Lisbon is the sun-kissed capital of Portugal. It is a city of unparalleled charm and vibrant culture that beckons travelers from around the globe.
Think of it as a place where you can walk through streets that look like they’re from a fairy tale, then turn a corner and find yourself looking at a super modern museum or a shop that sells the funkiest designs. There is a lot to do in this superb city.
In this article, we will explore 9 of the best things to do in Lisbon. So, keep reading!
9 Things You Can Do in Lisbon
Now let’s get started and discover the best of Lisbon with our list of 9 Things You Can Do in Lisbon.
1. Walk through the Alfama district
Best for: Immersive Historical Exploration
Visiting the Alfama district is one of the top things to do in Lisbon. This charming neighborhood captivates visitors with its scenic streets and vibrant atmosphere.
It’s a great place to explore on foot. As you walk around Alfama, forget about using a map and just enjoy what you see. There are beautiful views, colorful street art, small coffee shops, and stores that sell unique things.
You might also find places selling Ginja and Licor de Pasteis de Nata, which are local drinks, for cheap. They are definitely worth trying.
Every narrow alleyway in Alfama begs to be photographed, capturing the essence of Lisbon’s scenic attractiveness. So, make sure you hire a professional lisbon photographer.
2. Have a Feast at the Iconic Gambrinus
Best for: Solo dining dinners
Gambrinus is a legendary establishment founded more than eight decades ago on the notion of a German-Galician alliance. It was initially launched as a brewery offering German cuisine and underwent a significant transformation three decades later under new ownership. Then, it adopted the decor that visitors admire to this day.
Dining at Gambrinus comes with its own set of unspoken rules:
1) Always start with a croquette accompanied by the signature mustard.
2) Order the Gambrinus tulipa to enjoy a superbly blended beer.
3) Don’t miss out on the toasted almonds.
4) Be patient for the arrival of the rye bread toast.
5) Savor a prego (a traditional beef sandwich) or a roast beef sandwich enhanced with tartar sauce.
6) Witness the fascinating preparation of the balloon coffee and make sure to taste it.
3. Stroll by the river in Belém
Best for: Enjoying Scenic Walks
Walking by the river in Belém is a peaceful and exciting way to learn about Portugal’s sea explorations. This beautiful area shows where Portugal started its famous sea voyages long ago. You’ll see important places like the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a big stone monument with statues celebrating the explorers from the Age of Discovery.
Close by is the Torre de Belém, a tower that’s protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is used to be a lighthouse, a fortress and a customs house. Now it stands as a welcoming symbol of Lisbon.
These spots are not just historical; they also make your walk beautiful, mixing the pretty views with stories from Portugal’s history.
4. Discover Benamôr’s Timeless Beauty
Best for: Anyone who loves beauty products and cute stores
Benamôr is a cherished Portuguese cosmetic brand. It is best known for its iconic face cream that’s been around since 1925, now updated to be paraben-free.
Benamôr has a lot of products now, but its Nata collection is really cool. It’s inspired by Portuguese desserts and has stuff like hand cream, body cream, and lip balm that smell like egg and cinnamon.
You can find their shops in Lisbon at Rua dos Bacalhoeiros, LX Factory, and Príncipe Real. These stores are beautiful and make great photo spots because of their neat setup and colorful products.
5. Go Shopping at Embaixada
Best for: Fashion Enthusiasts
Embaixada Lisboa is a trendy concept store located within the historic Palacete Ribeiro da Cunha in Príncipe Real, Lisbon.
This shopping haven offers a blend of design, fashion, and rotating art exhibits. Embaixada houses an eclectic mix of Portuguese and international boutiques, often adorned with floral arrangements. It also has a famous restaurant that serves great steaks and vegan burgers.
If you like gin, there’s also a unique bar and restaurant just for gin lovers.
6. Ride the Elevador de Santa Justa
Best for: Panoramic City Views
The Elevador de Santa Justa is an impressive lift from the early 1900s. It showcases neo-gothic design with its iron structure standing out in the Baixa district. This elevator takes passengers up 45 meters from a vintage wooden cabin to a viewing platform at the top.
From there, you get to see breathtaking 360-degree views of Lisbon. The lift can hold up to 20 people at a time.
If there’s a long queue, you have the option to walk up the stairs by the Bellalisa Elevador restaurant to reach the viewing platform and then take the elevator down.
7. Party Till Sunrise at Lux
Best for: Nightlife Aficionados and Dance Lovers
Lux stands out as the premier nightclub in Lisbon. It boasts two distinct dance floors: one for a chill vibe and another for an all-out dance fest. Plus, the rooftop terrace offers stunning river views.
There are many clubs in Lisbon, but Lux is the best. Lux Frágil sets the gold standard with its stylish interior and unmatched music lineup, featuring talented resident DJs and renowned international acts. The club’s trendy decor signals it as a hotspot for both seeing and enjoying the scene. The atmosphere is welcoming, with drinks poured generously in true Lisbon fashion.
Thursdays attract a local crowd looking for cutting-edge music, whereas Saturdays are bustling with visitors. When you visit Lux, don’t forget to watch the sunrise from the club’s balcony.
8. Watch live Fado performance
Best for: Music Lovers
Saudade is a Portuguese term encompassing longing and nostalgia. This sentiment is most poignant in Fado music, where melancholy melodies intertwine with heartfelt emotions. Fado started in Lisbon long ago and is essential to Portuguese culture. If you’re in Lisbon, you should see a live Fado show. Lots of restaurants in the Alfama neighborhood have them.
One popular place is Mesa de Frades, where famous people like Madonna have gone to listen to Fado. Also, in Alfama, there’s a museum about Fado, where you can learn about its history and see excellent instruments.
9. Take your kid to Dolls’ Hospital
Best for: Kids and toy enthusiasts alike
In Lisbon, there’s a unique attraction, the Dolls’ Hospital, which is found in a pretty square near the castle. This establishment has been dedicated to repairing children’s toys for nearly two centuries.
It’s like a real hospital, where kids and grown-ups bring their broken toys to get fixed by toy “doctors.” You can also visit it like a museum. Inside, there are lots of rooms filled with old toy parts. You’ll see drawers full of dolls’ heads, arms, and eyes, which might look a bit strange but are interesting to see.
What to do Next?
Lisbon offers a plethora of enriching experiences for travelers of all interests and ages. From walking around the old Alfama district to enjoying tasty food at places like Gambrinus, there’s plenty to explore. The city’s diverse attractions reflect its blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.
So, why wait? Start planning your unforgettable adventure. Book your trip, pack your bags, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime in Lisbon!
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