Lisbon
If only for 2 hours or a day
Make sure you have a stop in this charming city that once was the main entrance gate to the discovery of the “new world”, new cultures, new spices and much more. Nowadays Lisbon is a vibrant city, with lots of street culture, art and wonderful food! Nevertheless, the old cobblestone allies and colorful buildings can’t hide the manifold history of this place: Experience how modern meets traditional, encounter one of Europe’s most laid-back and sunniest capitals!
Walking is a great way to experience the city of the seven hills, take the 28 tram or choose a Tuk-Tuk ride to get some rest in between. Sail into the sunset on the Tagus river or watch it from one of the many look outs of the city! And make sure you don’t leave before listening to some traditional Fado music.
Baixa Chiado
The best things to do in the heart of the city
If you enter the historic city centre by metro: get off the green line at Rossio station and enjoy the beautiful architecture of the metro station with the golden arch whilst going up on the escalator.
Instead of going to all the famous and crowded touristic spots in Baixa, we recommend visiting the historic bakery Confeitaria Nacional – you’ll find the best sweets in town and magical antique interiors!
☝🏽If visiting the Santa Justa Elevator in high season: Better take the “back entrance” to skip the long wait in the line and just enter the tower from the Italian Restaurant Bella Lisa. It’s way faster and you can get a coffee with an amazing view on the way out!
Alfama
Explore the oldest part of Lisbon city centre
The best way to discover is by walking its narrow cobblestone alleys up towards the castle and around it towards the Pantheon: many look outs and plenty of old school Lisbon vibes to feel here.
After having done the touristy walk we recommend having lunch or dinner at Chapitô à Mesa: Enjoy good food with an amazing view. Fun fact: Chapitô started off as a kid’s circus training place and quickly evolved to a cultural hotspot, with a great bar and restaurant. A beautiful, alternative and urban place with a welcoming outdoor area for kids.
Don’t miss to visit one of the most fascinating houses in Lisbon: Casa dos Bicos, home to the José Saramago Foundation. The place sticks out with excellent historic architecture and you can actually enjoy seeing the first construction works of the city of Lisbon.
Bairro Alto & Rato
& the Miradouro Santa Catarina
The literally translated “upper neighbourhood” is a trendy place, where all the bars, restaurants & boutiques are. Enjoy some busy summer nights in the streets and wander to the probably best look-outs over the river, the Miradouro de Santa Catarina.
Grab a drink at the kiosk and sit in the grass, probably listening to some street artist’s song, accompanied by an amazing view over old Lisbon’s roofs and the Tagus river. Right at the viewpoint you should try the restaurant Farmacia, just make sure to book your table in advance!
Linha de Cascais
And where to stop
Right next to the bridge 24 de Abril you’ll find the LX Factory a 19th century textile factory building that has been repurposed as a creative hub for food vendors, boutique stores and office spaces. Definitely worth a visit!
If you’re up to a quick look to the outsides of the busy centre, take the train from Cais do Sodré towards Cascais and enjoy a small journey by the sea, passing by some impressive monuments, beaches and marinas. Stop at Belem, visit the Discovery Monument, the Tower of Belem, the Monastery and eat the best Pasteis de Belem. And if there’s still some time left we highly recommend visiting the MAAT, the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology.
