10 Things to do in Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon (Lisboa) is Portugal’s capital and one of my favorite cities to visit in Europe. This large city is home to some of the best food with multiple Michelin Star restaurants, authentic pastel de natas, and the famous Time Out Market. Its rolling hills and yellow trams remind me of San Francisco, USA. The colorful tiled buildings and orange-painted city views will take your breath away! Lisbon is a wonderful place to visit with many things to do, famous landmarks, and great food.
1. Time Out Market
One of my favorite markets in Europe is the modern Time Out Market in Lisbon, Portugal. Time Out Market started with a group of journalists wanting to offer the best all in one place; the best restaurants, the best produce, the best concert venue, and more! This is a must-visit place if you are in Lisbon or visiting their seven other locations.
2. Ride the famous Yellow Trams
Portugal has a great public transportation system with buses, metros, trains, and charming trams. These yellow trams (remodelados) date back to 1873 and are used every day to transport people up Lisbon’s steep hills. They are still in use today for the locals as well as the tourists wanting to get their feel for the city and save a few extra steps. The most famous trams are elevador da bica and Tram 28. The Santa Justa Lift is a must-visit attraction located in the center of town. This famous elevator may remind you of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France because it was designed by a student working under Gustave Eiffel himself.
Tip: You can ride any of the trams or Santa Justa Lift with the purchase of an all-day public transportation pass.
3. Day Trip to Sintra
Sintra is about an hour train ride North of Portugal. This magical city has become one of Portugal’s most popular tourist destinations. Sintra is home to many palaces that sit atop a pine-filled hill. Pena Palace is the most popular attraction with its colorful facade, domed towers, and stunning lakes. This is an all-day activity that is well worth the visit!
4. Try Ginga
Ginja is a hard liquor made of sour Morello cherries. This is Portugal’s famous liquor and a must-try. I was pleasantly surprised by the flavor. The sour cherries balance out the sweetness and hard liquor. You can find it anywhere throughout Lisbon. Get yours from the oldest Ginja shop A Ginjinha and order it with a cherry!
5. Rick Steves Audio Guide
We spent one entire day touring the city with the Rick Steve Lisbon City Walking Tour. Save money and download the FREE Rick Steves audio guides. Rick Steves is a legend and offers great insight on the many landmarks located throughout Europe. His audio guides were made quite some time ago but the information is still up to date and provides a wealth of knowledge about the area.
Tip: Don’t forget to charge your phone and to bring your headphones!
6. Tiled Buildings
One of my most favorite things about Lisbon is all of the different tiled buildings. These intricate tiles tie to Portugal and Morocco’s relationship. Each and every building offers a different tile (azulejos) with fun designs and colors. One of my favorite buildings (pictured below) sits along the trendy shopping and dining street of R. das Portas de Santo Antão. These charming tiles will win you over with just one visit to this colorful city.
7. Eat Lots & Lots of Pastel De Natas
Pastel De Nata is a unique pastry that you cannot get anywhere else. With just one bite you will be addicted! Pastel De Nata is a baked egg yolk custard inside a flaky tart shell then sprinkled with cinnamon. They are light, rich, indulgent, and satisfying all in one bite. Order yours at either the stunning Confeitaria Nacional or charming Maria Blachere.
8. Rua Cor de Rosa (Pink Street)
This famous street has been painted pink since 2013 in tribute to the sailors that would party here (similar to the red light district). For a new take on the old street, it was painted pink for a cleaner and more approachable place. Today, this trendy Instagram famous street is lined with fun bars, delicious restaurants, and small shops.
9. Take a Portuguese Cooking Class
Regional cooking classes are a great way to explore your destination. Cooking Lisbon is located in the heart of colorful Lisbon, Portugal. This wonderful company offers a variety of food and wine experiences for anyone that wants to explore traditional Portuguese history and gastronomy. Filipe José Louro Cordeiro owner and creator of this fun and informative experience is a travel and food enthusiast. He has created a welcoming and fun environment for like-minded people wanting to explore Portuguese cuisine.
Read my Full Cooking Lisbon Experience Here
10. Views of the City
I thought Florence, Italy was going to have the best orange roof city views, but Lisbon definitely won that battle. There are many viewpoints throughout the city. My favorite spots are at the top of the Santa Justa Lift, the famous Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, and a hidden spot at the top of the large shopping area of Armazéns do Chiado. These three places are FREE to visit.
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