Lisbon is truly the most special place on earth. I may be biased (as a proud Portuguese daughter myself) but I promise that you will also quickly get lost in the magic of Portugal. The food, the sights, the music, the pastries, the sunsets, and more! Enjoy these recommendations :) 

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon 🇵🇹

Welcome to one of the oldest cities in the world and the second-oldest European capital city. Lisbon is a sun-kissed dream, where pastel-colored buildings, mosaic streets, yellow trams, and sweet pastries never disappoint.

Lisbon is often called the "City of Seven Hills" because it’s famously built on seven distinct hills that provide breathtaking views and unique neighborhoods. It's a great workout!  😆

October is a great time to visit because the tourist crowds have left, the boiling temperatures have fallen and the breeze is perfect. But do expect some occasional rain! Please be careful walking up and down the slippery hills in the rain - wipeouts are common 🤕

If you want to feel like a real Lisboan, use the Métro and your own two feet to get around - it is cheaper, quicker and you will see SO much more. Parking is notoriously hard in central Lisbon and almost impossible in Alfama - I dont recommend driving to these places. 

To use the metro, simply tap your bank card to enter and pay-as-you-go! Google Maps will show you upcoming metro times and directions.

Navegante Card: Use it on Metro, Bus, Tram, Ferry & Train

Metropolitano de Lisboa, Map

Uber is available in Lisbon and surrounding areas but I suggest also downloading the Bolt app. It is used widely in Europe and usually cheaper than Uber. Check both apps when calling a ride!

I recommend starting with a self-guided walking tour of central Lisbon - this will help you get a feel for the city and you can check many important landmarks off your list. Take this at a slow pace, stopping to shop, eat, and take in the views!

Intro to Lisbon Walking Tour (Central Lisbon)

Consider stopping for lunch mid-way at....

- Bife a casa - house steak with garlic and fried egg

- Francesinha - the name translates to "little Frenchie," typically consists of layers of cured meats, such as ham, linguiça (smoked sausage), and steak, all sandwiched between two slices of bread.

- Octopus, littleneck clams, limpets, shrimp mozabique

- All forms of codfish - codfish cakes (bolinhos), Bacalhau dishes (Bacalhau à Brás or Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá)

Discover the Alfama Neighborhood around sunset 🌅

Alfama is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon. The great earthquake of 1755, that had destroyed much of the capital, spared Alfama as a picturesque, compact labyrinth of narrow streets and small squares. The historic no. 28 tram, has been a landmark of the city for many decades. On the slopes of Alfama there are several terraces (miradouros), from where you can observe Lisbon in all its splendor!

Alfama Walking Sunset Tour

Consider experiencing a traditional Portuguese 'dinner and a show'. 

Fado is a traditional genre of Portuguese music characterized by its expressive and melancholic sound. Originating in the early 19th century, particularly in Lisbon's neighborhoods like Alfama, fado often reflects themes of longing, nostalgia, and the struggles of everyday life.  

Intimate Live Fado Music Show with Port wine

Fado Night with Dinner in ancient Fado House

*pack your bathing suits and your walking shoes!

Either take the train or drive to Sintra - a magical, Moorish city with a very different feel from Lisbon. The star of the show is Pena Palace. Make sure to buy tickets to Pena Park, which gets you access to the terraces of the palace! You do not need to buy a ticket to go the inside :)

When you get to the palace, there may be a long line - you do not need to wait in this line. The line is to see the inside of the castle so skip the line and go right to the terraces.

Leave plenty of time to walk around the whole Pena Park - it is not just the castle. 

Walk or Drive back down to Sintra center and wander through the gorgeous streets and grab lunch at Incomum.

Drive to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe for a stunning view.

Drive over to downtown Cascais - you won't be disappointed.

Walk around the Old Town. Some special streets to wander: R. Marques Leal Pancada, R. Manuel d’Araujo Viana, Tv. do Prior, Beco da Praia da Rainha, R. Frederico Arouca, R. da Saudade

If the weather is nice, visit these local beaches:

Praia da Conceição and Praia da Duquesa

Praia da Rainha later in the evening can also swim in front of the Santa Marta Lighthouse

The Belém area of Lisbon is a historic neighborhood located along the Tagus River, known for its significant cultural and architectural landmarks.

Take the train from Cais do Sodre to Belem (15 min)

Vintage Sailboat Sunset Experience

Nazaré is a picturesque coastal town in Portugal, famous for its stunning beaches and dramatic cliffs. Nazaré is particularly renowned for its massive waves, attracting surfers from around the world, especially at Praia do Norte. The best viewpoint is the lighthouse and fortress. There is free parking!

Bairro Alto

Baixa-Chiado

Alfama

Belém

Cais do Sodré

Príncipe Real

Time Out Market

Pink Street

Noobai - Rooftop Bar e Restaurante

Lisbon 🇵🇹

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