LISBON

Boasting a rich history, Lisbon is filled with historical landmarks, cultural treasures, and a vibrant atmosphere that attracts millions of visitors each year. I was one of the millions several times. My most recent trip to Lisbon was in November 2023, so my memories are still relatively fresh. I can still taste the vanilla flavor of Pasteis de Nata on my tongue, hear the melodies of fado music in my head and feel my sore muscles from walking up and down those hills.

With its charmingly winding, hilly, cobbled streets lined with pastel-toned houses, Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, is one of the oldest cities in the world. Dating back to 1,200 BCE it is actually older than Rome. It is also the most western city of Europe.

Yet, in this blog post I’m not only sharing fun facts about Lisbon, but also some top attractions, culinary favorites as well as fun tips for things to do in and around town.

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Top Attractions

Praça do Comércio: Lisbon’s main square, known for its grandeur, lined with colorful buildings, outdoor cafes, and historical monuments.

São Jorge Castle: Perched atop Lisbon’s highest hill, offering panoramic views of the city and the Tagus River.

Elevador de Santa Justa: An iconic wrought-iron elevator connecting the lower streets of the Baixa area with the higher Carmo Square with panoramic views of the city from the top platform.

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte: Located in the Graça neighborhood, this viewpoint offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Lisbon, including the São Jorge Castle and the Tagus River.

Torre de Belém: This iconic tower, located on the banks of the Tagus River, is a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery.

Jerónimos Monastery: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its stunning Manueline architecture and historical significance.

The LX Factory: A creative hub located in a former industrial complex, offers a unique nightlife experience with its eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, and cultural events.

Bairro Alto: Lisbon comes alive at night, with a vibrant nightlife scene that caters to all tastes. In this famous neighborhood visitors can enjoy cocktails at rooftop bars overlooking the city, dance the night away in lively bars and clubs, or experience the soulful sounds of Fado in intimate venues.

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Cuisine & Dining

Lisbon is a paradise for food lovers, with a diverse culinary scene influenced by Portuguese, Mediterranean, and international flavors.

Must-try dishes include bacalhau à brás (shredded salted cod), grilled sardines (common Mediterranean dish), caldo verde (traditional Portuguese soup) and my personal favorite Pastéis de Nata (city’s famous custard tarts).

A popular dining spot includes Time Out Market Lisboa, where visitors can sample a variety of dishes from top chefs under one roof.

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My Top 5 Favorite’s

Lisbon is a dream for any foodie. It offers a lot of traditional options, as well as hip and modern spots.

1. Manteigaria – Pastéis de Nata

If you don’t want to make the trip all the way to Belém in order to try the most famous Portuguese pastries, this one is a fantastic alternative. With multiple locations all over the city, I’d say this one is worth a visit. The bakery is a cozy and a specialist at spotlighting the traditional tarts filled with egg custard & topped with cinnamon, plus coffee.

2. Alcântara 50

A cozy, typical Portuguese restaurant located in an overlooked street in Alcântara, where it feels like eating at a Portugues home with table cloths in square patterns, decorative plates on the wall, old kitchen appliances all over the room and, of course, the warm and joyous manners of the couple that runs the restaurant.

3. JAVA Rooftop Bar

When in Lisbon, visiting a rooftop bar is a must. There is plenty of them and most of them are decent. However, if I had to choose only one – I would go for JAVA. It’s a stylish rooftop restaurant & cocktail bar featuring brunch, shared plates & grills with a good view, excellent drinks & food plus indoor and outdoor seating – what’s not to like?

4. Fauna & Flora

Lisbon is full of brunch spots, so choosing just one for my list was hard but I decided to go with Fauna & Flora. Just like the name suggests, not only the space is full of greens but also the food. The idea is to offer healthy options and honest food. The tow venues are not vegetarian, although vegetables and fruit are abundant on the menu.

5. Da Noi

While most of the places in my list are relatively well-known, Da Noi is still up and coming. With less than 300 reviews on Google, it looks less popular than other restaurants but don’t be fooled. The 300 reviews are all raving because the place serves excellent drinks and food. Only downside is you have to make reservation in advance and they only offer inside seating.

As with all of my travel adventure posts, I try to limit my favorite restaurants, bars & cafés to a list of 5. However, if you’re looking for more inspiration, feel free to subscribe to my blog and you will receive my Google Maps List as well.

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Honorary Mentions

There are a few places I discovered in Lisbon that deserve an honorary mention. Whether you’re based in Lisbon, working from there or spending a weekend in the city – these 5 spots are a must visit:

The Kynd Space: Yoga & Pilates Studio

Whether you’re based in Lisbon or you’re just in town for a visit – make sure to stop by The Kynd Space. This sanctuary is indeed a rather kind community full of lovely people who welcome you with open arms. Whether you’re an experienced Yoga/ Pilates person or not, this place allows you to get your body moving and your juices flowing. Not only is the venue absolutely stunning and magical but the courses are refreshingly energetic and transforming. Founded by a friend of mine, she put her heart and soul into this place and made her vision “where movement meets community” a reality. I cannot recommend this community enough.
(You can also book individual classes and don’t necessarily need a monthly subscription).

Livraria Bertrand: Bookstore

Another must visit: the oldest bookstore in the world! Founded in 1732, the Livraria Bertrand with its original store in the Chiado neighborhood of Lisbon was declared to be the oldest operating bookstore in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2011. It also has a cozy café in the back called Café Bertrand. So you can stroll through the oldest bookstore in the world, grab something to read and enjoy a cup of coffee.

EmbaiXada: Shopping Mall / Concept Store

This 19th-century palace was turned into a shopping mall featuring Portuguese brands & designers & a restaurant. It is located in the Ribeiro da Cunha Palace, one of the most emblematic buildings of the trendy Príncipe Real neighborhood. Considered a meeting point for people and experiences that mix tradition, contemporaneity, architectural heritage preservation, and the best innovation Portugal has to offer, EmbaiXada is definitely worth checking out. The garden offers the invitation to take a break and have a drink. The restaurant located in the inner courtyard offers live Fado concerts on Tuesdays and Sundays.

Mesa de Frades: Food & Music

When night falls, Lisbon transforms into a mysterious and romantic place, offering the captivating tradition of fado, a music genre deeply rooted in Portuguese culture. One of those traditional fado restaurants is Mesa de Frades which is built in a former chapel in Alfama, with the original tiles and murals still on the walls. The musical lineup is of high quality, and the intimate setup offers a cozy ambience. The performers walk between tables during their sets, which allows guests to be a part of the action, no matter where you’re sitting. The experience is unforgettable.

LX Factory: Art Center

The creative hub located in a former industrial complex, offers a unique nightlife experience with its eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, and cultural events. LX Factory is one of my favorite places in Lisbon. It’s cool, unique with lots to explore. You can find more than 50 shops, restaurants, cafes & bars, as well as a fantastic book & record store.

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Cultural & Outdoor Activities

Lisbon is home to numerous museums and galleries, including the National Tile Museum, the Gulbenkian Museum, and the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology), showcasing a diverse range of artistic and historical exhibits.

The city’s mild climate and scenic landscapes make it ideal for outdoor exploration. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the riverfront, hiking in the nearby Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, or surfing along the Atlantic coast.

Parks and gardens, such as Parque Eduardo VII and Jardim da Estrela, offer tranquil retreats from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Lisbon serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region. Popular day trip destinations include:

• Sintra, known for its fairytale palaces and lush gardens
• the coastal town of Cascais
• the historic city of Évora, with its well-preserved Roman ruins and medieval architecture.

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“By day Lisbon has a naive theatrical quality that enchants and captivates,
but by night it is a fairy-tale city, descending over lighted terraces to the sea, like a woman in festive garments going down to meet her dark lover.”

– Erich Maria Remarque

Lisbon is enchanting yet cool. It is perfect for a long weekend trip, to kick-off a vacation in Portugal before driving down to the Algarve or as a long-term stay for digital nomads.

I highly encourage you to explore Lisbon for yourselves and discover its enchanting blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets of Alfama, where the soulful melodies of Fado music fill the air, or immerse yourselves in Bairro Alto’s vibrant night life. Be sure to indulge in the delicious local cuisine, from freshly caught seafood to the famous pastéis de nata.

Whether you’re strolling along the picturesque waterfront or admiring the city’s stunning panoramic views from São Jorge Castle, Lisbon is sure to capture your hearts with its timeless beauty and warm, welcoming atmosphere making it a truly unforgettable destination.

Sincerely, The Blonde Yeti