TOP THINGS TO DO IN LISBON

Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, has become a major tourist city in the last couple of years. Its friendly people, narrow streets, delicious food and breathtaking views will make your heart sing. Make sure you pack your most comfy shoes, you will be doing a lot of walking, up and down hill.

Tram 28, a wooden tram that takes you through a friendly tourist route with scenic views of the city’s top attractions. The tram itself is one of Lisbon’s iconic ‘sights’. I recommend going early and starting the journey at Martim Moniz, it will be easier to grab a seat. In case you are standing, hold on tight! Be aware of pickpockets and keep your arms on the inside at all times (streets are really narrow, believe me!)

Timetable here:  http://carris.transporteslisboa.pt/en/tram/28E/ascendente/

Price: €2.90

Alfama is an artisan neighborhood on the hill and is characterized by its cobblestone streets and traditional Fado houses. This is the perfect place to get lost, just let go of your map and follow your heart while wandering the colorful streets.

Main attractions

• Miradouro da Graça (viewpoint)
• Castelo de São Jorge (entrance fee – €10)
• Se Cathedral (entrance fee – Free)
• Portas do Sol viewpoint

Baixa / Chiado is Lisbon’s busy downtown replete of historic cafes and boutiques with a vibrant atmosphere.

Main attractions

• Rossio Square – or Dom Pedro IV square, is one of Lisbon’s main squares. Here you’ll also find the Dona Maria II National Theater.
• Martim Moniz – a multicultural area worth the visit. The main square has live music and bars. Around you can find asian grocery stores, african restaurants, you name it.
• Santa Justa lift (entrance fee viewpoint– €1.50 / return ride- €5.15 ) Tip: if you are thirsty you can have the same view up from Hotel do Chiado rooftop bar.

• Admire the 360. view from the top of Arco da Rua Augusta (entrance fee – €2.50).

• Praça do Comércio (Commercial Square in english), or Terreiro do Paço, where traders used to make their deals before leaving on expeditions.

• Ribeira Das Naus – and old boatyard converted into a beautiful river side area, perfect for relaxing after so much walking.
• Cais do Sodré – a bohemian part of town, known for its nightlife and burlesque clubs. Tip: Pensão do Amor, what used to be a pension where you could rent rooms by the hour is now an amazing bar.

Bairro Alto is an unique place in Lisbon. Make sure you visit it during the day and then during the night. You won’t believe its transformation!

Main attractions

• Miradouro do Adamastor, just sit down and enjoy the view over a drink. There is usually someone playing music. The perfect spot to chill.

• Have a drink during sunset at Park Bar while enjoying the beautiful view.
• Carmo Convent, site of ruins of what used to be one of Lisbon’s biggest church destroyed by the 1755 earthquake.
• Elevador da Bica, a yellow funicular that connects 2 neighborhoods.

Príncipe Real, an attractive neighborhood, mostly a residential area, is  known for its boutiques and bars. It’s a quieter and luxurious version of Bairro Alto.

Tip: Grab a drink at Pavilhão Chinês or at Lost In.

LX Factory is an historical industrial complex converted into restaurants, art galleries and boutiques. Here you can find a former printing shop converted into a bookstore (LER DEVAGAR), a former break room converted into a restaurant / bar with great views over the river (Rio Maravilha), street art, sunday markets, concept stores that serve cakes, brunch and dutch pancakes (WISH SLOW COFFEE HOUSE) and much more.

Belém, a district with historical monuments, museums and parks next to the Tagus River.

Main attractions

• Padrão dos Descobrimentos Monument (entrance fee €5)

• Torre de Belém(entrance fee €5)

• Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (entrance fee €7 / free entrance to the Church)
• Pastéis de Belém to taste the pastéis de nata, an egg tart pastery.

http://pasteisdebelem.pt/en/

How to get here:

Tram 15 or 127 from Praça do Comércio / Praça da Figueira or Cais do Sodré, direction Algés.

Tip: On Mondays most attractions are closed.

Nightlife: Bairro Alto is the place to be. Bars are very small so people drink on the streets filled with music. Most of these places close around 2 – 3 am. From here you can walk to Cais do Sodré and continue to party.

Let me know if there is something else that I should have featured in this post. Would love to hear your opinion 😀