Discover the Very Best of Lisbon: How to Make the Most Out of Your Trip?

Visiting the Portuguese capital of Lisbon is a great way to experience the culture and history of this beautiful country. Whether you’re looking for vibrant nightlife and stunning architecture, or an authentic gastronomic experience, Lisbon has something for everyone. But when it comes to exploring Portugal’s biggest city, it’s important to be well prepared before you set off. Here, we cover the best activities in Lisbon to help make sure your trip is a success!

Get Familiar with Lisbon’s Neighborhoods – Where to Stay and What Locals Recommend?

The city of Lisbon is made up of many neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. For example, the district of Alfama is known for its steep hills, narrow alleyways and lively Fado music scene, while trendy Bairro Alto is a great spot to go out in the evenings and visit shops, bars and eateries. Staying in a neighborhood where you feel comfortable can make all the difference to your trip, so it’s worth doing some research beforehand.

A great way to find out more about the areas of Lisbon is to talk to locals. Airbnb Experiences are a great way of learning more about Lisbon straight from the people who live there – you can choose from a selection of activities sourced by local hosts who can take you on carefully curated journeys, from traditional cooking classes to graffiti tours.

Alternatively, local activists from Heygo offer cycling tours that explore all the corners of the city. Want to check out what’s up and coming in Lisbon? Follow @heygolisboa for all the insider tips.

Explore the Heart of Lisbon: Things to See and Do

Lisbon is a vibrant city bursting with things to do. Take a stroll through the old city center and visit some of the monuments such as São Jorge Castle and Jerónimos Monastery. For a great view of the city, visit Miradouro de Santa Luzia or take a cable car ride in one of the city’s many hills – Elevador de Santa Justa and Elevador de Glória offer some of the best views around.

Lisbon also offers plenty of opportunity for shopping, art galleries, and fashion boutiques. Visit one of the most impressive shopping centers in Europe with El Corte Inglés – it even has its own heliport on the rooftop and regular live music concerts! Or treat yourself to a piece from one of Lisbon’s famous jewelry and watchmaking stores like Relógios Gamela or Joalharia Corte Real.

Fado Music and Popular Cuisine

No trip to Portugal would be complete without experiencing its amazing gastronomy and cultural music scene. Fado music is closely connected with the history and national identity of Portugal so it’s no wonder that it’s still alive and well today. Learn more about fado music with an entertaining show at Clube de Fado or Adega Machado – both offering dinner included in the ticket price.

When in Portugal, don’t skip on trying its famous food specialties such as pastéis de nata (delicious custard tarts), caldo verde (kale soup), bacalhau (salt cod), and francesinha (a grilled sandwich). For a truly unique culinary experience, head over to Severa by Martim Baptista – its modern take on traditional Portuguese dishes will definitely not leave you disappointed!

Learn About Portugal’s Maritime History

For those who are interested in learning more about Portugal’s maritime history, there are a couple of interesting museums in Lisbon that offer interactive experiences. The Navy Museum has several interesting artifacts related to the country’s naval industry during its maritime golden age, while others may prefer a seafaring exploration at The Museum of Art and Sea. If you want to explore further afield, take a day trip to stunning Cabo da Roca or explore stunning Estoril Coast.

Conclusion

From extraordinary cultural experiences such as Fado music concerts to exploring Portugal’s maritime past, there’s no shortage of things to do in Lisbon. Get familiar with its bustling neighborhoods, indulge in Portugal’s tasty cuisine, and enjoy its diverse entertainment venues. To make sure your trip is a success, get the help of local hosts with Airbnb Experiences or follow @heygolisboa for insider tips!

Sources:
Airbnb Experiences,
Heygo experience,
@heygolisboa,
Visit Portugal: El Corte Inglés,
Visit Portugal: Relógios Gamela,
Visit Portugal: Joalharia Corte Real,
Visit Portugal: Clube de Fado,
Visit Portugal: Adega Machado,
Navy Museum,
The Museum of Art and Sea,
Severa by Martim Baptista.