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Seasons – Must-Dos and Specials
In the summer, Lisbon is full of life. Rooftop bars, open-air festivals, late sunsets, and outdoor dinners are all the rage. Don’t miss the Santos Populares (the June street parties) street in Alfama. It’s the perfect time for a sunset boat tour along the Tagus River or a day trip to the beach in Cascais. The Time Out Market comes alive on warm evenings, and rooftop bars like the one at the Hotel Mundial glow during the golden hour.
Autumn brings a golden calm to Lisbon. It’s still sunny, but the weather is softer and slower. It’s festival season, with the Doclisboa International Film Festival drawing film enthusiasts from around the world and the Lisbon Architecture Triennale transforming the city into an open-air design laboratory. The Lisbon Marathon, one of Europe’s most scenic races, brings runners to the streets. It’s also the perfect time to wander through Sintra’s castles without the crowds.
Winter in Lisbon still has mild temperatures. The Natalis Fair at FIL brings festive spirit with its gifts, food, and designs. Christmas markets light up squares across the city, from Rossio to Campo Pequeno. As the year comes to a close, locals and travelers gather at the Praça do Comércio for fireworks and live music on New Year’s Eve. Then, warm up in cozy bars like Red Frog Speakeasy or Black Sheep, where Lisbon’s charm feels most intimate.
As the days grow warmer and the jacarandas bloom, Lisbon awakens in color and sound, and the festivals return. Peixe em Lisboa (Fish and Flavors) celebrates the city’s seafood heritage with top chefs and tastings, and Fado Fest fills intimate venues with Portugal’s traditional music. The season is perfect for strolling between miradouros, such as Graça and Santa Luzia, or enjoying dinner at Senhor Uva and The Green Affair.
Our 3 Must-Dos
All Landmarks, Activities and Spots
Castelo de São Jorge
Take a walk along the walls of a large 11th-century Moorish castle and enjoy panoramic views of Lisbon’s red-tiled rooftops. The castle is located in the freguesia of Santa Maria Maior and can be reached by a special bus or on foot by walking up the hill.
Garrafeira Nacional
Portugal’s largest wine store is home to one of the world’s most valuable collections of vintage and rare wines. It offers a vast selection of port, Madeira and whisky. Visit the small museum and be advised by friendly and knowledgeable service.
Rua Agusta Arch
Marvel at the famous triumphal arch overlooking a huge, royal-looking square on the Rio Tejo. The neoclassical archway is a symbol of Lisbon’s resilience after surviving several natural disasters in 1755.
Museu do Fado
To experience the rich musical culture of Portugal visit the Museum to learn everything bout the UNESCO-recognized art form, and gain insight into the soul of Lisbon. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday. It is at its emptiest right after opening at 10 in the morning.
Praça Luís de Camões
The town square between Chiado and Bairro Alto is a must, with a huge statue of the poet Luís de Camões. It is surrounded by many restaurants and Manteigaria, a small café serving incredible pastel de nata that you definitely need to try. From here, you can easily explore the city’s wonderful streets.
Miradouro da Graça
If you feel motivated in the morning to start the day right, combine this with the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte for the perfect morning run. The view over all of Lisbon’s central districts and the bridge to the west also makes for an incredible sunset.
Jardim Guerra Janqueiro
This beautiful green park is located away from the centre, providing the perfect place to enjoy the sun and truly relax on holiday, with bird sound in your ear. Admire waterfalls and greenhouses filled with an assortment of plants. There are also numerous playgrounds for children.
Miradouro de Santa Lucia
A terrace decorated with typical blue and white tiles, located in a cute park, is the Perfect place to watch the sunset over the Tejo River. The viewpoint is centrally located in Alfama, so it’s easy to combine with an evening stroll.
Jardim Roque Gameiro
Take a stroll through Jardim Roque Gameiro Park near the river and enjoy the atmosphere, which is especially fantastic in the evening. There are many opportunities to have a drink on the promenade and enjoy life.
Feira da Ladra
Visit the large flea market at Campo de Santa Clara on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Enjoy good food and discover hidden fashion treasures, accessories or beautiful gifts for your loved ones back home. Or simply lose yourself in the cultural atmosphere of this fascinating array of goods.
Unrushed Stroll
Sometimes, the best plan is no plan at all. Strolling through Bairro Alto and Chiado in Lisbon in the evening is the perfect way to experience freedom, whether you’re enjoying the vibrant nightlife, stumbling upon live fado music, or simply taking in the city’s atmosphere after dark.
LX Factory
Explore the modern creative hub, which is based in a 19th-century textile factory. You’ll find modern shops, street art, restaurants, vintage stores and cultural events like the sunday market. It’s the perfect place to experience Lisbon’s evolving urban culture.
R. de São Marçal
Take a stroll along the streets and enjoy the quieter, perhaps even more beautiful, streets than those in Baixa and Bairro Alto. It’s a younger, more relaxed neighbourhood that is not overrun by tourists, yet still has amazing places to offer, such as Jardim Fialho de Almeida and the beautiful, classic housefronts.
A Sunset Boat Tour
Experience Lisbon from the water and enjoy a fantastic time with friends on a boat tour with live music and drinks. Get up close to the famous Ponte 25 de Abril and watch the sun set over the city, transforming the sky into a true work of art. Meanwhile, Cristo Rei shines behind you.
Lisbon Winery
Enjoy an excellent wine tasting focusing on unique, indigenous grape varieties and regional wines, guided by a true wine enthusiast whose passion will undoubtedly rub off on you. You will be given some of the finest port wines in the world.
Lisbon Adventure Park
A treetop adventure in another country is definitely something you won’t forget in hurry. Go on a safe adventure with ziplines and floating obstacles set directly in nature, and have a great time with your friends or family. It will also make you appreciate the ground we stand on every day.
Rooftop Bar – Hotel Mundial
Enjoy some great cocktails with music in the background while taking in the panoramic sunset views of Lisbon, including the Rio Tejo and the Castle. If you’re looking for a chic and memorable atmosphere, this is the perfect spot.
Cascais
You got to take a day trip to Cascais! It’s a charming coastal town with golden beaches and a picture-perfect harbor. It’s just a 45-minute train ride from Lisbon along the coast, so it’s super easy to get to! And you arrive in the beautiful region called Portuguese Riviera.
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
Visit the impressive late Gothic monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Lisbon’s most stunning sights. Built in the early 16th century, it is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture and located in Belém. Combine visiting the monastery with the Tower of Belém.
Sintra
It’s unlike anywhere else in Portugal: a blend of fairy-tale palaces, lush forests and dramatic hills, all squeezed into a small town just 40 minutes from Lisbon. Explore the colourful, romantic Pena Palace or the ancient, stone Moorish castle, then unwind in the mystical gardens of Quinta da Regaleira.
Our 3 Golden Food Tips
All Food Spots
Bike Bakery
Take a walk along the walls of a large 11th-century Moorish castle and enjoy panoramic views of Lisbon’s red-tiled rooftops. The castle is located in the freguesia of Santa Maria Maior and can be reached by a special bus or on foot by walking up the hill. The brioche buns are incredible — you have to try them!
Manteigaria
Try a pastel de nata, the traditional Portuguese pastry: a sweet pastry with a buttery crust and creamy filling, topped with a slightly crispy, caramelised coating. A pro tip is to sprinkle some cinnamon on top to make it even better. Manteigaria is one of Portugal’s best places to try one.
Breakfast Lovers Misericórdia
Start the day with fresh food. This uniquely designed spot is simply perfect. Fruit bowls, coffee and Mediterranean twists, all healthy and delicious. The guacamole eggs Benedict and smoked salmon are amazing. It’s only a couple of minutes away from Praça Luís de Camões.
O Prego
This is the place to try the traditional Portuguese steak sandwich, made with thinly sliced, tender, marinated pork, onions and a special mustard sauce. There are also many other sandwicah fillings to choose from, such as tuna. It’s inexpensive, too. You should definitely try one when you’re in Lisbon.
Dear Breakfast
A trendy brunch spot in Santa Catarina in a bright room with old stone arches that give the whole place a cave-like feel. It has everything you need for brunch, from good cappuccino to delicious pancakes and the popular Eggs Benedict. The whole place definitely has Instagram potential, perfect for some beautiful photos.
Antikuario Cafe
This small local gem is an antique shop with amazing food and a cozy atmosphere. Try the prawn bruschetta, but all the starters are phenomenal. If you like octopus, you’ll love it. Due to its small size, it’s best to reserve a table.
+351 2135-327-19
Mercearia do Século
This family-run restaurant is in a small side alley in Bairro Alto. Although the menu is small, everything from the starters to the incredible desserts is almost perfect. They also serve excellent Portuguese wines. And it’s all reasonably priced. It’s best to make a reservation in advance.
Adega das Gravatas
Hidden in a residential area far from the city center is a real treasure that is only visited by Portuguese people. The recommended dish is the Naco Novilho Na Pedra—a steak cooked on a stone. However, don’t expect the waiters to speak English.
O Vinhaça
A small tapas restaurant near Castelo de S. Jorge in Alfama, the oldest part of Lisbon. It’s a little pricey, but offers fantastic seafood and wines. If you’re visiting during peak hours, it’s best to reserve a table.
Lupita
Enjoy delicious Neapolitan-style pizzas in a welcoming setting, which can get rather crowded. If you want to sit in the award-winning restaurant, be prepared to wait pretty long, as reservations are not available. If you’re ordering takeaway, you’ll also have to wait, but not as long. It’s also the best way to experience the trendy neighbourhood near the water.
+351 935 002 182
A Minha Avó
This restaurant is located outside the city center and specializes in vegan Portuguese dishes. The prices are quite reasonable, especially when you consider the quality of the food. Although it’s a bit of a trip from the city center, it’s worth it if you’re looking for a vegan gem.
The Green Affair Saldanha
A modern, popular spot, perfect for high-quality plant-based cuisine. There are three Green Affairs restaurants in Lisbon; I liked this one the most, but they are probably all excellent. The cauliflower wings are amazing — some of the best vegan food I have ever eaten! If you want a table rather than takeaway, book in advance.
Senhor Uva
This is an intimate and cozy natural wine bar. It offers seasonal and local dishes that are presented in an elegant way, all under a ceiling that is decorated with wine corks. The staff were great, too — you could tell they were passionate about their restaurant. It’s the perfect spot for vegetarians, but non-vegetarians will also be delighted by the food and wine.
Taberna da Rua das Flores
This excellent tapas bar is tucked away in a small side street off Praça Luís de Camões. The exceptional service will select the perfect combination for you from the daily changing menu. The simple ambience, combined with a good wine selection, makes dining here the perfect way to spend an evening. However, only cash is accepted.
Lisbon Tu e Eu
A trendy, charming little seafood restaurant in Alfama which is not yet on many people’s radar. The fresh fish, especially the octopus, is absolutely mind-blowing, as is the cold sangria. Even though it has nice outdoor seating, it still gets very crowded, especially in the evenings, so arriving early is highly recommended.
La Malqeurida
A Mexican taco restaurant in the western part of the city that offers a wide variety of tacos. The ones with mushrooms and birria are particularly good. Between 6 and 7 p.m., you can get tacos for only €1, but you’ll have to wait a little longer in line because this is very well known, especially among young people
Bonus
2 Bars – 2 Types – Exclusivity and Authenticity
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Red Frog Speakeasy
stylish • oldschool• classy
Ring the bell under the red frog to enter the hidden bar which was one of the world’s top 50 2022.
Black Sheep Lisboa
cozy • daily wine menu• regional
Small natural wine bar and shop in the Praça das Flores. With by the curated daily changing wines.
Budget Tips
Uber Is Super Cheap
Lisbon Card
Top Handpicked Stays
Quick Visa Overview
EU/EEA, UK, US, Canada, Australia and Japan citizens can visit Lisbon visa-free for up to 90 days. Just bring a passport valid for at least three months beyond your stay. Others must apply for a Schengen (short-stay) visa.
Google Maps & PDF
Google Maps List
Whale Wisdom
How To Experience Really Local Vibes
The obvious one. But for some, it might be the hardest. Just talk to people who “look local” and ask them for their favorite nearby restaurant.
Learn basic phrases before you go. You will be surprised at the number of smiles and open doors that will result.
To really meet a lot of locals, attend a typical sporting event. Ideally, attend a sporting event that is typical of that country.
Be brave! Leave the city center and experience where people live, what they do, what they eat, and what they love. Sometimes, running without a plan is the best plan.
Ispiration Lists – For Your Wanderlust
Plovdiv
The second largest Bulgarian city has a rich history, reflected in its architecture.
Argos
Ancient city in south-eastern Greece. A major Mycenaean civilisation centre and Sparta rival.
Shkodra
A historic city in northern Albania, known for its religious diversity, rich culture and scenic location.
Athens
The capital of Greece is an important cultural, financial, and political center.
France
A wine culture that focuses on enjoying wine with meals and appreciating its history and connection to place.
Italy
Wine in Italy is all about wine being a part of daily life, tradition, and family and community.
Australia
Australian wine culture is known for its diverse climates, regions, and blend of tradition and innovation.
Portugal
Portugal’s wine culture is rich and diverse, from famous Port and Vinho Verde to unique local wines.
Make It Better
together • ideas • teamwork makes the dream work