The Best Things to See, Do, & Eat in Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is one of our all time favorite places to explore, eat, relax and just be. The city is absolutely stunning with vibrant tiled streets and buildings, and rolling hills that will make you think you're in San Francisco. If you're looking for tapas, pastries, and wine, then I don't think you'll find better. We stayed in Lisbon for 3 weeks with friends and family and would love to return some day. Here are our favorites!
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Restaurants
This is where we truly fell in love with cardamoms, and now we are obsessed. The coffee is fantastic too. Grab breakfast and chill for a bit.
If you have your pup with you, they are also dog friendly. In fact, I think they should offer a discount for dog owners since they tend to scare away the pigeons trying to sneak in.
Lovely small, Portuguese restaurant with delicious tapas and wine. Make a reservation because they fill up fast!
We LOVED this place and took 3 different groups of friends and family here. They offer a tasting menu of everything you could hope to of Portuguese cuisine and make you feel at home. Did I mention unlimited dessert?
Well hidden, tiny restuarant but mighty. This tapas place has delicious, fresh ingredients, friendly staff and great food.
Do your best to make a reservation here, you won’t regret it. The staff are super friendly and make you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a true hidden gem.
Wood-fired pizza that is delicious! Sit in or take it to go. You might even have time for a drink while you wait for your pizza to go in the square.
Load up on 1 Euro Tacos! 6-7pm And they are really good tacos!
If you're looking for something on the healthier side, but still tasty, then this is the spot! This location is massive. They offer free internet, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and the food is amazing. They are also dog-friendly!
Best pizza in town and unbeatable price. A jumbo, wood-fired pizza with option of all 10 toppings, that’s cooked to order and it’s all for under $200 pesos ($10 USD). Make sure you Bring Your Own Booze if that’s what you’re into because they do not serve alcohol.
Order: Jumbo Pizza with your favorite toppings, and tiramisu for dessert.
Delicious, fresh cut french fries, with custom toppings served hot and ready to devour. A perfect lunch to cure a day of exploring outside.
This place is perfect for pre or post dinner beer. The beers are wonderful, the staff is super friendly and the vibe is very fun.
Let’s Talk about Pastel de Nata
The infamous little Portuguese pastries. Bite sized pieces of heaven.
The original. If you're wondering if these little pastries are worth they hype and the hike at this place, I can assure you they are. We've tried many around the city and can confidently say these are the best. The line looks long, but moves quickly! Take public transit here from Lisbon and check out Belem tower while you're here.
What to do in Lisbon
Guided Tours
Lisbon Walking Tour - The Perfect Introduction to the City
We learned so much on the 2.5 hour, Free walking tour, including the locals secret to avoid the long and torturous uphill climbs, local history and eclectic neighborhoods of Lisbon. This tour is fabulous so don't forget to tip the guide if they've earned it!
This was one of our all time favorite tours and we tell all of our family and friends this is a must do while in Portugal. Sintra is stunning and the guides are very friendly and knowledgeable. Take the train from Lisbon to Sintra to meet up with your guides and enjoy a very fun day through Sintra, a locals lunch spot, then to a secret, beautiful lookout, and finally ending in the beach town of Cascais.
Other Fun Attractions
Food hall with plenty to choose from. Recommended by host, two stories
LX Factory
Boutique shopping street. Don't miss the bookstore!
Belém Tower
This is a hike to get to from the main hub of Lisbon, but luckily, taking the public transportation here is kind of an experience in itself! Take a street car from Time Out Market to Belem. Make sure you stop by Pastéis de Belém for the best that Lisbon has to offer while you are here!
Santa Justa Lift
As you walk through Baixa, it will catch your attention as you pass by it. It offers enviable views over this old part of Lisbon, in addition to being a privilege to travel in this more than one hundred year old elevator designed by Ponsard, a disciple of the great master of iron works, Gustave Eiffel.
Pink Street
This street is full of surprises! Fun atmosphere with plenty of drink options and if you're lucky, karaoke! Our take? Swing by, but don't stay. It's a lot of fun but definitely a touristy. Keep a close eye on your phone and wallet!
Livraria Bertrand - Chiado
You've got to stop in at the world's longest running bookstore. It's a massive store with books in a few different languages.
Ler Devagar
The bookstore is located in the LX Factory district and is so cool! They offer books in a few different languages as well as records too!
Avenida Ribeira das Naus
Take a stroll and catch the sunset along the water. Maybe grab a drink too!
Miradouro de Santa Catarina
Hike up here to watch the sunset over Lisbon. Bring a bottle of wine and some snacks and relax while you are (maybe) serenaded by some local musicians.