Our top tips for Lisbon
Welcome to the birthplace of Sara and the delicious Pastéis de Nata!
Lisbon, one of the most ancient cities in Europe, has plenty to see and do. From museums to botanical gardens, sightseeing points to sunny terraces, ancient buildings to trendy street art, there is something for every taste.
It is also a city made for photography, especially at the end of the day as the sun goes down. The city is then flooded with a beautiful golden light creating a romantic and magical atmosphere.
A little tip from us before you go explore: do it like the locals. Everything gets started after a "bica" (local word for espresso) and a Pastel de Nata or some other delicious pastry. That might be because the Portuguese like to take it easy... or because it can't hurt to have an extra kick of energy before walking up and down the many hills the city was created on.
Explore and enjoy!
WHERE TO CALL HOME FOR A FEW DAYS
Beautiful, easy to walk everywhere on foot and well-connected with public transportation, here are our recommended areas to stay in:
EXPLORE THE CITY
Any travel guide will tell you, but here are the key points to hit when visiting Lisbon:
-
Belém district (a reflection of imperial times)
-
Graça, Mouraria, and Alfama (a reminder of our Moorish past)
-
Baixa and Chiado neighborhoods (a beautiful walk from Príncipe Real to Ribeira das Naus)
-
LX Factory (an urban cool hotspot for food, drinks, shopping, and entertainment)
For those who love adventure, you should definitely consider adding a scenic ride in the famous tram (line 28) to your Lisbon bucket list. Just be aware that the tram can get quite crowded at times, so best to go early.
A LOVE AFFAIR WITH FOOD
There's nothing the Portuguese love more than to get together and share a delicious meal. Here are a couple of places you would happily find us drinking sangria or vinho verde and sharing food at:
-
Artis (Portuguese)
-
Rio Maravilha (Portuguese)
-
Bonjardim (Portuguese / Rotisserie chicken)
-
Boa-Bao (Asian)
-
Tapa Bucho (Portuguese, but tapas-sized)
-
Nicolau (Brunch)
FOOD SPECIALTIES WORTH TRYING
Caldo Verde, Pão com Chouriço, Pica-Pau, Chouriço Assado, Queijo da Serra with Broa, Bacalhau à Brás, Bacalhau com Natas, as well as any and every type of grilled fish.
GET THE BEST PASTÉIS DE NATA
Because not all Natas are created equal. To try the stuff that dreams are made of, head to:
-
Manteigaria (two locations: here or here), aka the best Natas on the planet
-
The famous Pastéis de Belém - probably the oldest recipe, and within the top 3 most delicious ones ever made. There's usually a very long queue, though.
-
Vegan Nata (target group self-explanatory ;) )
PRO TIP
Never order less than two per person to eat in the moment, and a few extra for later. Eat them warm, always sprinkle them with cinnamon and powdered sugar.
Trust us now, thank us later!
CHEERS TO LISBOA!
After a day of exploring a new city, there's nothing better than to relax with a cold drink and a great vibe. In Lisbon, there's no shortage of amazing options, but here are a few of our favorites:
-
Bairro Alto, which is basically a neighborhood full of bars (to drink inside or outside)
RELAX & ENJOY THE VIEW
Lisbon is full of "Miradouros", which are beautiful viewpoints of the city. There's often live music, and a small terrace to sit in, get a drink, and relax for a while. Here are some of our favorites:
GO ON A DAY TRIP
If you have time, Sintra is definitely worth a visit. Just outside of Lisbon, this small picturesque village is surrounded by green mountains, and boasts some cool palaces and castles.
Besides the village of Sintra, there are a few cool monuments to explore, such as:
SKIP THE LINE
Because it is a popular day-trip destination, Sintra and its main attractions can get crowded between 12 - 3 pm. So to explore more freely, we suggest going early and booking your tickets online beforehand.
