In all honesty Lisbon was never really up there on my bucket list of places to see but for a couple of reasons it was on Rob's wishlist. I'm so glad he convinced me to accompany him because let me tell you, this city is very underrated! I did some research before we went for must sees and places to eat and drink however there wasn't much out there (aside from this great guide by WishWishWish) so I thought I would bring you my very own Lisbon Travel Guide. It's a long one so perhaps grab a cuppa but hopefully you'll find it helpful!
BEFORE YOU GO
I am by no means an expert but I did learn a couple of things during our travels that it might be useful to share.
1. Lisbon is a city of incredible value for money. I thought Berlin was unbeatable for a European capital but Lisbon is just so reasonable for everything. Be careful though, we got totally ripped off getting a taxi from the airport to our Airbnb. Make sure you agree on a price before getting in if you must get a taxi but after familiarising ourselves with the underground system I can only recommend taking that option. It goes straight from the airport to the city centre. It's cheap, quiet, clean and safe.
2. We got offered drugs on a very regular basis, particularly in the more touristy areas. They don't pester though so it's easy to say no and walk on.
3. It gets bloody hot in the height of summer, especially when you are sightseeing on foot because Lisbon is a very hilly place. Make sure you take comfy footwear.
4. Lisbon is the perfect city to get lost in. The best finds are definitely the ones you unexpectedly stumble upon and there are endless cobbled streets to explore. It's not a huge city either so it's pretty difficult to actually get lost.
5. The Portuguese like to eat really late so be prepared for restaurants not to open until after 7pm and not get busy until around 9pm.
WHERE TO STAY
Rob and I love a good Airbnb and definitely wanted to feel like locals for the 2 weeks we stayed in Lisbon so we didn't really consider any other option. We found the perfect bright and spacious place on a quiet street in Bairro Alto. We walked pretty much everywhere too, it was close to bars, restaurants, shops and most of the sights - such good value at £26 per night!
WHERE TO EAT
Pastéis de Belém
The original Pastéis de Nata - the traditional Portuguese custard tart sprinkled with cinnamon or icing sugar. These weren't actually the best we tried but they were still tasty and the interior of the bakery has some beautiful tiles.
R. Belém 84-92, pasteisdebelem.pt
Gelados Santini
After picking up some pastries at Pasteis de Belem take a break from the heat with a fruity ice cream from Santini's. There are couple over the city but this is in a great location before you head back into Lisbon from Belem. They have daily specials and the staff wear such lovely uniforms most fitting with the brand.
Praça Afonso de Albuquerque, santini.pt
Oh!Brigadeiro
For sweet Brazilian treats in the middle of LxFactory with a very Instagram friendly interior. The homemade lemonade was lush too.
Rua Rodrigues de Faria, @Oh.Brigadeiro
El Chanta
Head to this Argentinian place also in LxFactory for a great lunch time special. We paid around €7 for a main and a beer - great value for money!
Rua Rodrigues Faria 103, facebook.com/el-chanta
Pastelaria Orion
This corner cafe has a local feel with homemade pastries and great coffee for the most ridiculously reasonable prices. I preferred the pastéis de nata here than at Belem too.
Calçada do Combro 1
Atalho Real
My favourite place and highlight for dinner in Lisbon. It is set in a beautiful building overlooking the botanical gardens with a menu of various melt in the mouth meats and an extensive wine list. The outdoor area is perfect for summer nights with a comfy lounging corner to enjoy cocktails while you wait for your table. I would recommend booking in advanced especially on a weekend to avoid a wait.
096, Calçada da Patriarcal 40, grupoatalho.pt
La Paparrucha
For a pretty fancy Argentinian steak head to La Paparrucha in Bairro Alto. Book in advanced for a window table at sunset for incredible views over the city.
R. Dom Pedro V 18/20, lapaparrucha.com
Time Out Market Lisboa
If you aren't sure what you fancy or your party don't all feel like same thing then definitely check out the Time Out Food Market. With over 30 local bars and restaurants in a sociable setting, there is something for everyone. Rob and I can recommend Asian Lab, Alexandre Silva and O Bar da Odete.
Av. 24 de Julho 49, timeoutmarket.com
Honorato
We stumbled across this place near to where we were staying in Principe Real and it was perfect for a cheap burger and a beer. I believe they have a couple across the city (and Portugal) including a stall at the Time Out Market. We loved the signature Honorato burger,
Rua da Palmeira 33A, honorato.pt
To. B - To burger or not to burger
Another unreal burger place not to miss. And always to burger. With lush homemade iced tea and lemonade to go along with the most delicious burgers (meaty, healthy and veggie), super friendly staff and an Instagram friendly interior too. In the summer you can spill out onto the street terrace to enjoy some people watching.
Rua Capelo 24, facebook.com/to.Bburger
Tartine
Another must and one of my foodie highlights. I already gushed about this place here but in brief this cute bakery has the nicest dippy eggs and soldiers ever and delicious sweet treats!
Rua Serpa Pinto 15A, tartine.pt
Gelato Mú
On our route home pretty much everyday we passed this tiny ice cream shop that sold honestly the nicest ice cream Rob & I have EVER tasted! We would share a tub with 4 different scoops which cost the equivalent of around £4. They have daily specials of extremely creative flavours that I've never seen on offer before. Definitely try the lemon and basil, passion fruit and white chocolate or the peach! Just writing this is making me drool a little...
Rua Dom Pedro V 1, facebook.com/GelatoMu
WHERE TO DRINK
Wish concept store and coffee shop
A cute cafe attached to a lovely little shop selling cute home deco, stationary and such. It's in the heart of Lx Factory too so perfect for a breather in between browsing.
Rua Rodrigues Faria 103, espaço G.02, wish.com.pt
Park Bar
One of the coolest rooftop bars in Lisbon this place is situated on the top floor of a parking garage on Calçada do Combro. It is the perfect place for sunset cocktails with insane views over the Tagus and a sound track to match.
Calçada do Combro 91, www.lisbonlux.com
Lost In
Another great place to spend the golden hour with a beer. The decor has an oriental/hippie feel and the outdoor terrace has lovely views over the city.
Rua D.Pedro V Nº56-D, facebook.com/lostin.esplanada
Double 9
If you fancy some 'fancy' cocktails definitely check out Double 9. The staff know exactly what they are talking about and the cocktails are really creative from tea based to rubber ducks!
Rua da Misericórdia 78, facebook.com/Double9Lisbon
Pitcher Cocktails
For cocktails in the sun on the banks of the river Tejo, Pitcher Cocktails is the one. They serve summery drinks from a simple menu in plastic jam jars from the back of a 3 wheeled bike with eye-catching monochrome branding.
Avenida Ribeira das Naus, facebook.com/pitchercocktailsgourmet
WHERE TO SHOP
- Livraria Ler Devagar - A quirky bookshop with cool decor, full to the brim and housed in a former printing space. R. Rodrigues de Faria 103, lerdevagar.com
- Chocolataria Equador - you can smell this divine chocolate shop from the street and it has another location in Porto. R. da Misericórdia 72, chocolatariaequador.com
- A Vida Portuguesa - A one stop shop for any traditional Portuguese gifts from soap to tinned fish. 4 locations around Lisbon, avidaportuguesa.com
- Bertrand Livreiros - The oldest bookstore in the world, founded in 1732, purchase your postcards here and get their signature stamp. R. Garrett 73, facebook.com/pg/bertrandlivreiros
- Rua Augusta - For all your high street stores like Zara and H&M, watch out for pickpockets though. Rua Augusta, golisbon.com
- Under the Cover - A really cool magazine shop selling Dazed & Confused, DOG and everything in between. R. Marquês Sá da Bandeira 88B, underthecover.pt
WHAT TO SEE
Lisbon is a beautiful city full of endless cobbled streets to explore and historic buildings. There is so much to see and do so here are a few of our highlights.
Castelo de São Jorge
Worth the tough hike up in the heat just for the view (due to the hilltop positioning), the castle is mostly ruins but there is still plenty to see for your €8.50 ticket.
Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129, castelodesaojorge.pt
Elevador de Santa Justa
A beautifully designed 1900's industrial lift used to transport tourists from the shopping district of Baixa up the steep hill to the Largo do Carmo square. The best bit? It's included in the Viva Viagem public transport pass so your can avoid the €2.80 single fee.
Rua do Ouro, 1150-060, carris.pt
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
Our favourite viewpoint was situated near to our Airbnb and was always filled with a bustling crowd, food and drinks stalls and of course the beautiful sunsets.
Other great ones are Miradouro da Graça, Miradouro das Portas do Sol, Miradouro do Parque Eduardo VII and Praça do Comércio on the rivers edge.
Rua São Pedro de Alcântara, cm-lisboa.pt
Panteão Nacional
Previously a church, this grand building now houses the tombs of some of Portugal's most famed historical figures. While we didn't pay to get in, Google Reviews say it's worth the few Euros entrance fee.
Other must see churches are Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral), Basílica da Estrela and Igreja de São Vicente de Fora,
Campo de Santa Clara, 1100-471, patrimoniocultural.gov.pt
Rua Nova do Carvalho
An amazing painted pink street making for the perfect Instagram. It's quiet during the day and lively at night, especially as these bars stay open later than elsewhere in the city.
Rua Nova do Carvalho
Jardim da Estrela
A pretty, quiet, leafy green park situated to the west of Bairro Alto and perfectly positioned for a visit to the Basílica da Estrela.
Other lovely parks to relax in are Jardim Amália Rodrigues, Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Lisboa and Jardim de Belém.
Praça da Estrela, 1200-667, agendalx.pt
Torre de Belém
A medieval tower in west Lisbon on the banks of the river Tagus. Once guarding Lisbon's harbour it's now a UNESCO World Heritage monument and it's easy to see why!
Other inspiring monuments include Padrão dos Descobrimentos (also in Belém), Rua Augusta Arch and Estátua de Dom João I.
Av. Brasília, 1400-038, torrebelem.gov.pt
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
Jerónimos Monastery is a former monastery in Belém just a stones throw from the other sights. A €10 single tickets gets you into the building or a combined ticket for all the local attractions will set you back €25. Explore the serene cloister and make sure you don't miss the interior of the church.
Praça do Império 1400-206, mosteirojeronimos.gov.pt
Parque das Nações and Oceanário de Lisboa
This modern district was developed for the World Fair Expo in 1998 and is an interesting contrast to the rest of Lisbon. Easily accessible via the underground there is a fascinating Aquarium built around a huge pool filled with stingrays and sharks as well as a cable way with spectacular views.
Other sights to see in his area include the Oriente Station, Vasco da Gama Bridge and the Vasco da Gama Tower.
Av. Dom João II, 1990, golisbon.com
So there you have it! Hopefully there is something for everyone in this Lisbon guide no matter what the purpose of your visit is. If you guys have any tips I've missed pop them in the comments below and if you came here to plan for a trip to this incredible and underrated city, have the best time!
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