Ultimate Guide to Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is such an underrated European city if you ask me. It’s older than Rome, absolutely stunning, has 300 days of sun, and is incredibly safe. I spent 5 weeks working remotely from there in 2023 and loved every second. Here’s my ultimate guide to Lisbon, Portugal.
Neighborhoods
Príncipe Real
This is my favorite neighborhood that has the old charm that I look for whenever I travel to Europe. It’s absolutely stunning with some views of the 25 de Abril Bridge, many cute shops and restaurants, and greenery. It’s also in a central location, easily within walking distance of many of the tourist sites.
Santos
This neighborhood isn’t far from Príncipe Real but is a bit closer to the water, making it easier to stroll along the river. If you stay over here, I would just avoid staying too close to Pink Street, which gets very loud and busy late at night. Further west is a better choice.
No matter where you choose to stay, make sure to bring walking shoes. Lisbon is incredibly hilly and the cobblestones have been known to break ankles. Leave the heels at home. You are not going to want to wear them at all while in Lisbon!
Martim Moniz
Further north, Martim Moniz is slightly outside of some of the main touristy areas while still being quite close to them. This neighborhood has a green-line stop on the subway, which is arguably the best line for getting into the heart of the city.
Campo de Ourique
People say that this neighborhood is like a mini Lisbon because it has it all. It has a relaxed vibe with many shops, restaurants, and a large market. It’s not as well connected via public transit, but it’s still not a far walk away from some of the main things to do in Lisbon and is certainly a quick Uber away. If you stay here, I’d recommend staying on more of the eastern side.
Arroios
Several years ago Time Out named this neighborhood the coolest in the world. If you want to stay like a local, this is where I’d recommend. You’re conveniently located on the green line and if the weather is nice, it can be a lovely walk from here to the city center.
Avenidas Novas/Saldanha
This is another lovely residential area. I personally stayed in and very close to this area during my 5 weeks in Lisbon. These two neighborhoods are full of great restaurants, shopping, and have both Parque Eduardo VII and the Jardim da Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, which are both such lovely parks.
Avoid Bairro Alto and Alfama
These two neighborhoods are sometimes popular with tourists, but I’d generally recommend visiting them and not staying in them. Bairro Alto is a popular going out spot and can be very loud late at night. Alfama is quiet, but the hills there are NO JOKE. Ubers can only drop you off in certain parts of Alfama, so if you stay there, it’s highly likely you’re going to have to haul your luggage up and down numerous steps to get to where you’re staying.
Where to Stay
There are numerous hotel options all throughout the city for all budget ranges. Here are some of my picks for this guide to Lisbon, Portugal:
The Ivens Hotel has to be the #1 hotel in all of Lisbon. It’s way out of my price range, but if you’re looking for something more upscale, this is your place.
That said, there are plenty of much more affordable but fancy hotels. I treated myself with one night at Palácio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel for about half the price of The Ivens and absolutely recommend it. This hotel is a former palace and absolutely stunning inside. It’s definitely one of my all-time favorite hotels and in a great location too.
Some other hotels to consider include 1908 Lisboa, Rossio Boutique Hotel, and Empire Lisbon Hotel.
Airbnb can be a great option, especially if you’re staying for a longer amount of time. I personally stayed at and would recommend this Airbnb in Avenidas Novas.
How Many Days to Stay
I’d recommend staying for at least 3 days if possible, but if you’re planning to take any day trips, say to nearby Sintra, you may want to add on some more days. That said, I think Sintra absolutely deserves its own stay versus just going for the day.
Things to Do
Go on a Walking Tour
One thing I do on almost any trip to a city is a walking tour. It’s a great opportunity to get your bearings in a new place, and it’s always helpful to hear about the history and culture from a local’s perspective. I booked this walking tour in Lisbon for around $25.
Praço do Comercio
This is the historic main square in Lisbon along the water with iconic yellow buildings and an archway opening to the rest of the city. It’s a fun area to walk around and take in the views.
Castelo de São Jorge
This castle in Lisbon is an absolute must. Situated on one of Lisbon’s seven hills, the castle offers breathtaking views of the city and river below. Aside from the views, this castle is known for peacocks that have made a home on the grounds.
I recommend buying tickets in advance to be safe. Tickets are 15 euros each for an adult 26+. The good news is if you’re 15 or younger, you’re considered a “youngster” and only pay 7.50 euros.
Alfama
Near the castle, Alfama is a fun neighborhood to explore, but beware, if you thought Lisbon’s hills were tough, the hills in Alfama specifically are some of the steepest in the city. They’re definitely better to walk down. 😀
While exploring Alfama, if you see locals selling chocolate shot glasses full of a red liquor, definitely try it! The liquor is called ginjinha and is a sour cherry liqueur. Note that even though it’s served in a shot glass, apparently it’s better to sip slowly.
Belém
You absolutely must visit Belém. If you’re up for a bit of a walk, I would call an Uber here, and then you can walk along the water until you get to Belém. You can see a monument to the explorers, the famous Belém Tower and then cross underneath the train tracks and road to the monastery.
“Miradouros” (Lookout Points) and Parks
Check out the Miradouro de Santa Luzia in Alfama, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara in Príncipe Real, and Tapada das Necessidades in Santos for views.
Some lovely parks to check out include Jardim da Estrela in Santos and Jardim Botánico de Lisboa in Príncipe Real.
Listen to Fado
Fado is to Portugal as tango is to Argentina. It’s a traditional musical genre often with a tone of saudade, which means a melancholic longing or yearning.
My friend who lived in Lisbon for several months recommends Tasca do Chico for an authentic fado restaurant in the city center. There are a number of other places to listen to fado as well.
Get Out on the Water
It’s hard to beat a sunset boat tour. I highly recommend this Airbnb sailing tour. Valter is a wonderful tour host, making the experience fun and striking a good balance of providing historical information and letting his guests enjoy the experience in peace. He even teaches a little about sailing and lets guests help if they want. Beer and wine are included too.
Take a Pastel de Nata Making Class
Visit Casa dos Ovos Moles em Lisboa to learn how to make the delicious Portuguese egg tart pastel de nata. It’s much harder than you’d think, but the instructor is so nice, and we had a blast. Workshops are 48 euros per person and can be booked online in advance.
LX Factory
Not far from Belém is LX Factory. Formerly an industrial area, the buildings there now house hip stores, restaurants, and bars. It’s a fun area to explore, especially on Sundays when there’s an outdoor market.
National Tile Museum
Portugal is known for its beautiful painted tiles, and you can learn all about them at this museum. Housed in a convent from 1509, this museum shares the history and evolution of tile painting in Portugal.
Go Shopping
Especially coming from the U.S., it feels like shopping is SO much better in Lisbon. Some of the best shopping areas include Avenida da Liberdade, Rua Garrett, Rua do Carmo, Saldanha, and Rua Augusta.
Of note, I recommend checking out Livraria Bertrand – Chiado, the oldest bookstore in the world, and Casa das Vellas Loreto, one of the oldest candle shops in the world.
If you’ve never been to El Corte Inglés, I also recommend checking one out if you have the time. El Corte Inglés is a department store from Spain, but it’s much more than any department store in the U.S. Honestly, it’s so big it can be easy to get lost. There are the typical department store floors, a grocery store, pharmacy, movie theater, restaurants, and more.
Hit the Beach
If you want to visit nearby beaches, they’re as close as a 30-minute drive from the city center. I personally recommend Irmão Beach Club. Rent a sunbed for 25 euros for a day and stay for a beach party in the evening if you’re there on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
What to Eat and Drink
Cervejaria Ramiro
Anthony Bourdain visited this seafood restaurant, and now it’s one of the most famous spots in Lisbon. It’s so popular, I recommend making a reservation. If you can’t get a reservation, try and show up early. The nice thing is, even if you have to wait, they have a lovely waiting area where you can grab a drink–get a beer from the beer token machine for just a couple euros!
This restaurant particularly focuses on shellfish. I’m not usually a huge fan of shrimp, but I have to say, I absolutely LOVED the garlic shrimp. You also have to try the prego, a steak sandwich that Ramiro is also known for.
Rocco
Made famous on social media, this stunning Italian restaurant is part of The Ivens Hotel, one of the nicest hotels in Lisbon. If you don’t want to spend the money on staying at the hotel but want to experience a part of it, this restaurant is a good compromise. I had some of the best pasta of my life here that they finished by stirring up in a giant parmesan wheel next to my table. Yum!
Ponto Final
This Portuguese restaurant is known for its stunning waterfront views and was made famous on Somebody Feed Phil on Netflix.
Palácio Chiado
Get lunch or dinner in a freaking PALACE. This place is absolutely stunning inside and so fun to visit. It was the first place I took my mom when she arrived for her first ever trip to Europe. I got the wild mushroom risotto, and it was so good.
I made a reservation, but it seemed fairly empty for lunch on a Saturday, so you may be able to get away without one. The prices are higher than other places, but definitely not unreasonable, especially considering it’s a palace. My risotto was around 30 euros.
Lupita
This restaurant is a true hole in the wall with some of the BEST Neapolitan style pizza I’ve ever had. It’s small, so you may have to wait, but it’s well worth it.
Coyo Taco
If you’re like me and absolutely crave Mexican food when you’re away from the U.S., then I recommend checking out this taco spot.
My Mother’s Daughters
I’m not vegan, but I still DREAM of this vegan restaurant. The vegan burger and fries are so freaking good there. I legit went three times while I was in Lisbon I loved it that much.
Miolo
Miolo is my favorite spot for brunch in the city, and it has a cute interior with fake flowers hanging from the ceiling and pink accents.
Dear Breakfast
This restaurant has a few locations in Lisbon, and is one of the best spots to grab breakfast or brunch.
Fauna & Flora
This is another one of the best brunch spots in Lisbon, and there are a few locations. As the name suggests, their restaurants are full of beautiful plants and generally have a cool vibe.
Red Frog
This bar was ranked the 40th best bar in the world in 2022. It’s now ranked 88th but absolutely still worth a visit. This speakeasy is small and books up well in advance, so definitely make a reservation a few weeks or around a month beforehand. It can also be a little hard to find at first, so give yourself some extra time to get there just in case.
Entretanto Rooftop Bar at Hotel do Chiado
This rooftop bar is in the heart of the city and offers absolutely lovely views of the surrounding buildings with their orange-tiled roofs. I was able to snag a table without a reservation, but it might help to have one.
Pastéis de Belém
You must visit Pastéis de Belém, which is said to use the original recipe for the famous Portuguese egg tarts. There’s often a line, but if you don’t want to wait as long, join the take away line and then enjoy your pasteis in the park by the monastery.
Nannarella
This gelato shop is one of the best in the city. Nannarella started in Rome, so it’s true Italian gelato!
Time Out Market
This food hall is definitely touristy, but it’s fun to visit. It’s also convenient for the public toilets if you’re walking around nearby. 😀 There’s a Manteigaria location here, which is one of the best pasteis de nata chains.
How to Get Around
Lisbon isn’t a huge city, and the tourist hot spots are generally fairly close to each other. Many areas are walkable, but the city is also fairly well connected by subway. Ubers are easy to call and usually pretty cheap as well—in July 2023, I often paid around 6-10 euros for each of my Uber trips.
Tuk-tuk tours are popular in Lisbon as well and can be a fun way to zip around and see the sights of the city.
I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention Tram 28 in this guide to Lisbon, Portugal. The iconic yellow Lisbon trams are not typically a very good way to get around, but they can be fun! Tram 28 runs from Martim Moniz to Campo de Orique and should only cost a few euros that you can pay in cash or by using a transit card (you can buy this at any subway station). Try to avoid the tram during busier weekend times and be mindful of your belongings, particularly if it’s crowded.
Language
If you’re wondering if people speak English in Lisbon, the good news is, they mostly do. If you’re just visiting as a tourist, you don’t need to worry too much about encountering a language barrier.
That said, it’s good to learn at least a few words and phrases in Portuguese, and the locals will appreciate the effort.
Related: Do They Speak English in Lisbon? What to Know in 2024
Money
When it comes to paying for things in Lisbon, you can typically pay with credit card, but know that there will be some instances where you’ll need to pay in cash.
Learn more: Do You Need Cash in Lisbon? What You Need to Know
Safety
Lisbon is one of the safest cities in the world. For instance, on my walking tour, my guide said he never worries about his daughter walking around by herself at all hours of the early morning. After 5 weeks there, I can say I also felt perfectly safe. I often worked until 10 or 11 p.m. and would walk home from my coworking space back to my apartment and felt completely fine.
In crowded settings (e.g., tram, lookout points, etc.), I would still be mindful of your belongings in case of pick pockets, but otherwise, it’s a very safe and comfortable city to visit.
There you have it! That’s my ultimate guide to Lisbon, Portugal. I hope you found this helpful and that you consider paying a visit to this absolutely lovely city!
