Lisbon will be nice and sunny during the day, so make sure you bring sunscreen and a hat.
But as it’s close to the sea, it can get chilly at night, so make sure you also bring a jacket!
If you’re planning on visiting the city on the other days, be prepared for walking up and down the seven hills and bring some good walking shoes.
Getting Around
Public Transport
With a day pass you can take the Metro, get on a bus or ride one of the iconic trams.
Taxi/Uber
We would suggest installing the Uber app, as they are a lot nicer than the taxis and won’t try to rip you off.
On foot
Despite its many hills, Lisbon is too beautiful to not let yourself get lost while wandering its streets and alleys! Bring walking shoes (flats and flip-flops will make your legs and feet sore the next day).
Places to visit
Historic City Center
Lisbon is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Its fame came from the streets, alleys, castles, and viewpoints of the Historic City Center. The neighborhoods of Alfama, Castelo, Mouraria, Bairro Alto, Chiado, Bica, and Baixa surprise and awe travelers on every corner!
Some of our favorite places to visit in the old city center are:
Sé Cathedral, Carmo Church, Alfama, Liberdade Avenue, Marquês do Pombal, Santa Justa Elevator, Rossio and Comércio Square!
The National Tile Museum
Tiles are a staple of Portuguese architecture and they rightfully have their own museum.
The Pantheon
A former Church — built in the 17th century — that is now the National Pantheon and a Museum. It is, amongst others, the final resting place of Amalia Rodrigues.
São Jorge Castle
The São Jorge (Saint George) castle is a historic castle overlooking Downtown Lisbon. Human occupation of the castle hill dates to at least the 8th century BC, while the first fortifications date from the 1st century BC.
Belém
Belém (Pronounced “Bèh-lame”, not “Bellem”) lies at the end of the Tagus River, where it flows into the sea. You can visit the Belém tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) and eat the world famous Pasteis de Belém (The Portuguese Custard tarts).
They also have the National Coach Museum that’s worth a visit.
Going Out at Night
Some fun places to go for a drink are Bairro Alto — a whole neighborhood full of bars and restaurants — Cais de Sodré and Santos.
Day trip – Sintra
Sintra, about 20 km from Lisbon, is a small town situated between the ocean and the mountains.
It’s about one hour by train from the center of Lisbon.
The town center is a lot of fun to walk through and there are three places are worth visiting:
Palácio da Pena – Pena Castle
The Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena) is a Romanticist castle in Sintra, above the town of Sintra. It is a national monument and constitutes one of the major expressions of 19th-century Romanticism in the world. Definitely the most amazing attraction in Sintra!
Castle of the Moors
The Castle of the Moors (Castelo dos Mouros) is a medieval castle in Sintra. Built by Arabs (Moors) in the 8th and 9th centuries, it is classified as a National Monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Quinta da Regaleira
Quinta da Regaleirais a quinta near the historic center of Sintra. The property consists of a romantic palace and chapel, and a luxurious park that features lakes, grottoes, wells, benches, fountains, and a vast array of exquisite constructions.
Day trip – Cascais
Cascais is a small beach town up the coast from Lisbon.
It’s easily reachable by train from Cais de Sodré, and great as a daytrip.
The train goes past a few nice beaches and the town of Estoril.
Friends of ours — Fred & Debora — have a restaurant there called “Bubbles and Bites” that’s certainly worth visiting. Paddock, on the Marina, is also another great option! The owner, Alexandre, is also a friend of ours.
Other (Longer) Trips
Óbidos
A medieval town with a castle, about an hour outside Lisbon, where you can walk the walls. The best way to get there is by car.
