I started a 1 month-long Europe trip off JUST right, with Portugal's enchanting capital city LISBON! When I used to think of Portugal, not knowing much about it, I ignorantly only thought about Cristiano Ronaldo, Portuguese pastry, and the fact that it is next to Spain. But let me tell you, Lisbon has shattered those preconceived notions and left me with a whole new perspective. This vibrant city, perched upon its iconic 7 hills, greeted me with its breathtaking blue tile architecture, symphonies of fado music, the cool Atlantic breeze, and an atmosphere bursting with life and joy. And the best part – Portugal is one of the most budget-friendly European destinations, offering you the opportunity to have an incredible summer vacation without breaking the bank.
In this ultimate guide, I will cover everything from transportation and costs to the best things to do, ensuring you have all the essential information so you can have the time of your life, stress-free!
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Best time to visit Lisbon:
The best time to visit Lisbon is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is not so hot and there are fewer tourists. The flowers bloom all pretty in the Spring while fall offers a more colorful scene. If you're visiting mainly for the beaches and prefer larger crowds
visiting in the summer (June to August) is your best bet.
How to get around Lisbon:
Especially if you have 2 days, I recommend getting around via public transport and Uber. You will most likely be walking everywhere since Lisbon streets are filled with beauty at every corner. However, the uphill walking mixed with the heat, may tempt you to make Uber your best friend, especially since it won't cost a lot. Most of my Uber rides never went over $10. Electric tuk-tuks with guided tours from young locals is also extremely common here and can be a fun way to explore the vibrant towns while learning about them.
Best Places to Stay in Lisbon:
Affordable
1. Lisboa Carmo Hotel Located in the heart of Lisbon's historic center, this boutique hotel offers a prime location, stylish accommodations, and excellent ratings, making it an ideal choice for exploring the city's cultural landmarks.
Mid-range
2. LX Boutique Hotel Situated in the trendy neighborhood of Cais do Sodré, this design hotel offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and affordability, with a prime location near popular attractions and a high guest rating.
Expensive
3. Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon A luxurious haven in the heart of Lisbon, this renowned hotel offers opulent accommodations, impeccable service, and a rooftop bar with a pool boasting panoramic views of the city, creating an exclusive and indulgent experience for discerning travelers.
Day 1: Exploring Lisbon's Iconic Streets and Landmarks
1. Explore the Historic Streets of São Vicente and Santa Maria Maior
Do you see this? Lisbon's neighborhoods carry a mix of historical beauty and present-day charm. With their pastel-colored buildings so faint yet distinct, you will be living in scenes directly from your European Pinterest boards. Walk till' you drop in order to witness the stunning tiles and cobblestone streets lined with the cutest cafes, you will feel like you have the perfect backdrop at every turn. The stunning viewpoint pictured above is located in Sao Vicente called Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.
2. Praça Júlio de Castilho
If you're craving an oasis of tranquility in the heart of Lisbon, you must visit Jardim Julio. Take in all its lush greenery from the grape vines that trickle down, while your eyes drift towards the purple-pink bougainvillea flowers that stand out in vibrant contrast. Take a seat by the edge of the garden, where you witness a beautiful vantage point of Lisbon. Here you can also find performers that can add to the perfect ambiance.
3. Indulge in Pastel de Nata and Discover Praça do Comércio
No visit to Lisbon is complete without trying the iconic Portuguese custard-filled pastry, Pastel de Nata. With every bite you are in heaven, crunchy on the outside and soft and decadent on the inside. These desserts will not be hard to find, and for each pastry shop I stumbled upon, popular vs not, it was a 10/10 every time.
Visit Praça do Comércio, a square overlooking the Tagus River. Walk towards the Cais das Colunas, a broken castle-like viewpoint that is the remains of the Ribeira Palace. A little history fact, the palace was once the residence of the Portuguese kings but was destroyed by the earthquake of 1755. Today, the ruins serve as a picturesque spot where visitors can sit, relax, and admire the scenic views of the Tagus River.
4. Enjoy a Refreshing Sangria by the Waterfront
The area along the waterfront where you can find outdoor vendors selling Sangria and delicious food is known as the "Ribeira das Naus." and let me tell you, it is the place you want to be. This promenade filled with music and good energy is a popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy a refreshing drink while taking in the scenic views of the Golden Gate lookalike, 25 de Abril Bridge. Grab a glass of Sangria from one of the vendors, find a spot along the waterfront, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.
5. Delight in Culinary Experiences at Time Out Market
On to one of my favorite topics... food. Time Out Market is a vibrant indoor food market where you can indulge in a variety of dishes prepared by chefs. Be ready for a lively atmosphere as this place can get quite packed and the seats to eat fill up quickly, but it is a great place to grab a bite and people-watch. From 5-star burgers to seafood to mouth-watering desserts, all the options make you want to come back for more!
Day 2: Exploring Lisbon's Charming Neighborhoods and Coastal Beauty
1. Visit Praça Luís de Camões and Shop in Augusta Street
Begin your day at Praça Luís de Camões, a lively square in the heart of Lisbon. We took an Uber here from our hotel and walked towards Santa Maria Maior and Augusta Street. Augusta Street located in the vibrant Baixa district, is a shopper's paradise, featuring a wide array of name-brand stores, boutiques, souvenir shops as well as restaurants and pastry shops. Here I found a cute one called Fabrica de Nata I satisfied my sweet tooth and got to capture my ideal Portuguese mood-board shots.
Here, just before Augusta Street, you will also find Elevador de Santa Justa. This iron lift takes you to a panoramic platform offering a much higher viewpoint of the city. Standing tall and reaching up high, the viewpoint provides a unique perspective of Lisbon's picturesque streets, Gucci stores, rooftops, and the Tagus River. Despite the long line, the reward of the stunning vistas makes it well worth the wait. I saw somewhere online that there is also a secret way of avoiding the lineup by taking an elevator at a nearby store, ask a local for guidance!
2. Barrio Alto
Bairro Alto, is my definition of a perfect place to capture the Lisbon aesthetic. It is a neighborhood with artistic flare and an energetic atmosphere. Situated on a steep hill, these grid-like streets provide breathtaking sunset views, making it a perfect spot for memorable pictures. They say you get two different experiences during the day versus the night, where in the day it is calm and at night it comes alive!
Pictured above: Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo is the street in Bairro Alto that is famous for its steepness and the iconic yellow tram, known as Tram 28, running through its narrow tracks in the middle.
Getting here: To reach Bairro Alto from the city center of Lisbon, you can take Tram 28, one of the iconic tram lines in the city. The city center of Lisbon is typically considered to be around the Baixa and Chiado districts, where you'll find popular areas like Praça do Comércio and Rossio Square. From there, you can hop on Tram 28, which will take you on a scenic route through the city, passing by Bairro Alto along the way. Tram 28 is a convenient and charming way to travel and explore Lisbon's historic neighborhoods.
3. Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
One of my favorite viewpoints was Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. It is a popular spot where you can not only enjoy the breathtaking views but also find vendors selling refreshing Sangria, which you can have with sparkling or regular wine (so good!). Yes, there are many Miradouros to choose from in Lisbon, but this one is different due to its lively atmosphere, combined with a charming fountain, which creates an inviting ambiance that makes you want to sit and stay a while.
4. Belém Tower
Belem Tower is a captivating fortress in Lisbon that once defended the city with its massive walls, but now it serves as a great spot for photoshoots and relaxing by the water. It has this unique design, almost resembling an enchanted castle rising from the river, which makes you feel like a real-life princess exploring some fairytale kingdom.
Cost: Entrance fee for Belém Tower is approximately €6.50 for adults.
Getting there: To reach Belém Tower from Lisbon, you can take Tram 15E or buses like 714 or 727 from the city center, hop on a train from Cais do Sodré station, or opt for a taxi or ride-sharing service for a direct journey.
5. Day trip to Cascais
After exploring all of Lisbon's best attractions and food, you will likely have the desire for some beach time, I know I did! Cascais is the perfect getaway for just that. Just 1 hour away from Lisbon, Cascais offers a variety of beautiful picturesque beaches. Guincho Beach known for its surf, Praia da Rainha for its tranquility, the family-friendly Praia da Conceição, and the picturesque Praia do Tamariz are some of the most popular beaches in Cascais. Neighborhoods here offer a lively atmosphere, delicious dining options, and an abundance of shops.
Getting there: Best way is by train. To travel from Lisbon to Cascais, take the Cascais Line train from Cais do Sodré station, enjoying a scenic coastal journey with stops at Algés, Belém, Santo Amaro, Oeiras, and Carcavelos, before arriving in Cascais. The approximate ticket price is €2.25, and Cascais station is your final stop.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my Portugal trip in Lisbon has been a whirlwind of vibrant experiences and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From getting lost among the steep alleys to escaping and chasing the beaches, every step was an adventure in itself. I hope this guide has shown you the many fun things to do and eye-catching places to see in Lisbon. As I had to say a temporary farewell, I carry with me a wanderlust to explore more of its neighborhoods, uncover more panoramic viewpoints, and eat more mouth-watering Portuguese cuisine!
Going to Portugal? To Lisbon? Have you been already? How was your experience? I would love to hear any comments or questions below :)
Until next time, adios! <3
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