Europe that has been around for the longest. And that’s saying something given all of the history around here!
Lisbon was first ruled by the Romans, Germans, and Arabs until 1147 when Portuguese crusaders finally conquered it.
You can find out more about the history of Lisbon through the ages at the Lisbon Museum (Museu de Lisboa) and even see maps of Lisbon before the large earthquake in 1755 that destroyed much of the city.
However, interestingly enough Lisbon has been an economic, political and cultural center for so long that it was never officially confirmed as Portugal’s capital city! It’s just by default and convention that it’s become so.
Portuguese is the official language
For some reason, it’s a common misconception that people in Portugal speak Spanish.
Although Portugal may be next to Spain it does have it’s own language, and although you might find that Spanish is a common second language or can be somewhat understood, that doesn’t mean people want to speak it all the time!
In fact, you’ll find that a lot of people, and especially young people, speak English more than Spanish as a second language.
When you’re in Lisbon don’t just assume Spanish is the default second language.
Make an effort to learn up some Portuguese words (you’ll find a guide to some of the best ones to try further down) because it will certainly be appreciated!
Fado is the traditional style of music
“Fado” means destiny or fate in Portuguese. It’s also a traditional form of music that is known for its soulful and often melancholy tone, and it usually has a connection to the sea.
Instruments like guitars and mandolins form the basis of the art, with one singer performing the poetic lyrics.
Fado has been around in the port districts of Lisbon since around the early 19th century. Alfama is one of those port districts, and on a walk through here in the evening Fado music is inescapable.
There are many places offering combined meal and performance deals, but the best are those where you don’t need to pay for an expensive meal to see the show.
We sat down to have a meal at a restaurant and were treated to a beautiful impromptu performance. The couple came around selling copies of their CD to those who might want it afterwards, but there was no obligation to pay.
Alfama has become much more popular in recent years, but if you’re wondering where to go in Lisbon to see a Fado performance I’d still recommend it.
Add Fado to your must-see in Lisbon list!
While it is possible to see a performance by chance, you can also book a dinner and show combination. Just make sure you read all of the reviews and check the price of the meal compared to what you’ll receive. It doesn’t have to be expensive!
You can book a Fado and dinner tour here!
Lisbon is one of the best budget cities in Europe
Lisbon provides excellent quality food, great accommodation, and nightlife for a fraction of the cost of some of Europe’s other capital cities, especially in the west and the north.
There are many free and outdoor attractions and the cost of entering museums isn’t prohibitive to those on a tighter budget.
For this reason, Lisbon makes a great European budget holiday destination. Beer is as cheap as €2 in many places, to give you an idea!
You’ll be able to grab baked goods for breakfast and lunch on the go to save money as well, but you can also enjoy more luxury drinks and meals at a lower cost than other capital cities, making this a place for budget and luxury travellers.
There are lots of different neighbourhoods to choose from for your Lisbon accommodation which have different price ranges as well, and hostels for budget backpackers.
Check out some ideas on where to stay further down.
Read More: Lisbon in Winter: Falling in Love with Portugal in Off-Season
There are a lot of hills in Lisbon
Lisbon is built on seven hills. That means a lot of work for your calf muscles, but also some beautiful views to make up for it!
When you’re planning your Lisbon itinerary make sure you add in a few viewpoints so that you can see the city from above.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol is a popular place to stop for the view and a rest, as is Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. For something a little further out, try the viewpoint of Monte Agudo or the Observation Deck at Park Eduardo VII.
Living in Wellington, New Zealand, for most of my early adult life means I’m no stranger to hills, but Lisbon surprised even me and definitely gave me a workout!
In downtown Lisbon along the Avenida da Liberdade it’s all flat, but venture slightly outwards in any direction and you’re met with steeply sloping hills.
Luckily the number 28 tram or a tuk-tuk will help with those!
Take a ride on the 28 line tram
Wondering what Lisbon is known for?
Lisbon is famous for its number 28 yellow tram and is one major reason why people visit, after seeing iconic photos of it moving through the narrow city streets. There are actually a number of trams that run all over the city as well the specific tourist trams.
The traditional number 28 costs about €3.00 per person and services run from around 6 am until 9 pm. You can purchase a ticket from the driver or a machine onboard. The tram goes between Alfama in the east and Praça do Martim Moniz in the west.
The classic 1930s trams are still in use today because the tight curves and steep hills are unsuitable for modern trams.
We rode from Alfama all the way to end in Estrela, which actually wasn’t the best idea because it stopped and we had to get off and wait to get on again to go back.
I would recommend stopping in the Bairro Alto if you’re heading west!
Be aware that the locals do use these trams as their public transport, so give up seats when you’re able to and queue patiently.
It may be best to book a tourist specific tram if you want to have commentary explaining the area and a seat. They do follow the same tracks too!
Read More: Lisbon Itinerary: The Best of Lisbon in 2 Days
Lisbon is full of tuk-tuks
Lisbon is also full of tuk-tuks ready to take you up those seven hills!
They have only made an appearance in big numbers in the last few years, but tuk-tuks are now a popular way for tourists to navigate the narrow streets and not have to walk up the hills.
These vehicles were initially made in Italy post-WWII as a cheap way to increase transportation, but they caught on much more in crowded cities in Asia and Africa.
Now they’re back on the streets of Europe, and although taxi drivers may not be so happy about them, they do seem to suit the geography of Lisbon and look like they’ve been a part of the city for as long as the trams have.
If walking isn’t for you and you’re not keen on the tram then grabbing a tuk-tuk to take you to some of Lisbon’s top attractions and viewpoints could be the answer.
The age of discovery began in Portugal
Dozens of exploratory voyages around the world began from Lisbon, so it feels right that travellers the world over should want to visit here and see where it all began.
A monument to the explorers of the world, many of them Portuguese, has been built on the bank of the Tagus river.
It’s a bit out of the city centre but I’d put it on your list of where to go in Lisbon, especially since there are lots of other top sites in Lisbon to see nearby, like Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery.
The Museu de Marinha located inside Jeronimos Monastery gives a great overview of the age of discovery and includes collections of model ships and artefacts from the time period.
The buildings are covered in beautiful tiles
Many of the historic buildings in Lisbon are painted all sorts of colours or covered in unique tiles.
While tiles in art and inside buildings are common the world over, in Lisbon they became part of the architecture of the outside of the buildings themselves and have been given their own name, Azulejo Tiles or Azulejos. They first became popular in Portugal in the 1500s, before their popularity waned but was revived again in the 1950s.
On a stroll around Lisbon today it’s impossible the miss the beautifully tiled buildings and the huge amount of street art that’s all over the city.
A must-do in Lisbon is to simply walk around, and look up (just be careful of the trams and other people when you do it!).
You can also visit the National Museum of the Azulejo which is dedicated to the tradition and explains how they are made and their spread across the Portuguese empire, or even purchase your own tiles to take home!
Codfish cakes are everywhere
Actually, cod is everywhere in Portugal, in almost every form.
I was reminded of Forest Gump when I saw some of the menus in Lisbon; fried cod, grilled cod, salted cod, codfish cakes… you get the idea!
However, codfish cakes are particularly popular and can be eaten as a takeaway snack or meal while you walk around. There are more traditional varieties as well as modern takes.
We went to Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau on the main street in central Lisbon, where the traditional codfish cake is stuffed with delicious cheese and served with a side of white port wine.
You can watch the codfish cakes being made in the traditional way through a glass window.
And the verdict? I love fish cakes, so I thought they were awesome!
So are custard tarts
Pasteis de Nata are famous the world over for being from Portugal. If you’re wondering what food not to miss in Lisbon or even Portugal, then this is it.
When I first tried them in Macau, a former Portuguese colony, I wasn’t really sold on them because I’m not a huge fan of custard, so I wasn’t really thinking about them much before we went to Portugal.
However, I knew I needed to give them another go, and I made an about-face on them this time! Now whenever someone mentions Portugal my mouth starts watering at the thought of Pasteis de nata…
If you haven’t tried one, they’re a small round flaky pastry with a custard filling. Some are more like traditional custard and some have a more eggy taste, for lack of a better description.
Everyone has their preference so try more than one!
They also come in chocolate varieties or with chocolate drizzle over the top.
The most famous place to try Pasteis de nata is in Belem, at Pastéis de Belém, said to be the home of the Pasteis de nata. They have been made there since 1837 when it is said the nuns and monks starched their clothes with egg whites and used the leftover egg yolks in their cooking.
In fact, the bakeries all over Lisbon are amazing
Depending on where you looked you could find some great deals for food in Lisbon, but I did think in some ways it was more expensive to eat out than in areas of Spain, for comparison. Or maybe I’m just too used to my free Spanish tapas in Almería!
There are lots of small independent hole-in-the-wall type places that serve a daily lunch deal often made up of traditional food like fish, potatoes, and rice. And there’s no shortage of more upmarket restaurants to try too.
My best tip is to look for where the locals are eating!
But Lisbon also has awesome bakeries where you can purchase both savoury and sweet food at a fraction of the restaurant cost.
We loved grabbing bakery food for breakfast and lunch most days. So many different things to try!
You can get fire-cooked chorizo at your table
While we’re on the topic of food, I have to take a moment to mention the delicious sausage that’s brought to your table on a fireproof plate and lit on fire to cook in front of you.
Chorizo is the most common type, but I’ve also seen black pudding type sausages done in this way. Whatever it is, it’s usually very flavoursome and makes an excellent accompaniment for bread and cheese.
There are special dishes made just to put cooking alcohol in the bottom and light it on fire once it’s served. Allow the flame to burn out and then dig in!
And if you really love it, you can buy your own dish to take home too!
Bairro Alto is a great place to go out and explore
The quiet cobblestones streets of Bairro Alto may look deceiving by day, but at nighttime, they come alive.
For a while now it has been the place to go out for a drink and a dance, with many bars spilling into the streets. It’s somewhat known as the bohemian area of Lisbon. While it’s no longer a “hidden gem” and the secret about Bairro Alto is out, I still consider it a great place to explore in the evening and plan a meal or night out for at least one of your nights in Lisbon.
You’ll also often hear Fado in the air in the evenings here, and there are lots of small bars and venues as well as larger restaurants to choose from.
Take a wander around during the day to scope out where you might want to go and make a booking if you really don’t want to miss out.
Lisbon has a LOT of sunshine
Around 3000 hours a year to be exact, and it’s the sunniest capital in Europe, seeing even more sun than even Madrid, Rome, and Athens.
I’m often asked about the best time to visit Lisbon. But the truth is, you don’t really need to worry about when to travel to Lisbon because it’s likely there will be some sunshine for part of your stay at the very least!
We visited Lisbon in winter at the very beginning of January and it wasn’t as cold as you would think for a city on the Atlantic Ocean. I packed a coat, hat, and gloves, but didn’t need them every day. I have a short packing list below to help with your planning!
Although temperatures reach over 30C in the summer, the proximity of the Atlantic means cooler breezes make it more bearable, and I found that in the winter in Lisbon a warmer coat, scarf, and hat were fine.
And it was still sunny, of course!
Porto may be famous for Port, but the drink of choice in Lisbon is ginjinha
Ginginja, a red cherry liqueur, is all over Lisbon and surrounding places like Sintra.
Look for small vendors and kiosks that sell shots, sometimes in chocolate cups!
It’s a smooth liqueur that you should definitely try while you’re visiting Lisbon.
Of course, you can also get Port in Lisbon and if you’re only visiting Lisbon while you’re in Portugal then definitely give it a try while you’re there.
You can read more about all the different kinds of Port in this post.
Read More: Exploring the Port Wine Cellars & Port Tastings in Porto
Eat dinner late in Lisbon
Of course, you can eat at any time you like, but the usual time to eat in Lisbon is later in the evening, like in many other southern European countries.
Bars and restaurants won’t be busy until 9 or even 10 pm, so plan your day accordingly and be prepared for a later meal if you want to have some more atmosphere and do as the locals do!
The food in Lisbon is a delight, ranging from Michelin star restaurants to local eateries. I loved trying out a range of different places across the city while we were there.
Take a day trip to Sintra
There are lots of great day trips from Lisbon, but Sintra is one of the most well-known and popular.
Easily reached by public transport or car, Sintra has plenty to keep you occupied on a day trip. It’ll take you 40 minutes on the train and almost the same to drive to this magical town in the hills, but you’ll feel like you’ve come much further.
Read more: 15 Awesome Day Trips from Lisbon
There are many mansions and palaces throughout the woods in Sintra where Lisbon’s elite would come to escape the heat in the summer.
The crowning glory above them all is Palacio de Pena, built by a German prince who married into the Portuguese royal family. It’s extensive gardens and colourful architecture make it a must-visit place in Sintra. Just don’t go on one of the two days a year it’s closed, Christmas Day and New Years Day, like I did… Read: How to Have the Best One Day in Sintra
Book a Sintra Day Tour from Lisbon here!
The Tower of Belem looks like a fairytale castle on the sea
The Tower of Belem is a Unesco World Heritage site, along with the nearby Jeronimos Monastery. They’re a little further out of the city centre but well worth the trip to see.
It was originally built on an outcropping of rocks but as the shoreline next to it has changed over time it is now very close to the riverbank and at low tide, it looks completely connected.
Once involved in defending the city against foreign ships, it’s now one of the most popular things to see in Lisbon. Make sure you venture down to this part of Lisbon to learn more about the history of the city and the role it played in the age of discovery.
Plus you can visit Pastéis de Belém there too! It can get busy so consider booking in advance if you’re on a tight itinerary and don’t want to wait.
Book your “skip the line” ticket here!
Cork products are everywhere
Portugal produces 50% of the worlds cork, so you’ll see it everywhere.
I was so confused about why there are entire stores devoted to cork products until I found this out!
Look out for postcards, bags, shoes; basically everything you can think of made with cork! If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a cork handbag, now’s the time to get it…
But in all seriousness, there are some lovely souvenir products. I bought two tiles with designs on them that are surrounded by cork and can be used for hot pans and dishes. We use them almost every day and they remind me of my trip to Lisbon!
There’s a whole shop that just sells tinned fish
Lisbon hasn’t been overtaken by large department stores and is still home to a number of specialty and unique shops.
Conserveira de Lisboa is one of these shops and it sells only tinned fish. In keeping with tradition, the main cash register is the same one used in the 1930s! There are around 70 varieties of tinned fish in the store at any time, depending on the season.
The shop works with a biologist to maintain sustainable fishing practices, so that Portugal’s love affair with tinned fish, and their shop, can continue to prosper.
Keep an eye out for little gems like this as you walk around the streets of Lisbon. There are so many things to discover!
And there you have it, 21 things about Lisbon that you should know before you visit, to help you with planning your Lisbon itinerary and travel to Portugal.
Things to do and see, things to eat and enjoy, and what to expect from Portugal’s capital city! Is it enough for you to want to visit Lisbon?
Essential Lisbon Travel Info
Be prepared for Lisbon to be busy whenever you go. It’s become such a popular location and the subject of much discussion when it comes to overtourism and mass tourism.
Thanks to a combination of unemployment in Portugal, a rise in tourism in Europe and the comparably lower cost of Portugal compared to other destinations, plus websites like Airbnb giving locals a way to make more money but at the time making it more difficult to find places to live, Lisbon has seen a huge rise in visitor numbers and not all for the better.
Although things obviously changed recently, it’s expected tourism will be back in full force.
When you’re visiting Lisbon make an effort to shop and eat at local places, search off the beaten tourist track for new experiences, take tours with local organisations working to promote the culture of Lisbon and Portugal as a way to help preserve it.
The best time to visit Lisbon
I would recommend March to May, and September/October as the best time to visit Lisbon.
Lisbon is the most crowded in the summer, from June until August, so it’s better to avoid those months if you can.
I love travelling in Europe in the off-season and shoulder seasons for this reason!
Lisbon will still be warm during the best time to visit, but should be less busy than the peak summer months.
I also visited Lisbon at New Year and although it could be chillier in the evening it was sunny throughout the day and still one of the warmer places in Europe at this time!
How long to spend in Lisbon
Although Lisbon is a fairly compact city, there are some great attractions worth visiting just outside the city centre, and some fantastic day trips.
I’d recommend at least 3 days in Lisbon to help you cover the basics of what the city has to offer and potentially squeeze in a day trip if you can. There’s always more to see and do!
You can check out the perfect 2 day Lisbon itinerary here.
It’s difficult to say how long to spend in Lisbon, but I’d add in at least one day extra than you’re planning to have so you can take day trips from the city, or keep those nearby places in mind as somewhere to go after you visit the city.
Read More: 15 Awesome Day Trips from Lisbon
Where to stay in Lisbon
Lisbon has many great neighbourhoods to base yourself in during your stay.
The oldest quarter is the Alfama District, with picturesque hilly streets and tall buildings overlooking them on each side. It has become a popular area to stay in Lisbon, but try to stick to hotels and guest houses rather than Airbnb here as it has become a problem for the locals.
Baixa and Chiado are the downtown and shopping areas, and Bairro Alto has a vibrant nightlife.
Lapa and Madragoa are slightly more upmarket and between the city and Belem, all of which are a little quieter than the rest.
What to pack for Lisbon
Electronics
- Mobile phone/Camera for photos – I use the Sony A6000 which is a compact mirrorless camera that’s easy to use and takes great photos you can transfer to your mobile right away. Also, take an extra SD Card, Lisbon is gorgeous!
- A plug adaptor – If you’re from outside the EU you’ll need one of these for your electronics. I love how this one has USD ports too!
- A power bank to keep your devices going while you’re out all day – I have several of these ones.
Outfits & Accessories
- Light clothing in summer
- Layers for the evening and a light coat in shoulder and off-season
- A sunhat and sunscreen in summer
- Comfortable walking shoes for the city or these travel sandals for women
- A warmer coat in winter, plus a scarf and hat
A few words of Portuguese
- Hello – Olá (oh-LAH)
- Please – Por favor (poor fah-VOHR)
- Thank you (if you are a male) – Obrigado (oh-bree-GAH-doh)
- Thank you (if you are a female) – Obrigada (oh-bree-GAH-dah)
- Yes – Sim (SING)
- No – Não (NOWNG)
- Goodbye – Adeus (ah-DEH-oosh)
- Do you speak English? – Fala(s) inglês? (FAH-lah(sh) een-GLEHSH?)
- I don’t understand – Não compreendo (now kohn-pree-EHN-doh)
Planning your trip to Portugal? Check out these posts:
- Plan your itinerary with The Best of Lisbon in Two Days
- Read why you should consider visiting Lisbon in winter and what to do then
- Choose from one (or more!) of these awesome day trips from Lisbon
- Spend an amazing one day in Sintra
- Learn more about what it’s like to be an expat in Lisbon
- Visit Porto and the Port Wine Cellars
- See more of the country with these 24 beautiful places in Portugal
- Plan a road trip along the Algarve in southern Portugal
- Visit the Algarve in winter too!
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Check out more Lisbon tours and skip the line tickets on Get Your Guide:
Sonja x
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First published in January 2017.
Loved Lisbon, I could go there again and again… 😀 Such charming city, don’t you think? And fado music, oh, I’ve enjoyed a fado show at the theater there, it was amazing. So glad you’ve discovered the city after all, I’m sure you’ve loved it! 🙂
It is definitely full of charm. I would love to see more Fado performances! The signing reminded me a bit of Flamenco in Spain.
I thought I knew quite a lot about Lisbon but had to change my mind after reading your article. For example, of course the trams are like Lisbon’s famous symbols, but I didn’t know about the tuk tuks here haha. I also didn’t know about the Conserveira de Lisboa. It sounds so interesting!
Haha there’s so much more to discover there! I feel like I only scratched the surface. I can see why so many people are moving there!
Oh my, what a great guide to Lisbon! I have been thinking about visiting for a while now, also because I want to fly to Madeira. Portugal is such a beautiful country! Love the trams and the cobblestone streets.
It really is a beautiful country! I had wanted to visit for awhile but it kept sort of sliding down the list, now I just can’t wait to go back!
Great guide!! I didn’t know that Portugal is so beautiful 🙂 I think i must go soon hehe
Thanks! I would highly recommend it of course!
This has just brought back so many good memories of my trip to Lisbon in 2013! I didn’t know it was the second oldest city in Europe though, that’s a cool fact! I think Sintra was one of my favourite things we did, and I also loved having drinks at the Bairro Alto! This is a very informative post, I probably coud have done with it before my trip! haha
I definitely need to go back so I can explore Sintra even more, and go out even more in the Bairro Alto haha. It’s definitely a city you can spend a bit of time in!
Great advice! I loved Lisbon when I was there this summer! I also like the cod cakes and custard tarts!
Thanks very much :). I’ve been craving some of those ever since I left!
Lisbon seems so popular and with all your amazing photos I can see why! I’m going next year for a wedding and can’t wait to hunt out some of the little bakeries you mention! The food sounds incredible that chorizo too!
It has definitely been all over my news feed for the past year or so! It will be so fun to go to a wedding there, what an awesome place to get married.
I’ve read a lot of beautiful things about Lisbon and would really love to see it in person. I’ll take note everything on this list. Love your photos they’re all stunning! 🙂
Thank you so much that’s lovely to hear :). I hope you get to travel there one day!
Very nice run down on Lisbon. I’ve been there myself and love the feel of the city. Also, the food is amazing!
Thanks! I really loved the food too!
Great tips! And such lovely photos. My friend is over in Amsterdam atm for school and she took a side trip to Portugal and she’s been talking about it ever since! Will definitely consider booking a trip here! 😀
I hope you do! It certainly made an impression on me too. Portugal exceeded my expectations!
Great article! I think this is the fullest and most complete ? Relevant, I am planning a trip to Lisbon. Thanks!
Thank you so much that’s really lovely to hear! Hope it helps and you have a great trip 😀
I spent a couple of days in Lisbon in the fall, but now I’m thinking I definitely need to return!
I feel like it’s that kind of place! I wouldn’t mind another visit soon myself 😀
Sonja this has gotten me SO excited for our trip to Lisbon later this year! Thanks for all the tips, I can’t wait to try out the cherry liqueur, cod and egg tarts.
Oh yay I’m really glad it’s helped you out! There’s so much delicious food to try, and I feel like I could have stayed even longer and still been making new discoveries. Hope you have an amazing trip!
I`m referring this to my friend who`s currently in Porto for a semester abroad with university.
She was saying she wants to visit Lisbon since she got there!
I like to take the tram a lot, but there are not many places left in the world where the tram is still used unfortunately.
Very useful information, thanks Sonja!
Oh I LOVED Porto. I’ll have a couple of posts coming out about it soon! These trams were pretty amazing since they have been around for so long, I hope you get to go sometime!
I haven’t been yet, but your photos and story tell me I should book a flight for this summer. If only to eat way to many pasteis de nata 🙂
Definitely!!! I thought Portugal and Lisbon would be cool but it exceeded expectations!
We love when people visit our home country!! Share that portuguese love!
Great article and tips! Everyone really should try custard tarts in their lifetime 😉
As for the tuk tuk… we can confirm! The tourists love them and the locals curse at them on their cars. In Lisbon, be prepared for hectic traffic. Look before you cross the road!
If you come by Portugal again, let us know! ?
Aww I’m glad you liked the post! It’s a bit nerve racking sometimes when people from the country read it, in case I’ve got something totally wrong! I did just fix the sunshine “days” haha. I’m really hoping to come again soon 🙂
I love this pictures in here! The bakeries sound like an awesome reason to go all on their own. I love trying desserts and things in new countries, usually more than at home!
Thank you! The bakeries were SO good, and then I went to Porto and I loved them even more! But more of that coming on the blog haha. I love to try new desserts as well, they’re the best part of the meal 😀
Such a comprehensive post! Yeah I know right, suddenly everyone is heading to Lisbon! It looks like a beautiful city to go though. I haven’t got a chance to visit yet but if I do, I’ll be sure to refer to your post!
Thanks so much! It really is worth it, I hope you do get to go and the post helps! 😀
Thanks for the great post about Lisbon as me and my wife are going to be there in april we cannot wait to see Lisbon.its been on our list for a while.
That’s great! I hope you have an amazing time and find this useful 🙂
Sorry, but nowadays, the place to go out at night is Cais do Sodré, not Bairro Alto anymore. Try Pensao Amor.
And codfish cakes with cheese are a gourmet modern thing, not traditional. Same goes for custard tarts with lemon or chocolate…. Oh, and go to Manteigaria, near Largo do Camoes, for the really good ones, Pasteis de Belem suck. In Belem, try the little beer tarts, across the street.
From someone born and raised in Lisbon 🙂
Thanks Rosa! I still had a great time out in Bairro Alto, but I’ll have to check out Cais do Sodré next time! I actually preferred the cod fish cakes without cheese too. Delicious! I’ll definitely be back in your home town 🙂
Great article!! I’ve always wanted to move there!! Any tips on getting work there as a foreigner??
Thank you! I only know people who live there that are freelancers sorry, so they already had their own work! I’m not sure on what the job market is like, but I imagine there are English teaching opportunities. I think for anything else you would need to learn some Portuguese.
Me and my wife will be in Lisbon in 3 weeks time we are so looking forward to it.Thanks for all the info it was very helpful and informative.We have already planned to see much of what you have given us info on.Much appreciated.We both love to travel but Lisbon will be a new place for us and its looks so great cant wait.
Thanks so much for your comment. That’s exciting, I hope you have an amazing time! I really loved the city, if you can’t tell. Have an amazing trip!
It’s the 15 tram (which is no longer the old style cable car) that goes to Belem where you have a number of monuments on the water and the original makers of the Pasteis de Belem (THE original custard tarts). The 28 tram is very popular given it goes close to the castle and through older parts of Lisbon but it does not go that far West.
Thanks for the correction, I’m not sure why I put Belem there as we didn’t take the 28 there. Now fixed :). I can’t wait to go back to Lisbon, I’ll need to try the tarts at Belem!
Interesting tips, especially the ones on food. Will definitely try the custard tarts and the chorizo 🙂 Thanks for your sharing these tips!
Thanks! I thought the food in Portugal was amazing and I’m surprised we don’t hear more about it!
Great reading. Thank you. Am visiting this October and looking forward to it.
Thanks! Hope you have a great trip!
Certainly great deal of many lovely comments about Lisbon. My good friend and mye
Myself hope to visit this nice area at Xmas time.
Hopefully you do! I was there at New Year and it was great!
Thank you for such a great blog, we will be visiting, only for a day next year on our way to Southampton. ????
You’re welcome! I hope you have a great time there! Although one day is short you should be able to cover quite a lot of ground 🙂
I am planning to visit Lisbon at the beginning of the next year. May stay for 1week. Thank you for your post with beautiful pictures that helps to make up my plan!
You’re welcome!! Hope you have an amazing time!
Great article! I am attending a travel conference in Ireland and find myself with a couple weeks on my own, so I was thinking of going to Lisbon. Thanks for all the great info.
Thanks very much! I’d highly recommend Lisbon, I really loved it there :). I’ll be in Ireland at TBEX too if that’s where you’re going!
So well put together, engaging and helpful! I’m omw there this Monday. I feel more excited and prepared now !
Thanks! I hope you have an amazing trip, I’d love to go back!
Beautifully yet concisely written, and gorgeous photos! Thanks so much for this great advice – I found it especially helpful likening it to Wellington, where I’m from! However, we’re now based in the Cayman Islands which is completely flat (highest point of the country is the top of the rubbish dump haha) so we might need to get on the StairMaster at the gym to practice for Lisbon! 🙂 You’re a great travel writer – I hope you keep it up for a long time! xx
Thanks so much Carolyn, what a lovely comment! I went to university in Wellington :D. Haha I would definitely recommend some stairs in preparation, although there’s always the trams and tuk-tuks to help you get around! Hope you have a great trip 🙂
A friend of mine recently visited Lisbon and simply loved it. Apparently, the food is nice and the people so friendly!
It’s a great place to visit, I’d highly recommend it!
Great tips! We are here now and we love it! The tram 28 looks overcrowded every time we see it but we will get to ride it soon I hope. Love your article. Thanks for the tips!
Thanks so much! Glad you’re having a great time!!!
I’ve been trying to pick a place to visit on way back to US from Thailand in October. Your writing helped be feel confident about choosing Lisbon. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and tips–great info.
Hope you love it as much as I do!
Unfortunately Lisbon is becoming way too touristy lately and it’s becoming chaotic and a sort of plastic city where you can only find tourists and expensive tourist shops in the city centre. It’s also creating a lot of tension with local residents. Expect chaos at the airport, which really doesn’t have the capacity for so many tourists, and long queues to visit museums and monuments. I really suggest you visit other places in Portugal, for instance, go shouth or north along the coast and you can still eat the codfish cakes and custard tarts for 1/4 of Lisbon prices while enjoying pitoresque villages close to the sea.
Lisbon is definitely struggling with the influx of tourists and it is something that I intend to write about soon. There are definitely plenty of other places in Portugal to go, I completely agree, but I also think there are things we can do when we visit Lisbon to try and support to local people (i.e. not stay in entire house Airbnbs that may have previously been available for locals but are now used for this) support local businesses and try to use public transport in off-peak hours to not disrupt locals lives so much.
Those are great tips, but I think that won’t be enough. Lisbon is just too chaotic these days. In any case, thanks for the compassion towards local residents.
Thank you for such a beautifully written, in-depth piece. It’s been one of the best ones I’ve read so far.
Where would you recommend we stay (neighborhood-wise), if we were looking for an authentic Lisbon experience?
Thanks!
Thanks!! It kind of depends what type of place you’re after but the historical districts are Alfam, Baixa, and Chiado. For something quieter but within easy distance by pubic transport of attractions look at Lapa and Madragoa. Have a look at the sits you want to visit and think about how you want to get around (there are lots of hills!) and see what suits from there :).
Awesome guide of Lisbon. My friends and I have planned a trip to Portugal the next month and your this post is very helpful as we can explore all the attractions there. I found it very interesting as we are a foodie and there are a variety of food items that we can taste and have fun. Keep sharing such wonderful places.
Thank you!
hey would you believe, you can buy pastela de nata in LIDL in the uk. well here in wales you can actually bought a little place in portugal this year, about an hour east of Lisbon. looking forward to moving there..yayy
Whaaaat! I’ll have to keep an eye out! I have seen them in tescos actually but they’re not exactly the real thing haha. Exciting about the move!!!
Hi, thank you for your tips! I have been in Lisbon with my girlfriends 2 years ago and it was amazing! Unfortunately we spent only one night there before we had to go to Porto which also truly amazed us. We did a wine tour there with a guide who relly knew everything about it.We loved porto wine. Check them we were really satisfied, just a little tip. Hope it’ll be helpful. Enjoy your trip all fellow travelers and don’t forget to eat many pastells de nata:)
Thank you so much for your inspirational and informative post!
Happy Monday,
Anna
You’re welcome!
Great blog thank you for sharing.
super helpful, planning a trip to lisbon and this has helped!
Realy nice article, now i just waiting for Porto review ;D
Lisbon has been on my mind. Some day soon, hopefully.
Oh my, what a great guide to Lisbon! I have been thinking about visiting for a while now, also because I want to fly to Madeira. Portugal is such a beautiful country! Love the trams and the cobblestone streets.
Haha here in the Czech Republic beer is only 0,90€ 😀 come visit!
I love it there!