Lisbon is a charming city with houses covered in colorful tiles, delicious cuisine, vibrant nightlife and the lowest prices in Western Europe. We tell you what you need to see, hear and try in Lisbon.
1. Take a ride on tram number 28 through the ancient quarters of the city
For 70 years now, this little yellow tram has been a symbol of Lisbon. Route No. 28 passes through the Old Town and climbs through the narrow streets of the Baixa, Graça and Alfama districts to the top of the San Jorge hill. The tram passes close to the city’s main attractions: St. George’s Castle, Lisbon Cathedral, the Casa dos Bicos and the Santa Lucia Viewpoint. A one-way ticket can be purchased from the driver and costs €2.85. A one-day pass costs 6€ and is sold only in the metro.
Interesting excursions from local residents in Lisbon
2. Eat fried fish and listen to fado in Alfama
Alfama, the city’s oldest quarter, is famous for its restaurants and fado (a traditional musical style included in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List). Locals prefer small family restaurants, Tasca, with low prices, friendly owners and delicious cuisine. We can recommend Tasca do Chico and A Baiuca, where you can not only have dinner, but also listen to fado to the accompaniment of a guitar. Fado in Lisbon is sung on the streets and in restaurants, and the best fadistas (fado performers) perform at the Clube de fado restaurant.
3. Try the Pastel de nata cake
Pastel de nata (puff pastry with milk and egg cream) is a traditional dessert for Lisbon residents; you can try it in any cafe in the city. And the best Pastel de Nata is baked according to the ancient recipe of the monks from Jeronimos in the Pastéis de Belém confectionery, opened in 1837. Cakes are eaten hot, sprinkled with powdered sugar or cinnamon and washed down with espresso.
4. See Lisbon from above
Lisbon is located on the hills, so the city has many miradouro viewing platforms with beautiful views. The most famous observation deck is the Miradora Santa Lucia, where, sitting in a gazebo surrounded by a garden, you can admire the roofs of the old city and the Tagus River. This site is easily reached by tram number 28. The Mirador of San Pedro de Alcántara is reached by the Gloria lift, and from here you can see the Cathedral, the Castle of St. George and the Tagus River. The Miradoro Santa Catarina offers panoramic views of the port, river and suspension bridge. There is a cafe on the mirador terrace that serves excellent pastries.
5. Visit Jeronimos, the most beautiful monastery in Portugal
Jerónimos is a fine example of the Manueline style (consisting of elements of Flamboyant Gothic, Moorish and early Renaissance), included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The monastery was built in the 16th century, during the era of the Great Geographical Discoveries, as a sign of gratitude to the Virgin Mary for the patronage of Portuguese sailors. Due to the richness of the interior and exterior decoration and facades decorated with coral, Jerónimos resembles a palace more than a monastery. Vasco da Gama, Kings Manuel I and John III are buried here.
