Portugal visitors travel Guide > Explore best of Lisbon
Explore Best of Lisbon
Lisbon impresses with its colorful streets, historical monuments and rich culture. The city is known for its steep streets and ancient quarters such as Alfama, where narrow winding alleys lead to beautiful views of the Tagus River and beautiful views on the city from the hills.
Besides its old world charm, Lisbon is also known for its modern art installations and vibrant atmosphere. Travelers can enjoy magnificent views from one of the many lookout points or enjoy local delicacies at traditional seafood restaurants along the coast.
The combination of rich history, impressive architecture and cozy atmosphere makes Lisbon one of the most attractive travel destinations in Europe.
Besides its old world charm, Lisbon is also known for its modern art installations and vibrant atmosphere. Travelers can enjoy magnificent views from one of the many lookout points or enjoy local delicacies at traditional seafood restaurants along the coast.
The combination of rich history, impressive architecture and cozy atmosphere makes Lisbon one of the most attractive travel destinations in Europe.
These articles below will help you plan your trip even better:
Best time to visit Lisbon
With its mild climate and varied activities, Lisbon is attractive all year round and depends on your preferences and interests, but there are a few special times that can make your trip even more memorable:
Rossio Square (Praça D. Pedro IV): open in Google Maps
Jacarandas in Lisbon typically bloom in late spring and early summer, usually in May and June. Walking around Lisbon when the jacarandas are in bloom is a great way to enjoy the beauty of nature and add a little magic to your trip.
1. Spring (March-May): At this time of year, Lisbon comes alive with flowers, warm sunshine and pleasant coolness. Tourists can enjoy the beauty of flowering gardens and parks, and also avoid the large crowds of tourists that come in the summer.
2. Summer (June-August): Summer in Lisbon is quite hot, but it is an ideal time for beach lovers. During this period, the city comes alive with numerous festivals, concerts and cultural events.
3. Autumn (September-November): Autumn in Lisbon is also a great time to visit, when the tourist crowds lessen and the weather remains warm and sunny. This is a great time to walk around the city and its surroundings.
4. Winter (December-February): During the winter in Lisbon, the weather can be cool and damp, but the city still offers many interesting events, including Christmas markets and festivals. Tourists can also enjoy the relative peace and quiet of the city at this time of year.
2. Summer (June-August): Summer in Lisbon is quite hot, but it is an ideal time for beach lovers. During this period, the city comes alive with numerous festivals, concerts and cultural events.
3. Autumn (September-November): Autumn in Lisbon is also a great time to visit, when the tourist crowds lessen and the weather remains warm and sunny. This is a great time to walk around the city and its surroundings.
4. Winter (December-February): During the winter in Lisbon, the weather can be cool and damp, but the city still offers many interesting events, including Christmas markets and festivals. Tourists can also enjoy the relative peace and quiet of the city at this time of year.
Best neighborhoods in Lisbon
Lisbon boasts a diverse tapestry of neighborhoods, each offering its own unique charm and character. Alfama, the city's oldest district, enchants visitors with its narrow winding streets, colorful houses, and captivating Moorish influences, while Baixa, the historic downtown area, showcases elegant plazas, grand avenues, and iconic landmarks such as Rossio Square and Praça do Comércio. Meanwhile, Belém entices with its rich maritime history, iconic monuments like the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and delectable pastries at the famous Pastéis de Belém.
Baixa is the heart of Lisbon, featuring grand plazas, elegant avenues, and neoclassical architecture.
Alfama is Lisbon's oldest neighborhood, known for its narrow winding streets, colorful houses, and historic charm.
Belém is a historic riverside district known for its cultural heritage, iconic monuments, and delicious pastries.
Park of Nations is a modern waterfront district built for the 1998 World Expo, featuring innovative architecture, green spaces, and entertainment venues.
How to get around Lisbon
There are several convenient ways to get around in and around Lisbon, depending on your preferences and needs. Here are some of them:
1. Public Transport: Lisbon has a well-developed public transport system, including metro, buses, trams and trains. The metro mainly covers the city center and suburban areas, while buses and trams provide connections to various parts of the city and surrounding areas.
2. Trams: Lisbon's famous trams, especially trams 28 and 15, are a popular and authentic way to travel around the city. They pass through many tourist spots and attractions.
3. Trains: Trains provide connections between Lisbon and its suburbs, including popular destinations such as Cascais, Estoril and Sintra. This is a convenient way to get to nearby beaches and attractions.
4. Taxis and car sharing services: There are many taxis in Lisbon, as well as car sharing services such as Uber and Bolt. They are a convenient way to get around the city, especially when you need to get to a specific location quickly or if you are traveling with a lot of luggage.
5. Walking: One of the best ways to explore Lisbon is by walking. The city has many narrow streets, squares and viewpoints that are best explored on foot, enjoying its atmosphere and architecture.
2. Trams: Lisbon's famous trams, especially trams 28 and 15, are a popular and authentic way to travel around the city. They pass through many tourist spots and attractions.
3. Trains: Trains provide connections between Lisbon and its suburbs, including popular destinations such as Cascais, Estoril and Sintra. This is a convenient way to get to nearby beaches and attractions.
4. Taxis and car sharing services: There are many taxis in Lisbon, as well as car sharing services such as Uber and Bolt. They are a convenient way to get around the city, especially when you need to get to a specific location quickly or if you are traveling with a lot of luggage.
5. Walking: One of the best ways to explore Lisbon is by walking. The city has many narrow streets, squares and viewpoints that are best explored on foot, enjoying its atmosphere and architecture.
Famous tram 28
Tram route 28 passes through many of Lisbon's historic districts, including Baixa, Alfama, Graça and Estrela, as well as many landmarks and narrow streets
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Unlock the treasures of Lisbon with the Lisboa Card: 24, 48 or 72 hours pass. This versatile pass grants you unlimited access to the city's top attractions, museums, and public transportation networks, allowing you to explore at your own pace and convenience. From iconic landmarks like Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery to cultural gems like the National Tile Museum and the Lisbon Oceanarium, wiith options for 24, 48, or 72 hours, it's the perfect way to experience all that Lisbon has to offer while saving time and money on admission fees and transportation costs.
Food in Lisbon
Lisbon offers a rich variety of culinary experiences, from traditional Portuguese dishes to modern cuisine. Here are a few dishes and places to try in Lisbon:
1. Bacalhau: This is one of the most popular dishes in Portugal. Bacalhau is salted dried cod that is prepared according to various recipes. Try it in traditional fish restaurants.
2. Pastel de Nata: This is a famous Portuguese sweet, which is small puff pastry cakes with egg and vanilla cream. The best pastel de nata can be tasted at the "Pastéis de Belém" bakeries in the Belém district.
3. Chouriço: This is a Portuguese sausage usually flavored with garlic and paprika. It can be served in a variety of ways - fried or as part of traditional dishes such as feijoada (beans with meat).
4. Feijoada: This is a traditional Portuguese dish consisting of a thick stew of various types of meat (usually pork and sausage) and beans. Feijoada is often served with rice and orange salad.
5. Seafood: Lisbon is known for its fresh seafood. Try different types of seafood, such as shrimp, mussels and crab, at one of the many seafood restaurants in the city.
6. Local Markets: Visit local markets such as the Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira) to sample a variety of Portuguese traditional dishes, delicacies and sweets.
2. Pastel de Nata: This is a famous Portuguese sweet, which is small puff pastry cakes with egg and vanilla cream. The best pastel de nata can be tasted at the "Pastéis de Belém" bakeries in the Belém district.
3. Chouriço: This is a Portuguese sausage usually flavored with garlic and paprika. It can be served in a variety of ways - fried or as part of traditional dishes such as feijoada (beans with meat).
4. Feijoada: This is a traditional Portuguese dish consisting of a thick stew of various types of meat (usually pork and sausage) and beans. Feijoada is often served with rice and orange salad.
5. Seafood: Lisbon is known for its fresh seafood. Try different types of seafood, such as shrimp, mussels and crab, at one of the many seafood restaurants in the city.
6. Local Markets: Visit local markets such as the Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira) to sample a variety of Portuguese traditional dishes, delicacies and sweets.
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Lisbon attractions top 10
Here is a list of top 10 tourist spots in Lisbon that present a variety of cultural, historical and natural attractions:
This historic castle is located on top of a hill and offers stunning views of the city and the Tagus River. Here you can walk along the ancient walls, visit the archaeological museum and enjoy the panorama of Lisbon.
This is one of the most famous squares in Lisbon, located along the Tagus River. Here you will find majestic buildings, monuments and fountains, as well as many cafes and restaurants.
This majestic monastery is one of the most outstanding examples of the late Gothic style in Portugal. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an important cultural symbol of the country.
This historic fortress tower was built in the 16th century and served to protect the port of Lisbon. It is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city.
This museum offers a unique collection of works of art collected by philanthropist Calouste Gulbenkian. Here you will find works of European, Eastern and Asian masters.
This is the oldest district of Lisbon, known for its narrow streets, picturesque houses and authentic atmosphere. Here you can stroll along the streets, visit traditional cafes and restaurants, and enjoy the view of the river.
This magnificent palace is located in the neighboring town of Sintra, on the outskirts of Lisbon. It is one of the most striking examples of romanticism in architecture and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
This museum offers a huge collection of ancient works of art, including paintings, sculptures, porcelain and applied arts.
This aquarium is one of the largest in the world and offers a unique opportunity to discover the diversity of the underwater world. Here you will find more than 8,000 species of fish and sea animals.
This modern area was built for Expo 98 and offers a variety of activities and attractions, including an aquarium, a science center, shopping centers and an amusement park.
Best places for Fado in Lisbon
Fado, a traditional Portuguese music genre deeply rooted in the culture of Lisbon, embodies a profound sense of melancholy and soulfulness. Accompanied by a guitar, this emotive music features singers who passionately convey themes of love, longing, loss, and destiny through deep and emotional lyrics.
This Portuguese soul song is more than just music; it represents a profound expression of passion and sentiment. Each performance carries the weight of emotion as if it were the singer's last day, combining music, poetry, audience interaction, and the moment itself. In fado, the expression is paramount, with singers delivering poetry with strength, soulfulness, and a profound sense of life.
This Portuguese soul song is more than just music; it represents a profound expression of passion and sentiment. Each performance carries the weight of emotion as if it were the singer's last day, combining music, poetry, audience interaction, and the moment itself. In fado, the expression is paramount, with singers delivering poetry with strength, soulfulness, and a profound sense of life.
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Where to go in Lisbon
Lisbon is rich in museums, unusual collections and interesting exhibitions. Here are some of the best museums in Lisbon that are worth visiting:
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Excursions in Lisbon
Lisbon offers a plethora of fantastic excursions catering to a wide range of interests. From exploring historic landmarks and cultural attractions within the city to venturing out to nearby coastal towns, quaint villages, and natural wonders, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you're interested in history, nature, gastronomy, or simply seeking relaxation by the sea, Lisbon offers an abundance of options for memorable excursions. Here are some of the best excursions in Lisbon:
Whether you're interested in history, nature, gastronomy, or simply seeking relaxation by the sea, Lisbon offers an abundance of options for memorable excursions. Here are some of the best excursions in Lisbon:
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Top 10 most instagrammable places in Lisbon
Lisbon is full of colorful and photogenic places that make the perfect backdrop for Instagram photos. Here are some of the most Instagrammable places in Lisbon:
This magnificent monastery, built in the Manueline style, provides many beautiful architectural elements for photographs.
From the height of the castle there are stunning views of the city, the Tagus River and the surrounding hills, which makes it a great place for photo shoots.
Photos of tram No. 28, which passes through many picturesque areas of the city, will be a great addition to your Instagram profile.
With its narrow winding streets, beautiful facades and traditional tiles (azuleju), Alfama offers many wonderful photo spots.
Overlooking the river and decorated with arches, fountains and monuments, this huge square is one of the most iconic places in Lisbon.
With its picturesque tile-lined streets, plazas and cafes, Baixa is also a great photo spot.
This modern area with magnificent architectural structures, including the Oceanarium and the Vasco da Gama structure, is ideal for photo shoots.
Built on the banks of the Tagus River, one of the symbols of Lisbon, this historic fortress offers stunning views and is an ideal location for photo ops.
This ruin with beautiful frescoes on the walls is a popular photo spot in Lisbon.
Reminiscent of the Golden Gate in San Francisco, this impressive bridge is one of the symbols of Lisbon.
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Best sunset spots in Lisbon
Lisbon is known for its stunning sunset viewing spots, where you can enjoy great views and atmosphere. Here are a few of them:
Perched on a hill, São Jorge Castle offers some of the most impressive views of the city of Lisbon and the Tagus River. From its walls you can enjoy panoramic sunset views of the beautiful streets and rooftops of the old city.
This majestic monastery is located near the Tagus River and offers beautiful views of the water and surrounding area. The monastery gardens are also a great place to relax and enjoy the sunset.
Located outside of Lisbon, the park offers stunning views of the ocean and coastline. Here you can enjoy a tranquil sunset while surrounded by nature.
Lisbon also has many viewpoints where you can enjoy panoramic sunset views of the city, such as Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, Miradouro da Graça and Miradouro Santa Catarina.
This is one of the most famous squares in Lisbon, which is located on the banks of the Tagus River. Here you can see amazing views of the river and Ponto de 25 Abril, especially during sunset.
Lisbon has several rooftops from which you can enjoy stunning sunset views. Many hotels, bars and restaurants offer their guests and visitors cozy rooftop terraces with stunning views of the city and the Tagus River.
Sunset from a yacht in Lisbon
You can organize a yacht tour in Lisbon that includes the opportunity to watch the sunset. There are many companies in Lisbon offering yacht tours, including sunset excursions on the Tagus River. Typically these tours include an evening cruise along the shores of Lisbon, including the Tagus River, with the opportunity to enjoy the sunset from a yacht.
During this tour, you will not only be able to enjoy beautiful views of the city and surrounding landscapes, but also immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of a sunset from the water, which will create an unforgettable experience. It is also possible to provide drinks and snacks on board the yacht to enhance the pleasure of the trip.
During this tour, you will not only be able to enjoy beautiful views of the city and surrounding landscapes, but also immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of a sunset from the water, which will create an unforgettable experience. It is also possible to provide drinks and snacks on board the yacht to enhance the pleasure of the trip.
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Top 10 closest beach to Lisbon Portugal
These beaches provide good opportunities to relax and enjoy the sun and sea, just a block away from Lisbon. Here are the top 10 best beaches near Lisbon:
30 minutes by car from Lisbon, in the coastal city of Cascais, you will find several beaches. One of them is this small and picturesque beach is nestled in a cove near the center of Cascais. It's known for its golden sands, clear waters, and scenic surroundings.
Is a beautiful stretch of coastline located in the town of Estoril, just a short distance from Lisbon. Nestled along the Estoril coast, this beach offers visitors a relaxing seaside escape with its calm waters, golden sands, and picturesque surroundings.
Guincho Beach, or Praia do Guincho, is a breathtaking stretch of coastline located in Cascais, approximately 40 kilometers west of Lisbon, Portugal. Renowned for its wild and rugged beauty, Guincho Beach is a paradise for surfers, windsurfers, and nature lovers alike.
The beaches of Costa da Caparica offer something for everyone, from bustling urban beaches with lively beach bars and water sports facilities to more secluded stretches of coastline bordered by sand dunes and pine forests.
Is a picturesque coastal gem located in the charming fishing town of Sesimbra, approximately 40 kilometers south of Lisbon. Sesimbra Beach is renowned for its pristine golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic backdrop of rugged cliffs.
Is a hidden gem nestled along the rugged coastline of the Sesimbra, approximately 40 min south of Lisbon. This beach is renowned for its natural beauty, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it a favorite destination among travelers. Located 40 minutes by car from Lisbon. Access is difficult - 2 hours on foot or by boat from the pier in Sesimbra.
Is a hidden gem located within the Arrábida Natural Park, approximately 50 kilometers south of Lisbon. Nestled between rugged cliffs and surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation, this stunning beach is renowned for its crystalline turquoise waters and pristine golden sands.
Is a pristine stretch of coastline nestled within the Arrábida Natural Park, located approximately 50 kilometers south of Lisbon, Portugal. Renowned for its breathtaking beauty and crystal-clear waters, Galapinhos Beach is often considered one of the most stunning beaches in Europe.
Is a beautiful stretch of coastline located on the Troia Peninsula, this beach offers pristine golden sands, clear blue waters, and stunning views. 40 min from Lisbon if get there via a ferry from Setubal. Without ferry, the route will take one and a half hours.
Azenhas do Mar is a picturesque seaside village located along the Atlantic coast of Portugal, approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Lisbon. One of the most striking features of Azenhas do Mar is its natural seawater swimming pool carved into the rocks, which allows visitors to take a refreshing dip while enjoying panoramic views of the coastline.
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Day trips from Lisbon
Embark on unforgettable adventures beyond Lisbon's city limits with one-day excursions. Whether you're craving coastal vistas, historic landmarks, or charming countryside retreats, there is the perfect itinerary to suit your wanderlust. From the picturesque coastal town of Nazare to the fairytale palaces of Sintra, each excursion promises a day filled with discovery, adventure, and unforgettable memories. Let us whisk you away on a journey of exploration and enchantment, where every moment is an opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of Portugal's rich cultural heritage.
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Best location to stay in Lisbon, Portugal
There are many great areas to stay in Lisbon, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are a few of them:
1. Baixa (red area on map): Is the heart of Lisbon, located between the districts of Bairro Alto and Alfama. Here you will find many hotels of different categories, as well as numerous restaurants, shops and cultural attractions. Baixa is also convenient for getting around the city, as there are several metro stations located here.
2. Alfama (yellow area on map): This is the oldest district of Lisbon, known for its narrow streets, picturesque squares and historical sites. Staying here is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the city and enjoy beautiful views of the Tagus River.
3. Amoreiras (green area on map): This is a vibrant and upscale neighborhood located in the heart of Lisbon, Portugal. Situated to the northwest of the city center, this historic area is known for its elegant streets, luxury shops, and cultural attractions. For those seeking luxury accommodations, central location, and a quieter atmosphere, Amoreiras can be an excellent choice for a memorable stay in Lisbon.
4. Parque dos Nações (blue area on map): This modern area of Lisbon was built for Expo 98 and offers modern infrastructure, wide open spaces and plenty of entertainment. Here you will find modern hotels, shopping malls, an Oceanarium and much more.
5. Belem (pink area on map): This area lies west of central Lisbon and is famous for its historical sites, stunning architecture and stunning views of the Tagus River. Here you can visit the monastery of Santa Maria de Belém, the Belém Tower and many museums and monuments.
2. Alfama (yellow area on map): This is the oldest district of Lisbon, known for its narrow streets, picturesque squares and historical sites. Staying here is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the city and enjoy beautiful views of the Tagus River.
3. Amoreiras (green area on map): This is a vibrant and upscale neighborhood located in the heart of Lisbon, Portugal. Situated to the northwest of the city center, this historic area is known for its elegant streets, luxury shops, and cultural attractions. For those seeking luxury accommodations, central location, and a quieter atmosphere, Amoreiras can be an excellent choice for a memorable stay in Lisbon.
4. Parque dos Nações (blue area on map): This modern area of Lisbon was built for Expo 98 and offers modern infrastructure, wide open spaces and plenty of entertainment. Here you will find modern hotels, shopping malls, an Oceanarium and much more.
5. Belem (pink area on map): This area lies west of central Lisbon and is famous for its historical sites, stunning architecture and stunning views of the Tagus River. Here you can visit the monastery of Santa Maria de Belém, the Belém Tower and many museums and monuments.
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As you embark on your journey to Lisbon, immerse yourself in the charm of this captivating city, where every corner is illuminated with warmth and hospitality. Let the vibrant culture and friendly locals envelop you, promising an unforgettable adventure filled with cherished memories and heartwarming experiences. Safe travels, and may Lisbon's enchanting spirit accompany you every step of the way.