GUIDE: LISBON, PORTUGAL

First things first, I am so eager to start sharing my travels tips and inspiration with you. I have been dreaming about creating this online destination for years. My laptop is full of lists and itineraries for countless cities – ones that I have traveled to; ones that I am dreaming about. I enjoy every aspect of travel from takeoff to landing, and I especially love the research and planning that happens before the start of a trip. First stop: my travel guide to Lisbon, Portugal.

Lisbon is endlessly charming from the tile-covered buildings and streets to the sidewalk seating and petite store fronts. The views from atop the “city of seven hills” of the Tagus river, iconic orange rooftops, and Castelo de São Jorge are simply unrivaled. The food will take you out of your comfort zone and craving more. The wine…well, I can’t stop buying Portuguese wine after returning home, so let’s call it unforgettable. After spending the past year and a half with travel restrictions in place, I could not be more pleased that Lisbon was my first stop back in Europe.

In this travel guide, I will share my tips on where to stay, what to eat and drink, and things to see and do in this gorgeous city. I’ll tell you what to pack, too. Vamos (“let’s go” in Portuguese)!

STAY

There are an overwhelming amount of boutique hotels and appealing Airbnb options in Lisbon. We decided to stay at H10 Duque de Loulé after a friend recommended it. It was perfect. The location was right off Avenida da Liberdade – a major street lined with trees and high-end shopping. The rooms were modern – bright, spacious, and accented with blue and white Portuguese tiles. The service was a 10 out of 10 for me – they were able to accommodate an early check-in, offered complimentary drinks at their rooftop bar, and were always friendly as we were coming and going.

Alternatives: Memmo Alfama, The Vintage Hotel & Spa, Vincci Baixa

EAT

My two favorite things to do when I travel are 1) to walk around as much as possible and 2) find the best restaurants (that means good food + drinks AND good vibes in my book). They balance each other out, right? I’ve got somewhere for you to go no matter the time of day.

BRUNCH

Dear Breakfast, Comobá, the mill, Café Janis

LUNCH & DINNER

Bairro Do Avillez, Sinal Vermelho, Bonjardim, Taberna da Rua das Flores, Oficina do Duque, Time Out Market

              Tip: Order the bacalhau (codfish) in all forms – baked, grilled, fried, etc.

DESSERT

Manteigaria, Pastéis de Belém

              Tip: Pastéis de nata are best when they are dusted with a bit of cinnamon.

DRINK

COFFEE

Fábrica Coffee Roasters, Copenhagen Coffee Lab, Hello, Kristof

Tip: Cappuccinos are also best when dusted with a bit of cinnamon.

WINE

The Old Pharmacy, Quiosque Ribeira das Naus, Miradouro

              Tip: Try a port flight at The Old Pharmacy or get a carafe of sangria or wine and watch the sunset at a viewpoint.

GINJINHA

Ginjinha Sem Rival, A Ginjinha

              Tip: This is a must. These spots are close to each other – try both!

ROOFTOPS

Park, Topo Chiado, SEEN Lisboa, Limão

SEE AND DO

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, let’s talk about all the walking you’re going to do to feel less guilty about eating multiple pastéis de nata in a day.

SEE THE MIRADOUROS

Without a doubt, my top recommendation is to see as many miradouros (viewpoints) as possible. They are stunning but be prepared to walk uphill. My favorites:

Miradouro de Santa Luzia is the most photogenic – covered in tiles and bougainvillea.

Miradouro da Graça is the most panoramic. The uphill climb to get here is just as charming as the view at the top of iconic orange rooftops.

Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is ideal at sunset. Get a sangria pitcher from the “quiosque” and watch the buildings change colors as the sun goes down.

Castelo de São Jorge, while not technically a miradouro, offers enchanting views from the historic castle. Don’t miss the resident peacocks wandering around the grounds.

GET LOST IN ALFAMA

Alfama is one of the oldest and most charming neighborhoods. During the day, get lost among the tile buildings and narrow streets. At night, find a restaurant or bar with a live fado show – I recommend A Baiuca.

TAKE A DAY TRIP

Lastly, I highly encourage venturing outside of the city.

You can easily take a tram or bus to Belém and see Torre de Belém, Padrão dos Descobrimentos, and the Jerónimos Monastery in half a day. All these sites are along the Tagus River and are far more beautiful than a photo can show.

If you have the time, I 100% recommend taking a day trip to Sintra, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais. I might have to write a separate post about these gorgeous places. There is an amazing small group tour that you can book through Get Your Guide. Save 10% by booking through their app.

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