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Need the perfect get-away for spring break?? I’ve found it- it’s Lisbon… yes, you read that right, Lisbon. I just came back from a 5 day trip there and it’s safe to say I have discovered my new favorite European capital- seriously more than Paris or Rome. I mean I was just floored by Lisbon, maybe even more so because I hadn’t been expecting much. I don’t really know why I wasn’t expecting much, maybe because I always seemed to compare Portugal to Spain as its wannabe inferior sister…(not at all judgmental with no apparent reason lol) but anyway I was definitely in for a surprise and fell head over heels for the city.
As soon as I arrived, I was greeted with so much warmth and so so soooooo many colors. The wonderful Azulejos that adorn each building brought such a lightheartedness to my wandering around. I literally was grinning the entire time just soaking up the pastel festivity with each new façade.. such a dork!
I feel like five days was just perfect! I got to see everything (almost) that I wanted to, and I got to do it at a comfortable pace getting to relax and actually absorb in the vibrant culture. I highly recommend at least four days in Lisbon, that way you can also fit in a day trip to magical Sintra or sunny Cascais.
So if you are planning a trip to Lisbon or just want some inspiration for your next trip, read on to find out what you absolutely can’t miss. From the best things to do and see in Lisbon to the best places to eat and drink at- it’s all covered.
Best things to do in Lisbon
Belem – Belem is a district about 6 kms west of downtown Lisbon packed with grandiose history. Dotted with national monuments, this area holds a strategic position as it is right at the crossroads of the Atlantic Ocean and the Tygus River. For this reason the city has historically been of extreme value. It’s super easy to get to by either tram or bus and I would suggest planning an entire day here. It’s just a beautiful area with long water-side promenades.
DEFINITELY go inside the Jernomiós Monastery– I still quite literally dream it up on occasion. It is just so ornately carved, literally every square inch has been beautifully and meticulously sculpted giving you a sense of such regalness. It is so worth those 10 euro and if you get there before it opens you can really get ahead of the crowds. Quick tip: head to the National Museum of Archeology next door to buy tickets where there are much shorter lines! And don’t forget to actually visit the church! It has some rather impressive stained glass artwork and it’s also the burial place of Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama.
Belem Tower is also quite impressive, originally a fort, then a prison and then subsequently a light-house. The lines here get quite long so head early, and I mean reeeeeally early! (If you take a close look in the picture above you can see the queue to get in the tower that I cleverly cropped out of the picture :D)
LX Factory – Wander around this artsy and hipster ex-industrial space (4 km west of downtown Lisbon) and pretend to be as cool as all the other urban vibe people there (jk that’s just me). Such a colorful space of expression with countless murals, cafés, installations, and bars for all tastes. It’s so much fun just getting lost in the “vintageness” of it all!
Wander the streets of Alfama & Bairro Alto – Just relax and take in all the colors that these neighborhoods have to offer. There are just great views from the thousands of miradouros around the city and a million photo opportunities. If you are interested in listening to some traditional Fado music, Alfama is the place to be- many places have live evening sessions.
Carmo Convent & St. Jorge Castle– Tucked away close to the Santa Justa Lift are the remnants of what used to be the Carmo Convent. The massive earthquake in 1755 caused the roof to collapse which they never proceeded to rebuild. I actually think that its this “rooflessness” that makes it so sublime, as if the heavens have opened.
Not far away from the Convent is St. Jorge Castle. On top of the remarkable history, in being perched on a hill it really is a great spot for some wonderful views. There are often quite long lines to get in, opt for a skip-the-line ticket instead.
BONUS Day-Trip: Sintra!
About a 50 min train-ride away lies the beautiful Nature Park of Sintra Cascais. This area alone (150mk2) warrants its own week itinerary complete with hiking exursions, camping, and beachdays in Cascais. But don’t worry, the instagram-worthy castle heaven-land can also be done as a day-trip- you just have to pick your castles. Each palace is more unique and embellished than the next one. Come back soon to read my extensive guide on Visiting Sintra in a Day!– spoiler: Pena Palace wasn’t my favorite, gasp!
Best Places to Eat in Lisbon
Oh my gooooooodness, if you want THE best brunch of your life then this is the place! I basically ordered everything because I couldn’t decide, everything was just too pretty. From eggs benedict to quinoa salmon salad to mimosas….duhhhhhh, there was something for everyone. And not only is the food spectacular but the decór just puts you in the cheeriest mood- the cutest shabby chic interior design all complete with an excellent service. Make sure you get here a little bit ahead of time as there is often a waiting line.
Right behind the Carmo Convent somewhat hidden is this little rooftop gem. It’s away from all the hustle and bustle but still smack in the middle of the city. It’s a great place for drinks but with my obsession for brunches I found this place to be awesome! I got a gi-normous brunch and aperitif included all for 15 euro!
When in Lisbon you just HAVE to try pastel de nata. Normally I’m not a big sweet tooth (except when it comes to nutella :D), but given the history of this little flaky custard tart, I just had to try it. The story goes that it was the monks of the Jerónimos Monastery that invented the recipe, and to this day the precise recipe is considered a secret! So I don’t know if its the cinnamon topping (optional) or if there really is some sort of magical secret ingredient, but these tarts are addictive no joke. Pastéis de Belem is the most renowned pastry shop (given that its right across the street from the monastery) but Manteigaria in Time Out Market is also exquisite.
If you are naturally indecisive this place might be your heaven or your hell, depends on which way you look at it. Essentially a food court with at least thirty different restaurants and cuisines, this place is great if you want to try a little something of everything. The best part is that it’s all made on the spot with fresh ingredients.
Given that this restaurant was recommended to me by like 20,000 people I was so sad when I arrived to find the waiting time to be 2 hours! It specializes in authentic Portoguese cuisine and it is said to be just divine. Definitely try going there, it’s a piece of Lisbon’s history. Unfortunately they don’t accept reservations or credit cards so try heading their early and make sure to have some cash on you.
Best Places for Drink in Lisbon
Arguably, the BEST rooftop in Lisbon. Not only is the view of the Ponte de 25 Abril in the distance just breathtaking, the colors that all the surrounding rooftops mirror at sunset definitely make it a happy hour to remember. Quick tip **it is situated on the top floor of a multilevel parking structure so to access it you have to climb the stairs of the parking garage.
I just loved this retro-chic lounge bar. The entire time I was there I felt like a glamorous burlesque dancer sipping on an oh-too-sophisticated martini… the only thing missing was my feather boa! But seriously guys, this bar is just brimming with seductive elegance. Given its velvety interiors and its location in Lisbon’s ex red light district, it is no surprise that it actually used to be a brothel. Today, its a great evening spot for some excellent drinks and at night they either have live music or a DJ playing. I mean there really is no other such fancy bar in existence- head over there, it has so many photo opportunities you won’t regret it!
Of the many miradouros present in Lisbon, this one was my favorite. It has quite a few bars and restaurants to choose from for a sunset aperitif. Just relax and unwind with a drink and then complete the evening with a great dinner next door!
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