Lisbon, known as the Western gateway into Europe, the capital city of Portugal, and for its hill-filled streets, combines old and new. While not new to travel bucket lists and with an abundance of historic monuments to be seen, Lisbon has become a city with many modernities worth experiencing as well. You’ll undoubtedly want to visit the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, as well as Pena Palace in Sintra. Eat petiscosin Lisbon’s various neighborhoods and learn all about azulejos, Portuguese tile art. In addition to these must do classic stops, repeat travelers to Lisbon or those wanting to venture out into something different, may want to consider some of Lisbon’s more unique offerings.
While not all are necessarily new, Lisbon provides the opportunity for activities that might not be top of mind when planning your trip. Nature enthusiasts can hike Portugal’s coast outside the city. Food lovers can take a traditional cooking class to learn about Bacalhau or Pastel de Nata, or visit the bustling Time Out Market with restaurants, bars, and shops ranging from traditional favorites to contemporary plates from around the world. A foodie in Lisbon will also want to check out the many canned goods for incredible authentic flavors relevant to Portugal’s historic cuisine. Visit the LX Factory for outdoor shops, live music, and a variety of gastronomic flare. Observe the street art in Mouraria, or Moorish Quarter, while walking the neighborhood. The art appreciators will want to make sure to visit the Berardo Collection Museum while in the Belém District, showcasing both classics and modern pieces. Soccer fans can add on to their itinerary with a tour of Estádio da Luz where the Portuguese club Benfica plays. Eclectic travelers might visit one of Lisbon’s notable flea markets to find antique gems as well as stylish necessities. Families will enjoy the Lisbon Oceanarium to observe aquatic animals. For more traditional Lisbon experiences, jump on the Tram 28, the city’s well-known yellow cable car, to see much of the city without the huff and puff of walking uphill, or indulge in a classic Fado performance.
There are also quite a few new additions to Lisbon’s scene. The Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology (MAAT) serves as a symbol of modern architecture with a view along the Tagus River and showcases a variety of art. With a rising craft beer culture and unique cocktail experiences, Lisbon boasts multiple new “secret” bars or speakeasies to try that you won’t find elsewhere. Lisbon has quite a few “secret” sites to behold in fact, like the secret gardens worth strolling through. For a more relaxing experience, head to Cascais, a coastal town with beautiful beaches, steep cliffs such as Boca da Inferno, and total serenity within an hour from the city.
The options in Lisbon can be a bit overwhelming, but the day will all come together when you take in the sunset. Though Lisbon is known for its many lookout points, you might want to try a sunset cruise on the river for an unforgettable, exclusive experience. All of us Valesitas want to create the most individualized, culturally enriching Lisbon itinerary we can by collaborating your ideas with our expertise.
