Lisboa (Lisbon), Portugal’s capital, is a historical city that experienced a tourism boom in recent years.
Lisboa has many picturesque neighborhoods to meander, eat, and have a drink.
The city is flooded with culture, and it has many sunset viewpoints and nightlife spots.
For the best day trips near Lisbon, or the best beaches near Lisbon, there is a list at the end of the article.

Top experiences in Lisbon

Best food in Lisbon

Portuguese cuisine is incredibly diverse, and Lisbon, being the capital, is a hub for Portuguese people coming from all directions and a melting pot of food originating from different regions.
Below is the author’s top pick for food to try while visiting Lisbon.
Although you will find these dishes almost everywhere in Lisbon, the author recommends the restaurants in Baixa, Bairro Alto, and Alfama for a more traditional experience.
The list doesn’t offer vegetarian options, however, Lisbon has plenty of vegetarian restaurants at your disposal.

Bacalhau à Lagareiro (Lagareiro Cod)

Bacalhau à Lagareiro is a meal with cod soaked in olive oil, baked in the oven, and Batatas a Murro (punched potatoes).
It’s said in Portugal that there are more than 1000 ways to cook cod. You can choose this way to eat cod or one of the other 999 ways; the important thing is to try this fundamental dish while in Lisbon.

Cozido à Portuguesa (Portuguese Stew)

Cozido à Portuguesa is a stew packed with different types of meat, vegetables, and beans. It was the typical farmer’s meal to provide enough energy to spend long hours farming the land.

Sardinhas Assadas (Roasted Sardines)

Sardinhas Assadas is a meal made with roasted sardines and baked potatoes, often topped with olive oil and garlic sauce.
This is Lisbon’s quintessential meal, especially during the Santo António celebration, which takes place every June 13th. The author suggests eating this meal in the Alfama neighborhood since it’s where you will find a wider range of restaurants specialized in Sardinhas Assadas.

Bitoque (Steak with egg on top)

Bitoque is kids’ and teenagers’ favorite, with all the extra carbs they crave: steak, french fries, rice, and an egg on top, also known as ovo a cavalo (egg horse riding).

Pastéis de Nata (Portuguese Egg tarts)

Pastéis de Nata is a typical Portuguese pastry. It’s composed of a crisp shell made from flour, water, and butter, and filled with egg yolks, milk, and cream.
These delicious egg tarts are on Lisbon’s postcards, and they are sold in every restaurant or cafe in Lisbon. The author suggests trying them in cafes located on Rua da Augusta, where they are baked several times a day.

Bifana (Pork steak on bread)

Bifana is a traditional sandwich made with marinated pork steak inside a carcaça (soft white bread). The waiter always provides mustard to top the pork steak.
For many Lisbon residents, it’s a typical light meal and it’s gulped down with a glass of beer.
Unlike ham and cheese sandwiches, the “bifana” should be prepared on demand and eaten warm.
A similar sandwich is prego.

Things to do in Lisbon

Baixa (Downtown)

Baixa is the long flat area that lies between the hilly and picturesque neighborhoods of Bairro Alto and Alfama.
Baixa was completely rebuilt with its Renaissance look by Marques do Pombal after being severely damaged by the 1755 earthquake.

Cais das Colunas (Columns Pier)

Cais das Colunas is the pier where, before the 1755 quake, ships would moor when arriving in Lisbon. Today, it’s no longer used for such a purpose and is just a stone platform with stone staircases leading to the river. You can still see a series of columns surrounding the platform. Nevertheless, it’s a popular spot among tourists to take that first picture of the Tagus River and the bridge before moving inland to explore Baixa.

Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square)

Praça do Comércio, formerly known as Terreiro do Paço (Palace Terrain), was where the Royal Palace stood before being devastated by the great earthquake.
The King survived, and he and his court moved into the hills, where they set up tents and pavilions, which led to the attempted assassination of the king, known as the Távoras affair, and later to the construction of the Palace of Ajuda.
Today Praça do Comércio is a square terrain surrounded by government buildings, and at its center is the statue of D. José I (Dom Joseph I), the king who witnessed the quake and set in motion Lisbon’s biggest reconstruction enterprise.
In front of Praça do Comércio is the triumphal Arco da Rua Augusta (Rua Augusta Arch), in its post-Roman triumphal style, which was built to celebrate the reconstruction. In it, you will find some of the four Portuguese historical figures: Nuno Álvares Pereira, the general who won the Aljubarrota battle; Marquês do Pombal, the powerful prime minister responsible for Lisbon’s reconstruction; Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer who reached India by sea; and Viriathus, the epic hero who stood against the Roman army.
On weekends, under its arcades, quite often there will be a handcrafted products market.
The view from Praça do Comércio toward Arco da Rua Augusta is incredibly photogenic, with the long Augusta Street in the background, Lisbon’s main and busiest shopping street. If you can wait for the yellow tram to pass, then you will capture the perfect photo.

Martinho da Arcada

Martinho da Arcada is a traditional restaurant that dates back to 1782 and is located under the arcades, hence its name, since Arcada means arcade. East of the Arco da Rua Augusta, it has its walls covered with historical photos.
Among these photos are pictures of Fernando Pessoa, one of the most important Portuguese poets, who was a regular customer of this restaurant.

Casa dos Bicos (House of the Spikes)

Casa dos Bicos is a historical house built in 1523, and it survived the 1755 earthquake.
This house is easily recognized due to its facade covered with stone spikes. It has served many purposes throughout its existence, including being a warehouse for salted codfish.
Today it has a permanent archeological exhibition on the ground floor and houses the José Saramago Foundation on the upper floor, where you can see the heritage left by the Nobel Prize-winning Portuguese writer.

Rua Augusta (Augusta Street)

Rua Augusta is the pedestrian street that connects Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square) to Praça do Rossio (Rossio Square).
This street is Baixa’s main shopping street, packed with brand clothing and shoe shops, tourist-oriented restaurants, and street performers.
Nearly all the buildings flanking the street have the same height and were built after the 1755 earthquake with “Pombaline” architecture, named after Marquês do Pombal, the prime minister in charge of Lisbon’s rebuilding.
The floor is paved with “Calçada Portuguesa” (Portuguese cobblestone) forming diamond shapes.

Praça do Rossio (Rossio Square)

Praça do Rossio, or Praça Dom Pedro IV, usually known simply as Rossio, is Lisbon’s main square. Rossio is also the name of the main square in some other cities in Portugal.
This square underwent a major restoration in recent years to restore its splendor.
It contains on each side a baroque-style fountain and, at the center, a tall column with the statue of King Dom Pedro IV at its top.
Standing in front is the neoclassical-style Teatro Nacional Dona Maria II (National Theatre D. Maria II).
From the plaza, you can see the Ruínas do Convento do Carmo (Ruins of the Carmo Convent) and Castelo de São Jorge (São Jorge Castle).

Elevador de Santa Justa (Santa Justa Lift)

Elevador de Santa Justa , also known as Ascensor de Santa Justa, is an iconic vertical lift that connects the lower area of Baixa with Carmo Square.
The fact that its infrastructure is made of iron, combined with its Neo-Gothic style, gives it the look and feel of the Eiffel Tower, although there is no direct connection between the two monuments.
The upper platform has a staircase leading to the top platform, from which you can have a bird’s-eye view of the city center.

Bairro Alto (High Neighborhood)

The heart of Bairro Alto comes alive after dark when locals and tourists alike flock here for a drink, a restaurant (many serving meals until after-hours), a club, or to listen to traditional Fado.
Although these days there are plenty of nightlife areas in Lisbon, Bairro Alto still wins the heart of the bourgeoisie due to its strong mix of tradition and nightlife. If its center might look sleepy during the day, especially on weekends, its surroundings still offer plenty of sites where you will find vibrant life.

Elevador da Bica (Bica Funicular)

Elevador da Bica, also known as Ascensor da Bica, is one of Lisbon’s most iconic sights—the image of this funicular sliding down the steep hill toward Cais do Sodré just before sunset. Along the sides of the funicular tracks, you will find small bars where people usually go inside to get a drink and stay outside to chat; after all, it’s Bairro Alto, any place is good to drink and socialize.

Miradouro de Santa Catarina (Santa Catarina Viewpoint)

Miradouro de Santa Catarina is a stone’s throw from the Bica funicular, and it’s one of the most popular places in Lisbon to watch the sunset. With perfect timing, you can capture an unforgettable snapshot of the Bica funicular and still arrive in time to see the sun lower over the 25 de Abril Bridge. However, due to its popularity, it’s better to arrive earlier if you want to find a spot to sit.
At the center of this place, you will find the Adamastor statue, the mythical monster created by the poet Camões in his epic book Lusíadas. The viewpoint has the typical kiosk that serves drinks and snacks.
If you decide to splurge, on its right side there is a rooftop restaurant with a privileged view of the city, and just behind the viewpoint, there’s a quaint restaurant with lawn seating for those with extra cash who want to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at sunset.
One nearby place worth mentioning is Laranjeira Lane; these staircases are part of the background of one of the greatest classic Portuguese movies, Pai tirano.

Rua do Diário de Notícias (Diário de Notícias Street)

Rua do Diário de Notícias is the busiest street on a Friday or Saturday night at the heart of Bairro Alto, with the street packed with people drinking beer in front of the bars.
During the day, it is usually a quiet street much like the rest of Bairro Alto, but it’s at night that it truly comes alive. In general, most of the streets at the heart of Bairro Alto have bars and people on weekend nights, including Rua da Rosa, the main street, but it’s Rua do Diário de Notícias that has the most bars compared to the other streets.

Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara (São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint)

Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is a scenic viewpoint on the eastern side of Jardim São Pedro de Alcântara (São Pedro de Alcântara Park).
This viewpoint offers a splendid view of Baixa (Downtown), especially Praça dos Restauradores (Restauradores Plaza) and Avenida da Liberdade (Liberty Avenue).
At the center of the viewpoint, there is a panel made with traditional white and blue tiles forming an image of the downtown buildings, labeled with the most prominent ones.

Cais do Sodré (Sodré Pier)

Cais do Sodré is a neighborhood that was traditionally an area where seamen would gather once their ships moored at the Cais do Sodré docks.
Here they would find cheap lodging, a fish market, nautical shops, and prostitution.
Today, Cais do Sodré has become upscale with bars, shops, and restaurants targeting tourists, digital nomads, and nightclubbers.
Although it is no longer a sailors’ ghetto, the area near Pink Street still preserves its nautical vibe with several shops outside the street selling products for seafaring.

Rua Rosa (Pink Street)

Rua Rosa, not to be confused with Rua da Rosa in Bairro Alto, also known as Rua Nova do Carvalho (Nova do Carvalho Street), was once the heart of Cais do Sodré’s Red Light District, where prostitutes would offer their services at bars to sailors who made their way there after long journeys at sea.
Now it has become a tourist attraction, with the street floor painted pink—hence its alias Pink Street—offering outdoor seating and bars for tourists and the bourgeois. Although it no longer serves as a Red Light District, only the western part of the street has been painted and is a tourist attraction.
The western part that lies beyond the tunnel still holds a traditional look and was where, in recent decades, heavy metal fans would flock on weekend nights due to the several bars playing heavy metal that line this part of the street.

Time Out Market Lisboa

Time Out Market Lisboa is a trendy market located in the western wing of Mercado da Ribeira (Ribeira Market), a traditional fresh produce and fish market open to the public since January 1, 1882.
It’s worth visiting both wings: one with the vibe of a traditional market, and the other, opened to the public since 2014, with hipster-style food stalls around its inner perimeter offering both traditional Portuguese food as well as pizzas, sushi, and similar dishes, and at the center, bench tables perfect for chatting and grabbing a bite.

Ribeira das Naus

Ribeira das Naus is the avenue that connects Cais do Sodré with Praça do Comércio. In 2012, renovations began to give this area back to pedestrians. There is still a lane for cars, but it was reduced to a minimum and replaced with large sidewalks.
Today it’s a popular area for sunset watching, as the sun sets under the 25 de Abril Bridge. There are cafés along the shoreline, outdoor seating areas, and reclining seats. Often there’s a street stall selling pineapples sliced at the top with a straw.
On the avenue’s shoreline, there is a gentle slope allowing you to descend to the river. A few pedestrians venture to dip their feet in the river, but swimming is strictly forbidden.

Alfama

Alfama is one of the most charismatic neighborhoods, filled with narrow alleys, staircases meandering up and down, and restaurants selling roasted sardines.
This was one of the neighborhoods that survived the devastation of the 1755 earthquake, hence its chaotic layout.

Upper Alfama

Most of the attractions in Upper Alfama are along the tram line that runs across several streets. This area is usually crowded with tourists, cars, and tourist rickshaws (tuk-tuks) in perfect harmonic chaos.
Starting from Igreja de Santa Maria Madalena (Church of Saint Mary Magdalene), walk up following the tram line to the Miradouro das Portas do Sol .
Along this tram line, the main attractions are:

Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral)

Sé de Lisboa , also known as Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa, began construction in 1147, right after the conquest of Lisbon as a result of the Siege of Lisbon.
The cathedral is primarily Romanesque in style, with later Gothic and Baroque additions.

Miradouro de Santa Luzia (Santa Luzia Viewpoint)

Miradouro de Santa Luzia is a popular viewpoint offering romantic views of the river and lower Alfama. This viewpoint has an open terrace decorated with white and blue tiles depicting Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square) before the earthquake, and a battle during Lisbon’s Siege. To complete the picturesque setting, it has a vine-covered pergola.

Miradouro das Portas do Sol (Sun Gate Viewpoint)

Miradouro das Portas do Sol is an observation deck adjacent to Miradouro de Santa Luzia. It’s not as romantic as the previous one, however, it provides a clear view of Panteão Nacional (National Pantheon).
Near the observation deck, the tram slows due to a tight curve, offering a perfect opportunity for the iconic tram photo.

Castelo de São Jorge (São Jorge Castle)

Castelo de São Jorge had human presence dating back to the 8th century BC. The castle, also known in English as Saint George Castle, played a fundamental role during the 1147 Siege of Lisbon, when the first king, Dom Afonso Henriques (Afonso I of Portugal), along with his allies, conquered the castle from the Moorish king during the Second Crusade. A legend was born in the process, as the nobleman Martim Moniz sacrificed himself to keep the doors open and allow the army to enter the castle.
Today the castle is a must-see attraction and provides a bird’s-eye view of the city center (Baixa). The best view is around sunset. Expect long queues to buy tickets, especially during summer or weekends.

Lower Alfama

Lower Alfama is the area below the tram line and covers the streets leading down to the lowlands, where Avenida Infante Dom Henrique passes.
This area is composed mostly of narrow steep alleys, staircases, and small plazas packed with traditional restaurants where roasted sardines are the most popular meal.
Lower Alfama is one of the most traditional neighborhoods, deeply rooted in seafaring culture and Fado.
For convenience, you can start your exploration from Miradouro das Portas do Sol (Sun Gate Viewpoint) and walk down the staircase until you reach the lowlands.
The area is a maze, and it’s easy to get lost as many alleys look similar. In such a case, the best thing is to just keep going down.
If you start from the lowlands, a good entry point is Largo do Chafariz de Dentro (Old Alfama Square); walk along the narrow Rua de São Pedro (São Pedro Street). Almost every door has a restaurant.
Besides the signature meal, Sardinhas Assadas (Roasted Sardines), a not-to-miss drink is Ginjinha, a liqueur with a cherry inside, served in a chocolate cup.

What are the best areas for nightlife in Lisbon

Lisbon is well known for its nightlife, and with the growth of tourism, more areas have joined the bandwagon to provide night entertainment. The author’s top picks for the best areas for nightlife are:

  • Bairro Alto. Its streets, mainly Rua da Rosa and Rua Diário de Notícias, fill up every weekend night. It’s a very chill area where most people just go inside to grab a drink and stay outside on the streets drinking and chatting.
  • Cais do Sodré. The riverside area behind the train tracks leading to Santos is full of more upscale bars. On the flip side, near Time Out Market Lisboa, there are more down-to-earth bars.
  • Santos. This area has fewer and more spread-out bars.
  • Docas . This upscale nightlife area is concentrated along the marina promenade.
  • LX Factory - This enclosed area near Docas was a former industrial zone, today it is a trendy destination.
  • It serves both as a nightlife area with bars and clubs, as well as for daytime tourism with street markets and shops.

What are the most important events in Lisbon

Lisbon has cultural events all year round and is home to Web Summit and Lisbon’s Rock in Rio.
The biggest and most traditional event at the heart of Lisbon is Santo António, celebrated every year on June 13th. On this night, there is a parade on Avenida da Liberdade where every group representing their neighborhood wears traditional outfits.
After the parade, the streets of Upper Alfama are packed with people wandering the streets, drinking wine, and eating roasted sardines.
In previous days, the most traditional neighborhoods set up their own ballroom areas in the streets.

Is Lisbon safe

Lisbon is considered one of the safest European capitals, especially regarding violent crime. Unfortunately, due to fast-paced population and tourism growth, petty crime has become more common. You can reduce the risks of being pickpocketed or robbed with some safeguards:

  • Don’t flash expensive jewelry or wads of cash.
  • Watch out in overcrowded areas such as Praça do Comércio, Rua Augusta, or Alfama, and any other place where there are tourist gatherings.
  • Never get drunk alone at night, especially in Bairro Alto or Docas.
  • Pay extra attention when walking in the Martim Moniz area.
  • The public tram 28 and the bus to the airport are also areas to be more careful.
  • Avoid being scammed by never buying drugs from street sellers in Baixa, especially Rua Augusta and Rossio.

As a rule of thumb, if you feel unsafe wandering in an area, it’s better not to dwell too long.

Author’s notes

The author was born and raised in the heart of Lisbon, in the Bairro Alto neighborhood, and lived there for 26 years before the tourism boom.
He witnessed a dramatic shift in the fabric of the city, including his birthplace. The tourism explosion wouldn’t have been possible without all the infrastructural transformations the city underwent for decades.
The Jardim do Príncipe Real, once unknown to tourists, was his playground as a child and later played a fundamental role in his personal relationships, in a time when tourism in Portugal was mainly in Algarve, and at every corner of Lisbon, you could only hear people speaking Portuguese.
The Miradouro de Santa Catarina was once a place where students would go to hang out, and it was where the author gave his first kiss. Today it’s the most popular place to watch the sunset and have a drink among tourists. On a clear day, it’s hard to find a spot to sit at sunset.
Next to the iconic Elevador da Bica, there is the Camões library, the place where the author would go to read books after school and later where he got married.
Lisbon isn’t the same; it became part of the international spotlight, beloved by so many, as the author witnessed in his journeys to distant parts of the world.
The city’s fame brought development and pushed it forward but also caused it to lose many of its traditions and become an increasingly expensive city to live in.
For those who visited Lisbon decades ago, when it was unknown to many, and now revisit it, there will always be a taste of nostalgia for a character that was lost in time.
For those visiting Lisbon now for the first time, you will experience a city that was revamped, repopulated, and yet still holds its character in many hidden alleys.

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