A Full Guide to Lisbon

Where to Eat

1. Pateo 13

   My favorite restaurant in Lisbon is this local restaurant patio in the old town Alfama. I first discovered this restaurant back in 2016 when my Airbnb host recommended it to me, and I went again this visit now in 2021, and it’s still just as good as I remembered! It’s a neighborhood spot that has a community feel, and it’s where I have eaten some of the best fish in my life. Go here and ask them what has been caught fresh, and enjoy a full meal of fish and sides and dessert and wine for a great price. Being in the old town Alfama, the patio is quite charming as well. I recommend walking around Alfama while you’re here, too! It’s my favorite area in Lisbon.

2. Cervejaria Ramiro

   This is the best spot for seafood! I had the best shrimp I’ve ever had in my life here. Be prepared to spend a good bit of money, but it is so worth it! I had my server recommend dishes to me, and he was a perfect guide. Everything I had from oysters to different types of shrimp were all to die for. Enjoy it with some Portuguese white wine, too, and you’ll have an incredible meal. *Tip: This place can get packed, so try to go on off peak hours, or be prepared to wait in line.

3. Prado

   Prado was one of the best meals I had in Lisbon. This is more of a creative and upscale restaurant with a well designed interior. Their dishes were unique and so so good. I loved everything I had here. I also recommend trying some of their Portuguese wine selection.

4. JNcQUOI Asia

   This restaurant is a bit upscale. It’s really well designed with unique and cool decor. Their cocktails are amazing and the service is incredible. I had some amazing sushi and dumplings here as well as delicious cocktails! The ambiance is such a vibe, too! Grab dinner here, reservations are recommended!

5. Nicolau Lisboa

   Lisbon is full of cute breakfast places, and Nicolau was my favorite. Their pancakes and juices are to die for. There is typically a line here, but it moves relatively quickly and is worth the wait!

6. Pastéis de Belém

   You can’t go to Lisbon without trying the famous dessert pastry Pastel de Nata. You’ll see Pastel de Nata throughout Lisbon, but you have to go to the most famous cafe for this dessert Pastéis de Belém and try it out. I guarantee you won’t be able to only eat one of these on your trip, it’ll become a daily dessert, and you’ll have zero regrets.

What to Do

1. Castelo de S. Jorge

   I’ve visited this castle every time I’ve gone to Lisbon. It’s cool to see some history and to climb up in the walls of the old fort. I also love it because it has a beautiful view up above the city. There are spaces to sit and relax on the grounds, too. You can spend hours just relaxing here. Also, if you’re lucky, you may see the castle’s peacock that roams the grounds.

2. Miradouro de Santa Luzia

   If you know me at all, you know I’m obsessed with overlooks. This one might just be my favorite in the world. Go here during the afternoon and relax in the garden. There’s always someone playing calm music to set the mood, and the view looks out over the city and the water below. I could sit here all day every day and be happy.

3. Tram 28

   One of the iconic images of Lisbon is Tram 28. This is a quick little outing you can do on your way somewhere else since it passes through the center of town and up into Alfama. Hop on and enjoy a ride through town, and make sure you snag a photo!

4. Sailing on the Tagus River

   There are plenty of tours that let you sail on the Tagus River. I loved this activity as it was a great way to get to see the city from the water, and it was a beautiful way to spend an afternoon. I did this through an Airbnb experience linked here - I had a great time and highly recommend it. (They also provide wine).

5. Convento do Carmo

   I’ve also visited this site every time I’ve gone to Lisbon. It’s just such a unique and ancient structure to see. In 2016, it was one of the things I remembered most, so I had to go back again this time to see it again. This is an old convent that now has an open roof. You can also check to see if they have concerts in the convent while you are there, but if not, you can still visit the tourist site during the day.

6. Watch Sunset at Cais das Colunas

   In the center part of town on the water there are Cais das Colunas. These are two columns at the base of stairs that go into the river. This is a beautiful spot for sunset. Sit and watch the sun go down over the river with a view of the bridge and gradients glowing across the sky.

Day Trips from Lisbon

1. Sintra

   Sintra is a couple hours drive from Lisbon. I went here on an Airbnb experience that I recommend. They will pick you up from Lisbon, and you get to see a couple different castles as well as some of the town in Sintra. My favorite one was Quinta da Regaleira which is a magical, mystical looking place like nothing you’ve seen before. This is a full day activity that I only recommend doing if you have enough time in Lisbon to take a day trip out. Make sure you also try Ginjinha, a cherry liquor that comes in a small chocolate cup while you’re there!

2. Horseback Riding in Melides

   One of my favorite things I did was renting a car and driving down to Melides to do a sunset horseback ride on the beach. On your way, I also recommend stopping in Comporta to eat. This is a new up and coming beach area in Portugal with some nice beach restaurants. Horeseback riding on the beach is beautiful in Melides as you get to see the sand dunes and nature as well as go down onto the beach. The company I booked the horseback riding through is linked here.