Lisbon is often overlooked as an European city break in favour of busier and more obvious choices. However, I’ve found that it’s a beautiful, peaceful destination with plenty to keep you busy over a weekend or more. Here are my top five recommendations for things not to miss in Portugal’s capital:
Praça do Comércio
- Praça do Comércio – also known as the Terreiro do Paço, this square is simply stunning. It’s the former location of the Paços da Ribeira, or Riberia Palace, which was destroyed by the city’s devastating 1755 earthquake. Today the archway (Arco da Rua Augusta) and beautiful, 18th century Pombaline architecture provide a great place to soak up the atmosphere of Lisbon. It’s a lively place with lots going on and great for people-watching!
Photo credit: Lisa Travels To
Taste the famous Pastel de Nata
2. Sample the famous Pastel de Nata – Portugal is famous for the Pastel de Nata – a sweet, custard tart often dusted with cinnamon on top. Whilst I tried many on my trip, the best by far were from the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery, located close to the Torre de Belém (Belem Tower) and Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery). In fact, they were the best pastries I’ve ever tasted (sorry, croissant and cronut lovers)! Unfortunately, the secret is out about this place so do expect queues when you arrive. However, the staff here work very quickly and I waited in line for only 20 minutes on a Saturday in August. You can purchase a packet of six for €6.90. Heaven!
Waiting for pastries…
Photo credit: Lisa Travels ToQueues at the famous Pasteis de Belem
Photo credit: Lisa Travels To
Torre de Belém
3. Torre de Belém – or Belém Tower, is an 16th century fortress located on the north bank of the River Tagus. It’s one of the most notable sites in Lisbon and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since the early 1980s. It was originally built as a fortress and ceremonial gateway to the city. You can buy a single ticket for €6 , or a combined ticket including entry to the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and Museu Nacional de Arqueologia for €12. (The tower is closed on a Monday, so bear that in mind when planning your visit).
Photo credit: Lisa Travels To
Check out the city’s street art
4. Check out the city’s amazing street art – Lisbon is home to some seriously cool street art. Whenever I’m in a city, I love discovering it through the city’s murals and paintings. I found some beautiful street art along the river and ferry terminal, but my favourite (below) was located close to the tasty Time Out Market in Cais do Sodré. Check it out below – a fox carved entirely from recycled materials!
Photo credit: Lisa Travels To
Parque Eduardo VII
5. Parque Eduardo VII – or the Eduardo VII Park, is the largest park in Lisbon and is located north of the Marquis of Pombal square. It was originally called Freedom (or Liberty) Park, but was re-named in 1903 after a visit from the King of England. The park spans 26 hectares and is home to three greenhouses with a large range of diverse plants and flowers inside. The top of the park facing the Marquis of Pombal square is a lovely spot to watch the sunset.
Photo credit: Lisa Travels To
And that’s it! Well, not really. There are many more great things I’ve missed off the the list, but these were the top five that made my trip to Lisbon most special.
Have you been to Lisbon? What would make your top five? Or perhaps you’re planning a trip there? If so, you might find my article on using the Lisbon metro useful. Let me know in the comments or get in touch if you have any questions!
All information correct at the time of writing.
