The capital of Portugal is home to iconic landscapes with pastel coloured buildings, ancient colonial ruins and cobbled alleyways making up the city. The city has postcard perfect views no matter which direction you turn with cinematic scenery, mountain backdrops and captivating architecture. Not only is the city famous for its beauty, the café culture and soulful fado music are also elements Lisbon is well known for. To top it all off, Lisbon also offers some of the finest beaches in Europe with the turquoise waters of the Atlantic lapping the golden sands of the city’s coastline. With Lisbon offering so much variety, you will be spoilt for choice with things to do and places to see.
Sample the City’s Finest Offerings at Time Out Market Lisboa
Featuring the best of Lisbon’s culinary scene under one roof, Time Out Market Lisboa is a one stop shop for foodies and one of the world’s largest gourmet food spaces. At home within a historic market hall, the market was created by Time Out Portugal and features twenty six restaurants, eight bars and dozens of shops. The market is also a trading spot for some of the city’s best market vendors whilst also offering a high-end music venue for entertainment purposes. The market is an exceptional place to dine, shop and even take a cooking class whilst also being the best place to sample Portuguese favourites such as Pastel de Belem and sardinhas assadas.
Hours: Daily 10am-10:30pm
Price: Free admission
Bargain Hunt at Feira Da Ladra
Feira da Ladra is Lisbon’s equivalent to London’s famous Portobello market or Madrid’s well-known El Rastro. As the city’s best flea market, Feira da Ladra takes place twice a week and sells an abundance of items including the quirky and unusual. Market browsing at Feira da Ladra is a fully immersive experience and is a great place to try out your haggling skills.
Hours: Tuesday’s and Saturday’s 9am-6pm
Price: Free admission
Admire the Sunset From Park
The unique rooftop bar of Park is one of the best places in the city to witness the sunset over Lisbon. Set at the top of a multi-storey car park, Park offers panoramic views over the city in a trendy and urban setting. The bar offers an extensive menu of classic cocktails, wine and beers whilst also serving up light bar bites to enjoy whilst admiring the magnificent sunset.
Hours: Monday to Saturday 1pm-2am
Price: Free entry, menu prices vary.
Visit the Striking National Palace
Built as a church but now home to the greatest artefacts of the golden era in Portuguese history, National Palace is stunning baroque monument that is one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks and a striking part of the Lisbon skyline. The National Palace is grand and elegant both inside and out whilst its dome offers one of the best views over the city. The National Palace also offers magnificent gardens providing the perfect combination of stunning nature and beautiful architecture.
Hours: Daily 9am-7pm
Price: From 8€ adults, 6.50€ children and under 6’s visit free
Explore the Stunning Jeronimo’s Church and Monastery
Jeronimo’s Church and Monastery is one of Lisbon’s most magnificent buildings. Built to commemorate Vasco de Gama’s return from India, the church contains the tombs of many influential Portuguese individuals including the poet Luis de Camoes and Vasco de Gama himself. The church has an eerie vibe with the light from the stained glass windows illuminating the tombs and is bursting with history. Meanwhile, the cloister is a work of art and a great place to capture atmospheric photos.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am-5pm
Price: 10€
Discover Incredible Modern Art at Museu Colecao Berardo
Home to two permanent collections and offering ever changing temporary exhibitions, Museu Colecao Berardo is the best place in the city to discover modern art. The museum features both the work of famous artists such as Picasso and Warhol alongside lesser-known Portuguese brilliance, a great gallery for art lovers to explore. The gallery also offers an educational programme and showcases the history of the development of modern art.
Hours: Daily 10am-7pm
Price: 5€ with free entry on Saturday’s and discounts for concessions
Stroll the Belem promenade
The Belem promenade is one of the city’s most picturesque locations to enjoy a walk. Overlooking the Tagus River, the Belem promenade is an idyllic place for a stroll with incredible river views, magnificent architecture and phenomenal buskers playing soulful fado music. The promenade runs right in front of the incredible structure of Belem Tower with Lisbon’s Ponte 25 de Abri Bridge in the background, a great place to enjoy the views and a pastel de nata on a summer’s evening.
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
Hop on Tram 28
Lisbon is well known for the iconic trams that run through the city offering experiences that are reminiscent of an old movie with wood décor, chrome finishing’s and the hissing of the tram breaks. Tram 28 is perfect as a sightseeing route taking in some of the best sights of Lisbon whilst climbing the narrow streets and hills of the city. With numerous stops on route, Tram 28 is great to hop on and off allowing you to explore the most scenic areas of Lisbon.
Hours: Runs daily 6am-10:30pm
Price: Single ticket 3€ and 24-hour unlimited ticket 6.40€
Relax at Praia Dos Galapos
Whilst Lisbon offers a wealth of incredible beaches, Praia dos Galapos is one of the best. Packed with natural beauty, Praia dos Galapos features forested slopes running towards the white sands and turquoise waters providing a stunning backdrop with excellent hiking trails. This section of coastline is pristine and offers a secluded bay with calm waters, perfect for snorkelling.
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
Enjoy the View From Sao Jorge Castle
Sao Jorge Castle is one of the most famous landmarks in all of Lisbon with the castles silhouette standing out and overlooking the city. Located at the peak of Lisbon’s highest hill, Sao Jorge, the castle can be admired both night and day and is one of the most iconic symbols of the city. The site is extensive with eleven towers and a museum to explore but the best part of Sao Jorge Castle is the unrivalled view from the top.
Hours: Winter 9am-6pm and summer 9am-9pm
Price: 10€ adults and under 12’s visit free
The stunning city of Lisbon uniquely offers it all, the best of both a beach vacation and a city break. Featuring a busy nightlife, ornate architecture and incredible tourist attractions, Lisbon is a destination where you can enjoy all the culture a phenomenal city has to offer and follow it up with relaxation on the beach and swimming in the ocean. With so much on offer, Lisbon offers something for everyone and every taste.
