Favorites
Our Lisbon Favorites
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For recommendations in Lisbon, visit this link to see our favorite neighborhoods, restaurants, hotels, and more: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BanACiNsfXHUMjyW7
Lisbon Neighborhood Guide
A guide to help you plan where to stay and where to play!
Alfama District Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, filled with winding alleys, viewpoints, and traditional Fado music Barrio Alto hilltop neighborhood known for lively nightlife, small bars, and charming streets that come alive after dark Chiado A stylish, historic district with elegant shops, cafés, theaters, and classic Lisbon architecture Príncipe Real A trendy, leafy neighborhood full of boutique shops, garden cafés, and some of the city’s best restaurants and bars Baixa Lisbon’s central downtown area with grand plazas, pedestrian streets, and classic Pombaline architecture Belém A riverside district home to iconic monuments, waterfront paths, and some of the city’s most historic attractions
Food in Lisbon
Our favorite food and drink places in Lisbon
Breakfast/Cafes - Dear Breakfast (Chiado) - brunch style food - Vitaleggmina (Rossio) - casual breakfast, nearby Altis Avenida - The Folks (Chiado) - specialty coffee, brunch food - Paleio Cafe (Chiado) - casual breakfast in eclectic cafe Sweets - Manteigaria (Chiado) - our favorite Pastéis de nata in Lisbon - Fabrica de Nata (Rossio) - famous cafe and baker for Pastéis de nata, nearby Altis Avenida - Santini Gelato (Rossio) - gelato and fruit flavored ice cream Lunch - Brotéria (Principe Real) - quiet courtyard cafe in library/cultural center - As Bifanas do Afonso (Rossio) - traditional Portuguese pork sandwich, try with piri-piri - Sardinha Rosa Bistro (Barrio Alto) - Portuguese tapas style food Dinner - A Nossa Casa (Barrio Alto) - easygoing local and global menu, our favorite meal - Casa do Alentejo (Rossio) - former palace serves authentic Portugueses food, nearby Altis Avenida - Oficina do Duque (Rossio) - rustic Portuguese comfort food, relaxed - Páteo (Barrio Alto) - modern Portuguese restaurant, lively atmosphere - JNcQUOI (Rossio) - upscale trendy Asian restaurant with DJ Bars - Bloco (Chiado) - hip wine bar owned by DJ / music producers, lively - Black Sheep (Principe Real) - tiny wine bar with rotating art collection - BytheWine (Barrio Alto) - local Portuguese wines, casual - Collect (Barrio Alto) - vinyl bar and record shop, relaxed spot for drinks - The Midnight Espresso (Principe Real) - afternoon tea, cocktails, treats
Lisbon Highlights
Our favorite must-see sights, landmarks, more!
Historic Sites - São Jorge Castle: hilltop medieval castle overlooking the city - Belém Tower: A 16th-century riverside fortress - Carmo Convent & Archaeological Museum: A roofless Gothic church with a small museum showcasing artifacts from Lisbon’s medieval and earthquake history Museums/Gardens - Museu Nacional do Azulejo: A museum dedicated to Portugal’s famous painted tiles, housed in a historic convent - Estufa Fria: botanical greenhouse complex filled with waterfalls, tropical plants, and winding walkways in the heart of the city - MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture & Technology): A modern riverside museum with a walkable rooftop overlooking the Tagus Streets/Viewpoints - Miradouro da Senhora do Monte: One of Lisbon’s most scenic viewpoints with sweeping city and castle views - Pink Street: A lively nightlife strip known for its bright pink pavement, bars, and late-night energy - Praça do Comércio: grand riverfront square with yellow arcades and historic architecture - Avenida da Liberdade: Lisbon’s elegant boulevard lined with luxury shops, leafy pathways, and historic statues
Sintra
Lisbon Region
The fairytale town of palaces. Sintra is a 30 minute drive from Lisbon and makes a fantastic day trip. It is also one of our favorites to spend a few days exploring. Trains are also available from Lisbon to Sintra. A longtime royal sanctuary and UNESCO World Heritage location, Sintra's forested terrain is studded with pastel-colored villas and palaces. There are 6 beautiful palaces and castles to visit here with expansive grounds to explore. - Pena Palace: A national monument, 19th-century Romanticism - Parque e Palácio de Monserrate: A palace surrounded by gardens with unique interiors and many plant species - Quinta da Regaleira: A historic estate with gardens that include secret tunnels, spiraling wells, and ornate fountains - Parque de Monserrate: A Moorish Revival villa surrounded by botanical gardens - Sintra National Palace: A medieval palace that was once home to Prince Henry the Navigator
Cascais
Cascais, Lisbon 2750, Portugal
Cascais is a laid-back and picturesque beach town that’s perfect for a day trip. Just a 30-minute drive from Lisbon, the Cascais/Estoril area has beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and a relaxed pace. Explore the old town - you'll find tiled streets, boutique shops, cafés, and historic mansions sprinkled between palm trees and pastel buildings. If you’re looking to splurge, grab a table at the Michelin-starred Fortaleza do Guincho — ocean views and crashing waves included.
Algarve Region
Southern Coast of Portugal
The sun-soaked coastline located in the south of Portugal, the Algarve region is home to more than 100 spectacular beaches. Europeans have known the Algarve to be one of the best places to visit in Portugal, with its gorgeous beaches, year-round mild weather, postcard-worthy landscapes, succulent seafood, and never-ending sunshine. Plus, if you love golf, the Algarve is one of the best places in Portugal—make that the world—for tee time. Lagos - Our favorite town in Portugal! Explore this historic port city. Visit the stunning cliff-side beaches of Praia do Camilo, Praia Dona Ana, and Ponta da Piedade. Take a boat or kayak tour through the beautiful sea caves on the coast. Lagos also has incredible restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Albufeira - A dynamic blend of traditional charm and modern vibrancy, is the Algarve's most famous tourist hotspot. It has evolved from a quiet fishing village into a bustling city, renowned for its beautiful beaches, like the expansive Praia da Falésia and the lively Praia dos Pescadores. The Old Town, with its narrow cobbled streets and historic buildings, offers a glimpse into Albufeira's past, while newer parts of the city cater to entertainment and nightlife.
Porto
Northern Portugal Wine Region
Porto is Portugal’s moodier, artsy sibling — still sunny and beautiful, but with more wine cellars, more tiles, and a little extra soul. You can hop between wine tastings, get lost in the historic center, or just sit by the Douro River and watch life go by. It’s effortlessly cool, full of flavor, and basically impossible not to love. Just outside the city sits the Douro Valley, one of the most stunning wine regions in the world. Rolling hills, vine-covered terraces, and views that look straight out of a postcard. You can take a scenic train or boat ride from Porto, stop for tastings at historic vineyards, and soak in the slower pace of wine country. Whether you’re sipping Port with a view or exploring winding vineyard roads, the Douro Valley feels like a peaceful retreat — and an easy day trip that’s absolutely worth it.