My tips to exploring this beautiful, hilly, Western European city
I found my April dream in Portugal with you,
When we discovered romance like we never knew.
My head was in the clouds, my heart went crazy, too.
Louis Armstrong – April in Portugal.
Ah, Lisbon. Every time I think of this city I can’t help but smile. It’s a traveler’s paradise, with beautiful architecture, cheap food and drinks, and beaches and castles nearby. I intended to stay for just a night or two, but ended up staying in Lisbon for 5 nights because I loved it so much.
Where to Stay:
Part of what made my experience in Lisbon so incredible was staying at Good Morning Hostel. Voted Hostelworld’s Best Medium Size Hostel Worldwide in 2018, this place has everything you could ask for. From a perfect location in the central part of town, to amazing activities set up by the hostel, and the BEST breakfast I’ve ever had at a hostel (hands down), it’s hard to beat. I made some lifelong friends here thanks to the good vibes and fun nights set up for guests. The sangria and karaoke night may or may not have gotten the best of me… oops.
What to Do:
I really had no idea what to expect while visiting Lisbon. I heard from fellow travelers that it was beautiful, but really knew nothing else. I mainly needed to be there because my flight back to the US was leaving from the airport (which I highly recommend – it was a super cheap and easy flight experience. I’ll write more on that later!). The city is full of amazing architecture and homes built on steep hills. Be sure to bring your walking shoes, this city doesn’t mess around. To get acquainted with the city, I would recommend going on a Free Walking Tour, done by a local guide for tips. It’s a great way to learn about the city and get some insider tips.
One tip we received in Lisbon was to check out the sunset from a viewpoint called Miraduoro de Santa Catarina where locals and tourists alike bring picnic supplies, drinks and friends for a nice evening.
Be sure to visit Belem, a historic part of town with sights like the Torre de Belem or the Padrão dos Descobrimentos. While in Belem, be sure to check out the Museu Coleção Berardo for some incredible pieces of modern art.
If you have a few days in Lisbon, I highly recommend a day trip out to Sintra. A quick 30 minute drive from the city, Sintra is on the coast and full of beautiful mansions, beaches, and a castle as well. We took a tour through the hostel, and first stopped at Quinta da Regaleira, an incredible 20th century mansion with beautiful gardens. Next, we drove around National Palace of Pena. Though we didn’t go in, it was beautiful to see from the outside. We checked out Praia de Adraga, a beautiful beach with rock formations on the sides. Lastly, we went to Cabo de Roca to see the westernmost point of Europe and some amazing cliffs.
What to Eat:
One of my favorite food spots in Lisbon was TimeOut Market. This is the first of several TimeOut markets in the world, and features local restaurants in a food hall setting. The market is selective in who is able to set up shop, so be prepared to eat your way through some of the best restaurants all in one place. I think I went to the market at least 3 times before leaving Lisbon, and am dreaming of the day I can get back. Otherwise, there are plenty of small restaurants to try in the city. We would go out and explore and just stop on wherever looked good. For sweets, be sure to try Pasteis de Belem, a sweet custard tart made in the area for hundreds of years.
Where to Drink:
There are so many places to go out in Lisbon, with the Bairro Alto neighborhood a good spot for small bars and people spilling out onto the streets. To start the night, check out Park Bar at sunset for a rooftop sunset view and good cocktails. There are also a ton of clubs to check out, with the party going until the break of dawn. Personally, my favorite thing to do was to grab some drinks, find a park, and enjoy the company of new friends made while on the road.
