Lisbon Travel Guide

Discover the top places to visit, hiking trails, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture, safety tips, and more with this extensive travel guide to Lisbon, Portugal.


Introduction to Lisbon

Welcome to Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal that’s proud to showcase its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. This vibrant city is known for its lively atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals who welcome visitors with open arms. Whether you’re interested in exploring art and history or immersing yourself in outdoor adventures, Lisbon has something to offer every type of traveler.

List of Places to Visit in Lisbon

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Belem Tower - This iconic tower was built to protect Lisbon from intruders and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  2. Jeronimos Monastery - Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning monastery dates back to the 16th century and features incredible Gothic architecture.

  3. Sao Jorge Castle - This historic castle offers spectacular views of Lisbon and the Tagus River.

  4. National Museum of Ancient Art - Art lovers will appreciate the extensive collection of Portuguese art and artifacts from around the world at this museum.

Natural Attractions of Lisbon: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Lisbon Oceanarium - This must-visit spot is home to over 8,000 sea creatures from all over the world and offers an interactive experience for visitors.

  2. Sintra - This nearby town is known for its stunning palaces and gardens, including the famous Pena Palace.

  3. Cabo da Roca - The westernmost point of mainland Europe offers breathtaking cliffside views and gorgeous natural scenery.

  4. Belem Cultural Center - This cultural hub offers theater, music, and dance performances in a stunning modern building.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lisbon

  1. Parque Florestal de Monsanto - This park offers over 1000 hectares of greenery and multiple trails for hiking and mountain biking.

  2. Parque das Nações - Perfect for a leisurely bike ride, this beautiful park offers scenic views of the Tagus River and city skyline.

  3. Rota Vicentina - This scenic trail covers over 400 km of Portuguese coastline and is perfect for adventurous hikers.

Best Things to Do in Lisbon: Activities and Tours

  1. Tram 28 - Take a ride on one of Lisbon’s famous vintage trams and explore the city’s historic neighborhoods.

  2. Fado Night - Experience Portugal’s traditional music scene with a night of Fado in one of Lisbon’s iconic music venues.

  3. Street Art Tour - Discover Lisbon’s vibrant street art scene with a guided walking tour of the city’s most colorful murals and graffiti.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lisbon

Day Activity
1 Visit Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery
2 Explore Sao Jorge Castle and Alfama neighborhood
3 Take a day trip to Sintra and Pena Palace
4 Visit Lisbon Oceanarium and Vasco da Gama Bridge
5 Discover Lisbon’s street art scene and historic cafes
6 Hike or bike in Parque Florestal de Monsanto
7 Visit local markets and shop for souvenirs

Food and Drink Scene of Lisbon

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Bacalhau - This salt cod dish is a national favorite and can be found in almost every restaurant in Lisbon.

  2. Pastel de Nata - These creamy egg tarts are a Lisbon specialty and can be found in bakeries throughout the city.

  3. Grilled Sardines - Lisbon’s location on the coast makes it the perfect place to indulge in fresh seafood dishes like grilled sardines.

Local Beverages

  1. Port Wine - Portugal is famous for this sweet wine and Lisbon is the perfect place to sample some of the country’s best varieties.

  2. Ginjinha - This local cherry liqueur is a popular drink in Lisbon and can be found in bars and liquor stores throughout the city.

  3. Espresso - Lisbon’s coffee culture is influenced by its links to former Portuguese colonies like Brazil and Angola, and the city is known for its strong and flavorful espresso drinks.

Where to Stay in Lisbon: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Baixa and Chiado - These central neighborhoods offer easy access to Lisbon’s main attractions and a range of accommodation options from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

  2. Alfama - This historic neighborhood is a charming place to stay and offers plenty of guesthouses and apartments with traditional Portuguese decor.

  3. Bairro Alto - This trendy neighborhood is popular with young travelers and offers a range of hostels and boutique hotels.

What to Buy in Lisbon: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Port Wine - A bottle of this sweet wine is the perfect souvenir to take home with you.

  2. Azulejos - These colorful tiles can be found decorating buildings throughout Lisbon and make a unique souvenir.

  3. Cork Products - Portugal is famous for its cork products, such as handbags and wallets made from this eco-friendly material.

Local Culture and Customs of Lisbon

Lisbon is a city with a rich and diverse cultural heritage, shaped by its history as a global trading port and former colonial power. Portuguese customs and traditions are still an important part of daily life in Lisbon, such as the importance of family and the culture of Fado music.

Best Time to Visit Lisbon

The best time to visit Lisbon is from March to May and from September to November when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Summer months can be hot and crowded, while winter can be rainy and chilly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lisbon

Do:

  1. Say “obrigado” (thank you) and “bom dia” (good day) to locals.

  2. Try local dishes and drinks like pastel de nata and port wine.

  3. Visit Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods like Alfama and Bica.

Don’t:

  1. Be loud or disruptive in public spaces.

  2. Wear revealing clothing when visiting churches or other religious sites.

  3. Leave your belongings unattended in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Lisbon

Lisbon is a relatively safe city, but tourists should still exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings. Pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas, so it’s important to keep an eye on your belongings.

Health in Lisbon

Portugal has good healthcare infrastructure, but travelers should still take precautions when visiting the city. Tap water is safe to drink, but it’s always a good idea to carry bottled water with you. Tick-borne diseases are a risk in certain outdoor areas, so be sure to wear appropriate clothing and use insect repellent.

Getting to Lisbon: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Lisbon

Lisbon Portela Airport is the main international airport in Lisbon, and is located just 7 kilometers outside the city center.

Bus Stations Near Lisbon

The main bus station in Lisbon is Sete Rios, which offers connections to destinations throughout Portugal and beyond.

Other Options

Lisbon is also accessible by train, with several stations throughout the city and connections to other major cities in Portugal and Europe.

How to Get Around in Lisbon

Lisbon’s public transportation system includes buses, trams, and a metro, which is the fastest and most efficient way to get around. Taxis are also readily available, but can be expensive.

Where to Go Next from Lisbon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Porto - Portugal’s second largest city is known for its historic architecture, port wine, and scenic waterfront.

  2. Algarve - This stunning region in southern Portugal is known for its beaches, natural parks, and charming villages.

  3. Madrid - The capital of neighboring Spain is just a short flight or train ride from Lisbon and offers a vibrant cultural scene and world-class museums.

Conclusion

Lisbon is a city that offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in exploring history and culture, indulging in delicious food and drink, or immersing yourself in stunning natural landscapes. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’re ready to discover all that Lisbon has to offer and make unforgettable memories along the way.

Central Lisbon seen from a plane landing at Portela, looking south; the green strip is Parque Eduardo VII terminating at Praça Marquês de Pombal. Central Lisbon seen from a plane landing at Portela, looking south; the green strip is Parque Eduardo VII terminating at Praça Marquês de Pombal. The Castle of São Jorge, constructed in the 10th century, crowns the historical Alfama district. The Castle of São Jorge, constructed in the 10th century, crowns the historical Alfama district. Following the Great Earthquake, Marquis Pombal led the effort to redesign and rebuild the lower town in an organized fashion Following the Great Earthquake, Marquis Pombal led the effort to redesign and rebuild the lower town in an organized fashion Portugal may be a Southern European country, but Lisbon is a port on the Atlantic coast, so be prepared for wind and rain Portugal may be a Southern European country, but Lisbon is a port on the Atlantic coast, so be prepared for wind and rain Baixa Baixa As one can see when landing, the Portela Airport is basically inside the city of Lisbon and minutes from the shores of the river Tagus As one can see when landing, the Portela Airport is basically inside the city of Lisbon and minutes from the shores of the river Tagus Main check-in area at Terminal 1 Main check-in area at Terminal 1 With the station directly underneath Terminal 1, the red line of the Lisbon metro offers a direct underground connection to many destinations in Lisbon, but getting to the historic centre requires at least one transfer With the station directly underneath Terminal 1, the red line of the Lisbon metro offers a direct underground connection to many destinations in Lisbon, but getting to the historic centre requires at least one transfer The unmistakeable roof of Gare do Oriente is a sight to behold The unmistakeable roof of Gare do Oriente is a sight to behold ''Santa Apolonia'' is Lisbon's historic train station right at the riverside ''Santa Apolonia'' is Lisbon's historic train station right at the riverside Vasco da Gama Bridge Vasco da Gama Bridge The Viva Viagem transport smartcard The Viva Viagem transport smartcard An ''elétrico'' climbing the streets of ''Ribeira'' An ''elétrico'' climbing the streets of ''Ribeira'' A trip on one of the ''ascensores'' should be on your list when planning your Lisbon trip. A trip on one of the ''ascensores'' should be on your list when planning your Lisbon trip. lisbon lisbon Lisbon Metro Map Lisbon Metro Map Public buses, just like trams and ''ascensores'', are all painted in the yellow Carris livery Public buses, just like trams and ''ascensores'', are all painted in the yellow Carris livery Numerous ferries cross the river Tagus to help commuters and travellers get to Lisbon Numerous ferries cross the river Tagus to help commuters and travellers get to Lisbon Gira Gira Scooters, jump, voi, lime etc. Scooters, jump, voi, lime etc. Just walking up the hills of Lisbon is a delightful experience, but bear in mind the steep grade of many of the streets Just walking up the hills of Lisbon is a delightful experience, but bear in mind the steep grade of many of the streets The grand Praça do Marquês de Pombal is perhaps the most central place in Lisbon, where three major ''Avenidas'' meet. The grand Praça do Marquês de Pombal is perhaps the most central place in Lisbon, where three major ''Avenidas'' meet. Rossio square linking the Baixa to Avenida de Liberdade Rossio square linking the Baixa to Avenida de Liberdade Torre de Belém (Belém Tower), one of Lisbon's most famous landmarks, with Ponte 25 de Abril in the background. Torre de Belém (Belém Tower), one of Lisbon's most famous landmarks, with Ponte 25 de Abril in the background. The modern Parque de Nações is in the east of Lisbon The modern Parque de Nações is in the east of Lisbon The pedestrianized Rua Augusta may be touristy, but nonetheless can be a good start for a shopping trip of Lisbon The pedestrianized Rua Augusta may be touristy, but nonetheless can be a good start for a shopping trip of Lisbon The rectangular street grid of Baixa is full of elegant shop fronts The rectangular street grid of Baixa is full of elegant shop fronts Time Out Market, in the Mercado da Ribeira Time Out Market, in the Mercado da Ribeira For an (expensive) cup of coffee in the heart of Lisbon, head to the pedestrianized Rua Augusta For an (expensive) cup of coffee in the heart of Lisbon, head to the pedestrianized Rua Augusta Fado performance. Fado performance. Câmara Municipal (City Hall) Câmara Municipal (City Hall) Vasco da Gama bridge in the morning mist Vasco da Gama bridge in the morning mist


    Bairro Alto
    Baixa
    North