Eat, Explore, Experience: Your Guide to Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Lisbon, Lisbon…I want to go back! The architecture, the fresh food, the views-chef’s kiss! If you are thinking about a trip to Lisbon, Portugal then please keep reading because this has been one of my favorite destinations that I’ve traveled to thus far and it is soon to become your too 💖. I have 3 essentials for you:

• Where To Stay
• What To Eat
• What To Do

First let’s talk about talk about language… Do you need to speak Portuguese fluently to get around Lisbon??

Nope! Of course it never hurts to learn a few of the basics:

• Olá: Hello
• Bom dia: Good morning 
• Boa tarde: Good afternoon 
• Boa noite: Good night 
• Tchau: Goodbye 
• Obrigado/a: Thank you 
• De nada: You’re welcome 
• Por favor: Please 
• Sim: Yes 

but English is widely spoken so you’ll be all set if you didn’t brush up on your Portuguese.

Where To Stay: Top 5 Neighborhoods

Lisbon offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and vibe. Here’s a breakdown of the top 5 neighborhoods to help you decide where to stay.

Caution: You need to be told upfront, Lisbon is full of steep hills! Pack your sneakers because the mix of cobblestone and hills is crazy 😆. The beautiful city outweighs the hills but…just keep it in mind (There are plenty of Ubers though if you need).

1. Alfama

The oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, Alfama is known for its historic charm and picturesque streets. This is where we stayed and we loooooved it!

• Pro: Unbeatable old-world charm with narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, beautiful views and stunning views of the Tagus River.
• Con: The steep hills and stairs.

2. Baixa/Chiado

The heart of Lisbon’s downtown area, perfect for first-time visitors.

Pro: Central location with easy access to landmarks, restaurants, and public transport.

Con: Crowded with tourists, especially during peak seasons.

3. Bairro Alto

A lively neighborhood famous for its nightlife and vibrant energy and remember. it’s Bairro not Barrio.

• Pro: Endless bars and restaurants, ideal for night owls and social butterflies.
• Con: Noise levels can be high, especially late at night.

4. Príncipe Real

An upscale area with trendy boutiques, gardens, and a laid-back vibe.

• Pro: Quiet and elegant, perfect for those looking for a more relaxed stay.
• Con: Slightly pricier accommodations compared to other neighborhoods.

5. Belém

Rich in history, this riverside district is home to iconic landmarks like the Belém Tower.

• Pro: Perfect for history lovers and those seeking a peaceful stay near the river.
• Con: Farther from Lisbon’s city center, requiring more travel time to key attractions.

Each neighborhood offers a distinct experience, so choosing one depends on your preferences for location, vibe, and convenience. Personally, my stay in Alfama was unforgettable, and the charm of its streets made every step (and hill) worth it!

Our Airbnb

We stayed at the Loft de Luxo Airbnb and the pictures don’t even do it justice. This penthouse studio was our splurge of the trip and so worth it, mainly because the building included a uncommon luxury, an elevator, but also because the water view from the balcony, amazing ceiling, and 2 bathrooms (we like to have our own bathrooms if we can lol) were all A++. There was nothing better than coming back to an elevator after walking around the city the entire day and the location was perfect, a 5 minute walk from Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa) and lot’s of food. Now are there cheaper Airbnb’s there? Definitely, but if this is in your price range I highly recommend.

What To Eat

Ok so I know this non-specific but, eat everything! Everything we ate was so good and so fresh, especially the seafood. With all of the uphill walking that you’ll be doing, you’ll find plenty of room in your stomach to eat often.

Must-Try

• Fresh Seafood: I was tearing up some shrimp and seafood paella ok?! Lisbon’s coastal location means you’ll enjoy some of the freshest seafood imaginable so don’t miss out on that!
• Piri-Piri Chicken: A spicy, flavorful dish that packs a punch.
• Gelato: I just love a mango gelato anywhere I go 😆
• Pastéis de Nata: Listen, do not leave Portugal without trying these, we tried to bring some back but they got smushed lol I love flan/custard/pudding textured desserts though so I was all in.

Manteigaria: The Ultimate Pastéis de Nata Spot

Pastéis de nata is sold everywhere, there’s even a bunch of cooking classes available where you can make them yourself, but Manteigaria is where we found the best. There’s about 8 locations in Lisbon alone, we went to 2 of them and we were not disappointed.

• What to Expect: These custard tarts are warm, flaky, and have the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.
• Pro Tip: Watch the bakers in action through the glass wall and savor your tart fresh out of the oven, ideally with a sprinkle of cinnamon and powdered sugar.

The Time Out Market, Lisbon

This iconic food hall is a must-visit for foodies. It’s like a cafeteria full of crazy good restaurants and bars, there was so much variety (and they even have a Manteigaria).

• What to Expect: A curated collection of Lisbon’s top chefs and restaurants under one roof. You’ll find everything from traditional Portuguese dishes to international cuisine.
• Pro Tip: Try a little bit of a lot of things, you don’t want to get too full off of one place, but you can also go back another day!

Those are my 2 specifics, for everything else, we just tried a lot of restaurants that we passed by while walking through the city. You’re always steps away from multiple restaurants!

What To Do

Ok, you still with me? This is the best part because we need to talk about how to spend your time there…aside from eating (although you’ll probably be snacking between every activity). Lisbon is an incredible mix of old-world charm and modern vibrance, and there’s so much to see and do that you’ll never get bored. Whether you’re wandering the cobblestone streets, taking in jaw-dropping views from the city’s famous miradouros, or marveling at the city’s historic landmarks, Lisbon will have you falling in love over and over again. Let’s break it down so you don’t miss a thing!

Walk the Streets!

Wander through Lisbon’s charming neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto to soak in the cobblestone streets, colorful tiled buildings, and lively atmosphere. Every corner feels like stepping into a postcard, and the vibe is unmatched.

The Miradouros (Scenic Viewpoints)

There are miradouros everywhere! They are high points with a gorgeous view, some have chairs to sit and look out and some even have little cafes!

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

A romantic spot with gorgeous views of Alfama and the Tagus River. This was actually my fav one because of the little cafe, I had a sandwich and some wine while my husband enjoyed his newfound favorite beer (Sagres), it was just a vibe watching the sunset from there.

Pro Tip: Snap a photo with the bougainvillea-covered pergolas for the perfect Instagram shot.

Miradouro das Portos do Sol

Panoramic views of the Alfama district, complete with red-tiled rooftops, the Tagus River, and iconic landmarks—a perfect spot for photos and soaking in the charm of Lisbon.

There are so many miradouros all over the city so look them up and plan to visit several of them.

Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)

A must-see for all lovers of architecture (like me!), this iconic cathedral is one of Lisbon’s oldest landmarks and showcases stunning Gothic architecture. Take your time walking through and absorbing the peaceful atmosphere. It can get pretty crowded during the day though so go early if you want less of a crowd.

Praça do Comércio

This the heart of Lisbon’s downtown. We enjoyed some fresh shrimp and cocktails in one one the restaurants and did some people watching. Don’t forget to walk through the Arco da Rua Augusta and get some good pics.

Castelo de S. Jorge (St. George’s Castle)

This is mainly an outdoor activity and it started to pour down raining right as we arrived so we hung out and souvenir shopped as we waited for the sun. Afterwards we just ended up walking the area surrounding the castle which was actually fun. Wild peacocks roamed freely which was a surprise to us, and the castle grounds offer beautiful views of the city. If you want to shop for souvenirs, the surrounding streets have plenty of charming shops.

Santa Justa Lift

This ornate, 19th-century elevator is both a piece of history and can be a fun ride to stunning city views. Pretty in the day and night, we walked around the area at night and it was a pretty sight to see.

Pro Tip: Skip the elevator line and take the street-level entrance from Carmo Convent to get to the top for free, because that line can get very long and you might not want to wait that long for a few minutes of an elevator ride lol.

Belém Tower

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fortress is both picturesque and steeped in maritime history. It’s a bit of a trek from the city center but totally worth it. It was so beautiful here near the water. It was closed for entry because we were visiting on Easter and all national monuments were closed for the day, the Portugal is still open and bustling during that time.

Art Museums

Lisbon is a hub for art lovers like myself, there’s art everywhere, from murals, to tiles, to the colorful doors. There are a variety of museums showcasing everything from classic to contemporary works. One standout is the MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, located along the Tagus River. It looks so futuristic from the outside. Don’t miss walking along the museum’s rooftop for spectacular river views!

Sintra

Located only about 30 minutes from Lisbon by train (or Uber) this enchanting town feels like stepping into a real-life fairytale. I’m including Sintra in this blog post because it was hands-down one of the highlights of our trip, but it does require a bit of planning since it’s best experienced as a full-day adventure. From the colorful splendor of Pena Palace to the rugged charm of the Moorish Castle, Sintra is worth every step (and trust me, there are lots of steps).

If you want a more detailed breakdown on our day trip to Sintra then make sure you subscribe because it’s coming soon!

Pena Palace (Sintra)

One word: Fairytale, this palace in Sintra is a must. Its bold, colorful exterior is unlike anything else, and the interior is equally enchanting. It has amazing views too, of course.

The Moorish Castle (Sintra)

Another Sintra gem, this ancient castle offers incredible views of the surrounding forests and Pena Palace in the distance. It’s a medieval ruin that you can explore throughout, I’ve never been anywhere like it before!

Lisbon truly stole my heart, and I hope this guide inspires you to experience the magic for yourself. From the vibrant neighborhoods to the delicious food and breathtaking sights, there’s something here for everyone. Whether you’re wandering through Alfama’s charming streets, catching the views from a Miradouro, or indulging in a pastel de nata, every moment in this city feels unforgettable. If you’re ready to plan your own adventure, start with these tips and make it your own! And if you’ve already been to Lisbon, let me know what your favorite memories were—I’d love to hear about them in the comments!