Are you planning a trip to the charming city of Lisbon? Today we present 10 essential tips to help you make the most of your experience in the Portuguese capital. Discover how to immerse yourself in the culture, history and culinary delights that Lisbon has to offer. Prepare to fall in love with the cobbled streets, the picturesque trams and the Fado melodies that echo from every corner of this magical city!
Visit the historic quarters
One of the best ways to get to know a city in depth is to visit its historic neighbourhoods. In Lisbon you will find 4 main historical neighbourhoods, Alfama, Chiado and Barrio Alto and finally La Baixa. Alfama is considered the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon and one of the places where you can listen to Fado.
Enjoy the local gastronomy
There is no better way to get to know a city or culture than by sampling its gastronomy. Lisbon offers options for both sweet and savoury palates, from cream cakes to bachalhau. Another good option that may be familiar, as it is very similar to tapas, is petiscos.
Use public transport
To get around, it is advisable to use public transport. Not only for the low price, but also for the experience of visiting the city like the locals. We all have the image of Lisbon’s charming tram, particularly the 28, as it runs through the main historic districts and offers panoramic views of the city. Watch out! Our recommendation is, if you don’t want to get desperate queuing or get crowded, take tram 12 or 25, they go through other less known neighbourhoods and are less crowded. 😉
Admire the architecture
If you are interested in architecture, we recommend that you visit the Torre de Belém, the fortification, built in 1515, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Another must-see is the Monasterio de los Jerónimos, an impressive building that is also a World Heritage Site and features late Gothic and Manueline architecture.
Finally, you can’t miss the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a monument that celebrates the Age of Discoveries and pays homage to Portuguese navigators, artists, monks, writers, explorers and cartographers…
Walk along the Tagus river
We recommend a walk along the Tagus River in Lisbon, starting in the riverside area of Cais do Sodré, an ideal place to stroll, enjoy bars and restaurants, and take a ferry to Almada. Furthermore, along the river you’ll find LX Factory, a creative hub located in a former industrial complex that houses shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Combining a visit here with a pleasant stroll along the river is an excellent way to enjoy the city.
Visit museums and art galleries
Lisbon has many museums that reflect the history of the city and the country, that’s why we recommend you to include in your itinerary the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, which houses an important collection of European and Portuguese art…
Another must-see museum is the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, which has an extensive collection of various arts, as well as temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. By the way! If contemporary art is your thing, we recommend the Berardo Collection Museum… let us know what you think 😉
Also worth a visit is the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology), an exhibition space dedicated to art, architecture and technology, housed in an impressive building designed by architect Amanda Levete.
The most trendy museums at the moment are the Quake Museum (museum focused on the Lisbon earthquake) and the Navy Museum, which we recommend if you are passionate about the naval and the Age of Discovery.
And finally, if you are interested in a museum that focuses on historical memory and is centred on the time of the dictatorship and the subsequent revolution, the Aljube museum in Alfama has to be a must-see for you.
Climb to the viewpoints
From the viewpoints, you can appreciate the beauty of Lisbon from above and take spectacular photographs.
The Miradouro da Graça, also known as Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen, will take your breath away with its panoramic views of the city. From here, you can see the imposing Castelo de São Jorge and the meandering Tagus River.
Another special corner of Lisbon is the Miradouro de Santa Catarina, known as “Adamastor” because of the sculpture of the mythological monster that stands nearby. Don’t forget your camera!
Finally, the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is a beautiful terraced garden that will offer you breathtaking views of Lisbon, especially of the São Jorge Castle and the heart of the city.
Discover Parque das Nações
Parque das Nações in Lisbon offers contemporary architecture, such as the Portugal Pavilion and Altice Arena. Enjoy green areas, a promenade by the Tagus and the amazing Oceanarium of Lisbon, one of the best aquariums in Europe.
This area is especially recommended for children, as there is also a funicular to see the Tagus from above, the Vasco de Gamma bridge (one of the longest in Europe) and the Pabellon de los Conocimientos Museum (an interactive museum about science and circus, ideal for the little ones).
Attends cultural and musical events
Lisbon is famous for Fado, the traditional Portuguese musical genre. You can attend Fado shows in Fado houses and restaurants in neighbourhoods such as Alfama and Barrio Alto. Tasca do Chico is an emblematic place where you can enjoy an authentic Fado experience. In addition Lisbon hosts numerous cultural events, such as art exhibitions, film festivals and book fairs. Check the local agenda for up-to-date information on events during your visit.
The Moreira district is, par excellence, the Fado district. That is why we strongly recommend you to listen to Fado there with Maria da Mouraria (where Maria La Severa was born) and the Tasquinha Canto do Fado (to listen to Fado vadio, very popular as a tasca).
Go on excursions to the suburbs
Finally, our last tip for your Lisbon experience is to visit the city’s surroundings. For example, Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located about 25 km west of Lisbon.
Another town we recommend is Cascais, a coastal town located about 30 km west of Lisbon (40 mins by car), known for its beaches, such as Praia da Rainha and Praia da Conceição.
Now that you know these 10 tips, all you have to do is enjoy the city like a true Lisboner. We are waiting for you!
