Lisbon – Things To Do

Lisbon, Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city, is a city of stunning beauty, history, and culture. Located on the banks of the Tagus River, Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history stretching back to the Moorish occupation and the Age of Discovery in the 15th century. Lisbon’s long history and unique blend of cultures have left the city with an abundance of attractions, from its rich architectural heritage to its vibrant nightlife and rich traditions. From its world-renowned museums and galleries to its lively bars and restaurants, Lisbon has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Lisbon offers a wealth of activities and attractions to explore.

Lisbon is a popular tourist destination for both locals and international visitors alike. With its warm climate, beautiful beaches and stunning views of the Tagus River, it’s easy to see why Lisbon draws so many people each year. The city is home to a diverse range of attractions and activities, ranging from its beautiful old town, to its vibrant nightlife, to its renowned museums and galleries.

History and Culture

Lisbon has a rich and vibrant history that dates back centuries. During the Moorish occupation in the 8th century, Lisbon became the capital of an independent Muslim state, and eventually the capital of Portugal in 1147. Throughout the centuries, Lisbon has seen many different rulers, including the Romans, Moors, Spanish, and even a brief French occupation. These influences have left their mark on the city’s culture and architecture, creating a unique blend of East meets West that can be seen throughout the city.

Lisbon’s old town is a great place to start exploring the city’s historical past. The old town is home to some of the city’s oldest buildings, including the 12th century Castelo de São Jorge and Jerónimos Monastery. The old town also offers plenty of restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops to explore. After exploring the old town, take a stroll through the downtown area of Baixa, which was completely rebuilt after an earthquake in 1755. Here you can find a wealth of historical sites, including the famous Elevador de Santa Justa and Praça do Comércio.

Museums and Galleries

Lisbon is home to some of Portugal’s most renowned museums and galleries. The National Museum of Ancient Art houses a vast collection of Portuguese art from the medieval period to the present day, while the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is home to one of Europe’s largest collections of European art from the 15th century to the 19th century. For those interested in contemporary art, check out the Museu do Chiado or the Berardo Collection Museum.

Nightlife

Lisbon is known for its vibrant nightlife scene. From traditional Fado bars to trendy nightclubs, Lisbon has something for everyone. The Bairro Alto neighborhood is a great place to explore Lisbon’s nightlife scene. Here you can find plenty of bars, nightclubs and restaurants offering everything from traditional Portuguese cuisine to international dishes. The nearby Rossio district is also home to some great bars and clubs.

Beaches

Lisbon is home to some beautiful beaches for those looking for a relaxing day by the sea. Popular beaches include Costa da Caparica, Praia do Tamariz, and Praia da Adraga. Costa da Caparica is one of the most popular beaches in Lisbon due to its easy access from central Lisbon, as well as its range of beach bars and restaurants. Praia do Tamariz is another popular spot with its stunning views of the Tagus River. Meanwhile, Praia da Adraga is known for its stunning cliffs and crystal clear waters.

Shopping

Lisbon is home to a range of shopping options for those looking for a unique souvenir or gift. The pedestrian-only Rua Augusta is one of Lisbon’s most popular shopping streets with a selection of boutiques, street vendors, and souvenir shops selling everything from traditional Portuguese goods to international brands. For those looking for something more unique, check out Lisbon’s flea markets such as Feira da Ladra or Campo de Santa Clara. Here you can find antiques, vintage clothing, handmade crafts, and more.

Food

Lisbon is renowned for its excellent cuisine. From traditional Portuguese dishes such as pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart) or caldo verde (kale soup) to international dishes such as sushi or Italian pasta dishes, there’s something for everyone in Lisbon. Be sure to explore some of Lisbon’s most popular neighborhoods such as Baixa or Bairro Alto for plenty of restaurants and cafes offering delicious dishes.

Tours

One of the best ways to explore Lisbon is through guided tours. There are plenty of tours available from small-group walking tours to food tours or even bike tours. One popular tour is the half-day “Discover Lisbon” tour which takes visitors around some of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks such as Belém Tower and Rossio Square as well as lesser-known neighborhoods such as Mouraria or Alfama. The tour includes stops at some local eateries along the way where you can sample some traditional Portuguese dishes such as pastel de nata or bacalhau (salted cod). Discover Lisbon Tour is a great way to get an overview of the city’s history and culture in a short amount of time.

Another popular tour is the two-hour “Sunset River Cruise Tour” which takes visitors on an unforgettable journey along the Tagus River during sunset. The tour offers stunning views of some of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks such as Belém Tower and Jeronimos Monastery as well as passing by some lesser-known parts of the city. Onboard you can enjoy drinks from an on-board bar as you take in Lisbon’s beautiful skyline at sunset. Sunset River Cruise Tour is perfect for couples or families looking for a romantic evening in Lisbon.

Finally, one of Lisbon’s most popular attractions is its street art scene. There are plenty of guided street art tours available that will take visitors around some of Lisbon’s best street art spots such as Alfama or Mouraria. On these tours you will get an insight into Lisbon’s vibrant street art scene as well as learning about some local artists who are redefining art in the city today. Street Art Tour is perfect for those looking to explore Lisbon’s creative side while discovering some hidden gems along the way.

Conclusion

Lisbon offers something for everyone – whether it’s exploring its rich cultural heritage or discovering its vibrant nightlife scene there is something for everyone in this beautiful city by the sea. From stunning beaches to world-renowned museums and galleries, Lisbon offers an abundance of attractions for those looking for an unforgettable holiday experience. Be sure to explore some of Lisbon’s famous landmarks such as Belém Tower or take part in one of many guided tours around the city – from street art tours to sunset river cruises – there are plenty of ways to explore this beautiful city!