Welcome to Lisbon, where history, culture, and culinary delights await at every turn. Let’s explore this vibrant city together, discovering its hidden gems and iconic landmarks along the way. I had the opportunity to head back to Lisbon in March of 2024. The first time I went was in the fall of 2022 and it was for a travel nannying gig. Since I was working, I did not explore as much of Lisbon as I had hoped. Despite that, I was SO grateful to head back and have one of the BEST trips ever! Read more for inspiration, tips, and places to visit for your future trip to Lisbon’s capital!
Day 1: Immerse Yourself in Lisbon's Charm
If you are traveling on a budget, getting from Lisbon airport to the city center is a breeze. The metro station is right at the exit of the airport and all the stops are clearly labeled. You can tap your credit card when using public transportation making it super quick and easy to use. Home Lisbon Hostel is the perfect home away from home. It was a little difficult to find, but once you buzz in, you go to the second floor and into the lobby to check-in. If you arrive early, they have an open luggage room for you to leave your things. This hostel is truly the best in Lisbon and is perfectly located in the heart of Lisbon.
Once your things are dropped off, I advise you to wander around Lisbon. The energy in the air is intoxicating and it makes walking around all the more exciting. Our first destination was the Arco da Rua Augusta. This is the main square of Lisbon and is a very popular spot for tourists. We ended up eating at Squisito which had views of the Arc and the infamous statue, Praça do Comércio, in the center. This was a perfect spot for a bite to eat in the heart of the city. Afterward, I advise you to wander through the lively streets, exploring the quaint souvenir shops and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Don’t miss the opportunity to marvel at the architectural splendor of Arco da Rua Augusta and stroll down the famed Pink Street, where colorful umbrellas adorn the sky. This is an iconic spot in Lisbon, but note that it is fairly underwhelming. There are very few rows of umbrellas and there are restaurants on both sides of the umbrellas. When the restaurants are busy, it is difficult to take good pictures as people are constantly passing through.
The Time Out Market is another must-go spot. This market is filled with every type of food you can imagine. The first thing we tried was the famous Pastéis de Natas which were incredible. We also tried the croquettes. I, of course, had to indulge in gelato afterward as I always have a sweet tooth.
We ended up eating dinner at Home Lisbon Hostel which I advise if you decide to stay there. Mamma’s kitchen is in the kitchen of the hostel. It is clearly labeled as her area and it is where she cooks the meals. Mamma, the matriarch and culinary genius of the house, plays an integral role in making your stay unforgettable.
Mamma isn’t just any chef; she’s the mother of the hostel’s owner, bringing her warmth and passion to cooking every meal. With a heart as big as her pots, she’s been delighting family and friends with her delectable and nutritious dishes for years. I had the opportunity to meet Mamma and she really lightened up the room and made it feel like a big family dinner. This was a really authentic and cultural experience.
After dinner, immerse yourself in Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife scene with a bar crawl. The hostel hosts a bar crawl that is only available if you decide to stay there, but we opted to do a tour that we booked through Expedia. The bar crawl was worth the price and it was nice meeting people from all over the world. With the Expedia Pub Crawl Lisbon, you go to three bars and one nightclub. You receive two welcome shots from two bars and then you have an hour of unlimited beer and sangria which was a fantastic bang for your buck. The host did arrange drinking games and beer pong, but we did not participate in them as we were chit-chatting. Lastly, you get V.I.P. entrance to the nightclub which is nice as there is generally a cover. If you want to explore the party scene in Lisbon and are not sure where to go, a pub crawl is a nice way to see a variety of areas and places
Day 2: Discover Lisbon's Hidden Treasures
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Dear Breakfast. If you know you are going there, I advise you to make reservations as we had to wait 30 minutes for a table. The menu was incredible and they had a fantastic brunch option where you could taste a little bit of everything (IT WAS FANTASTIC!). You can get a coffee/tea, granola, an egg or pancake meal, a smoothie or juice, and a croissant. It was the perfect mix of everything! After breakfast, hop aboard the iconic pink bus 760. The public transportation system is easy to navigate and use. We opted to use cash.
The LX Factory is a creative hub filled with charming boutiques and quirky shops. This was a super cool area and we spent most of the day here. From book shops to rooftop bars to cinnamon rolls, there is a ton to do here. We loved the LX rooftop bar as you had wonderful views and the vibes were incredible. There are a lot of fantastic food options here so you can’t go wrong. Plan some time here to see everything!
Since we were there in March, the weather was unpredictable. It rained for a good portion of our trip. We had decided to walk up to the Castelo de S. Jorge for a panoramic view of the city, but you can only access the viewpoint with tickets. We also went when the castle was closed, so be sure to check the hours and to properly plan. Instead, we went to Miradouro de Santa Luzia for a breathtaking view of Lisbon’s terracotta rooftops. This is a MUST-GO spot. It was a quiet little spot, but the views here were incredible.
Fado music is an essential experience while in Portugal. Fado music is a traditional Portuguese genre characterized by its soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Originating in Lisbon in the early 19th century, fado is often described as the “soul of Portugal” due to its emotional depth and connection to the country’s culture and history. This is typically performed by solo singers accompanied by a Portuguese guitar. Fado songs explore themes of love, loss, longing, and the bittersweet realities of life. Fado is often performed in intimate settings such as cafes and taverns, where audiences can fully immerse themselves in its haunting beauty and profound storytelling. We listened to fado music at A Baiuca. Making reservations is essential and it was super difficult to find out how that is done. I ended up DM’ing their account on Instagram and I imagine you can do that too. This is a wonderful experience and is something you should plan for in advance.
Day 3: Dive into Lisbon's Cultural Tapestry
Start your day with breakfast at The Reception Brunch. They have wonderful food and it is located in the Alfama District which is a popular neighborhood of places and food. After breakfast, take the time to absorb the area. I advise you to wander a bit. See where the roads take you.
After roaming R. Augusta Street, we ended up getting lunch at Bueno y Guapo. My friend and I both got the chicken tacos, and they were so perfect for what we wanted. We were both beyond satisfied. The staff was very friendly and the atmosphere was very welcoming. Since the weather was questionable, we sat inside, but they had a cute outdoor seating area as well. They have a large menu with brunch options, Mexican food, and honestly, any food you’re craving, they have it!
After eating, continue to adventure. We ended up at Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora, a breathtaking monastery nestled in Lisbon’s historic Alfama district. This architectural marvel dates back to the 12th century, with stunning features like its ornate façade and intricate tilework. Step inside the Church of São Vicente to admire its beautiful altars and paintings, or wander through the serene cloisters adorned with traditional Portuguese tiles. We were amazed by the tiles and the vibes from the rooftop were incredible. Since it was a less touristy spot, we relaxed and took in the views for a while. Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Portugal’s capital and I highly recommend you visit.
As your trip comes to end, I recommend you continue to discover the hidden gems of Lisbon.
Top Things To Do In Lisbon
Part of my personal planning for the trip was researching the top places and things to do in Lisbon. Since I was only there for 3 days, I tried to do as much as possible while also taking the time to enjoy the place and be present on my vacation. See below my list of things to do while in Lisbon:
- Explore Alfama District: We did this a lot especially since the Home Lisbon Hostel is looking in this neighborhood. This is Lisbon’s oldest district, known for its historic charm, vibrant colors, and stunning viewpoints.
- Visit Belém Tower: Discover the iconic Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and delve into Portugal’s maritime history. We did not do this, but I did go to Belém Tower the first time I visited. I did find this slightly underwhelming and it is a little far from the city center.
- Indulge in Pastéis de Nata: These are Portugal’s famous custard tarts and they are incredible! I was very impressed by these pastries and they are sold all over Lisbon. The Pastéis de Belém bakery is known for having some of the best Pastéis de Nata so if you end up over there, definitely try them out. This was originally on our itinerary, but we had a later start Sunday.
- Experience Fado Music: Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring melodies of Fado, Portugal’s traditional music, by attending a live performance in one of Lisbon’s atmospheric Fado houses. I recommend A Baiuca for its cozy and authentic setting, but there are tons of places to choose from.
- Visit São Jorge Castle: Explore the historic São Jorge Castle, perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of Lisbon and a glimpse into the city’s rich medieval past.
- Take a Tram 28 Ride: Hop on Tram 28 for a scenic journey through Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods, including Graça, Baixa, and Alfama, showcasing the city’s diverse architecture.
- Discover LX Factory: Experience the trendy LX Factory, a creative hub in a former industrial complex, featuring art studios, unique shops, and trendy restaurants. This is a must and the LX Factory has lots of things to do there, this can easily be a half-day or full-day adventure.
- Day Trip to Sintra: Escape to the enchanting town of Sintra, just a short train ride from Lisbon, and explore its fairy-tale palaces and lush gardens, including the colorful Pena Palace. We did not get a chance to visit Sintra, so I cannot personally say anything about the area, but I have heard many good things.
In Lisbon, every corner holds a new adventure, waiting to be discovered. Soak in the sights, flavors, and sounds of this vibrant city, and let its timeless charm leave a lasting impression on your heart. Enjoy unraveling your trip to Lisbon!
Not all those who wander are lost – TTT
