Lisbon is the coastal, hilly capital of Portugal. It’s a city with sweeping river views, beautifully colored buildings, and an underrated food scene. In this what to do in Lisbon guide, we’ll highlight what to do after you’ve hit the main tourist attractions. Here’s a 48 Hours In Lisbon Guide if you’re a first-time visitor.
If you have more time in Portugal, consider spending 48 hours in Porto and the Duoro Valley. You can think of Duoro like Portugal’s version of the US Pacific Northwest. The Duoro Valley feels like a cross between Oregon’s Willamette Vally (outside of Portland Oregon) and California’s Napa Valley.
Best Credit Cards to Use in Lisbon Portugal
Lisbon has incredible food and drinks scene. As a result, it’s likely these are 2 areas where you are going to spend money. The good news is that American Express, Chase, and Citi offer credit cards that have high earn rates in the restaurant/dining category.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3x points on dining and travel. As an American Express Gold cardmember, you earn 4x points on dining and US grocery stores. Citi Premier cardmembers earn 3x points on airfare, gas stations, hotels, restaurants, and, supermarkets.
Things to Do in Lisbon
Walk down the Tagus River
The Tagus River runs along the south side of Lisbon. Nearly anywhere you are in the city, you have beautiful views of the river. There’s a stretch that you can walk between Belém Tower and Padrão dos Descobrimentos. This area is likely to have tourists so plan to go early morning or late afternoon.
Another walk along the Tagus River is between Time Out Market and Praça do Comércio. After trying the food at Time Out Market, walk north to the public plaza to soak in the views.
Grab a Drink at Principe Real Garden
Cypress trees line the public garden that is Principe Real Garden. The garden has playgrounds and also is hosts to events. During the late afternoon, locals gather in the park to spend time with one another.
Along the streets of this garden are 2 food/drink stands. Grab an Aperol spritz or your favorite drink, and post up for plenty of people-watching.
What to Do in Lisbon Portugal: Have Dinner at Alma
Alma was our favorite restaurant when we visited. Other restaurants to check out include the Peruvian restaurant A Cevicheria, the Portuguese restaurant Tapisco Lisboa, and the Asiana restaurant O Asiático.
Alma is a 2 Michelin star international and Mediterranean restaurant that blew us away. From the interior design to the food to the customer service, Alma is worth every penny.
What to Do in Lisbon Portugal: Walk the Neighborhoods
When Ashlee and I travel, we walk the neighborhoods. We feel this is the best way to experience the city like a local. You pick up aspects and characteristics that you do not find inside a car or on public transit.
Estrela, Príncipe Real, Alfama, and Bairro Alto are the neighborhoods we explored. Each has something interesting to offer. Principe Real is where most of the top-notch restaurants are located. We found Estrela to give you a real feel for how it be to live in the city.
Conclusion on What to Do Lisbon
There are so many things to do when visiting Lisbon. The highlights for us were the food and drinks. If you’re into historic sites, Lisbon has no shortage of places to check out. The city is a laid-back version of Barcelona with a food and drink scene that competes with what you find in Spain.
What about you? Have you visited Lisbon? What do you like to do in the city? Please let me know in the comments or by sending me an email on my contact page.
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