We’re certainly not the first to write a travel guide about Lisbon. And not without reason. Lisbon is the perfect destination for a European city trip: a great food scene, endless corners to explore, rooftop bars with stunning sunset views, kind people, and a patchwork of neighbourhoods ready for you to conquer on foot. Conquer, because Lisbon is the city of seven hills. We’ve spent many days wandering these streets across multiple visits, and it never disappoints. So that’s why we’re taking you along on our Ultimate Lisbon City Guide.
What to do in Lisbon
Not much surfing for a city trip, you’d think? Think again. World-class waves break within an hour of the city, and our Lisbon Surf Guide has that side covered. But right now, let’s talk city.
The good thing about Lisbon? You can be as active or as lazy as you feel like. There’s a whole list of highlights to tick off, but you could just as well hop from terrace to park to rooftop bar, wandering the streets at your own pace. While you wander, here are a few stops we’d recommend.
MAAT Museum
Feeling like exploring without following the masses? Head to the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology. We’ll admit we liked the outside better than the inside, but it’s absolutely worth it. The modern building on the banks of the Tagus stands out in every way. The views from the roof are stunning, but so is standing at the foot of the museum, taking in those sweeping white curves against the river. Tip: watch the sunset here, it will offer you some stunning views!
From there it’s an easy walk along the river to other highlights like Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and Torre de Belém. Combining them all is great for a morning of cultural exploration.
The lookout tour: Lisbon's best miradouros
As we said, Lisbon’s dubious nickname is the city of seven hills. That means plenty of sweaty climbs, but also epic views over the rooftops and the river. Some lookouts are full-on Instagram spots (queue included, for “the shot”), but there are still plenty of quieter, authentic ones worth the climb. Our favourites? Miradouro do Recolhimento in Alfama, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte in Graça, and Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara in Bairro Alto. Touristy but gorgeous: Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luzia, right next to each other in Alfama and both with stunning views. Arrive as early as you can to beat the crowds.
Jardim Botânico de Lisboa
Want to escape the heat, give your feet a break, or just really love palms? Head to the Botanical Gardens in Príncipe Real. With one of the most diverse palm collections in Europe and a garden left to run a little wild, it’s a lush haven compared to the hustle and bustle of the city. Bring a coffee and a couple of pastéis de nata, find a quiet bench, and recharge before you dive back into a busy afternoon of exploring.
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Sunset catamaran
The river Tagus runs through Lisbon like a vein. Most streets end at its banks, rooftops overlook it, ferries cross it to sunset dinner spots. One way or another, you’ll bump into the river. One of the best ways to do that is a sunset catamaran tour. You get the city from a whole new perspective, sail past the highlights without a queue of tourists in front of you, and clink a cold Sagres (or Super Bock, whichever you prefer) as the sun lands on your face.
Watch the sunset at Ponto Final
For an epic sunset spot, you gotta cross the river Tagus. Take the ferry from the Cais do Sodré terminal to Cacilhas and walk your way down the quay towards Restaurante Ponto Final. From here you’ve got some spectacular views on the city of Lisbon and the Ponte 25 Abril. You don’t necessarily have to queue up for a table at Ponto Final. You can, of course, if you’d like. But, you can also order a drink at the bar and enjoy the sunset in one of their bean bags on the quay. Same epic view, without the “you need to wait an hour for a table” stress. We do recommend to arrive there at opening hour (7 PM), to make sure you got the million dollar view spot.
Where to eat in Lisbon
In our opinion, Lisbon is a foodies hotspot. There are so many great restaurants highlighting Portuguese cuisine, it’s hard not to fall in love with it. From cute little cafes, to sidewalk terraces and stunning interiors, there’s something for everyone.
Canalha
A must if you ask us. Seated among Lisbon locals, from families to elderly couples to the odd business lunch, you can tell this is a favourite among many. The vibe is laid-back; the food is anything but. It's next-level delicious. Come on an empty stomach and order at least 75% of the menu, because it's all just that good. Add a cold bottle of Alvarinho and we couldn't be happier.
Magnolia
We stumbled across this corner café by chance while strolling around Príncipe Real. It's a small place that makes you feel at home straight away. Where you come in for a quick lunch, but end up staying for dinner while sipping on delicious Portuguese wines, munching on even better plates of food, and chatting the day away. Time really flies when you're having fun at Magnolia's.
Dear Breakfast
Get your morning fix at Dear Breakfast. Whether you’re on a coffee diet or need a big plate of eggs and pastries, Dear Breakfast is your spot. It ticks all the boxes of your perfect breakfast hang-out: great interior, delicious coffee, amazing breakfast options, fun people watching.
Versículo d'o Faia
A true Portuguese gem. A taberna, but 2.0. Not a place that's been raved about in every Lisbon guide going, thankfully, but a hidden find right in the middle of Bairro Alto. Small linen-topped tables, an intimate and cosy vibe, and incredible hospitality. The food? Perfect. The wine? Perfect again. The urge to return? Absolutely.
Rosamar
Rosamar might be turning into a favourite of ours. We somehow never plan on going (except that first time), but always end up back, and it never disappoints. We absolutely love the interior, which, let's be honest, is a big part of the experience. Add the delicious seafood, great cocktails and attentive service, and you've got the recipe for a proper night out.
Taberna da Rua das Flores
A favourite among many, Taberna da Rua das Flores is something of a Lisbon institution. No reservations, so you queue up, sip a cold glass of wine, and watch Lisbon's street life roll by. Once you're in, you'll want to stick around a while. The menu is based on traditional Portuguese home cooking. Although I have to say, these kind of dishes don't come out of my kitchen like that. All of their seafood was mouthwatering good, and we kept ordering more dishes. Definitely a must visit for either lunch or dinner. Be aware you gotta pay cash.
Dessert at Bougain
We were absolutely influenced into visiting Bougain by Instagram (which we hate to admit). The thing is, we've got a serious weak spot for profiteroles, and theirs just kept popping up in the feed. So we went for dessert, mid-afternoon, and it was divine. Sitting in their lush garden, spoiling ourselves with profiteroles and tiramisu alongside a 20-year-old port, we thought we had it all figured out.
A Cevicheria
You say ceviche, we say YES PLEASE! We love Peruvian cuisine, and A Cevicheria does a very fine job at it. We basically did a ceviche tasting, trying all the different options they had on the menu. So fresh, so delicious. Can highly recommend this place if you're a seafood lover.
Where to drink in Lisbon
After a day of strolling there’s not much more satisfying than an ice-cold glass of wine with a beautiful view, right? Lisbon definitely nails this part of the day with many rooftop spots, cute terraces, and cozy bars.
Snob Bar
We absolutely love this spot. One of the oldest bars in Lisbon, this Bairro Alto cocktail bar is a must. It's like walking into an old film, all dark and plush. A place for late-night conversations over great cocktails or Portuguese wine. Where you forget about time and remember everything about your company.
The Midnight Espresso
Dessert AND cocktails? Sign us up. The Midnight Espresso is the perfect hangout after a dinner in town. Jazzy tunes, cozy vibes, and the right amount of sweets to end the night on a high note.
Rooftop bars
Lisbon is well known for its rooftop bars, and no matter which one you pick, the views are epic, especially at sunset. We'll be honest: service isn't always the strong point, which makes picking favourites harder than you'd think. Still, we loved Javá Rooftop Bar (relatively low-key, mostly self-service, great views and vibe, if a little touristy) and Lumi Rooftop Bar. Less charmed? The much-hyped Park Bar. The location, on top of a parking garage, is very cool, but the service was painfully slow every single time. We tried more than once, and failed every visit.
Where to stay in Lisbon
On our last visit we stayed at Montebelo Vista Alegre in Baixa-Chiado. This boutique hotel is a sanctuary in the middle of the city. It sits on a quiet square but within walking distance of loads of highlights and great restaurants. There’s nothing we don’t love about the place. It’s intimate, the team is incredibly welcoming and attentive, breakfast is a feast, and the rooms are spacious and comfortable. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, we felt right at home. We can’t wait to return.
A day trip from Lisbon: the Sintra coast
When the city starts to feel busy, the coast is right there. Half an hour west and you’re in Sintra, all misty palaces and green hills, with wild Atlantic beaches like Azenhas do Mar and Praia da Ursa just beyond. It’s the same stretch of coast where those world-class waves break. So if your city trip is quietly turning into a surf trip, you’re in good company. We can fold a few days on the Sintra coast into a tailor-made surf trip, or you can join us on our Portugal surf retreat just up the road.
Lisbon: the city that never gets boring
You’ve got the city of love, the city that never sleeps, the city of seven hills. But more than anything, Lisbon is the city that never gets boring. There’s just something about it that makes you want to stay a little longer and live like a local. Whether it’s the friendly people, the restaurant scene, or the many corners still left to explore, it keeps calling you back for more.
And if it keeps calling? We know the coast just outside the city pretty well. Plan a tailor-made trip with us and we’ll build Lisbon, waves and all, around exactly what you’re after.
See you in the water.
Love, Marthe
Photos by: J. Roeland & M. Barends©
