Lisbon is a great city that has undergone significant regeneration and investment over the years to make it one of the first choices on the European city break trail.
The city is filled with history and tradition, from visiting St. George’s castle, to partying the night away to the sounds of Fado in Bairro Alto.
However, redevelopment has also seen a massive variety of fashionable international bars and restaurants pop up around the Parque das Nações area, the site of the 1998 Expo.
Don’t miss out!
Parque Das Nações
The Parque Das Nações is worth a visit as it’s where the Expo 98 was held. Today it’s a centre for exhibitions, leisure and culture. Check local listings to see what’s on!
Where?:Avenida Dom João II, Lisbon
Belém Tower
Belém Tower is one of Lisbon’s most iconic images, standing magnificently at the head of the River Tagus. It was originally built to provide a spectacular entrance and sturdy fortification to the city and nearby Jerónimos Monastery but today offers a superb photo opportunity.
Most interesting is the tower’s Moorish influence, with pretty arched windows and decorative turrets. In 1983 it was classified as UNESCO World Heritage site.
Where?: Av. de Brasília, 1400 Lisbon
Monastery of the Hieronymites
The stunning Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon are two of the cities finest sites and have been recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The history of the monastery dates back to its construction in 1501 to commemorate the discoveries explorer Vasco da Gama’s return from India..
Time?:Oct-Apr: 10am-5pm. May-Sept: 10am-6pm
Alfama
For those with limited time in Lisbon, catch tram number 28 to see the very best of Alfama. By far Lisbon’s most iconic district, and perfectly preserved since the buildings were spared from demolition from the earthquake in 1755. It’s dark and dusty taverns and interesting winding streets are a pleasure to wander for those who have a little more time on their hands. Get to the very top to be rewarded with far reaching views across the city.
São Jorge Castle
The São Jorge Castle can be seen from just about every part of Lisbon, standing majestically over the city. With its foundations going back to the 6th Century, the castle has survived Moorish invasion, various battles, and even earthquakes, as well as providing various royals with a regal roof over their head.
Today many of the underground chambers have been converted into exhibition centres depicting its history while a periscope has been installed in the Tower of Ulysses for those who wish to enjoy a closer encounter with the city’s sights.
Where?: Alfama, Lisbon
Where to eat
Bota Alta
Bota Alta is also one of Lisbon Old Town’s oldest eateries. Get here early or face joining a queue which can build up as early as 8pm. This isn’t the spot for an intimate meal as it’s constantly packed and noisy. Favourite dishes here include cream cooked bacalhau, steaks in wine sauce, or grilled fish. Wash it down with the house wine served in jugs.
Where?: Travessa da Queimada, 37, Bairro Alto, Lisbon
Tel: (+351) 213 427 959
Rua de S. Jose and Rua Portas de S. Antao
This is definitely one of the best areas to dine out in Lisbon. It’s not too pricy and is very popular among the residents, which means that if you want to try some local food this is the place to go. It is located in the city center in parallel to the main street Avenida Liberdade, you will easily find it, just look on the map for Hard Rock Cafe that is situated nearby.
Cantinho da Paz Restaurant
Located in the heart of Lisbon, the Cantinho da Paz restaurant serves speciality cuisine from Goa, which was a former Indian Portuguese colony. It’s also one of the few Indian restaurants in the city. And heading up this wonderful restaurant is proprietor Sebastiao Fernández who over the past 35 years has ensured a high quality of both food and service.
Where?: Rua da Paz, 4 R/C, Lisbon
Tel: (+351) 213 901 963
Barrio Alto
This is where the Lisbon’s nightlife begins; this zone is frequented by people wanting to have a great dinner before going to clubs and pubs. You can find there all kinds of restaurants, very luxurious and chic ones popular among the local high class, which offer food in incredible design restaurants, as well as standard small restaurants frequented by the local middle class.
Bica Do Sapato
Actor John Malkovich is one of the owners at the Bica Do Sapato restaurant in Lisbon. Come here for delicious Portuguese food with an international twist.
Where?:Cais da Pedra à Bica do Sapato
Tel: (+351) 218 810 320
Shopping
Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre
Mingle with the Portuguese suburbanites at the Vasco da Gama shopping centre, which is pretty much like any other European shopping centre, but just Portuguese. There’s also a cinema which shows movies in the original language version.
Where?: Av. D. João II, Parque das Nações, Lisbon
Feira da Ladra
Head down to the Graça area of Lisbon for the one of the best flea markets in the city the Feira da Ladra. It’s open from 8am to 1pm every day and all day Saturday. Don’t forget to haggle and take a calculator if your Portuguese isn’t up to scratch.
Where?: Campo de Santa Clara, Graça, Lisbon
Amoreiras Shopping Centre
This was the first shopping centre of Lisbon. It has over 240 shops and is located in the city centre.
Where?: Avenida Duarte Pacheco, Lisboa
Tel:(+351) 213 810 240
Time: Open daily: 10am – 11pm
Coisas Do Arco Do Vinho
When in Portugual, you can’t leave without taking a bottle or two of Port home with you. And where better to head than the Coisas Do Arco Do Vinho which has one of the city’s best selections.
Where?: Rua Bartolomeu Dias, beside the Centro Cultural de Belém
Tel:(+351) 21 364 20 31
Nightlife
Pavilhão Chinês
A 1900s style bar, the Pavilhão Chinês has a hundred years of bric-a-brac (it seems like) decorating the bar, with statues, tankards, ceramics, baubles, toys, which visitors have brought here from all over the world.
Where?: Rua Dom Pedro V 89, Bairro Alto, Lisbon
Tel: (+351) 213 424 729
Cerca Moura
Head to the Cerca Moura for a quiet drink in the Largo das Portas do Sol 4, Alfama, Lisbon part of the old town, which is a pretty tranquil spot with outdoor seating and river views. It’s wonderful here in the summer and still maintains a chilled vibe during winter months.
Where?: Largo das Portas do Sol 4, Alfama, Lisbon
Tel: (+351) 218 874 859
Trumps
Trumps is one of the most popular gay clubs in Lisbon and is open seven days a week. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, head here to see the flamboyant transvestite shows. Open from 10pm.
Where?: Rua da Imprensa Nacional, 104 B
Tel:(+351) 213 971 059
Time: Open every: 10pm – 6am
Jamaica Nightclub
There are only a few regaee clubs in Lisbon, but one of the best is Jamaica, located on Rua Nova do Carvalho. The club plays the latest regaee beats (and some groovy old ones too), every night, except Sundays.
Where?: Rua Nova do Carvalho, 6, Cais do Sodré
Tel: (+351) 213 421 859
Time: Mon-Sat: 11pm – 6am
Events
Lisbon Marathon
For those fit enough, taking part in the Lisbon Marathon is one of the best ways to see the city. The full marathon follows a 42km route and takes in some of the city’s favourite sights. There’s also a mini Marathon and half Marathon.
When?: 21st March
Estoril Open
Each year during April, the Estoril Open is held in Lisbon and attracts all the world’s top tennis players to its clay courts. The women’s tournament was held for the first time in 1998 whereas the men’s tournament has been around since 1990.
When?: 1st May – 9th May
Tourist Information Offices
Turismo de Lisboa
Where: Rua do Arsenal, 15, Lisboa Tel: (+351) 210 312 700
I was just back in Lisbon after 25 years and was thrilled to discover that it had retained its charm and feeling of welcome. In fact, Lisbon today felt easier on this traveler than it was way back in the mid 80′s. Far fewer beggars, far less graffiti and way less car pollution.
Our streetcar ride out to the Jeronimos Monastery was one of the highlights. And the little #37 minibus that winds its way through the Alfama all the way up to the Castle was a fun experience too. I sure won’t leave it another 25 years before I head back to this warm, welcoming and totally delightful city.
Gwen McCauley
on February 2nd, 2010