Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, is one of Europe’s genuinely undiscovered, and unspoilt, gems. The Castelo de São Jorge sits at the top of the historic Alfama district, looking down across the River Tagus, and the stunning Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge.
At the waterside, the historic Belém district is a tourist’s delight, and is home to the historic monastery, the Contemporary Arts Museum and the Torre de Belém, not to mention the Pasteis de Belém, the original pasteis de nata pastry that is beloved by the Portuguese and visitors alike.
Walk cobblestone streets, listen to the soulful tunes of local musicians and enjoy fresh seafood. Lisbon’s streets are lined with medieval architecture and whitewashed houses, but the city is also well known for its thriving contemporary cultural scene. The capital of Portugal has great weather and laidback locals and is a popular holiday destination year-round.
Indulge in coffee and pastries at the world-famous Pastéis de Belem. Join the long lines of locals and visitors waiting to try the thin flaky crust and warm egg-custard center of a pastel de nata, Lisbon’s signature pastry.
Discover a broad array of museums. The Gulbenkian Museum houses some 6,000 artifacts and artworks from Rome, Greece, the Far East and Europe. The newly expanded Museum of Design and Fashion offers an eclectic mix of exhibits portraying the history of 20th-century design and fashion.
What to Expect
Language: Portuguese.
Currency: Euro (EUR).
Credit Cards & ATMs: Many Portuguese shops, restaurants, and hotels accept credit cards.
Safety: Portugal is one of the safer places to visit in Europe. The biggest issue is pickpocketing. Exercise caution with valuables.
Plugs: The plugs in Portugal are type F, the standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter and using a converter for hairdryers and beard trimmers.
Food and Drinks: Lisbon has superb gastronomy guaranteed to delight your taste buds. Try the famous pastéis de nata (custard tarts) & bacalhau (salted cod), as well as the wines.
The Arts: From literature to architecture, theatre to dance, Portugal has a thriving arts scene offering an insight into Portuguese culture. Whether you are looking for music, a vibrant nightlife scene, museums or exhibitions, you will find plenty of interesting places to visit. Consider taking a Lisbon food and wine tasting tour to get to now the city!
Lisbon Neighborhoods
Lisbon is divided into several clearly distinguishable neighborhoods. To really get an idea on where you want to stay, read more about traditional neighborhoods like Alfama, Chiado, Bairro Alto, Belem and Baixa.
Alfama is Lisbon’s highest hill and is home to some of the city’s most historic sites. An authentic fishing neighborhood located between the Atlantic Ocean and Lisbon’s São Jorge Castle. It is where Fado was created. This is the place to be for an authentic Lisbon experience.
Chiado is in the historic heart of Lisbon. This district is known for its luxury shops, famous landmarks, and historic cafés. For the quintessential Lisbon day out, come here in the afternoon before an evening out in Bairro Alto.
Bairro Alto is Lisbon’s bohemian and alternative neighborhoods, with tons of nightlife. Come here to party!
Lisbon’s neighborhood Belém houses two beautiful points of interest, the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. You can also try delicious pastéis de Belém.
Baixa is the liveliest and most central neighborhood in Lisbon. It was rebuilt by the Marquis of Pombal after the Great Earthquake of 1755. Bustling pedestrianized streets are lined with traditional seafood restaurants and souvenir shops.
Where to Stay
Budget Accommodation
Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, Baixa Terrace Hostel offers accommodations in Faro, 3.7 mi from Faro Beach. Guests are accommodated in private rooms and shared dorms, and they all have access to shared bathroom facilities. Book Here.
Value Accommodation
Hotel Lis Baixa is located in the heart of Lisbon city center, a few steps from Praça do Comércio and Santa Justa elevator. Offers comfy rooms, 24hr reception and free WiFi access. Book Here.
Luxury Accommodation
Located in Lisbon, a 14-minute walk from St. George’s Castle and 0.8 miles from Commerce Square, Tandem Palacio Alfama Suites has accommodations with free WiFi, a garden with an outdoor swimming pool, and access to a fitness room. Book Here.
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What to Eat
If you’ve spent any time in Portugal, you’ve undoubtedly encountered the iconic pastéis de nata. They beckon from every bakery window with their flaky crusts, custardy centers, and carefully caramelized surfaces. In the capital and throughout the country, they’re cheap, they’re delicious, and they’re absolutely ubiquitous; you might even say pastéis de nata in Lisbon are a dime a dozen. But I beg to differ.
In the local cafés and restaurants you will find traditional dishes such as bacalhau (salted cod). Since Lisbon is situated along the Atlantic Ocean and seafood is one of the city’s specialties. Try catch-of-the-day specials including octopus, sea bass and sardines.
The famous pastéis de nata. A small cream filled custard with a flaky crust, dusted in cinnamon.
Crusted Sea bass over a bed of spinach at Zambeze Restaurant in Lisbon, Portugal
Bucket List Worthy Attractions
1
Jerónimos Monastery
2
Belém Tower
3
Cathedral of Saint Mary Major
4
Visit Sintra & Pena Palace
5
Ride Tram #28
6
Castle of São Jorge
Things To Do
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