Only a few hours from France, the city is also perfectly served by plane, and the Portuguese are excellent Francophiles: practical to make you understood when ordering at a restaurant! Here are our 10 favorites to discover Lisbon and capture the Lisbon bohemian and surprising soul.
1. Admire the azulejos on the facades of Bairro Alto and Chiado
We could easily occupy our entire stay photographing the multicolored mosaics of these historic districts between the plush buildings of Chiado and the trendy bars of Bairro Alto. Get lost between Luis de Camoes Square, Garett Street, Atalaia Street, and take the elegant Santa Justa Elevator to reach the central Baixa district.
2. Climb aboard the legendary tram 28
In service since the beginning of the last century, tram 28 remains the most famous line in the city as it undoubtedly offers one of the most beautiful routes through the Portuguese capital. Climbing aboard will allow you to glimpse the working-class neighborhoods of Graça and Alfama with the allure of villages, passing by the Santa Luzia viewpoint before reaching São Jorge Castle. Count € 2.85 for a single trip.
3. Admire the city from the Castelo de São Jorge
Dominating Alfama, São Jorge Castle sits on Lisbon's highest hill, offering spectacular views of the city's ocher rooftops, pastel-colored facades, and the Tagus River. Once inside, you can visit the superb fortifications dating from Roman times, take a nap in its gardens and, why not, improvise an aperitif at the end of the day along the walls!
4. Taste a pastéis de nata
Literally anywhere in town! We advise you to taste these typical little flans sprinkled with cinnamon at Pastéis de Belém, an absolutely unmissable address considered a real institution, both by tourists and locals… Prepare to queue!
5. Explore the futuristic Parque das Nações
Designed to host the 1998 Universal Exhibition, this district results from a particularly successful urban rehabilitation project including the Oceanário de Lisboa, considered one of the most beautiful aquariums in Europe. Stroll along the sea wall from where you can observe the Vasco da Gama Bridge, which is more than 17 km long!
6. Attend a fado concert
If the word fado means nothing to you, let yourself be surprised by this melancholy song accompanied by the guitar and recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity since 2011! We have two places to recommend you to attend this typical spectacle of Lisbon nights: the Maria da Mouraria fado house or the Boteco da Fà restaurant.
7. Search for local souvenirs
Portugal retains real craftsmanship, the perfect excuse to find objects to bring home once your stay in Lisbon is over. The districts of Baixa, Chiado, and Bairro Alto concentrate most of the shopping streets. There are aThere are aThere are a few random shopping ideas: ceramics by the kilo at Cerâmicas Nalinha, retro-designed tins at the Conseveira de Lisboa, or pretty soaps at A Vida Portuguesa.
8. Take a trip back in time to Belém
Depart from the center of Lisbon for a tour of Belém, from where ships set off on their way to the New World, a picturesque area that has retained a certain charm.
On-site, do not miss a visit to the Monasterio dos Jerónimos, a true Manueline masterpiece now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and to the Torre de Belém. For contemporary art lovers, cool exhibitions are held at the Berardo Museum .
9. Cross the Tagus River at sunset
Whether you are alone, as a couple, or with friends, take advantage of the end of the day to cross the Tagus at sunset, take some pictures of the city at golden hour, and stroll along the docks before reaching the Ponto restaurant Final to taste a seafood dish accompanied by a glass of ginjinha (a typical cherry liqueur) with a splendid view of the capital.
10. Go to another world in Sintra
Straight out of a fairy tale, the Sintra National Palace makes a perfect day trip from Lisbon. On site, you will find a set of palaces and castles whose architecture is unlike any other: a unique style blend of Moorish and Manuelian architecture which has earned the city classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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