Whatever you fancy more, we are certain that Lisbon in Portugal is ticking a lot of your Travel Boxes and would say "Lisbon has it all". Here we have a few reasons for you why the destination of Lisbon is more than just a typical city trip. Lisbon is one of Europe's most visited cities, thanks to its famed architecture and inviting environment - however, while visitors should make time to see the big attractions, there's more to discover in Lisbon than you may think. Exit the city center to explore the neighboring beaches, parks, and wildlife reserves. What's more, the best part? It's all doable in a long weekend.
Lisbon sightseeing attractions
The most well-known sights in Lisbon are well-known for a reason. They should be experienced by every first-time visitors, from the Castelo stronghold with its limitless views of terracotta roofs to the narrow cobblestone lanes of Alfama's old town and the old buildings of Belém (home to probably the city's best pastéis de nata).
The bustling, lively areas of Bairro Alto, Bica, Cais do Sodré, and Santos are home to most of Lisbon's best nightlife, from local restaurants to fashionable bars for sundowners, as well as an abundance of stores. More information you can find in our Travel Guide Lisbon.
The city of seven hills has fantastic views almost everywhere, and while its miradouros (viewpoints) should definitely be visited, sitting along the Tagus river and gazing out over the expanse of blue water is also a great opportunity to people-watch and take in the ambiance.
It's easy to overlook that cities can be home to beautiful nature, yet Lisbon has abundance of open spaces with flora and animals to explore. The Parque Florestal de Monsanto is the city's largest green space, serving as a hub for urban art and providing stunning views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. It's a terrific area to jog in the morning or end the day with an early-evening stroll.
The nicest beaches in Lisbon to visit
Yes, Lisbon is a beachside town, and you don't have to go far from the city center to enjoy the sand between your toes. Cascais, a 40-minute rail ride from central Lisbon's Cais do Sodré train station, was once a royal summer getaway, and it's easy to understand why. A fishing village with a number of little bays to explore, it's a spot that locals are justifiably proud of and a magical place to spend the day.
Cross the city's famed 25 de Abril bridge to reach Costa da Caparica, a 16-mile stretch of coastline favored by locals all year and dotted with beach bars and restaurants perfect for watching the sunset. Most beaches surrounding the city now provide surfing lessons for beginners, and the broad expanses of Atlantic are ideal for those who are more experienced with a board.
More about Lisbon and the best Beaches are also under our Lisbon Category to be found. Cabo da Roca, in specific, is a fantastic location for windsurfing, surfing, and bodyboarding, and its rugged cliffs are a must-see for everyone who appreciates a spectacular scenery.
Meanwhile, Ericeira is Europe's first World Surfing Reserve and the ideal location for catching a wave or even diving into the infinite Atlantic Ocean.
Where should you stay in Lisbon
All Hotels are Tested and Reviewed by our Team. Go and check them out, there are plenty of great offers waiting for you to discover Lisbon as a City Break.
Lisbon Food you need to try
While any trip to Lisbon must involve pastéis de nata, sardines, and salt cod (which is also referred to as bacalhau and available in practically every local restaurant), there are plenty of other memorable meals to try. The city is quickly becoming one of the most popular gastronomic destinations, thanks to an increasing number of Michelin-starred restaurants and ingredients which are inspiring chefs all over the world.
Queijo de Azeito, a soft-centred cheese produced from the unpasteurized milk of sheep roaming the slopes of the Serra da Arrábida, approximately twenty miles south of Lisbon on the Setbal Peninsula, is a must-try. Locals love to gush over Portuguese wine, and with good reason—some of the best bottles are now made in Lisbon. Wineries in Palmela, Setúbal, Carcavelos, and other locations provide tours of the vineyards, wine tastings, the customary foot stomping of the grapes, picnics among the vines, and even cellar concerts.
Natural Wonders of Lisbon
With pleasant temperatures and beautiful sky most of the year, sunshine-filled Lisbon is a city where you'll want to spend the majority of your time outside - even if it's just wandering. There are numerous hiking and walking trails in the Arrábida Nature Park. The steepest of them are only for the fittest and most adventurous visitors, but the payoff is great: if you go far enough, you'll reach Serra do Risco cliff, its highest point on the Portuguese continental coast.
Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, with its stunning scenery and spectacular coastal cliffs, is another highlight. The Sintra mountains have their own microclimate inland, making your hike even more colorful among the blossoming foliage. Meanwhile, Mafra Forest, a former royal hunting site, is now open to the public and features walking routes that showcase the area's outstanding fauna, which includes deer, wild boar, and foxes. Even more stunning are the flocks of migrating flamingos that may be seen in the Tagus Estuary Natural Reserve, Portugal's largest wetlands.
Lisbon has been selected European Green Capital 2020 for its initiatives, which include an intense dedication to sustainable land use as well as measures to limit automobile use and prioritize public transportation, walking, and cycling. The city offers a total of 124 miles of cycle networks, which provide tourists with bike-friendly pathways between the city's green spaces, allowing you to squeeze in as much as possible while worrying less about your environmental impact.
Day Trips Lisbon - Lisbon City Break
You can get to Sintra, a fairy-tale town that was designated a Cultural Landscape and World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995, in less than an hour by rail from the city center. The neo-gothic Monserrate Palace is located there, and the area is littered with opulent manor houses.
The National Palace of Mafra, another World Heritage Site, is only 30 minutes from the city and spans about four hectares, with 1,200 rooms, over 4,700 doors and windows, 156 stairways, and 29 inner yards and courtyards. It's very unique - and a prime example of Lisbon providing more than you could have imagined.
More Information about Lisbon can be found here.
You ever thought about a trip to the North of Portugal? Why don't you visit Porto.
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