The first thing a visitor should be aware of in coming into Lisbon is also how easy it is to get out of Lisbon. This means that the many attractions half an hour or so away are completely doable for a day trip. The ‘glorious eden’ as Byron called it, of Sintra is one such place. It is easily reached from downtown Lisbon and its Disneyesque Palace of Pena, romantic gardens of Monserrate and the old royal National Palace of Sintra are not to be missed.
The best things to do in Lisbon
Cafes
But first coffee, an essential part of daily life for all Portuguese. Brought from Brazil at the beginning of the 20th century, coffee soon gained cult status with many turn of the century cafes still visible on the streets of Lisbon today. One such is Abrasileira on Rua Garrett, its ornate gilded and mirrored interiors worth stopping in. Allegedly it was here, when it opened in 1905, that the Lisbon term for an espresso was coined. Bica or with a drop of cold milk, bica pingado, supposedly comes from beba isto com açúca – ‘drink this with sugar’ as coffee’s bitter taste took the Portuguese a while to accept.
From here you could head to the magnificent Praça do Comércio. Once home to the Royal Palace, visiting dignitaries would sail up the wide Tagus River and disembark here for their visit to the court. In one of the arcades that form three sides of the square (rebuilt by Marques de Pombal after the major earthquake in 1755) you will find Lisbon’s oldest café. Dating from 1782, pre-dating coffee in fact, Martinho da Arcada was frequented by the literati, especially Fernando Pessoa, one of the most influential literary figures of the 20th century, who here had his reserved table. There is also a bronze statue of him outside A Brasiliera, another frequent haunt of his.
Museums
There are also several Museums around the Praça do Comércio. Good for the first time visitor is the Lisbon Story Centre, an interactive museum which tells the turbulent history of the capital. But there are plenty of museums to choose from. Highly recommended is the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, one of the world’s most important private art collections, which straddles the centuries. It is closed to undergo a huge renovation from March 2025 until July 2026, but during that time more than 200 objects – the highlights of the collection – will be on display on the ground floor of the gallery. Tile aficionados will love the National Tile Museum – Museu Nacional do Azulejo – set in a 16th-century convent.
More museums such as MAAT, the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology can be found in Belém, a short ride away from the centre of Lisbon along the Tagus River. But the whole of Belém is a living museum, with the imposing Jerónimos Monastery at its centre. This, built in the early 1500’s from the riches brought home during Portugal’s Golden Age of Discovery, is the country’s best example of Manueline architecture in Lisbon. Pay a visit to the Tower of Belém too, just opposite which marked the departure point for the brave seafarers off on their explorations. Finish in Belém with a warm pastel de nata, dusted with cinnamon, otherwise known as pastel de Belém, for it was from the Jerónimos Monastery that the recipe first originated. It was passed to the Pastéis de Belém cafe, through a secret corridor some say.
Restaurants
If that has whet your appetite for more Lisbon food. You could sign up for a Culinary Backstreets tour which will give you invaluable insight into the influences and heritage of this cuisine. And of course, dip into the very vibrant food scene.
Gourmands should eat at Belcanto, where José Avillez lays bare the culinary soul of Portugal, Alma, for its introduction, courtesy of chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, to our bounty from the sea and Cura, for its dazzling contemporary Portuguese cuisine. For more casual fare but equally interesting try Prado and Canalha both from highly talented chefs who are keen to offer something more accessible, with a greater emphasis on home-cooking as opposed t0 plates tweezered into perfection. Then of course there is famous seafood restaurant, cervejaria ramiro, going strong since the 1950’s and a real institution in Lisbon.
But if you yearn, after a few days, for something other than Portuguese food, hot-foot it to kabuki lisboa, for seriously delicious Japan meets Portugal dishes or kick-back at an easy Italian such as Liberta Kitchen - Lisboa or go French at the dazzling brasserie aptly named Brilhante. Whereas once the choice was Portuguese or Portuguese there is now a rich variety of cuisine from continents near and far. Vegetarian options too are increasing and those interested should book at arkhe. In beautiful stone-walled interiors dishes here brim with flavour and humble ingredients reach new heights. Wine pairing is a must.
If you have tried the melt-in-the-mouth hams from the Alentejo region and want to buy some to take home, head to Manteigaria Silva. Here hams jostle with regional sheep or goats’ cheese, the best olive oils and a good range of Portuguese wines.
Shops
To shop homeware, in which the country excels, visit one of the many Vista Alegre stores. (If you are more interested in just looking, an exhibition of some 400 items that have marked the history of the brand are on display in the Ajuda Palace until May 2025, to mark Vista Alegra’s 200th anniversary). Here you will find not only the classic porcelain designs that typify Vista Alegre but also items from 19th century ceramic artist, Bordal Pinheiro, like the traditional green cabbage leaf plates. More contemporary homeware can be found in Costa Nova, where objects are minimalist in design but Portuguese in essence.
If you are a shoe lover, head straight to lachoix, where Portuguese designer Fatima Carvalho has created a treasure trove of possibilities. There are pony skin loafers, velvet slippers, multi-coloured leather penny loafers and more. Not only do they look beautiful, but these shoes are made to last and offer a blissful level of comfort.
Save room in your suitcase for the delicious soaps and scents of Clausporto, as much a part of Portuguese life as their custard tarts.
Architecture
That Lisbon was built on seven hills is as famous as the yellow trams that trundle up and down them. If you don’t want to hop on the no 28 tram which, though crowded with tourists, takes the strain off your legs as it passes many of the sights, you can just walk. Start in Alfama, the old Moorish quarter which brims with atmosphere, where you might hear the strains of Fado, the haunting music that was born in these streets. St. George’s Castle is here, one of Lisbon’s landmarks, its turrets standing proud against the skyline. Walking down from there you will find the Sé, Lisbon’s Cathedral, the oldest church in the city it dates from the 12th century. Church lovers should make a point of visiting Igreja São Roque, in Chiado. Its austere facade belies the ornate, gilded, interiors within, which really form an important collection of Mannerist and Baroque decorative arts.
Bars
After you have exhausted the streets of Lisbon, it is time to sit above them with a glass of Portuguese wine in one of the many rooftop bars. If you want a buzz to accompany the view head to the Sky Bar, for good cocktails and a great vibe. Quieter is the roof top on the Bairro Alto hotel, but the light is lovely as the sun goes down over the red roofs.
Beaches
Finally, you will have deserved a trip to a beach. There are many within easy reach of the centre. You can take the little train to Cascais, which trundles along the coast and takes about 30 minutes. There, there is the Praia de Rainha, or Queen’s Beach, which was chosen to be the private beach of Queen Amélia in 1889 and has been called that ever since. Near it restaurants abound, if you want to make a day of it. Alternatively, head out by car (or bus) to Costa da Caparica, a blindingly white sand beach which stretches almost 10 kilometres. Famous for its sunsets, there are several places from which to watch them from. A favourite of the chic Lisboetas is Praia Princesa, so book a table before you go and settle down with a glass of rosé in hand to toast how Europe’s second oldest city is so enticing to a 21st-century visitor.
