10 Cool Things to do in Lisbon
Known as the City of the seven hills, Lisbon has a unique and bright light that you cannot find anywhere else in Europe.
There are so many different things to explore. From the beaches to the countryside or the city's historical center, Lisbon's got it all.
Since you may have not so much time to walk around the city, we came with our own top 10 things to do in Lisbon.
What to do/visit in the city
Baixa Pombalina
If you are into architecture, you must visit Baixa Pombalina – or simply Baixa (downtown).
After a massive earthquake followed by a tsunami in the XVII century, all the area got destroyed, so it had to be rebuilt.
You can observe the significant differences between the buildings and the street plans from Lisbon’s center and the rest of the city.
Don't forget to stop by Terreiro do Paço – a riverside open square with a big arch – Arco da Rua Augusta (that you can also visit for the view) - and do some shopping in our local shops.
Alfama
Alfama is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon. With narrow streets and several alleys, it's where you can find the essence of the city. Since it's located high up a hill, the small and tiny houses have great views of the city.
It's also where you can find the best houses of Fado, our own and unique style of music that has been considered intangible's world heritage by UNESCO. Clube de Fado is one of the most popular.
Nearby you can watch one of the best sunrises in Lisbon, at Portas do Sol.
If you are not a walking person, you can always catch a Tuk-Tuk.
Miradouros
It is not only the streets of Lisbon that will enchant you; our viewpoints will remain in your memory.
Due to its geological characteristics, Lisbon has so many views that not even the locals can enumerate all of them.
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, Miradouro da Graça, Miradouro do Torel, Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte and Miradouro do Parque Eduardo VII, are some of the viewpoints you should definitely see.
Food Markets
We, Portuguese, love to eat and that's because our gastronomy is very diversified and easy to please everyone.
Modesty aside, we can confidently state that Portugal is one of the best places to eat in the world. Lisbon, the capital, is no exception.
Some of the essential Old Markets were renewed and are now modern places but with resemblances of the traditional markets. You can still buy fresh fish and vegetables there, but you can also stop by for a cocktail or have dinner with friends.
TimeOut Mercado da Ribeira is the most famous, but you can also visit Mercado de Campo de Ourique, inside one of the most typical neighborhoods of Lisbon.
Nightlife in Bairro Alto/Cais do Sodré
By day you can visit several shops with alternative and underground concepts, try out some fantastic cuisine and explore the old part of Lisbon.
But by night the streets get crowded, and people gather around drinking outside the bars.
Rua Cor-Rosa a.k.a. Pink Street is the most famous street for nightlife. In there, you should grab a drink at Pensão Amor, an old brothel, now serving as a bar. It preserved its former burlesque decoration giving it a unique atmosphere.
If you want an all night long experience, grab an UBER (it works here) and go to LUX.
Belém
By the river, everything is more beautiful.
On the shore of the Tagus stands two of the most important landmarks of Lisbon: Padrão dos Descobrimentos (a monument that celebrates the glory Age of Discovery) and Torre de Belém (a former fortified tower also from the Age of Discovery).
Also, in Belém, you can find one of the most prominent examples of Portuguese Manueline style of architecture: Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. This former Monastery, in front of Belém Gardens, is one of the most imposing monuments in Lisbon due, not only, to its unique architecture, but also because of its historical meaning.
Other cool stuff to explore:
LX Factory – an old factory turned into a trendy hipster place with lots of bars and restaurants.
Oceanário – for the animal lovers out there;
28 Tram tours – Google it, and you will see why it is so cool;
Ponte 25 de Abril Experience – A viewpoint for Lisbon South Bay and our small, but yet beautiful Golden Gate Bridge;
Ribeira das Naus – near Cais Sodré a spot to chill out and watch the sunset with a beer.
Lisbon's surroundings
Beautiful Beaches
Although the weather is not the most favorable at the beginning of March, you can always take a long walk through our extensive and beautiful sandy cost. And if you are looking for some adventure, you can try a Surf Class.
There are several beaches to explore: Guincho, Carcavelos, Ericeira and Costa da Caparica are some of the ones we suggest. If you like to eat fish, you won't find it anywhere fresher than here. Visit Golfinho Azul (Ericeira) or Furnas do Guincho (Cascais) for a tasty experience. You won't regret it!
Sintra
Sintra is like a fairytale village, where you can find castles surrounded by a green landscape full of nature.
Although it's just half an hour from Lisbon, Sintra has nothing to do with the busy and frenetic capital’s environment. A One-day trip is enough time to explore everything properly.
Sintra has a lot of monuments and places to visit. Palácio da Pena is a romanticist castle and one of the most famous monuments in Portugal.
Quinta da Regaleira, an XX century luxury palace with a beautiful garden and secret passages, is also a must go.
While in the village center try out the famous local pastry Queijadas de Sintra. A delicious treat!
Cascais
Near Sintra but by the shore, we have Cascais one of the most beautiful “villages” of Portugal. It is known for its small palaces and luxury houses by the sea. It was a vacation destiny for the noble families during the Medieval Ages.
There are many places to have dinner, especially in the downtown, nearby Marina.
If you like natural cliffs don't miss the imposing Boca do Inferno. Also, did you know that the most western point of Europe is near Cascais? It's called Cabo da Roca.
Óbidos
In the countryside, an hour away from Lisbon, you can experience a different kind of city.
In óbidos, you will find a magnificent castle that will lead you on a journey into Portuguese history.
Once you're there, you must ask for the famous alcoholic liqueur Ginjinha (try it in the Chocolate Shot format glasses, it's delicious). Once you're inside the Town Walls, you can find a lot of handmade and traditional products to buy and offer as a souvenir.
Take some time to walk around and see the beauty of a True Medieval Village and stop by Petrarum Domus, a typical and famous place for Portuguese food.
Well, as we said, there are many things to do and explore in Lisbon, but since we are optimization experts, we optimized them just for you.
Enjoy Lisbon and come to visit us. We'll be waiting for you!
