Lisbon holidays

Sightseeing across the city

Glorious churches, Moorish castles and monuments to Lisbon’s maritime past are just the beginning when sightseeing in the Portuguese capital. Head to Belém to see the famous Belém Tower and the fantastic Jerónimos monastery. Or travel east to see the Parque das Nações, a futuristic alternative. Not to be missed are the winding streets and steps of Alafama where you will find the magisterial Castelo de São Jorge overlooking the beautiful cathedral – the famous 28 tram traverses this neighbourhood with ease. In the centre, explore the area around Praça de Rocio or visit the Elevador de Santa Justa for panoramic views of the whole city.

Hermosas playas

Lisbon has access to some superb beaches, travel on the train to the family-friendly beaches of Estoril or Cascais to sink your toes into some golden sand. And the Atlantic Ocean, while cold, is a welcome respite from the summer sun – maybe don a wetsuit and try surfing at Praia de Carcavelos. Or on the other side of the Tagus, the Costa da Caparica offers 30km of uninterrupted beach, with some great bars and agreeable surfing. For the more rugged beach, the Serra de Sintra coastline sits alongside a national park, and the famous Praia Guincho is a great spot for both surfing and kitesurfing.

Aspectos culturales destacados

You’ll find both historic and modern art in Lisbon, and a lot of contemporary street art – depending on which part of the city you travel to. Visit the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, whose collection focusses on Portuguese travel and religion. Or the fantastic Museu Colecção Berardo, which houses modern artists such as Lichtenstein, Warhol and Picasso, among many more. The Museu do Azulejo showcases Lisbon’s fascination with ceramic tiles, which cover many buildings across the city. You will find some brilliant street art, especially around the Picoas and Amoreiras neighbourhoods – the CRONO Project starts around the Picoas metro station.

Delicious cuisine

Get the best value for money dining in Lisbon – great restaurants, superb cafés and hidden tascas – all cheaper than other major European cities. Seafood and fish is widely available, especially on the Rua das Portas de Santo Antão and along the waterfront. Pastries are out of this world, including the renowned pastel de nata (egg custard in filo pastry), which you can buy on every corner. Don’t miss a trip to the Mercado da Ribeira in Cais do Sodre, as it is a neo-industrial foodie paradise – a must try is the warm beef sandwiches, alongside sausages and queijo da Serra (a delectable cheese).

Nightlife in Lisbon

The bar scene in Lisbon is one of the liveliest in Europe – both locals and visitors bar hopping throughout the night. Head to Bairro Alto, where hundreds of bars are packed into just a few streets, to rub shoulders with friendly Lisboetas. When in Lisbon you should not miss a night at a fado club. If you go to Alfama you can find traditional fado clubs alongside delicious cuisine, or in Lapa make your way to Sinhor Vinho. For more contemporary clubs, head down to Cais do Sodre, whose super clubs – like the legendary Lux – sit on the Tagus’s banks. Dance to pumping house music until the early hours.

De compras hasta desfallecer

Shopping in Lisbon can be as cheap or luxury as you want it to be, like any major capital in Europe. The Feira da Ladra (Thief Fair) is one of the oldest flea markets in Lisbon, with roots in the middle ages, it takes place in Alfama on Tuesdays and Saturdays. For boutiques, head to Avenida da Liberdade in Baixa, where you will find Louis Vuitton and Prada, and the wonderful Stivali department store. You will find some interesting shops in Principe Real, local designers and conceptual shops. If you visit Chiado, you will find the world’s oldest bookstore, Livraria Bertrand, and some beautiful jewellery shops.

Get lost in the beautiful and traditional area of Alfama, in a maze of winding streets and alleyways nestled between the hills and coastline. Admire the blends of Roman, Moorish and medieval architecture in this historical part of the city. Visit the São Jorge Castle perched on top of the hill, then amble along to the enchanting Sè Cathedral. When you’re feeling peckish, break at a traditional tavern and tuck into barbecued sardines on toast, covered in lemon citrus drips. Book a trip here and stay at the boutique Memo Alfama, for its glorious rooftop terrace with breathtaking panoramic river views.

Explore the boulevards, plazas, arcades and avenues of Baixa. Sit beside the glistening fountain in Rossio Square, unwind in a café and nibble on crumbling egg custard tarts or enjoy a spot of shopping in this eye-catching area. Wander alongside the mosaic cobbles and pastel-yellow walls of Praça do Comércio – check out the selection of exhibitions and outdoor concerts held here throughout the year. Stay in the heart of the action at the luxurious Altis Avenida. Dine in the hotel’s top floor restaurant and sip wine on the terrace for unforgettable city views.

The bohemian district of Bairro Alto is a contrasting area. By day, it’s a laid-back place to be, but come sundown the neighbourhood comes alive with hip bars and sophisticated fado clubs. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as locals and tourists mingle, as restaurants serve up a variety of mouthwatering seafood and bars open their doors. The incline is pretty high around here, but you can hop on the famous Gloria Funicular to make your journey that bit easier. A top tip – catch a glowing sunset from The Miradouro de Santa Catarina.

Discover the beauty of Belém – a neighbourhood situated alongside the Atlantic Ocean, bursting with maritime history, striking museums and attractive riverfront. Meander beside the banks of the Tagua River and marvel at the Monument of Discoveries, before visiting the mesmerising 16th century Belém Tower, on the water’s edge. Make a move to see the Jerónimos Monastery, then pop along to the world-famous Pastéis de Belém for the very best egg custard pastries in Portugal. Take a break at the Altis Belém Hotel & Spa for an opulent waterside retreat.

Make your way to Parque das Nações, the Park of Nations – created for the Lisbon Expo. It’s a popular place for weekend excursions, just outside of Lisbon. With its abundance of parks, water gardens, cafes and a cable car that glides above the Tagus River, it’s easy to spend a day unwinding here. If you’re looking for a little adventure, stroll along to the marina and take part in windsurfing, sailing and canoeing. Prefer to stay dry? Hire a bike and cycle around.

Jump on a train or hire a car and travel west along the coast to the alluring towns of Estoril and Cascais. Recline on one of Estoril’s golden beaches, perhaps Praia da Torre or Praia de Carcavelos, and explore the town’s balance of tourist hot spots and Portuguese tradition. A little further along, the dazzling red-tiled town of Cascais is a top pick for sandy beaches, a glistening marina and pedestrianised old town complete with upmarket boutiques. If you’re thinking of booking a break outside of Lisbon, the five-star InterContinental Estoril offers a sensational beachfront location.

Visit Sintra, a captivating Portuguese landscape. With its verdant valleys, emerald forests, rolling mist-soaked peaks and fairy-tale architecture, it’s easy to see why day trippers make the journey here. Start by exploring the Palácio da Pena, it’s bursting with beauty. Then wander through the palace gardens of the quirky Quinta da Regaleira, which was created by Italian architect Luigi Manini – where you will also find the mystical Initiation Wells. Alternatively, head to the coast and see the Moorish hilltop fortress, Castelo dos Mouros and make tracks to the coastal viewpoint of Cabo da Roca. Why not stay the night at the four-star Pastrana Sintra Golf Resort & Spa? It has a secluded location and 18-hole golf course.