Indulge in Lisbon: Culture and Cuisine in Portugal's Capital

Heads up: There is no way I can list all of the things to do in Lisbon on this page. This is just a sample of where to start. Lisbon has so much going for it and so much to offer. The best thing is just to get in there and start doing things. Also ask your hotel staff and fellow travelers what else there is to see and do. That’s where my best recommendations have always come from, and why I always tell people not to over-schedule. You don’t want to miss those under-the-radar gems!

Explore Alfama and São Jorge Castle. Alfama, Lisbon's oldest district, is a maze of narrow streets and charming houses. Climb to the São Jorge Castle for panoramic views and a glimpse into Lisbon's medieval past.

Jason’s Tip

For a European capital, Lisbon is generally more compact than many other cities in comparison, so it’s certainly walkable. Like Porto, Lisbon has many hills and cobblestone streets, so wear comfortable shoes when exploring and using the many public transportation options available.

Indulge in Pastéis de Belém. Don't miss out on Lisbon's most famous pastry, the pastel de nata, a delicious custard tart with a flaky crust. They are best enjoyed at Pasteis de Belém, the original bakery where they were created.

Ride Tram 28. Experience Lisbon's iconic yellow tram, Tram 28, which winds through the city's historic neighborhoods. Be prepared for crowds and potential wait times, but don't skip out on this quintessential Lisbon experience.

Fado Performance. Immerse yourself in Lisbon's melancholic, yet beautiful music genre, Fado. Traditional Fado is performed by a vocalist accompanied by a Portuguese guitar, expressing themes of love, loss, and saudade (a deep emotional state of nostalgic or profound melancholic longing).

Time Out Market. Explore Lisbon's culinary scene at the Time Out Market, a vibrant food hall featuring Portuguese and international cuisine. It's a great place to sample different dishes and grab a bite to eat or a refreshing beverage.

Jason’s Tip

If you’re up for something slightly different, the waterfront area lends itself perfectly to using electric scooters. It’s flat, and there is a huge pedestrian area between the river and the road in most areas, so you won’t have to worry about cars. You can certainly walk it, but it’s miles long, so the scooter can make your life much easier. And if you’ve never ridden one before like me, it was much easier than I expected. Of course my teenage son still thought I was going too slow!

Discover Belém. Explore Belém, a waterfront district known for its historical significance during Portugal's Age of Discovery. Visit the Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Belém Tower, a magnificent fortification.

Wander through Chiado and Bairro Alto. Discover Lisbon's lively nightlife districts. Chiado offers elegant shops and cafes, while Bairro Alto transforms into a vibrant party zone at night.

Relax at a beach. Take a break from sightseeing and soak up the sun on one of Lisbon's beautiful beaches. Praia de Carcavelos, a sandy beach west of Lisbon, is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.

LX Factory. Discover Lisbon's trendy side at LX Factory, a former industrial complex transformed into a vibrant hub of shops, restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and co-working spaces.

Explore the National Tile Museum. Learn about Portugal's rich azulejo (painted tile) tradition at the National Tile Museum, showcasing stunning examples from the 15th century to the present.

Jason’s Tip

While Lisbon has an extensive metro system and other great public transportation options, consider renting a tuk-tuk and driver for a half-day or full-day. It’s a great way to cover a lot of territory in Lisbon and make the most of your time there. It also gives your legs a break from all the hills, and our driver made sure we didn’t have to wait in line at Pastéis de Belém!

The Sanctuary of Christ the King. Cross the bridge to Almada to the Sanctuary of Christ the King for panoramic views of Lisbon, religious significance, and a unique landmark inspired by Christ the Redeemer in Rio.

Day trips

Sintra. Visit Sintra, a charming town located in the hills outside Lisbon. Sintra is known for its castles and palaces, like the Pena National Palace, lush greenery, and natural beauty.

Cascais. A charming seaside town on the Portuguese Riviera, Cascais was once a favorite vacation spot for Portuguese royalty. Today, it's a popular resort town with beautiful beaches, a lively waterfront promenade, and a historic center.

Évora. Évora is a beautiful town in the Alentejo region, known for its well-preserved Roman Temple and its creepy Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones). The town is also great to try some of Portugal's regional cuisine, such as Alentejo pork and sheep-milk cheese.

Fátima, Batalha Monastery, Nazaré and Óbidos. This is a great day trip for those who want to see a variety of things. Fátima is a famous pilgrimage site, Batalha Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nazaré is a popular surfing town, and Óbidos is a charming medieval town with a well-preserved castle.

Sesimbra. Sesimbra is a small fishing town located south of Lisbon. It's known for its beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, and relaxed atmosphere.

Like all of Portugal, Lisbon is hard to round up a group of places to eat and drink because there are so many options available. As with most European capitals, I recommend wandering around and seeing what resonates with you. Local hotel staff, drivers, guides, waitstaff, and bartenders can be a great help as well. But here are some to help you get started.

Cervejaria Ramiro. Make sure to stop here for a legendary seafood experience in a relaxed, historic setting known for its fresh shrimp and prawns and lively atmosphere.

Café de São Bento is a Lisbon institution reputed to serve some of the best steaks in town. It has been around since 1982, and while steak is its specialty, it also has other items on the menu, including presunto (cured ham), and other traditional Portuguese dishes. The restaurant has a classic and cozy feel, with wood paneling and comfortable seating. It's a great place to relax and enjoy a leisurely meal.

Augusto Lisboa. Stop in at this popular brunch spot serving delicious homemade food, with great coffee and a friendly staff, making it a perfect place to start exploring the city.

ISCO Padaria e Bistro. This bakery and bistro is an excellent place for breakfast, lunch, or a snack. It offers a wide selection of breads, pastries, and sandwiches and a daily lunch menu with fresh, seasonal dishes. The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for a casual meal at any time of day.

Floresta das Escadinhas. This charming traditional Portuguese restaurant is perfect for a delicious and affordable lunch or dinner of grilled meats, seafood, and local wine. The restaurant has a simple, rustic atmosphere and is a popular spot for locals and tourists.

Manteigaria. Check out this historic bakery, famous for its pastel de nata (egg custard tart). These flaky pastries are a must-try for any visitor to Lisbon. They also have a variety of other breads and pastries and plenty of beverage options to wash everything down with.

Da Prata 52. Da Prata 52 is a tapas restaurant that offers a variety of tapas dishes, as well as wine and other drinks. The restaurant is known for its friendly staff and delicious food and is an excellent choice for a delicious and authentic Portuguese dining experience. It also offers vegan/vegetarian options.

Taberna Anti-Dantas. This historic tavern serves traditional Portuguese cuisine, tapas, and fusion dishes. It’s known for its simple but delicious food, great vibes, and friendly service.

Cervejaria O Trevo. O Trevo is a popular tasquinha (small, traditional Portuguese restaurant) known for its delicious and affordable Portuguese fare, particularly the bifana sandwich (marinated pork cutlet in a bread roll and can be served with mustard or chili oil - the exact recipe can vary from place to place). It also offers a welcoming ambiance, friendly service, and other offerings, which include coffee, beer, and other typical Portuguese dishes.