We’ve been to Portugal many times in the past years but we never visited Lisbon. Wondering since the end of the summer if this would have had to be a weekend escape or not, we decided spontaneously to book a two ways flight to visit this city. We also caught the chance to celebrate ema father’s birthday and invited them to join.
At that moment of the year, when Autumn in Germany starts to be really grey and dark, visiting a colourful warm city was exactly what we needed. So at the end of September we took a plane and flew to Lisbon, to discover this incredible beautiful young city.
Beautiful reminders of places we’ve been and Loved in Lisbon
lose yourself in the
beauty of this city
In a Glance:
3+ days to visit the city
Best time to visit Lisbon : From end of March till end of October
Getting Around: Trams (the famous 28), Underground (also to get to the city from the airport) ticket is just 1.50 euro.
Currency : Euro
Language: Portuguese, most of people speak perfect English and spanish.
How to get here: mostly by plane, Lisbon Airport (LIS)
Get Around
Since the moment you reach the airport, you will directly understand that the best way to reach the city centre and to get around during the next days is with the underground and trams. To use them you will need to purchase a first Viagem Card, directly at the metro stations (also at the airport), that costs 0,50 euro that you can recharge every time you want with tickets. A normal ticket costs 1 euro, while the daily ticket is 6 euro. This ticket will also allow you to take the famous tram 28 and the Bica Tram.
+ In case you’d like to purchase the Lisboa Card, just you need to know it is 20€ more or less to use all kind of transports and many rides as you want, but you will also get free entrance to many museums and discounts in lot of other attractions. If you’d like to get your Lisboa Card in advance just click here below.
Where to Stay
Lisbon is not a giant city, although it is the capital of Portugal. It counts less then 600k people in the urban area. The most preferred neighbourhoods where to look for a place to stay are Alfama and Barrio Alto, for the typical old style buildings of Lisbon, or Baixa and Chiado, for downtown and the shopping area.
Honestly, we directly opted for an Airbnb, since we were looking for a place where 4 people could fit all together, in order to spend some more time with ema’s parents. This is the Airbnb we opted for.
Otherwise, a look around, and you will find what it fits the better for you.
If you never tried Airbnb before, use our code HERE to get a first discount on your booking!
Seafood and fish traditions
The most delicious and known Pasteis de Nata
For breakfast
For Lunch or dinner
For Aperitivo
Pasteis De Belem, for the most famous Pastel de Nata ever. Believe us! You want regret it at all… it is considered a must try when in Lisbon.
Pastelaria Alfama Doce, lost in the little streets of Alfama, in this typical pastelaria you will eat the best Pasteis de nata, really tasty and cheap! Try also the Pastel de Alfama and the coconut one!
Breakfast, for a perfect brunch, you will simply love the style inside!
Alpendre, better for a local dinner with fresh seafood, fish and good wine.
Cantinho de Sao Jorge, for more sofisticaste dinner but still not expensive at all.
Time Out Market, a food hall where you could enjoy a perfect lunch choosing from many different restaurants inside.
Portas do Sol (Rua São Tomé) to enjoy a wine or beer with perfect sunset view.
Pens Amor, located inside of an old brothel in a burlesque style
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Enjoy The Views from Miradouros
Wander around Alfama and Barrio Alto
Head to Miradouro Das Portas do Sol or Miradouro Sto. Lucia to enjoy the view over Alfama and the ocean behind.
Other Miradouros are Miradouro do Graça and Miradouro São Pedro de Alcantara.
Those places where all you need to do is wandering around, at your own pace.
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Take the Tram 28
Visit The Museu Nacional do Azulejo
Best way to get through old Alfama and discover all its old tiny streets is taking the Carris 28. Believe us! you will love it!
Is an art museum in Lisbon, dedicated to the azulejo, traditional tilework of Portugal.
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Take a ride on the Funicular Bica
Visit Belem Palace & Jeronimos Monastery
Drive the hill up using the Bica traditional funicular ( you can use the same Tram/underground ticket).
Best time of the day is at sunset, to then enjoy the sun going down at the Belem Tower.
on a day trip to Sintra
In a list of the top things to see in Lisbon, a day trip to Sintra is a must-do. Sintra is an hour by train from Lisbon. Trains depart from Rossio Station and price is 5€ go and back.
Arrived in Sintra, we suggest you to visit the Palacio Pena and Quinta da Regaleira. Also having a walk around the center of the village before going back to Lisbon will be more than pleasant!
Your trip to Sintra could come together with a stopover in Cascais! find here and example of the perfect day trip!
