10 things to do in Lisbon

Portugal is perhaps not the most famous in the world compared to Spain, Italy, or France, but contrary to what people may thing, it truly has a lot to offer: things to see, to discover, to experience and of course to eat!

Among the best-known things about Portugal in the world, are without doubt the cities of Porto and Lisbon, the capital city. The most popular food is bacalhau assado. Surfing is definitely an important tourist attraction as are the stunning beaches and landscapes.

I have not had the fortune of visiting the whole peninsula, but I have spent several fantastic days in Lisbon, from which I will share with you a personalized guide of Lisbon which includes everything which according to me is absolutely necessary to see, eat, do and try.

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The airport

Lisbon airport is about 7km away from the city centre and is also known as 'Aeroporto da Portela'. It has two terminals and lots of shops, ranging from clothes to a post office, souvenir shops and definitely not to be forgotten and my favourite, food. My favourite shop is Ale Hop and it's actually not a food shop!

The airport is easy to get to from the city centre and, therefore, it is easy to get to the centre of Lisbon from the airport. Different airlines fly to Lisbon from many different places, but I always flew from England or Spain to Lisbon and so I can't recommend a particular airline which flies from Italy to Lisbon. However I can recommend the time of year which according to me is the best to go. I will start by saying that summer is said to be marvelous, but I went in Spring (March-April) and I believe that this is the best time of year to visit Portugal because it is not too hot or too cold. Thus, you can enjoy a mild climate which allows you to explore the city by foot. So, how do you get to the centre?

The view from one of the many 'miradores' - Source

Private transport such as a taxi or renting a car is only recommended if you have the money for it or if you are travelling in a group. There is also the metro which only takes 20 minutes to go from the airport to the city. It is the red line to be exact and a single ticket costs 1, 40 euro and is valid for up to one hour after it was purchased. Another option is the bus which goes from the airport to the city centre and vice-versa for 1, 80 euro. The length of the journey is not specified. The numbers of the buses are 705, 722, 744 and 783. Finally, there is the aerobus (my preference). There are two lines which run every twenty minutes between 7am and 11pm and which only take 20 minutes to get to the centre. It is the best option because it's fast, practical, cheap and you can see lots while you are travelling to the centre.

View of the Old Town - Source

10 things you absolutely have to do in Lisbon

Now that you have arrived in the city, the sun is surely shining on the many squares of majestic statues, such as those of the Marquês de Pombal, Praça da Figueira, Praça Luís de Camões, Praça do Comércio, etc... You want to start the day off well with a nice coffee that you can enjoy at any of Lisbon's bars. The coffee is great and then you can start off on your adventure.

1. Walking from Upper Lisbon to Lower Lisbon

The structure of the city is like that of San Francisco. It is arranged almost like a grid and can be crossed north to south by foot, while discovering the numerous squares, the statues of those who discovered the city, green spaces and the 'mirados' (belvedere) from which you get breathtaking views. Finish in Praça do Comércio, a postcard piazza with its white tracks on which the yellow trams travel, an impressive building with an arch which opens the square to the sea. Here you feel at home, you breathe in the history and you breathe Lisbon. Go into the pedestrian zone of the lower town, but don't get lost. In the area preferred by Pessoa, 'Chiado', look out for the various 'Elevadores'(towers) which are used for the enjoyment of the city which is known for its light and colours. I completely agree with this!

Map of central Lisbon - Source

Elevador de Santa Justa - Source

2. Do a tour on the 'Tram amarelo (yellow) 28'.

If there is one thing that makes Lisbon a traditional city, it isn't the surfing which you can do in summer, or la francesinha (typical lusitan dish), or the word 'saudade', but in fact it is the finest and folkloristic mode of transport that may exist in Portugal, the number 28 'tram amarelo' (yellow tram). You find it on all (or nearly all) the postcards. Doing a tour of the city by tram is an unmissable experience.

Tram amarelo - Source

Visit the Castelo de São Jorge and the 'mirador'

If you are in the lower part of the city, you get a spectacular view of a medieval castle surrounded by enviable nature. From the top of the Castelo, the 'mirador' (lookout), you can enjoy a view of the landscape of Lisbon which is truly indescribable. In fact you have to see it with your own eyes to be able to believe that such beauty exists.

Castello di San Jorge - Source

4. Visit the 'barrio de Belém' (takes 1/2 days)

Map of Belém - Source

Belém has many monuments, a great history, natural beauties, the port, entertainment, museums and amazing 'pastéis'.

In my opinion you should at least visit:

1. Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery)
2. Torre de Belém (Belém Tower)
3. Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries)
4. Ponte 25 de Abril (25 de Abril Bridge)
5. Museo dos coches (National Coach Museum)

Monastero dos Jéronimos - Source

Torre di Belém - Source

Pastéis de Belém - Source

There are also lots of museums and monuments to see but I believe that the 5 I listed above are most worth visiting.

5. Eat at the port

Once you arrive in the Belém area, you are facing the river which divides Lisbon from Almada. In front of you are several bridges (the 25 de Abril Bridge is one of these), which join Lisbon to the commune of Almada. From here you can see the 'Cristo-Rei' monument which rises above the city and is visible from the Lisbon coast. This religious symbol is most commonly associated with Brasil but it can actually also be found in many other Portuguese and Spanish cities. On the Lisbon seafront you will find the 'Doca de Santos' which has very many different types of restaurants and pubs. You should eat in one of the many local food restaurants which also have outdoor seating so that you can enjoy the spectacular view, the luscious warm sun and the smell of a relaxed and 'apaixona' city. Continuing along the river you will reach 'Cais do Sodré'. However eating anywhere in Lisbon is good, even in the city centre even though it might be more expensive. The ingredients are fresh, natural and great. I recommend that you try the famous 'bacalhau assado' and 'francesinha' even though the second didn't actually originate in the capital but instead it comes from the very beautiful city Porto.

Porto di Lisbona - Source

6. Visit the Oceanario

One of the most beautiful aquariums with one of the largest species collection in the world. Absolutely unmissable, the visit is worth it both for those with children and those without. It is for all ages. Also the area is really nice and has many shops, restaurants and lots more to fill half a day. But if you wish, you can also spend a whole day in the alternative and magical environment.

'Are you sure you don't want to come and see this splendor? '

Acquario di Lisbona - Source

Acquario di Lisbona - Source

7. Visit Sintra

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Palacio da Pena, Sintra, Lisbona - Source

You can take a trip out of Lisbon to Sintra (not far away). An area full of rocks and sea, monuments and nature. Sintra is a daydream. It seems as if it is from a fairy tale. It also has an amazing natural park.

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8. Listen, discover, dance and live 'Fado'

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'O Fado' is the traditional Portuguese music which is generally sung by one voice accompanied by a guitar in Spanish or Portuguese and the songs tell nostalgic tales, the misfortunes and the melancholy of life. Even though they may seem sad, I assure you that they is a moving beauty in listening to 'fado' music. Among the most famous fado musicians there is Amália Rodrigues. In any case, Lisbon has a museum dedicated to fado and so there are no excuses for not knowing the history and the rhythms of the traditional Portuguese music which makes people fall in love, despair, cry and smile.

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The Bus Tour

Impartial advice. I did a bus tour and I liked it quite a lot because I was able to see Lisbon from a different perspective and while learning about the history of the city thanks to an audio guide.

So why not do it?

1. If you have time, it's fantastic to sit at the top and enjoy the view.
2. The tour has audio guides in different languages. You will get to know the history of Lisbon's streets, statues and squares as you will not be alone or with a guide and can concentrate on certain areas rather than the whole city.
3. The bus stops in all the important places and follows the same route each time. For those who have time, you can get off and back on again and continue the adventure when you want to.
4. You can get a ticket for two days and it's convenient because in two days you can really see a lot of Lisbon. You can then dedicate the rest of your time in Lisbon to spending time in the areas you like the most.
5. There are several routes represented by colours, so it is possible to chose the ares you wish to visit but... the ticket allows two days to travel any route. With this ticket you are able to take tour of the city on day and on the second day you can change route.
6. In the breaks between the history, you will discover the famous fado music. I still sing the songs that were played on the bus.

As you can see, it is advisable to do a tour of Lisbon by bus. There are different routes, different buses and different prices. You can choose the one which suits you best but I really do recommend paying for this only if the weather is good because if it's raining, the top floor will be inaccessible since there is no roof.

Street art, quartiere 'alto' di Lisbona - Source

10. Drink one (or two) Ginjinha

I'm not saying that I don't drink at all, but neither do I drink loads of alcohol. I like a Martini or a glass of wine now and again, but nothing too strong. But, but... If there is one thing that stole my heart after the first sip, it's... la ginja. It's a cherry flavoured alcohol and it's not just the alcohol that is already making my mouth water, but the fact that it is served in a 'copo de chocolate' (a cup made of chocolate)... I don't know if I explained it well. Did you understand? A glass made of chocolate!

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I am sure that there are loads of other things to do and to discover. Find the hidden treasures of this fantastic city yourself. I would also add that you find the street art and l'azulejo.

Azulejo, Lisbon - Source

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Street art, Lisbon - Source

Boa sorte!

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