LISBON, PORTUGAL | TRAVEL GUIDE
TRAVEL TIP
Public transport works really well here, it is by far the cheapest way to get around the city and surrounding area. Depending on where you stay and how much you will take the metro/train, the Lisboa Card may make sense and gets you discounts on a lot of tourist sites.
TO SLEEP
Airbnb we loved our lisbon airbnb and were blown away by the amount of awesome options in this community. ranging from roughly $40 - $250, you can find an apartment that suits your needs & budget.
A few other cool hotels/hostels we came across:
Goodmorning Hostel || LX Boutique Hotel || Brown’s Central Hotel || Lisbon Destination Hostel
TO EAT
Breakfast
Pasteis de Belem serving the famous “pastel de nata” custard tarts since 1837, usually a wait but worth it and line moves quick.
A Padaria Portuguesa Local bakery that is very popular in the city, now with multiple locations.
LUNCH
Time Out Mercado de Ribeira Huge market with the best restaurants and food vendors in town. So many options, you can’t really go wrong.
Rio Maravilha (lunch Wed - Sun only) Known for their gastronomic pairings and views over the bridge. Set in an old factory, it is a unique and fun dining experience.
Restaurante Zé da Mouraria classic restaurant in up and coming neighborhood. Get their before noon and get the codfish!
Cervajaria Ramiro One of the best places for seafood hands down, great for dinner as well.
DINNER
A Taberna da Rua das Flores Traditional Portuguese food and wine. Reasonably priced, the menu changes daily and in the heart of the Baixa-Chiado neighborhood (no reservations)
A Cevicheria Upscale take on South America’s famous cevicherias. Great cocktails, grab one and hang in the street while you wait for your table.
Atalho Real Perfect dinner spot for a nice night outside. The restaurant is set on a beautiful patio overlooking the botanical gardens. Meat lovers paradise as the options are endless here.
Taberna Ideal Authentic but young and hip restaurant, menu changes daily and very cozy atmosphere.
Cafe de Sao Bento Old school Portuguese steak house, touristy long line and on most 'must eat' lists for Lisbon food recommendations. Worth the wait!
TO DRINK
Coffee
Cafe A Brasileria Opened in 1905, famous ornate art deco cafe.
A Carioca Cafe very old and traditional Portuguese coffee & chocolate shop.
Copenhagen Coffee Lab New age coffee roasters, but very good and cool spot to visit.
Fabrica Coffee Roasters locally roasted beans, cool spot and a great patio.
COCKTAILS | BEER | WINe
PARK bar On top of a parking garage and great for sundowners, very popular spot and you can feel the young energy of the city’s nightlife
Tasca do Chico Good spot for live Fado music. Try their spicy chorizo Chourico Assado.
O Bom O Mau e O Vilão Fun and popular cocktail bar with really good music. Every room is decorated differently and is inspired by film & art.
Noobai Cafe Panoramic views over the water and bridge, stop to grab a drink or small snack
Cantina das freiras Quiet tavern with cheap eats and an underground dope view of the city.
Ginjinha Bar Legendary liquor store. Go and get the famous local Ginjinha cherry liqueur.
Pensao Amor Brothel turned bar that is very popular and goes off at night. In the middle of the Bairro Alto nightlife scene. The line gets long as the night goes on.
B.Leza Associação Bohemian African dance club that is alive until the early morning. If you are looking to stay up late and dance, this is your spot!
A Viagem Petiscaria Bar Party in the streets in Bairro Alto, starts around midnight and goes until as late as you can. This is a quaint fun spot to start at.
Procópio Bar Vintage bar where politicians used to spend their days, go for a beer or wine.
Pavilhao Chines Bar in an old grocery store with 5 rooms decorated like a museum, with toys from the 2 World Wars.
Carinho do Vinho Brick walled wine bar and store that serves & sells local selection of awesome wines. Vinharia is another great wine bar!
TO EXPLORE
Castelo de S. Jorge 11th-century, hilltop Moorish castle & royal residence. Take the tram up to visit, great view points from here.
Sintra Palace A half day trip, only 30 minutes outside Lisbon by train (easy and cheap). Cascais is a cool beach town to stop by on the way back, Praia do Guincho is a popular surf spot nearby. Warning: Sintra is very touristy and it's essential to go early.
Mosteiro dos Jeronimos One of the most impressive cathedrals in Europe, known for it’s cloisters and stonework that withstood the big earthquake in 1755.
Torre de Belém & Padrão Descobrimentos Two of the most historical landmarks that sit right on the bay.
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara Head to this beautiful garden for sunset. You will find people hanging out, drinking bottles of wine or beer and soaking in the 270 degree sunset views of the city.
Mercado de Alvade Norte Vibrant and old school market that offers the freshest fish, seafood, vegetables & fruits. Excellent selection of Bacalhau, cured meats and cheeses too.
Museu Coleção Berardo Collections from Dali, Warhol & Picasso.
Hot Club Portugal top 100 jazz clubs in the world, this place has been a hot spot for live shows since 1948.
TO SHOP
LxFactory Hip design district sprawling the grounds of an old Lisbon Factory Complex. Great spots to grab drinks or a bite.
Embaixada Boutique shops, great food and drinks all in the historic Ribeiro da Cunha Palace (built in 1877)
As de espadas & Muitomuito Two rad vintage shops
Bertand Chiado The world’s oldest bookstore.
Conserveira de Lisboa Awesome store for sardines and locally cured meats. The packaging is incredible.
Chapelaria Azevedo Rua Century old hat store that is an ode to the tradition of Lisbon. Pop in and check it out, they also sell hats online if you don’t want to fly home with one.
Feira de Aldra Lisbon's biggest and oldest flea market. Twice weekly (Tuesdays and Saturdays), 6am to 5pm.
Adventures within 1 hour of Lisbon
Praia de galapos: an awesome beach within 45 minutes of the city [car needed]. It was the perfect little place to spend the afternoon.
Ericeira White washed coastal town with the best surf in Portugal and amazing seafood (Marisqueira Mar à Vista for lunch or dinner).
Mata Pequena A hilly rural village that you can stay in, 45 minutes outside of Lisbon. Relax in these historic homes, eat at the family owned restaurant and get a glimpse of old world Portugal.
POSTS FROM OUR TRIP:
