A Complete Travel Guide to Lisbon, Portugal

With vibrant mosaics splashed upon every facade, stunning architecture throughout the city, and rolling cobblestone streets that take you back in time, it’s no wonder why Lisbon is one of the most visited cities in all of Europe. Effortlessly blending old and new, Lisbon is a unique escape from your standard European travels. For me, it has a bohemian charm that makes it distinctly it’s own.

Now, this city was no stranger. In fact, I spent a weekend in Lisbon back in 2016 while studying abroad in Barcelona. Even though the monuments, sites, and streets stayed the same, my experience made it feel like I was exploring a completely new city. It’s funny how years of life or even just the person you’re traveling with can change your perspective on a place and make you see it in a completely different light. This time around, I was lucky enough to travel with my twin sister, which made it that much more special. 

In this Lisbon travel blog, I’m going to lay out some of the best restaurants, day trips, and things to do in this stunning Portuguese city.

Restaurants in Lisbon, Portugal:

–Time Out Market: Huge market with different food stalls. You can come here for a meal or just to sample some local specialties. 

–SUD Lisboa: Rooftop bar that’s near FX factory, it’s also a fancy restaurant but I recommend coming just for the drinks and views.

–Dear Breakfast: Cute brunch spot with great prices right in the middle of town. I highly recommend the eggs benedict!

–Cervejaria Ramiro: The best restaurant in Lisbon. If you like seafood, do not miss this place! I suggest getting there early so you don’t have to wait too long.

–A Cevicheria: upscale ceviche spot that’s classy and sophisticated. Make sure to get a pisco sour while waiting. There are also a lot of cool bars in the area to check out as well.

–BA Wine Bar Bairro Alto: This is a great place to do port wine tasting. If you don’t plan on eating, I suggest coming right when they open or making a reservation. You can also order an assortment of different cheeses and cured meats. 

–Ze da Mouraria: I loved this place but brace yourself before coming…. This tiny hole-in-the-wall joint is super packed and can take forever to get a table. Do not try to come in a big group. They kept taking locals before us (as well as other tourists) but once we started bugging them they eventually sat us. Even though the waiting was very annoying, the massive platter of cod and garbanzo beans were worth it.

–Rio Maraviha: another great rooftop bar. Make sure to stop by for a drink when visiting the LX Factory!

Other Restaurants That Were Recommended to Me:

Coelho da Rocha

Tasca Da Esquina

Jbcquoi Asi

SR. Lisboa

Fauna y Flora

Park Bar (cool bar but closed in winter)

Taberna da Rua Das Flores

Where to Sample Pasteis de Nata (pastel de nata):

Pastel de Nata, a flaky custard tart, is the most famous treat to try in Lisbon. Whatever you do, DO NOT leave without trying a few from the top neighborhood spots. Here are some of our favorites!

–Pasteis de Belem: one of the most famous places to try pasteis de nata, make sure to hit this spot when visiting Belem Tower or the Jeronimos Monastery.

–Manteigaria: another popular spot in town to try pasteis de natas.

–Fabrica da Nata: Great spot that’s right in the center of town.

Things to See in Lisbon, Portugal:

–Belem Tower: A beautiful symbol of Lisbon, this tower is a bit outside of the city center but if you combine it with Jeronimos Monastery you can make the trek worth it.

–Monastery of Jeronimos: Highly suggest buying the entrance to walk around to see some of Lisbon’s most beautiful architecture. 

–LX Factory: super cool art center with lots of bars and restaurants. One of my favorite areas in the city! Definitely worth a visit.

–St. George Castle: pay the entrance to tour the castle and fortress. This is for sure the best viewpoint in all of Lisbon. 

-Padrão dos Descobrimentos: Another important monument right on the water’s edge. Come and spend the afternoon strolling along this waterfront promenade. 

–Alfama District: This section of the old town is compact yet charming, making it an ideal place to wander through the streets and relax in sunny plazas. 

–Bairro Alto: Eat and drink your way through the heart of the city. Here you’ll find a number of bars and eateries to spend your nights. 

–Rossio Square: This beautiful, open square is great for people watching and relaxing among historic statues and fountains. 

–Elevator de Santa Justa: This historic lift in the middle of the city provides a birds-eye view of the rust-colored rooftops and plazas below.

Day Trip Recommendations:

-Sintra: Tucked away high in the Portuguese hilltops lies this stunning town. I highly recommend spending a day in Sintra if you have the time. It’s an easy train ride away and they have lots to see. Get there early so you have enough time to visit the Pena Palace (coolest), Castelo dos Mouros (third coolest), and Quinta da Regaleira (second coolest).

-Cascais: Sleepy little fishermen’s village on the coast in Portugal, this town is the perfect destination when you need a little R&R after days of sightseeing. The town’s busy marina and sandy shores make for a relaxing afternoon spent in the sun. If you have the time, make a stop, but if not, prioritize Sintra first.

Now that you’ve gotten my full Lisbon travel guide of the top restaurants and must-see places, here are some photos from our time in this Portuguese gem!