Top 10 Things to do in Lisbon
Portugal is a dream trip… here are the things not to miss!
1. Day Trip to Sintra
Sintra is an easy 1 hour train ride from Lisbon, and you will get a full day to explore so many unique castles. This is a MUST do! It’s super simple to catch the train right from the heart of Lisbon. If you have a Lisboa card, this trip should be covered as part of that price. Once there – you have a full day worth of castle to explore. Whether it is the colorful Pena Castle or the super unique Quinta da Regaleira, there is something for everyone. Check back – because we will write a full guide on how to visit Sintra with all you need to know including how to get tickets and transportation.
2. Castelo de Sao Jorge
An expansive castle with incredible views of the city! Would be a great place for sunset as well with a little cafe and seating. Your Lisboa card covers your entrance to the castle, so skip the ticket line and just head straight to the entrace. The views from the top are really unmatched as you can see from the sea to the old town, and even into the new part of Lisbon. There is a nice museum and even peacocks roaming around as well. You can walk along the castle walls, or just sit and admire the views from the top of the hill over the old town.
3. Day trip to Belem
A half day in Belem is a great way to spend a day. It’s a short train ride, and you can check out the Jeronimos Monastery, the Tower of Belem and get Pasteis de Belem! The first two things are free with your Lisboa card as well, although whether we needed to show Lisboa card (monastery) vs use card to get a ticket (Tower) was a bit confusing! We did all 3 in just a morning and had a great time. It’s fairly easy to walk between each of the attractions and have great views along the coastline throughout. And the Pasteis de Belem may be our favorite pastry we had. It gets crowded there, so get there early. You can skip some of the waiting if you’re willing to get your Pasteis de Belem to go.
4. Drink Ginginja
This is so fun! You can get these at stores, or from random ladies selling them out of their homes. They come in a little chocolate or white chocolate cup and it’s a cherry flavor liquor. We found this so charming and loved meeting the ladies selling this. They usually cost about 1 Euro and were delicious. You can also buy small (or large) bottles of ginginja to take home with you.
5. Commerce Square
This is a huge square right on the ocean. Lots of restaurants and bars and just a nice place to hang out right on the water. There is an arch you can go up to the top of for even better views. This is another great place for sunset, or to stop for a drink at one of the many restaurants overlooking the square. The restaurants are a bit pricey and just OK, but we enjoyed stopping for a pitcher of sangria.
6. Carmo Convent
This is a former convent that was destroyed during the devastating earth quake in 1755. Some of the remains are still there and it makes for a really interesting place to walk around and take pictures. There is a small museum on site, and visiting only takes less than an hour.
7. Evening Lisbon Vibes
One of our favorite things to do in Lisbon was wandering the beautifully tiled streets in the evening. There was live music everywhere, good treats (e.g. gelato!), and the city looked beautiful at night. We have great memories of just getting lost in the streets and wandering around. The city really comes alive at night!
8. Pasteis de Nada or Pasteis de Belem
Get these every chance you get. I dream of these and can’t find them anywhere in the states… and when we’ve seen in other countries, they are not the same. They are about 1 Euro and delicious. We got them all day long! They are basically an egg tart, kind of like a croissant base and a custard filling.
9. Views from above Santa Justa Lift
This lift was RIGHT next to our amazing hotel. You can see our room on the 3rd floor here! There was music playing each night there. You can pay to take the lift up to the top, but it’s expensive. Or – you can walk to it from the top level and get the same views without paying! The views from the top are great, but even better when it’s free.
10. Wander Alfama
Wandering the streets of Alfama was a highlight. The streets are so charming, twisting all over the city with fun shops, restaurants and the occasional lady selling ginginja from her home. Great place for photography as well. You can also check out the Lisbon Cathedral while in this area. Plan for a good 1/2 day just wandering and getting lost in these beautiful streets.
What else did I miss that you loved?!
And check out our vlog for even more info!
