Lisbon is the Coastal capital of Portugal. One of the most fun European capitals is known for colours, the light bathing the atmosphere, and beautifully decorated the tiles. Filled with old city’s pastel-coloured buildings, steep cobbled streets, castles, churches, museums, glistening river, suspension bridge, Lisbon should be one top of your bucket list this year.
Best things to do in Lisbon
Lisbon is such a beautiful city that you will not believe that men can be so lucky as to live in it. Unlike other destinations, you don’t have to worry about the weather, packing warm clothes or an umbrella, or worry about breaking your bank travelling to Lisbon because the city has a normal climate throughout the year and is quite affordable.
For an affordable and amazing trip to Lisbon, get cheap flights to Lisbon. Visit travel blog to find a number of itineraries, fun things, and tips and hacks to travelling smoothly. Here is Lisbon bucket list to help you make a cheap and even free trip to the city. With welcoming locals and an efficient public transit system, you will definitely have a lovely time exploring this fascinating city.
Start with a free walking tour
As soon as you get to Lisbon, take a free walking tour to get a grasp of what the city has to offer, the main sights and some insider tips from the tour guides that live there. It will help organise how you’ll spend the rest of your time in the city, and you can ask all the questions you want.
Take a snap in a pink street
Unlike other destinations, you don’t have to worry about the weather, packing warm clothes or an umbrella, or worry about breaking your bank travelling to Lisbon. The beautiful old buildings of Lisbon, the delicious food that Lisbon travellers posted on Facebook and a very instagrammable pink street in the city. Don’t forget to add this on your Google maps!
Explore the streets of Alfama
One of the oldest districts of Lisbon, Alfama’s streets are a delightful maze of narrow cobbled streets. The district is also filled with beautiful ancient houses and historic buildings such as the Se Cathedral, Castelo Sao Jorge, the National Pantheon and Saint Anthony’s Church. Alfama is the best place in Lisbon to listen to Fado.
Go shopping at Chiado
Chiado is one of the most popular shopping and theatre district in the city, and one you shouldn’t forget to add in your bucket list. The district has an elegant, as well as a slightly bohemian vibe. You will find it covered in colourful, tiled buildings and façades. You can also shop from various international brands, and eat from the many restaurants and cafes. For a shopping spree, head to the Armazens do Chiado, a big shopping mall right in the heart of Chiado.
Have a bica at one of the oldest cafes
Cafe A Brasileira is the most famous cafés in the old quarter of Lisbon which started as a Brazilian coffee shop in the 19th century. Over time, it saw, and still does, many intellectuals, artists, writers and free-thinkers. You will find a sculpture of Fernando Pessoa, who is one of Portugal’s most famous poets and writers and a usual visitor of the café.
Trying Lisboan Food
If you want to learn about the culture of Lisbon, the best way to do that is by trying its food. May it be Portugal’s famous dishes like the dried and salted codfish called bacalhau, or its original version shredded cod with onions, eggs, and potatoes known as bacalhau à Brás.
Since the city has an amazing seaside, the best and most famous food is the seaside catches octopus, tuna, monkfish, shrimp, sardines, clams, snails, etc.
For a cheaper meal, head to one of the taverns where you can enjoy juicy steaks and gourmet burgers, as well as the famous Indian curries, Turkish delights, and Moroccan spicy dishes.
Take a tram to Belem and marvel at Jeronimo’s Monastery
Among the old rattling tram lines, tram 28 is the most popular one. It will take you through the the old Alfama district, at the base of hills of Graça through the hill. Then it will move to Escolas Gerais, so you can admire the beautiful old architecture. On the tour, you will also see the elegant and impressive domes of Estrela Basilica.
The Mosteiro dos Jeronimos is one of the most important monastery in the Belem district of the city. This UNESCO world heritage site is one of the most important Lisbon attraction you mustn’t forget to add on your bucket list.
Visit all the miradouros: viewpoints from the seven hills
Some of the most beautiful sights of the city is built on seven hills, and the viewpoints (miradouros in Portuguese) you can catch from there. Check out the Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte, , Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, Miradouro de Santa Catarina, and Miradouro das Portas do Sol, which are some of the most famous viewpoints.
Explore Sintra
Though Sintra isn’t really a part of Lisbon and is located more than half an hour away on a car ride. However, the place is very popular among tourists. If you want to explore this place in depth, you can spend a day or two in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The old architecture and history are fascinating like the city itself. The best thing about it is that it’s also located near the Mountains of the Moon with quite a few myths surrounding them. Some of the best things to see in the sight are all the colourful mansions as well as the grand palaces belonging to the Portuguese royalty.
Escaping to Cascais
This charming fishing hamlet that is located on the west side of the city where you can come to escape from the bustling downtown of the city. The food here is great and the three golden bays located here the places you cannot miss.
Even though there are some lovely beaches in and near the city but the best ones are in Cascais. And if you are a surfer, the best surfing spot for you is the hip Guincho where you can ride the waves and have the time of your life, for free!
