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Lisbon is a vibrant city rich in culture, history, and breathtaking scenery. Lisbon, located on the Tagus River, is known for its charming cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and delectable cuisine. It’s a city that seamlessly combines old-world charm with modern flair, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a unique European vacation. Lisbon has something for everyone in terms of attractions and activities, including historical landmarks, museums, beaches, and parks. Its vibrant nightlife scene and energetic music festivals make it an ideal destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture after dark. So gather your belongings and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in Lisbon!
The Lisbon Portela Airport is the city’s primary airport (LIS). Delta, TAP Air Portugal, United Airlines, and American Airlines all offer nonstop flights from the United States to Lisbon.
The airport is about 7 kilometers north of downtown and is easily accessible by public transportation, taxis, or car rentals. Taking the metro from the airport to the city is the most convenient option. The Red Line, which runs from 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., connects the airport to the city center. The trip takes about 20 minutes and costs €1.50 for a single ticket.
Taxis and car rentals are also available at the airport, but they can be pricey. Once in the city, the metro, buses, and trams are the best ways to get around. The public transportation system is efficient and reasonably priced, and Uber and other ride-sharing services are also available.
Belem Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage site that symbolizes Portugal’s Age of Discovery.
Jeronimos Monastery is another UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its stunning architecture and rich history.
Lisbon Oceanarium: one of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring over 8,000 marine animals.
Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest district, known for its narrow streets, colorful houses, and lively atmosphere.
Sao Jorge Castle is a medieval castle that offers panoramic views of the city.
Time Out Market is a food hall that showcases some of the best cuisine in Lisbon.
Sintra: a day trip from Lisbon to visit the fairytale-like Pena Palace and explore the charming town.
The National Azulejo Museum — A museum dedicated to the traditional Portuguese tiles called Azulejos.
Belem Cultural Center — A modern cultural center that hosts a variety of exhibitions, concerts, and performances.
Rossio Square — A popular square in the heart of the city, surrounded by historic buildings and shops.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable culinary experience, I highly recommend visiting Belcanto. This two-Michelin-starred restaurant, located in the Chiado district, offers a tasting menu that showcases traditional Portuguese dishes with a modern twist. The service is impeccable, and the restaurant’s decor is elegant and sophisticated.
A typical dinner for two at Belcanto can cost around €300, but it’s well worth it for the exceptional quality of food and service.
Lisbon is famous for its fresh seafood, traditional dishes, and international cuisine. Here are some of the most popular restaurants to try during your visit:
Time Out Market: This is a popular food hall that features some of the best restaurants in the city, all under one roof. From fresh seafood to local specialties, there is something for everyone here. Prices start at around €10 per dish.
Ramiro: This is a must-visit restaurant for seafood lovers. They serve up some of the freshest seafood in Lisbon, including their famous garlic shrimp. Prices start at around €20 per person.
A Cevicheria: If you are a fan of ceviche, then this is the place to go. They serve up some of the best ceviche in Lisbon, along with other Peruvian dishes. Prices start at around €15 per dish.
Cantinho do Avillez: This restaurant is known for its contemporary Portuguese cuisine, with dishes like roasted octopus and pork belly. Prices start at around €20 per dish.
Ponto Final: This waterfront restaurant is located across the river from Lisbon and offers stunning views of the city. They serve up fresh seafood and traditional Portuguese dishes. Prices start at around €20 per person.
Lisbon also has plenty of cheap eats for those on a budget. Here are some of the most popular options:
O Trevo: This restaurant serves up traditional Portuguese dishes at affordable prices. You can get a full meal for around €10.
Mao Maria: This cozy cafe serves up delicious sandwiches, salads, and soups at very reasonable prices. Prices start at around €5 per dish.
Ginginha do Carmo: This tiny bar serves up shots of ginginha, a traditional cherry liqueur, for just €1. It’s the perfect spot for a quick and cheap drink.
A Valenciana: This traditional bakery is famous for its pastries, including the famous pastel de nata. Prices start at around €1 per pastry.
Casa Nepalesa: This restaurant serves up delicious Nepalese and Indian cuisine at affordable prices. Prices start at around €8 per dish.
If you are looking for a luxurious stay in Lisbon, I highly recommend the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon. This five-star hotel offers stunning views of the city and the Tagus River, along with world-class amenities and service.
The rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated, with all the modern amenities you could ask for. The hotel also features a spa, fitness center, and indoor pool, along with several dining options.
A typical room at the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon starts at around €400 per night.
Here are my top hotel recommendations in Lisbon, based on different budget levels:
Hotel ibis Lisboa José Malhoa: This hotel is located in the financial district of Lisbon, just a 15-minute drive from the airport. The rooms are modern and comfortable, and the hotel offers a restaurant, bar, and 24-hour snack service. Prices start at around $60 per night.
Hotel da Baixa: Located in the historic Baixa neighborhood, this hotel is within walking distance of many of Lisbon’s main attractions. The rooms are stylishly decorated with a mix of modern and vintage touches, and the hotel offers a restaurant, bar, and rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city. Prices start at around $100 per night.
Hotel Principe Lisboa: This hotel is located in the upscale neighborhood of Avenida da Liberdade, known for its high-end shopping and dining. The rooms are cozy and comfortable, and the hotel offers a restaurant, bar, and fitness center. Prices start at around $70 per night.
Hotel Real Palácio: Located in the heart of Lisbon, this hotel is housed in a 17th-century palace that has been beautifully restored. The rooms are elegant and spacious, with marble bathrooms and antique furnishings. The hotel also features a restaurant, bar, and fitness center. Prices start at around $120 per night.
Hotel Lisboa Plaza: This hotel is located in the charming Príncipe Real neighborhood, known for its trendy shops and restaurants. The rooms are stylishly decorated with a mix of modern and vintage touches, and the hotel features a restaurant, bar, and rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city. Prices start at around $150 per night.
Hotel Altis Avenida: This hotel is housed in a beautifully restored art deco building, located in the heart of Lisbon’s historic center. The rooms are chic and modern, with high ceilings and large windows offering views of the city. The hotel also features a restaurant, bar, and rooftop terrace with stunning views of Lisbon’s skyline. Prices start at around $180 per night.
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon: This luxurious hotel is located in the upscale neighborhood of Avenida da Liberdade, known for its high-end shopping and dining. The rooms are spacious and beautifully appointed, with marble bathrooms and stunning views of the city. The hotel also features a Michelin-starred restaurant, bar, spa, and fitness center. Prices start at around $500 per night.
Hotel Palacio Belmonte: This hotel is housed in a stunning 15th-century palace, located in the historic Alfama neighborhood. The rooms are individually decorated with antique furnishings and original artwork, and the hotel features a courtyard garden, rooftop terrace, and swimming pool. Prices start at around $900 per night.
Valverde Hotel: This hotel is located in the charming Príncipe Real neighborhood, known for its trendy shops and restaurants. The rooms are stylishly decorated with a mix of modern and vintage touches, and the hotel features a restaurant, bar, spa, and fitness center. Prices start at around $300 per night.
These are just a few of the many wonderful hotels that Lisbon has to offer, and there are options to suit every budget and taste.
If you’re looking for a unique nightlife experience in Lisbon, we highly recommend visiting the Fado Houses. Fado is a traditional Portuguese music genre that dates back to the 19th century. It’s characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics that express the Portuguese sentiment of saudade, or longing.
One of the best Fado Houses in Lisbon is Clube de Fado, located in the Alfama neighborhood. The venue offers an intimate and authentic atmosphere, with talented musicians and singers performing live fado music. The typical cost per person is around $40, which includes a three-course meal and drinks.
Lux Frágil: This is one of the most famous nightclubs in Lisbon, located near the Tagus River. The club features multiple dance floors, an outdoor terrace, and a bar with a wide selection of drinks. The typical cost per person is around $20, which includes one drink.
Urban Beach: This beach-themed club is located in the Santos neighborhood, and it features a large dance floor and a pool. The music ranges from electronic to hip hop, and there are often live performances by famous DJs. The typical cost per person is around $15, which includes one drink.
Maria Matos Theatre: This historic theater hosts a variety of shows, including theater, dance, and music performances. The venue features a beautiful Art Deco interior and excellent acoustics. The typical cost per person varies depending on the show, but it’s usually around $20–30.
Coliseu dos Recreios: This grand theater is a Lisbon landmark, and it has hosted many famous musicians and performers over the years. The venue features a classic design and excellent acoustics, making it a great place to enjoy live music. The typical cost per person varies depending on the show, but it’s usually around $30–50.
Teatro Nacional D. Maria II: This national theater is located in the Rossio Square, and it hosts a variety of shows, including theater, dance, and music performances. The venue features a neoclassical design and excellent acoustics. The typical cost per person varies depending on the show, but it’s usually around $20–30.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back and casual atmosphere in Lisbon, check out these top dive bars:
A Baiuca — This cozy bar in the Alfama neighborhood has a great selection of Portuguese wines and local beers, and often features live fado music. Prices are reasonable, and the vibe is friendly and unpretentious.
Park Bar — Located on the rooftop of a parking garage in Bairro Alto, this trendy bar offers fantastic views of the city and a fun, quirky atmosphere. Prices are a bit higher than other dive bars, but it’s worth it for the unique setting and great cocktails.
Maria Caxuxa — This hip bar in Principe Real has a funky, retro decor and a lively crowd. The drinks are affordable, and there’s often live music or DJs spinning tunes.
Pavilhão Chinês — This bar is a bit of a Lisbon institution, with its quirky decor featuring vintage toys, posters, and curiosities. The drinks can be a bit pricey, but it’s worth it for the atmosphere and the experience.
Casa Independente — This bohemian bar in Intendente has a relaxed vibe and often hosts cultural events like concerts, art exhibits, and film screenings. The prices are reasonable, and the crowd is a mix of locals and ex-pats.
Breakfast: A Padaria Portuguesa — start your day with a traditional Portuguese breakfast of coffee and a pastry at this popular chain bakery.
Morning Adventure: Castelo de S. Jorge — explore the castle and its stunning views of the city.
Lunch: Mercado da Ribeira — head to the Time Out Market for lunch and try a variety of Portuguese dishes from different vendors.
Afternoon Adventure: Belém Tower — visit this iconic tower and enjoy the beautiful riverside promenade.
Snack: Pasteis de Belém — don’t leave Belém without trying the famous custard tarts from this bakery.
Dinner: Sea Me — enjoy a seafood feast at this popular restaurant in Chiado.
Nightlife: Lux Frágil — dance the night away at this trendy nightclub with a riverside location.
Breakfast: Nicolau Lisboa — start your day with a delicious brunch at this charming café.
Morning Adventure: Tram 28 — hop on the famous yellow tram and enjoy a scenic ride through the city’s historic neighborhoods.
Lunch: Cervejaria Ramiro:– indulge in some of the freshest seafood in town at this legendary restaurant in Intendente.
Afternoon Adventure — LX Factory — explore this hip and artistic complex filled with shops, cafes, and street art.
Snack: Gelato Davvero — cool off with some delicious artisanal gelato.
Dinner: Taberna da Rua das Flores — enjoy Portuguese tapas and wine at this cozy and atmospheric restaurant in Chiado.
Nightlife: Pensão do Amor — experience the quirky and seductive atmosphere of this former brothel turned bar in Cais do Sodré.
Breakfast: Fauna & Flora — start your day with a healthy and delicious breakfast at this trendy café in Principe Real.
Morning Adventure: Sintra — take a day trip to this charming town just outside of Lisbon and visit the fairytale-like Pena Palace.
Lunch: Tascantiga — enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch at this cozy restaurant in Mouraria.
Afternoon Adventure: Oceanário de Lisboa — discover the wonders of the sea at this impressive aquarium in Parque das Nações.
Snack: Manteigaria — sample more custard tarts at this beloved bakery in Chiado. Dinner: Bairro do Avillez — indulge in chef José Avillez’s modern Portuguese cuisine at this stylish restaurant in Chiado.
Nightlife: A Baiuca — relax and unwind at this cozy dive bar in Alfama with live fado music.
Note: It’s important to check the opening hours of the places you want to visit, as they may vary depending on the day of the week.
And that’s a wrap for my travel guide to Lisbon! I hope that my suggestions and recommendations have convinced you to add this beautiful city to your travel bucket list. From its stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and lively nightlife, there’s something for everyone in Lisbon.
If you’re looking for another European city to explore, I highly recommend Amsterdam. This city is known for its beautiful canals, world-class museums, and vibrant nightlife. Be sure to take a bike ride around the city, visit the Van Gogh Museum, and take a boat tour of the canals. And don’t forget to try some traditional Dutch treats like stroopwafels and bitterballen.
Thank you for reading, and safe travels!