Overview
Over the last decade, Lisbon has become one of Europe’s premier travel destinations.
With its charming cobblestone streets, soft color palette, UNESCO-listed heritage sites, and striking white-domed cathedrals, it has also attracted a wave of new residents, all captivated by its beauty and favorable weather. Below is a guide to the best activities in Portugal’s capital city.
1. Visit Belém and its UNESCO-listed monastery
A requisite site in Lisbon is Belém’s architectural masterpiece, the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. One will undoubtedly wish to capture images of the exquisite honey-stone Manueline cloisters within this UNESCO-listed monastery established in 1495. Along the nearby riverfront, another UNESCO-recognized landmark is the Torre de Belém. This fortress reflects the grandeur of the Age of Discovery, and climbers will be rewarded at the top of the tower with breathtaking views of the Tagus River. Once your sightseeing is complete, cocktails complemented by pomegranate-hued sunsets await along the riverside.
Planning tip: Visit the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos either early or late in the day to minimize crowds.
2. Soak up all those stunning views from Lisbon’s miradouros
Legend suggests that Lisbon, akin to Rome, was established upon seven hills. This city, regarded as Europe’s second-oldest capital after Athens, has expanded significantly since its inception approximately 2,700 years ago, now encompassing many more than just seven hills, thus providing numerous vantage points for breathtaking views. Known as miradouros in Portuguese, these locations are dispersed throughout the historical center, offering stunning panoramas of this pastel-hued metropolis and the formidable Tagus River along its southern flank.
Local favorites among the miradouros include São Pedro de Alcântara, a quaint garden situated in the fashionable Príncipe Real neighborhood where visitors can soak in the view with a glass of rosé, and directly across the city, the Miradouro da Graça which overlooks the nearby Castelo de São Jorge, the remnants of an 11th-century Moorish palace.
For picture-perfect panoramic views akin to what’s available at the Elevador Santa Justa (a turn-of-the-20th-century public transport project connecting the central Baixa neighborhood with its elevated counterpart, the appropriately named Bairro Alto, or “high neighborhood”), consider visiting TOPO, a terrace bar located on the top floor of a shopping center off the progressively gentrifying Martim Moniz Square.
Planning tip: The optimal time for visitation is during sunset when Lisbon’s characteristic golden light bathes the city.
3. Tour the city’s best art museums
Gain insight into Portugal’s former global prominence at the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, the country’s equivalent to the Louvre. This museum houses invaluable Portuguese and European artworks, as well as pieces sourced from previously colonized regions spanning from West Africa to India to Japan. Set within a 17th-century palace in the Lapa neighborhood, it also features a meticulously maintained garden that offers a remarkable view of the Tagus.
On the opposite side of the city, the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian presents guests with an extensive overview of art history, ranging from ancient Egypt to contemporary works. This eclectic collection, amassed by Turkish-born British financier Calouste Gulbenkian, is recognized as one of the foremost private collections globally.
4. Don’t miss a live fado performance
The Portuguese term saudade, which can be interpreted in English as longing, nostalgia, or wistful yearning, is often regarded as a defining characteristic of the Portuguese national identity. This sentiment is also fundamental to Portugal’s national music, fado, which embodies a sense of melancholy even in its most uplifting moments and often resembles a poignant cri de coeur, accompanied by a stirring classical guitar. Believed to have originated in Lisbon in the early 19th century among mariners and dockworkers, this soulful musical form has woven itself deeply into the national culture, so much so that when its most renowned singer, Amália Rodrigues, passed away in 1999, the government declared three days of official mourning.
To depart Lisbon without attending a live fado performance would be considered a significant oversight. Fortunately, numerous establishments are known for their live fado performances throughout Lisbon, particularly in the historic Alfama district where this genre originated. Among the top venues is the Mesa de Frades, a quaint, intimate venue celebrated for its exceptional performers, drawing in fans such as Madonna, who frequented the establishment during her stay in Lisbon. Alfama is also home to the Museu do Fado, a small museum that exhibits various fado-related artifacts, from the genre’s earliest recordings to its characteristic pear-shaped guitars.
5. Taste fresh seafood dishes
Situated just a half hour from the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is a veritable haven for seafood aficionados. Visitors will find high-quality seafood available at various price points—from modest food stalls to upscale dining establishments. Established in the 1950s, Cervejaria Ramiro is a timeless favorite, renowned for its lobster, shellfish, giant tiger shrimp, and prawns, often drawing a lively crowd. A line frequently forms before the venue even opens. Conversely, Água Pela Barba, located in the Chiado neighborhood, offers a more concise yet equally delectable seafood selection in a more intimate setting.
Planning tip: For a truly noteworthy dining experience, consider visiting the Restaurante 100 Maneiras, one of Lisbon’s most highly regarded culinary establishments. Reservations are highly recommended.
6. Ride the historic tram 28E
Few images of Lisbon are as iconic as those of its vintage electric trams. These charming yellow-and-white elétricos have been traversing the city since 1901 (prior to that, they were horse-drawn). Of the five tram lines in the city, none is as sought after as tram 28E, which weaves through the city center from the westside’s Campo de Ourique to Martim Moniz, passing many of Lisbon’s significant attractions, captivating lookouts, and historic neighborhoods along the route.
Planning tip: While other vintage tram routes provide a comparably enriching experience, the charming carriages are not particularly comfortable and do not cover a significant portion of the city. Therefore, for those seeking an efficient mode of transportation, the metro or bus networks may serve as superior alternatives.
7. Cycle to the coast
Although Lisbon does not qualify as a traditional beach town, its relaxed atmosphere and palm trees scattered across the pastel-hued cityscape create a distinctly coastal ambiance. In actuality, it is only a brief car, train, or ferry ride from numerous proper beaches. To plan a day at the beach, consider renting a bicycle in the western Lisbon district of Belém. From there, take a ferry to Trafaria on the southern bank of the Tagus River, an unassuming fishing village that feels worlds apart from animated Lisbon. Then, follow the bike path west to arrive at the Caparica Coast, a 24km-long (14-mile-long) stretch of pristine sandy beaches. However, caution is advised as the North Atlantic waters remain relatively chilly throughout the year.
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This article was initially published on Mar 2, 2020, and was updated on Nov 26, 2023.
