The Ultimate Lisbon Guide: All My Favorites

 

You guys have been asking and I am finally getting around to it... all my Lisbon recommendations in one place!

I have traveled to quite a few places and I can honestly say that Lisbon is hands down my favorite city in all of Europe (Arguably, my favorite city on earth). After recently living there for 6 weeks and visiting five times in the span of two years... Am I considered a Portugal expert now? I'd like to think so.

Everything about Lisbon is truly magical... it's hard to describe why in just a few short sentences, but I can guarantee that once you visit - you will understand the "magic" that lays in Lisbon. The city has it all: rich history, beautiful architecture, bustling nightlife, charming beaches, incredible food and most importantly... the most kind and welcoming people (who all speak English making visiting very easy and enjoyable).

Lisbon is a melting pot of everything that makes Europe enjoyable, in my opinion. It's the perfect combination of urban and rural, old and new and calm and chaotic. I truly love everything about the city and I hope once you visit - you do too!

This travel guide has it all for you: where to stay, what to do, the best places to eat and drink, all the touristy "musts" and my top 5 recommendations! Additionally, I have linked my "Lisbon Loves" apple map guide for you - this is something I am constantly updating with my favorite places. Book mark it so you can stay up to speed (Plot twist: I will be spending a lot of time in Portugal in the upcoming years, so this will is sure to grow and expand!)

If you want to read more about my journey & living abroad... check it out here.

Morgan's Top 5 Lisbon Recs:

1. Daytime experience: Pastel de Nata pastry making class 

This was one of the most memorable experiences I did while in Lisbon. The city is known for their famous "Pastel de Nata" pastries (you will consume so many while visiting, I promise) and I signed up for this class one rainy afternoon... it was amazing! I learned how to make the dessert, met tons of fun people and the best part? You get to eat your creation afterwards! 10/10 would recommend if you are looking for a fun, authentic Portuguese activity (and you hate museums like I do).

Airbnb Tour Linked here:

2. Evening experience: Sunset cruise 

There is nothing better than a Lisbon sunset, let me tell you! If you want to see all the views from the water, I definitely recommend doing a sunset cruise. Unfortunately, when I did mine... it was raining. But still so enjoyable! Many of my friends have done it when the sun was shining (lucky...) and said it was magical. I recommend doing this, enjoying some wine on the boat and then heading to your dinner reservation afterwards. Pro tip: everyone in Lisbon eats dinner very late.

Airbnb Tour Linked here:

3. Day trip: Cabo Da Roca + Cascais

If you are looking to escape the city for a day, I would suggest Cascais. It's the most magical little beach town and a quick 45 minute train ride from Lisbon. If trains aren't your jam, it's a pretty cheap (and quick) Uber. 

Ubers in the city are insanely cheap and I think mine was maybe 20 euros to get to Cascais - insane. If you are in a rush, I would suggest this. If not, hop on the train at the Cais do Sodré train station for 3 euros and enjoy the view of the coast as you journey to Cascais. Don't worry... you can't mess this up. Cascais is the very last stop on the train and you will know when to get off. 

Head there in the morning, grab lunch, lounge at the beach & rent bikes to check out the beautiful coastline! 

If you have a rental car, I think it's worth driving down to Cabo Da Roca first thing in the morning for the views. It's the most western point of Europe and SO stunning - if you can catch it on a sunny day. From there, you will hit Cascais on your drive back to Lisbon.

4. Weekend trip: Porto + Douro Valley

If you are in Lisbon longer than 5-7 days... I would highly recommend taking a short trip up to Porto. It's truly MAGICAL! A quick 3 hour train ride (averaging around 60 euros roundtrip) will take you to the beautiful, storybook city of Porto.

I would suggest at least 2 nights here - one to explore the city and one to take a trip down to Douro Valley for wine tasting. I went for 2 nights and honestly wish I would have stayed one more to get a better feel for Porto!

I did a wine tour of Douro Valley through Airbnb and can't recommend it more. I truly  hope you get my tour guide, Pedro, if you do go. He was incredible and the group was small (they keep it around 6-8 people) so you really felt like you had a more custom experience. The river cruise was amazing, the wineries were gorgeous and the wine... Oh my! If you book this, please give Pedro a big hug and tell him I said hello. 5 out of 5 stars.  

Airbnb Tour Linked here:

5. One Day in Lisbon... Hit the highlights

If you only have one day in Lisbon and want to check out as many "MUST DO" spots as possible, here is what I would suggest. There is SO much to see and do and you honestly need more than a couple days to check it all out... but I feel like this is a great way to see the highlights and leave feeling like you experienced the most from Lisbon.

  • Start with sunrise in Alfama at Miradouro de Santa Luzia - this is a famous lookout spot and if you get there before the crowds... you're welcome for the epic photos you will get.
  • Walk to pink street - you have to come here at least once! Honestly, I think it's better during the day because there's less people and you will get better photos. It tends to get wild come nighttime.
  • Check out Timeout Market - A MUST! It's jam packed with people at every hour of the day, but I have gone 5+ times and will continue to go back. It's so fun! It's essentially a giant food court and you can dine at over 40 restaurants from around the world. It's a good spot to get lunch (especially with a group because there's something for everyone to eat). 
  • Walk Avenida Ribeira das Naus - a great place to people watch, soak up the views of the bridge, grab a drink or lounge in the park. 
  • Head to LX Factory - this is a great spot for unique shopping and it's just so quirky and fun. I love it because you can gran some snacks, walk around and if you want souvenirs (that aren't corny AF)... this is the spot to go.
  • Belem Tower - I love Belem because you can see the famous tower, check out the monastery for some Lisbon history and also hit up (in my opinion) the BEST place to get Pastel De Nata. I wouldn't recommend waiting in line to go in the tower (it's always crazy long), but I do think  Jerónimos Monastery is worth getting a ticket to - if you have time (do it online beforehand). Once you are finished, walk to Pastéis de Belém and enjoy a sweet treat!
  • End with sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte - my favorite sunset spot in all of Lisbon and the BEST view of the entire city. From there, grab dinner in Graca (La Matta is fabulous if you like pizza) and head home for the night!

Best areas to stay:

  • Barrio Alto - This is a central area, but is known to be more lively and rowdy. If you want to stay out late and enjoy the weekends - this is a great option. Some think it's too loud, I personally love it!
  • Principe Real - Probably my most preferred area in Lisbon. It's very central, very walkable and a little more "upscale" (Plus, you are within 10 minutes walking to basically everything).
  • Alfama - Most people opt to stay here because it's closest to the city center and the most "famous" area in Lisbon. I personally think it's a little too touristy, but I still enjoy it.
  • Graca - Farther away from the "center" of Lisbon (probably a 15 minute Uber) but a wonderful area that is more local so you get less of a crowded feel.

Morgan's tip: 

I have stayed in both hotels AND Airbnbs. If you are staying only 4-5 days, I would recommend a hotel because you are not likely going to need a kitchen or a ton of space and it's easier for a cab to just drop you right off in front of a hotel.

If you are staying any longer, I would recommend an Airbnb because you get WAY more bang for your buck and will be able to stay in better, more walkable areas. I feel like you get a better sense of the the city and living like a local when you tucked away in a cute Airbnb in the streets of Lisbon.

This is the Airbnb I stayed at during my 6 week trip and I absolutely LOVED it.

Note: If you are doing an Airbnb, make sure to pay attention to if they have AC or not. Most do not (unless you are paying much more) and it usually isn't an issue... but it can get pretty hot in the summer months, so just be mindful! 

Touristy "musts": 

Best lookout spots:

ALL FOOD + DRINK LOCATIONS LINKED HERE: 

Lisbon Loves Apple Maps Guide

I am an Apple Maps girl - so I always save every place I go to in this "Lisbon Loves" guide! I wanted to share it with you all (I will update it as time goes on with my new spots) so you can also have access to all my favorite spots in one place!

If you are not Team Apple, I will also link everything below to Google Maps. Enjoy!

Coffee shops:

  • Cafe da Garagem - Stunning views, go on the week day for a good spot!
  • Comoba - Great for working, allows laptops, excellent matcha.
  • Copenhagen coffee shop - A chain with multiple locations but always good.
  • Crush donuts & coffee - Coffee is good but THE DONUTS. Are insane!
  • Fable Bookstore + Cafe - My personal favorite! Tucked away and has grat lunch options, plus a book store downstairs.
  • Hello, Kristof - Off the beaten path and great if you want a more "authentic" coffee shop feel.
  • Numa Cafe - Farther from the city center, but amazing food and coffee.
  • The Folks - Santos - Another favorite of mine. This location has a flower shop instead & the most amazing coconut flat white you will ever taste.
  • The Mill - Super cute, great location + an open window for people watching.

Bars, wine + cocktails:

  • Black Sheep wine bar - Please go here. It's tiny (maybe holds 10 people) and there is no menu. You simply tell the bartender what tastes you like and he gives you 3 samples of wine to try before you order. Amazing.
  • Boavista Social Club - Very vibey, great late night spot with friends.
  • By The Wine - A cute spot for wine in a very cool building.
  • Imprensa Cocktail bar - Solid spot if you like craft cocktails and are looking for a night cap.
  • Java Rooftop - Very touristy, but people love this place. It has an amazing view of the city.
  • Lumi rooftop - Personally, I prefer this rooftop. You need a reservation if you want to sit outside for drinks. Pro tip: go in the afternoon if you want a seat (without a reservation).
  • Mama Shelter rooftop - A favorite of mine. The rooftop has the cutest aesthetic and the drinks are phenomenal. If you want a cute photo... come here.
  • Mini Bar - Underground speak easy with live music. You enter through a "hidden" book shelf... make sure to have a reservation or you can't get in.
  • Momentos Wine + Cheese shop - The cutest little mom and pop wine shop. Make sure to get a meat and cheese board!
  • Monkey Mash - Another "speak easy" type bar with crazy, unique cocktails. It gets very crowded, so make sure to go early or else you will be waiting in a line on the street.
  • Oyster & Margarita - The best spicy margarita in all of Lisbon. I said what I said.
  • Park rooftop - Very touristy and always crowded, but a Lisbon staple. Great for large parties.
  • Pensao Amor - If you want to brave pink street at night, this is a great cocktail bar (that used to be a brothel!)
  • Seen Sky Bar - Such a vibe and absolutely worth going for a drink. Try and go 30 minutes before sunset in order to catch the views.
  • Vino Vero - Great wine bar in the Graca area and super close to the famous Miradouro.

Brunch + Lunch:

  • Breakfast Lovers - I love the street this is on and the avocado toast is unreal.
  • Cafe Janis - One of my favorites. The food it amazing and it's more "local" so you feel less like a tourist.
  • Dear Breakfast - Make sure to go to the Chiado location if you want to get a view of the famous cable car passing as you eat breakfast.
  • Fauna & Flora - A chain with tons of locations, but a great breakfast option with a TON of variety.
  • Heim Cafe - There is always a line, so make sure to go early!
  • Honest Greens - Healthy eating option! They have breakfast, lunch and dinner (and it's affordable and quick).
  • Magnolia Cafe - Cute aesthetic, make sure to have a reservation.
  • Neighbourhood - Great location and food options! 

Dinner:

  • Bisque Bistro - A quaint "french" style bistro, off the beaten path.
  • Coppola - Amazing pizza and in a great location, right by a popular park.
  • Dallas Burger Joint - For my Americans who want a BOMB burger.
  • Las Dos Manos - Asian + Mexican fusion.
  • La Fugitiva Taco Bar - A hole in the wall Mexican spot with fire tacos.
  • Leonetta - Handmade pasta + fabulous aesthetic (plenty of photo opps). Make a reservation well in advance!
  • Mini Bar - One of my favorites! A speakeasy that is also a dinner spot. Unbelievable food and worth the bigger price tag.
  • Mona Verde - Great dinner with unbelievable views of the city. Make sure to go before sunset so you can get all the photos.
  • O Boteco - Very vibrant aesthetic and great steak. In a popular area of town.
  • O Tahlo - Come here is you love meat and want a fancier steak dinner.
  • Rocco - A VIBE. YOU MUST GO. It lives up to the Instagram hype, you 100% need a reservation (if you can't get in, try going for lunch).
  • Rosamar - Delicious seafood with stellar reviews.
  • Seen - A very "seen or be seen" type of spot. Lives up to the hype and the food is divine... definitely save your fancy outfit for here.
  • SOI - Asian + thai food. Casual vibes with live music.
  • Valdo Gatti - Amazing *organic* pizza - whatever that means. Small space, so make a reservation if you don't want to wait.
  • Via Graça - A fancier spot with good (not great) food - but the most amazing views you will see in Lisbon. Make sure to go before sunset so you can enjoy!

 

November 03, 2024 — Morgan Willett
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