Heading to Portugal? The Best Things to See and Do in Lisbon

Portugal, specifically the city of Lisbon, continues to gain popularity among American and other international travelers today. Welcoming more than 18 million tourists in 2023, those who visit the city are romanced by the cobblestone streets that lead to quaint Portuguese family-owned restaurants and other tasty eateries, sparkling water views and a vibrant day and nightlife where music —whether on the street or in restaurant club — serves as a rhythmic reminder of joy.

The best things to see and do in Lisbon are not hard to find throughout the city, whether you plan in advance or go with the flow when you arrive. Margo Gabriel, a Haitian American journalist who moved to Lisbon in 2020, has since fielded numerous questions from those looking to maximize their time, whether for a few days or more.

“The first thing I tell those interested in visiting or considering a move: respect the local culture. The next thing would be to learn a few phrases in Portuguese, as this goes a long way and demonstrates we are not here just to extract whatever we are here to do. Third thing would be to keep abreast of what is happening politically in the region, as that may impact one’s experience while on the ground. And finally, be prepared to walk everywhere, so bring comfortable shoes to navigate the Portuguese cobblestoned streets.”

Those following her Instagram page are introduced to local restaurants, key actors in the city you may want to know and cool happenings, including both food and music events.  For more of an insider look, I encourage you to order a copy of her “Quick Guide to Lisbon,” which is a list of restaurants, museums, points of interest and guided tours for only $10 Euros, roughly $11.

A Few Things to Know Before You Go

While I have been there three times now, I am constantly learning something new that makes it easier for the next time or gives me things to share with others heading there for the first time.

Basics include flying into Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), which is relatively easy to navigate compared to other airports. There is WIFI you can tap into to use WhatsApp to check in or quickly get online to check email, etc., if needed.

While in Lisbon, catching an Uber is just as you would at home.  From the airport, follow the signs to the designated pickup area in a parking garage.  In lieu of Lyft, which is not available in the country, you can also download and secure rides using the rideshare app called Bolt. I like to check both apps when ordering rides just to see which one has the better price, often it is Bolt.

For those carrying cash, be sure to check the exchange rate, which changes daily. In addition, it is always a good idea to exchange perhaps $20 or $40 prior to entering the country just to have Euros on hand for simple things like water or a quick pastry upon landing, as some places may not take credit cards. This is especially true for small mom-and-pop eateries once you get into town.

For bigger cash swaps, there are various places around the city. Be sure to have your passport with you and ensure your bills are in good condition without marks or tears.  If carrying credit cards, your safe bet is Visa and Mastercard, as some places do not accept American Express or Discover. Also, before leaving home, play it safe by letting the card creditors you plan to carry know you will be out of the country to avoid a fraud alert that will result in declined purchases, which, depending on where you are and what you are doing, is not good.

 Lastly, I would advise against withdrawing money from an ATM to avoid confusion on the fees or even higher fees. I suggest having a plan for using cash and credit cards before you arrive, just as you would other travels.

There are plenty of great options for where to stay, from local hostels for the more budget-conscious traveler to local hotels to international hotel chains. One of the great things about Lisbon is that there is a place to stay for all budget ranges.  This way, you can balance expenses for accommodations with dining and other activities you want to do while visiting. Having a money plan is one way to ensure you can experience the best things to see and do in Lisbon without financial stress.

The Best Things to See and Do in Lisbon

Over the last four years, Gabriel has built up an impressive list of things to do in Lisbon.  In our 2022 print issue of Cuisine Noir, she penned the article, “Lisbon Afro-Portuguese Community Delivers Experiences Wrapped in History, Culture and Food,” which introduced readers to some of the best things to see and do in Lisbon that support Black-owned businesses.

These experiences ranged from eating at Sofia’s Place owned by Ana Sofia Lopes, dinner and music at Tabernáculo by Hernâni Miguel, a 4-hour walking tour with Naky Gaglo to learn about the city’s colonial past and connecting with a community of creatives through Afrolink.

From history and culture to food, music and just hanging out, the potential diversity of activities on your itinerary is why so many people love Lisbon.

Tapping Gabriel again for some of her most recent recommendations, she says, “The Miradouro da Senhora do Monte has stunning views of Lisbon. Definitely go and sip wine at A Viagem Das Horas (tell them Margo sent you).  Enjoy a meal at a traditional tasca (traditional Portuguese restaurant), take the Batoto Yeto tour with local Lisbonner, José, to learn about African history in the city. And my final recommendation is go and experience art and culture at the Hangar Gallery.”

I am adding to her list of some of the best things to see and do in Lisbon with the following activities that are just as tasty and relaxing.

• Time Out Market. This gathering spot is the place to be, especially on the weekends with a live DJ.  Explore options from burgers, seafood, and giant donuts to sushi and pizza. Cash is not accepted, so be sure to come with a credit card in hand.
  
  
• Spend the day on the beach. Who doesn’t like a good beach day?  I’ll wait. For the first time, I ventured out on the train through other parts of the city, arriving in Cascais for a day of sun and water.  Head to the Cais do Sodré transportation hub and purchase a roundtrip ticket for less than $10. A station agent is there to help you buy and point you in the right direction. 
  
  Once on the platform, note that it is like any other transportation system, with people getting on and off to carry on with their daily routines.  Riding the train is a great way to add more to your list of things to see, so be sure to physically or mentally take notes.
  
  While my final destination stop was Estoril, I missed it for one funny reason: the doors do not open automatically at each stop. That being said, I quickly learned that you have to push a button to open both inside and out. I arrived at the next stop, Monte Estoril, which was even better.  Walk along until you find the perfect spot with many nearby restaurants that service you as you soak in the sun. 

• Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square). If there is one place to put on your list of the best things to see and do in Lisbon, this is it. It provides the perfect background for the city with its wide open space, which is an ideal place to be outdoors and enjoy life.  Located across from the water, take in the views, sip and nosh at one of the nearby restaurants and people watch to take in the whole vibe.

• The marketplace at Praça da Figueira. Shopping, eating and drinking are the highlights of this marketplace, with the community at the center of it all. Walk around to talk to vendors offering some of the tastiest bites, comforting sips, and some extras such as jewelry or apparel. Speaking of apparel, the Spanish retailer Zara recently opened a location right across from Praça da Figueira, noting that it is the second largest in the world. If you love European fashion, I highly recommend checking it out.

• Dear Breakfast for… breakfast. Another favorite recommendation from Gabriel that hits the spot every time.  With multiple locations throughout the city, it’s the one in Chiado with its balcony dining and street views, along with the food, that won me over.

• Shopping in Chiado.  Now what’s a trip to Lisbon without shopping?  You may find yourself in Chiado during your trip a lot because there is so much there to take in.  One thing for sure, wear comfortable shoes like Gabriel said to be able to take in the sounds, sights and smells (the good ones) and sales (hah). This is definitely one of the heartbeats of the city and the good thing is that it is a good way to walk off a meal and get ready to enjoy another one all over again.

• Rooftop drinks and views at Hotel do Chiado. On a past trip, Gabriel turned me on to this hotel that boasts impressive views on its rooftop and it’s a must every trip. Perfect for an after-meal drink or a drink just because you are in Lisbon.  After some shopping, it’s the perfect way to take a break. I haven’t been right to the rooftop before the sunset, but can only imagine it is just, if not more, magical to see during that time of day.

• Eat like a local at a tasca. These traditional Portuguesetaverns or bistrosare the best way to meet locals, taste authentic Portuguese cuisine and practice your language skills.  O Soajeiro is one of my new personal favorites thanks to dining there with a friend. It’s simple, tasty, and made me feel I was in someone’s home.

• Tuesday happy hour with friends. The one thing I love most about being on vacation is doing things I usually don’t do at home, which is happy hour on a Tuesday evening. Uva Livre, a newly opened wine bar, is a great spot for drinks after an activity-filled day or prelude before dinner.  The curated wine selection can be paired with small bites such as charcuterie and cheese. Located right across the street from Sofia’s Place in the Sao Bento neighborhood, it is a relaxing way to wind down your day.

Depending on how long you are here, most of us only scratch the surface of what this city has to offer. Many visit and leave vowing to return, with some now dancing with visions of a move on their mind.

“I visited Lisbon years prior, and the energy in the city really stuck with me when I returned to Boston. I promised myself that I would return for an extended period (this was all before the pandemic.) Before then, I regularly solo traveled to Paris, London and many other cities, but Lisbon was a welcome change for me,” shares Gabriel about her decision to turn visits to the city into home base.

Whether short- or long-term, I hope you at least have what you need to begin exploring the best things to see and do in Lisbon and let the rest fall into place from there.