Lisbon travel guide

Get Lost in the Street Art

Lisbon is one of the coolest city breaks in Europe, and street art is a big reason why. Walk around Alfama, head to Caracol da Graça, or take the tram around town and you’ll see hundreds of murals lining the walls. Track down the gorgeous tiled mural São Vicente de Fora by Andre Saraiva for one of my favourites.

Listen to Local Music At a Fado House

Fado has a long history in Lisbon dating back to at least the early 1800s. You’ll still hear the beautiful if melancholy songs spill out of unassuming bars and restaurants around town. Visit Maria da Mouraria, or Tasca do Chico for two of the best. 

Take in the History and Views in Alfama

One of the oldest neighbourhoods in Lisbon, Alfama has no shortage of history and charm. The windy cobbled streets lead you to mediaeval castles (Castelo de São Jorge), the gothic and baroque Lisbon Cathedral, and the best spots in the city at sunset – Portas de Sol. 

Take Home a Piece of Lisbon History

Shopping at Cortiço & Netos is a unique experience that allows you to shuffle through crates of old tiles, an important reminder of how the city rebuilt itself after the devastating 1755 earthquake. You can find some really cool (and hard-to-find) tiles at this boutique shop. 

Take a Food Tour

Exploring the restaurants and cafes in Lisbon is a must. If it’s your first visit, Oh My Cod Tours is a wonderful option that lets you sample seafood and snacks from 5 excellent restaurants in Mouraria, Alfama, and Baixa. 

Marvel at Architecture in Belém

You’ll find some of the coolest architecture in Lisbon in Belém. The elaborate Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance Jeronimos Monastery houses the tomb of the famous explorer Vasco de Gama. But the 16th-century fortress Belém Tower and the more recent Monument to the Discoveries are equally impressive. 

Eat at Time Out Market

Time Out Market offers you a chance to try food from many of Lisbon’s best chefs under one roof. The restaurants rotate frequently but feature some of Portugal’s finest food. O Frade, Libertà Pasta Bar, and Chef Miguel Castro E Silva are names you won’t want to miss for expertly prepared dishes in a vibrant marketplace.

Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

No Lisbon trip is complete without adding some art to the mix. Museu Calouste Gulbenkian is the art museum to see on your Portugal itinerary. Why? The private collection from the avid collector Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian boasts over 5,000 pieces, including Pallas Athena by Rembrandt and Manet’s Boy Blowing Bubbles.

Lisbon in One Day

1 Day

Walk Around Alfama –  Lunch at Barrio Villez in Barrio Alto  – Jeronimos Monastery – Torre de Belém –  Time Out Market for DInner – Sunset at Portos del Sol

All the Spots in Only 2 Days Lisbon Itinerary 

2 Days

Sidecar Tour – Cervejaria Ramiro – São Jorge Castle – Street Art in Alfama and at São Vicente de Fora – Fado in Mouraria Quarter – Architecture in Belém – LXFactory – Rooftop Bars

Full Week in Lisbon

7 Days

Alfama – Mouraria – Bairro Alto and Chiado – Belém – Day Trip to Sintra – Parque Eduardo VII and Botanical Garden of Lisbon in Príncipe Real – Sidecar Tour and Cooking Class

Read Next: Cool Things to Do in Lisbon: A City Break Guide

Visit LX Factory

Lisbon is full of surprises, often in unassuming places. The former textile factory in the sleepy neighbourhood along the Tagus River is now a hotspot for street art, cocktails, and food. Go on a weekend, and you might stumble on an antique sale, concert, or both. 

Walk Around Mouraria

Mouraria, also known as the Moorish Quarter, is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Lisbon. You’ll find an enchanting collection of winding streets making way to a diverse neighbourhood known for its street art, food, and (of course) Fado.

Vintage Sidecar Tour

I always like to give you the heads-up when I find a brilliant cafe, street art in an unassuming alley or stunning vistas off the beaten path. I found a few of them (some top secret) on this amazing motorcycle sidecar tour.

Cervejaria Ramiro

Dine at Cervejaria Ramiro for some of the best seafood in Lisbon. Scratch that. You’ll find the best seafood in Lisbon at this storied eatery.

What began as a beer bar in the 1950s is now one of the city’s best places for crab, lobster, and giant tiger prawns right off the grill. Don’t sleep on the steak sandwich, either.

BAHR – Barrio Alto Hotel Restaurant

A hotel restaurant as a must-try Lisbon spot? Yes.

It’s no secret Lisbon has some incredible rooftop bars, and BAHR also happens to serve up amazing cuisine in a stylish room with an amazing patio. Dishes like the Portuguese prawns rice and tuna toro ceviche are standouts.

Barrio do Avillez

Local icon José Avillez runs this Michelin Guide-approved food hall that’s popular with locals and visitors, alike. Why? There’s a great mix of stylish venues serving seafood, pizza, and classic Portuguese dishes indoors and on the patio.

Go to Taberna for inventive tapas and literally perfect cheese and charcuterie boards. 

Topo Rooftop Bar

Located at the top of an unassuming building near Martim Moniz train station, the panoramic views, hip locals, and delicious cocktails at Topo Lisboa are all reminders that Lisbon’s best bars and restaurants are often hiding in plain sight.

Read Next: Best Restaurants in Lisbon: Where to Dine in the Portuguese Capital

Expect to spend between £125 and £245 ($155 and $300) per day per person with accommodation on your Portugal trip on a mid-range budget. Add £120 to £345 ($147 to $425) if you travel to Portugal on a luxury basis.

Average Daily Costs 

• Hotel 
  • Mid-Range £65 to £142 ($80 to $175)
  • Luxury £162 to £406 ($200 to $500)
• Food – £4 to £16 ($5 to $20)
• Public Transport £1.29 to £5.68 ($1.59 to $7)
• Attractions – £4 to £9 ($5 to $12)
• Tours – £20 to £122 ($25 to $150)

Safety

When you visit Lisbon, know that it’s mostly a very safe location for tourists. But pickpocketing does happen, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation. 

If you’re walking alone at night, try not to separate from your group and stay in populated areas on the main streets if you are alone.

Health

Stay current on your standard vaccines, like chickenpox, influenza, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and COVID-19.

Tap water is safe to drink in Lisbon, but you may notice a higher mineral content than in some locations in the USA and Europe.

There are mosquitos with the Zika virus in Lisbon, but the risk factor is very low.

Tipping

Tip between 10-15% for excellent service in a restaurant on your trip to Lisbon.

I usually round to the nearest Euro or two if you’re having a cup of coffee or a cocktail. 2-3 Euros for a taxi is usually acceptable.

Read Next: A Handy Guide to Tipping in Portugal

Tips for travelling

1. Don’t hire a car unless you’re planning a Portugal road trip. Lisbon has excellent public transportation and inexpensive Uber fares.
2. Convert your cash to the Euro and carry it with you, as some smaller restaurants and bars don’t take cards.
3. Visit during the shoulder season (September and October) for milder temperatures and fewer crowds.
4. Bring your favourite walking shoes. The best way to see Lisbon and discover hidden gems is to walk – The City of 7 Hills lives up to its name.
5. Fit in a day trip to nearby Sintra or the wonderful beaches like the lively Praia do Guincho in Cascais. 

Read Next: Stunning Beaches in Lisbon You Have to Visit

How to see the best for free

Every Lisbon travel blog needs a guide to seeing the city on the cheap, right?

You can explore some of the most iconic spots, like the 15th-century Church of Santo Domingo and the gorgeous town square Praça do Commercio, for free. Or for just £3 ($3.70) you can climb up to the top of Arco Triunfal da Rua Augusta.

Want to see the best of Lisbon on a free tour? Visit pre-earthquake landmarks like São Jorge Castle and Lisbon Cathedral or check out the best of Belém on a guided tour with New Europe Tours.

Packing

Packing for your Lisbon trip? Don’t forget… 

• A copy of your passport or ID – it’s the law in Lisbon.
• Hydro Flask for Lisbon’s warm (often hot) weather.
• Comfortable sneakers for the hills in neighbourhoods like Alfama.

Lightweight tops, a sun hat, and a comfy pair of leggings.

Travel insurance

Even in a popular tourist destination like Lisbon, you never know when your luggage gets lost, your flight gets cancelled, or you end up with an unexpected medical emergency.

I use AXA Travel Insurance to give me some peace of mind when travelling just about anywhere.

Suggested guidebooks

• Lonely Planet – Pocket Guide to Lisbon neighbourhoods.
• Moon Lisbon & Beyond – Tips on the best things to do in Lisbon and the surrounding areas.
• Lisbon Like a Local – Advice on exploring small businesses and lesser-travelled areas.

Interesting facts

• Livraria Bertrand is one of the world’s oldest bookstores, dating back to 1732.
• The 25 de Abril Bridge looks eerily similar to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
• Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Europe (and the 2nd oldest capital).
• Though Lisbon Cathedral is more well-known, São Roque is famed for its record-setting cost of the gold, ivory, and other rare materials inside.

Handy phrases

Hello – Olá 

Goodbye – Tchau

Yes – Sim

No – Não

Please – Por Favour

Thank You – Obrigado

How Much Is – Quanto é

Good Morning – Bom Dia

Good Afternoon – Boa Tarde

Good Evening – Boa Noite

How Far is.. – Quão Longe é

Where is.. – Onde é

I Would Like – Gostaria

Excuse Me – Com Licença

Time zone

Western European Time (UTC +0, UTC +1)

From late March until the end of October, Lisbon changes to Hora de Verão (summer time), UTC+1.

Electricity and adapters

Lisbon uses Types C and F plugs. When visiting Lisbon, bring an international travel adaptor so you don’t have any issues charging your mobile devices.