Lisbon, Portugal
Overview
Lisbon captivates with its historic neighborhoods, charming pastel buildings, and stunning views of the Tagus River. Ride Tram 28 through the twisting streets, savor fresh seafood by the waterfront, and experience Fado music in a traditional tavern for an unforgettable Portuguese adventure.
Best Time to Travel
Best Months
Spring and Fall
Pleasant weather conditions
Months to Avoid
Check local weather patterns
Consider visiting during other months
Peak Season
Summer months
Expect larger crowds and higher prices
Top Things to Do
Recommended Hotels
The Independente Hostel & Suites
Bairro Alto
A stylish hostel offering both dorms and private suites, featuring a rooftop bar with stunning city views. Great for budget travelers who don't want to sacrifice style.
Lisbon Destination Hostel
Baixa
Located inside a historic building near Rossio Square, this hostel is known for its social atmosphere and unique interior design. It's a fantastic place to meet fellow travelers.
Hotel Borges Chiado
Chiado
A charming mid-range hotel with a classic design, situated in the heart of Chiado. Enjoy easy access to shops, restaurants, and theaters.
Memmo Alfama - Design Hotels
Alfama
A chic boutique hotel in Alfama, offering stylish rooms and a rooftop terrace with a red-tinged infinity pool overlooking the Tagus River. Experience modern design in a historic neighborhood.
Valverde Hotel
Avenida da Liberdade
A luxurious boutique hotel on Avenida da Liberdade, featuring elegant rooms, a serene courtyard, and personalized service. Indulge in a sophisticated and intimate experience.
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
Marquês de Pombal
An iconic luxury hotel offering breathtaking views of Lisbon, impeccable service, and world-class amenities, including a rooftop running track and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Experience the epitome of luxury and grandeur.
Recommended Restaurants
Cervejaria Ramiro
Seafood
Intendente
A Lisbon institution, Ramiro is famous for its fresh seafood, served simply and perfectly. Be prepared for a wait, but it's worth it for the prawns, clams, and lobster.
Time Out Market Lisboa
Various
Cais do Sodré
A bustling food hall with stalls from some of Lisbon's best chefs and restaurants, offering a wide variety of cuisines and price points. Perfect for trying multiple dishes and experiencing the city's culinary scene.
A Cevicheria
Peruvian
Principe Real
A modern and stylish ceviche bar offering creative and delicious Peruvian dishes. Expect fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors.
O Trevo
Local Cuisine
Cais do Sodré
A no-frills, budget-friendly spot known for its bifanas (pork sandwiches). A classic Lisbon experience for a quick and tasty bite.
Pharmacia - Felicidade
Portuguese/International
Chiado
Located in a former pharmacy, this restaurant offers a creative menu with a mix of Portuguese and international influences. Enjoy the unique ambiance and beautiful garden.
Belcanto
Fine Dining/Modern Portuguese
Chiado
A two-Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef José Avillez, Belcanto offers an innovative and unforgettable tasting menu showcasing the best of Portuguese cuisine with a modern twist. A true culinary experience.
Interesting Facts
Fact 1 - Lisbon is older than Rome, dating back to around 1200 BC, when it was settled by the Phoenicians, who called it 'Olissipo'.
Fact 2 - The devastating 1755 earthquake, followed by a tsunami and fire, destroyed much of Lisbon and its impact led to significant advancements in seismology and disaster planning.
Fact 3 - The Vasco da Gama Bridge, spanning the Tagus River, was the longest bridge in Europe when it opened in 1998, stretching over 17 kilometers (10.6 miles).
Fact 4 - Lisbon's iconic Tram 28, a vintage streetcar, navigates some of the city's steepest and narrowest streets, with its brakes being used on average 1,400 times per day.
Fact 5 - During the 'Santos Populares' festivals in June, entire neighborhoods are decorated, grilled sardines are consumed en masse, and people dance in the streets well into the night, celebrating their patron saint.
Fact 6 - Beneath the bustling streets of Lisbon lies the Roman Galleries, a network of ancient Roman structures, only occasionally opened to the public due to flooding concerns.
Fact 7 - Fado, Lisbon's soulful and melancholic musical genre, is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Fact 8 - Lisbon has a 'Peanut Pavilion' (Pavilhão do Amendoim) built for the 1940 Portuguese World Exhibition, meant solely for the display and sale of peanuts, and it still stands today!