Lisbon: A Socially Responsible 7-Day Journey of Culture and History

My first recommendation will always be to start your trip with a walking tour. This is the best way to get to understand a city. I recommend choosing a tour led by locals because what better way to learn than from the people who grew up there and can give special recommendations. Plus, you are supporting the local economy.

Next, head to Praça do Comércio, the main public square. Walk along the waterfront for beautiful views of the Tagus river, the Ponte 25 Bridge (resembling the Golden Gate Bridge) and Santuário de Cristo Rei (inspired by Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer).

Dip into Lisboa Story Centre for an interactive exhibit on how Lisbon came to be. In 1755, most of Lisbon was destroyed by a massive earthquake that caused a tsunami. Be inspired by the story of reconstruction in the face of tragedy. Relive the events in a visually immersive room. (Alternative: If you want an even more immersive experience, visit the Quake museum in Belém on Day 4.)

Walk up to Castelo de São Jorge for colorful panoramic views of the city.

Visit Praça Dom Pedro IV in Dom Pedro IV Square, a lively central plaza with a wavy cobblestone pattern. Near Rossio and one of the main shopping areas.

Wander the narrow streets of Alfama and end your night with dinner and Fado music. Fado is traditional Portuguese music, known for melancholic storytelling. You don’t have to speak Portuguese to understand the deep-felt meaning behind the lyrics.

Start your day at Miradouro de Santa Luzia (trust me, you will want to go early before it fills up).

From here, take a trip on Tram 28 northeast, before it fills up (I recommend before 8 am so you can get a window seat). Take the tram to the end, Praça Martim Moniz.

Walk downhill to Carmo Convent to see the Gothic church destroyed in the earthquake. Option to go in or admire from the outside.

Tip: Stop at the quiosque in the inner square and grab a coffee or Aperol spritz while you take in the sites.

Eat lunch, then take the train from Cais do Sodre to Belém (Alternative: do an e-bike tour to Belém, listed in Day 3 but no possibility to visit Quake museum during e-bike tour.)

Visit the (believed) origin of the pastel de nata. Start by walking to Pastéis de Belém to try the original recipe. Ponder how this compares to the other pastel de nata you tried in the city. It is believed the monastery used egg whites to starch clothes and needed a use for the leftover egg yolks, hence creating the famous pastel de nata. Add in a trip to Jerónimos Monastery if this sparks your interest.

Walk to Belém Tower. The line can be long, so feel free to just view from the outside unless you are big on exploring forts. Walk to Monument to the Discoveries, a statue commemorating 33 important contributors to the Portuguese expansion.

End your visit at the Quake Museum, to get a super immersive experience of the earthquake (described as a mix between an amusement ride, escape room and science center). Great for all ages.

Take the train (15 minutes), bike (20 minutes) or walk (1.25 hours) back to Lisbon.

June-September: Kayak Day Trip

Escape the city (and the heat) in a comfortable van to Arrábida Natural Park to kayak along the coastline in a tour led by my local friends, João and Nuno. There are opportunities to snorkel and jump off a cliff. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach before kayaking back. Book with me to ensure you have an unforgettable experience.

October-May: Ebike Tour

Save your legs on the hills and explore the city by ebike with my local friend João. Choose from seeing essential landmarks, Lisbon by night or riding to Belém. Add in a cooking class from a Portuguese mother to learn traditional recipes.

Take a day trip to Sintra, a storybook town. Visit Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and the iconic Poço Iniciático. I recommend a private tour with transfer, but this is easy to do on your own as well.

We have covered a lot! Now it is time to relax.

Take the train from Cais do Sodre to Cascais (45 min), a small beach town. Drop off your luggage, wander the town, and hit the beach.

Head to Praia da Conceição and walk or bike along the coast. Two options:

• West: Walk towards Boca do Inferno, a scenic lookout point.

• East: Follow the promenade lined with bars and cafes towards Estoril.

Where to eat & drink in Cascais

• Santini (ice cream)

• Cascais Jazz Club (Wed-Sun for live music)

• House of Wonders (vegetarian)

• Taberna Clandestina Cascais (tapas and wine)

• Cascais market (Wed and Sat mornings) – a farmers' market with fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese and more

Grab a few pastels de natas before heading home.

• Traditional dishes to try: Bacalhau a brás (shredded cod, potatoes and egg), peixinhas da horta (”fish” of the garden, i.e. fried vegetables), pastel de nata (the best custard pastry you’ll ever taste), bifanas (Portuguese pork sandwich), grilled sardines.

• Lisboa Tu e Eu: For an authentic experience in the heart of Alfama. Go early because they fill up quickly. No reservations.

• A Baiuca: For dinner with simple, traditional dishes accompanied with Fado, the traditional Portuguese music, known for storytelling. You don’t have to speak Portuguese to understand the deep-felt emotion behind the lyrics.

• Taberna da Rua das Flores: For a charming evening of traditional tapas made with local ingredients. Go early because no reservations and this place usually has a two-hour line by 8 pm.

• Restaurante Vicente by Carnalentejana: If you can't get into Taberna da Rua das Flores, go here for similar ambiance.

• The Bifanas of Afonso: For an authentic bifana sandwich, one of the best in the city, go before lunch because lines can be 30 minutes to an hour.

• A Ginjinha: For ginjinha liquor. Locally owned by a friend of a friend’s grandparents, this place has served generations of Lisboans.

• A private speakeasy experience in the heart of Alfama (contact me, cannot guarantee): Only open when the owner is in town and advance reservations required. Enjoy custom cocktails based on your flavor profile. He can also make weaker or zero-proof cocktails for non-drinkers.

• Ponto Final: Take the ferry across for waterfront views of the city while enjoying Portuguese dishes and wine. Reservations recommended well in advance!

• É Um Restaurante: Support Chef Nuno Bergonse's social project, aimed at helping employ displaced Lisbon locals, training and mentoring them to get jobs elsewhere. The menu is delicious and the mission is unbeatable: leave with your stomach satisfied and heart full.