There are a plethora of things to do in Lisbon Portugal to entertain yourself. I love Lisbon and have been several times.
The city has a vibrant nightlife, multiple neighborhoods to explore and the people are super friendly. But just in case you run out of things to do, this list should help you to keep your travel schedule full!
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1. Try Not to Get Lost
It is very easy to get lost in the cobblestone streets of Lisbon. Ask the hosts at your overnight accommodations for walking tour recommendations if you want to learn about the city’s history.
Joining a walking tour will also give you a better idea of which neighborhoods you want to take more time to explore. You can easily walk around without a guide but prepare to get lost within the winding streets. As long as you have a good pair of walking shoes to climb hills, you will be fine!
2. Load Up on Carbs and Sugar
Most of the pastries you will see in Lisbon are made of the same ingredients (flour, egg yolks, milk, and sugar), but displayed in different shapes and sizes. We ate a LOT of pastries in Lisbon and the only place we went back to twice since it was so delicious was Pastelaria Alcoa.
Of course, you can’t miss having a Pastel de Nata. They are found in almost every bakery, but we suggest Pastelaria Alcoa for the best version.
3. Get Up Close and Personal
The #28 Tram in Lisbon is a classic way to see the city. The only problem is that the tram gets very crowded. Prepare to be crammed inside a wooden tram armpit to armpit with other tourists if you visit during a busy time.
Your overnight accommodations can tell you where the closest place to catch the tram is located. Ride the line from one end to another. The tram is €3.00 one way, cash to be paid to the driver. The driver gives change but to speed things along try to have exact change.
4. Splurge on a Fancy Meal
Mini Bar is a restaurant owned by Michelin Star Chef Jose Avillez, who is a world-renowned chef with a passion for food science. It is very expensive in Lisbon (our meal with drinks was €100) but you get what you pay for. It was hands down our favorite meal in Lisbon. You must also make a reservation in advance.
5. Channel Your Inner Prince or Princess
Step back in time at the Castelo de Sao Jorge. It is a Moorish castle located within the hilltops of Lisbon.
The tram and Uber can only get you so close, so be prepared with walking shoes to make it up the very winding and steep hilly streets. It costs €8.50 per ticket to tour the castle grounds on foot.
6. Get Overwhelmed by Food Choices
The Time Out Market in Lisbon is a busy marketplace where you can take your pick of Portuguese dishes, and eat at communal tables. It can get very crowded so if you go with someone, have that person save seats while you pick out your food, and then switch places.
You don’t want to order a Portuguese steak and then have to eat it on your lap. I feel it was overpriced for Lisbon, but you can try several dishes without having to wander the city aimlessly looking for an authentic meal.
7. Take Shots of the Local Liquor
Ginja is a cherry liquor that you shoot in a small shot glass, or out of a tiny cup made out of chocolate. The #1 recommended place to drink it is Ginja Espinhera. A stronger version is also sold at a tiny spot called Ginjinha Carmo.
8. Head Towards the Clouds
There are a few public elevators located on hillsides that you can pay €3 – €5 to ride to the top to take pictures. If you happen to be going to Castelo de Sao Jorge however, you will see the same views from the castle that you will see from the elevator.
9. Dance the Night Away
Pink Street is where you want to go to dance and drink with the locals. This street (literally painted pink), comes to life after dark. It is full of bars, restaurants, and clubs serving refreshing cocktails and delicious Portuguese wines.
10. Ditch Lisbon for the Day
The perfect day trip from Lisbon is heading to the romantic city of Sintra. This city is located only a short train ride away from Lisbon. I have an entire post dedicated to Sintra, to read all about it.
11. Satisfy Your Sweet Spot (Again)
Fresh, homemade, and super cheap, the gelato at Gelato Therapy is divine. You may even get lucky and meet the owner who seriously loves his job and will tell you all about it!
12. Eat Sardines
You can’t visit Portugal or Lisbon without trying some Sardines. They are an easy snack to buy and take with you as you explore this amazing city.
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Such a great comprehensive post!