The best things to see in Lisbon as a tourist
Lisbon, Portugal is one of the most visited cities in the World for many reasons. The Portuguese capital is one of the most unique and charming cities and the weather is always great, so Lisbon really is perfect for a weekend getaway. In this article our travel experts will give you their tips for the best things to do in Lisbon.
Enjoy a Pastel de Nata in Belem
That’s not an unusual thing to do in Lisbon, but that’s our favorite! Eating a Pastel de Nata in Lisbon is the perfect way to kick off your trip. That egg pastry is probably the most know Portuguese food, and trust us, for a good reason. Many bakeries and shop sell them, so they won’t be hard to find. Head over to Belém, a historic Lisbon neighbourhood, to try the original one at bakery Pastéis de Belém. While you’re there, make sure you check out the Torre de Belém, an amazing landmark located by the sea.
Lisbon Center City and Tram 28
Make sure you spend some time exploring the city center, which you can do by foot or by taking the famous Tram 28. It goes through the most popular neighbourhoods of Lisbon such as Graca, Alfama, Baixa and d’Estrela. Tram 28 is a very picturesque and fun way to explore the city center. Take half a day or a day to walk your way and check all the shops, restaurants and bars the city has to offer. Also consider booking tickets for a city tour organized by locals.
Get a view of the Lisbon Bridge
One of the most notorious Lisbon landmarks, the 25 de Abril Bridge is not dissimilar to the San Francisco’s Golden Gate. They were not designed by the same architect but are both located in similar sismic areas which explains part of their design.
On the city side, a good spot to admire the bridge is El Miradouro de Santa Catarina, from which you can see the bridge and enjoy the sunset. Alternatively, you can also see it from the Cristo Rei monument where you’ll get an even better view.
The Elevador de Santa Justa
As we’ve said, the Portuguese capital is a very hilly city. Therefore, one way to get from one part of the city to another is by using… an elevator! Yes, an elevator, but not quite like the ones you’re used to. From gothic inspiration, The Elevador de Santa Justa is a famous landmark in the city. It’s a great way to save yourself from hundreds of steps, and the top terrace offers amazing views over the city.
Enjoy a sunset
Make sure you save yourself some time to admire a sunset in Lisbon. As the city is very hilly, there are some very cool spots to chill and admire the sun setting down. Our favorite sunset spots are The Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and El Miradouro de Santa Catarina. Those a chill places where you can get a drink while enjoying the sunset.
Portuguese food at Time Out Market Lisbon
One of the main tourist attractions in Lisbon is the Time Out Market, which hosts 40+ food stalls from local Portuguese chefs. All in the same place, you’ll find a variety and spectrum of what Portuguese cuisine is. It’s also a fun place to grab a drink as it’s home to a few bars.
Check out the Lisbon Museums
Lisbon is home to many great museums, including the National Azulejo Museum, a museum highlighting an impressive Tiles collection, a very important aspect of Lisbon’s architecture. Others include the MUDE (Design and Mode Museum), the MAAT (Museum of Architecture and Technology) or the National Museum of Ancient Art. These are only a few of the museums in Lisbon, highlighting the city’s history, architecture and art.
From Lisbon to the beach!
While there aren’t any proper beaches in Lisbon, it’s easy to find beaches near the city. You can rent a car to drive around and visit multiple ones, and better yet you can even access some of them using public transport. If you intend on using public transport, Praia de Carcavelos, Praia da Conceição and Costa da Caparica are all reachable from central Lisbon in less than 45 minutes.
If you have a car, Praia do Creiro, Praia de Guincho and Praia da Ursa are the nicest and are less than 50kms from the city.
Already visited Lisbon? Why not check out our guide of the best things to do in Barcelona!
