The only Lisbon itinerary you’ll need! Discover the best restaurants and sites with this curated list created by a fellow Portuguese American.
Downtown/Baixa – This is the most historic area in Lisbon. You can see ALOT here. Lisbon was ravaged by an earthquake centuries ago, and a lot of the downtown area is built over water, on wooden pillars. There is a plethora of history here, a lot to learn, you can spend days just wandering around our downtown. This is also where all the shopping/restaurants/ music is located. The downtown strip will take you right to the ocean, where you will see a huge beautiful arch, that was the entrance to the city to the sailors years ago.
Alfama – This is a very old area in downtown Lisbon where you can find the best live Fado. Fado is a music, specific to Portugal, that dates very far back. An evening, sitting outside in Alfama, watching live Fado – doesn’t get much better than that.
Tram – You’ll notice a major form of transport in the city is these electric trollies/trams. Tram 28 will really take you to all the tourist spots that you need to see/take pictures of in downtown. Lisbon is VERY hilly, so I suggest taking a ride on Tram 28 to see all the “must see spots” without punishing your legs. Catch the tram early, though, as it does get very busy.
Bonjardim – This is a restaurant in downtown that my family always goes to when we are there. They make our signature Portuguese BBQ chicken (typical dish). It’s down an alley, but most of the restaurants you’ll find in Lisbon are in alleys, it’s very very old city, and that’s what makes it beautiful. Be careful for the hot sauce, its spicy!
Cervejaria Ramiro – Seafood restaurant featured on Anthony Bourdain’s show. Extremely good food, but the wait is about an hour due to the popularity from the show. If you don’t feel like waiting, there are other “Cervejarias” on the same block, just a few hundred feet in either direction, that serve the same things. The wait is just about the TV fame, but you can eat anywhere on the same block for the same experience, if time is short. If you don’t mind waiting, then I recommend it, the food is great!
Belem – Next town over from Lisbon. There are a lot of different things to see here (Torre de Belem, Jeronimos Monistery, Discovery Monuments). Most Importantly – Pasteis De Belem. These are the most famous pastries in Portugal, and this is where they were created. There’s a restaurant called Pasteis de Belem across from the monuments, this is all they serve and coffee too, but mainly the pastry. This is where they were invented in 1837. MUST TRY! **Secret tip** Don’t wait in line outside, go inside and sit down where they’ll come to your table!
Costa da Caparica – Cool beach town about 20 minutes outside of Lisbon. If you go, try O Barbas Restaurant for seafood (Benfica Superfan).
Parque de as Nacoes –Formerly known as Expo 98, this area boasts a waterfront strip with a casino, restaurants, bars, arena, aquarium, and plenty of sites to see. You can kind of just wander along the water, it’s a nice spot to chill out. And you get a direct view of the Vasco da Gama bridge, the longest bridge in Europe
Cascais – Another Beach town about 25 minutes west of Lisbon. Known as the Portuguese Riviera, this old fishing town is nothing short of luxury. If you want to feel like you’re on vacation, Cascais will do it. Don’t forget to stop in Estoril on the way..
Castelo São Jorge – The staple Castle in Lisbon. Tram 28 will take you here as well. The Castle is on top of a hill and you can see the whole city from up there. You can pay for a tour of the castle, or just hang out in the courtyards for free, either way is a must see. You’ll be sure to see a peacock or two while hanging out up there.
Sintra – This is a town about 30 minutes from Lisbon, after Cascais. There are 2 Palaces there, Palacio de Pena and Monserrate Palace. The whole town is out of a medieval fairytale world. This is a must if staying near Lisbon.
Quinta da Regaleira – This is in Sintra as well. It’s like a magical fairytale Garden/property that some of the richest families in Portugal lived in over the centuries. Tons of caves, wells, mazes, and houses to see. Everything is extremely old, but preserved beautifully. It really feels like this magical land out of a book. You can spend a good 3 hours just walking around here. I would make it a point to check this out.
Azenhas do Mar – Amazing view point, over a beach near Sintra, with a natural pool at the bottom of a cliff. Words can’t do this place justice, MUST SEE.
Nightlife – Bairro Alto is probably the most lively part of town at night. You can hop from bar to bar, holding the same drink, no rules. Gets very crowded, but it’s a staple for the young crowd.