Portugal’s capital is bursting with colour, history and great places to eat. The lively city is full of Instagram worthy spots, from pastel buildings to old school trams that rattle along the quaint cobbled streets. If it’s your first time visiting Portugal, I’d recommend splitting your time between Lisbon and Porto to get a true taste of Portuguese culture.
Miradouro De Santa Luzia
A beautiful terrace by the church of Santa Luzia with sweeping views over Lisbon and the Tagus River. The place itself is also something to see – a pretty little garden with a pond, pergola and azulejo tiles.
Pastéis de Nata
One cannot go to Portugal and not eat pastéis de nata. I’m not going to lie, I had at least 2-3 a day! You’ll find them everywhere in the city but here are my favourites:
Manteigaria – pastéis de nata hot out of the oven. The dream!
Pastéis de Belém – where the original recipe has been guarded since 1837!
Fábrica da Nata – start with a ham & cheese croissant for breakfast, finished off with a pastel de nata or two.
Walk Around Alfama
The oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon, Alfama is a maze of narrow cobbled streets and rustic houses. The best way to explore is on foot and just get lost in the sea of colours.
Drinks at Memmo Alfama Hotel
Memmo Alfama is a boutique hotel, hidden behind the facade of a former house, paint factory and bakery. You can easily spend a few hours sitting on their rooftop terrace with views over Alfama.
Timeout Market
Timeout Market is part of Mercado da Ribeira, Lisbon’s biggest fresh food market. It may look like a typical food court, however, it houses some of Portugal’s top chefs all under one roof. A great way to try a variety of dishes.
Feira da Ladra
A flea market in Campo de Santa Clara selling everything from old tiles, clothes, homewares to antiques. The market is only open on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Day trip to Sintra
Sintra is around 30 minutes by car from Lisbon and makes for a great day trip destination, see my post on Sinta here.
Dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro
Hands down our best meal in Lisbon. This popular spot has mixed reviews online but we absolutely loved it! I highly recommend booking a table for the first floor in advance. Expect a long queue if you try to ‘walk-in’. The service is friendly and you’ll feast on some amazing seafood.
