Best things to do in Lisbon
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Born and raised by the riverside, Lisbon destiny is inseparable from The Tagus, the largest river in the Iberian Peninsula, but also an historical getaway to the Ocean and the World.
Explore the intricate maze of Alfama, Graça, and the Castle old quarters, the broad and always busy streets of Baixa Downtown, the majestic Belém island museum including the Jerónimos Monastery and Torre de Belém highlights, an sample the bohemian chic vibe of Bairro Alto and the Docks districts.
Discover the portuguese capital main sights in this tour made to measure first visitors and all those who want to go straight to what really matters in Lisbon.
A string of idyllic sandy beaches cut under the protective wing of Sintra mountain range, Cascais lives on its natural beauties but also on the retro vibe that invokes the first golden age of Portuguese tourism.
Moon Hill, Sacred Mountain, Royal Haven, Romantic Fantasy, Paradise on Earth - Sintra has always been one of the most engaging destinations in Portugal.
Some of the best beaches, pleasure farms and vineyards in Portugal are to be found 30 km south of Lisbon, in Arrábida Mountain range.
See and taste your way through Lisbon on this small-group walking tour of the city.
It's without a doubt the best way to experience the history, culture and people of Lisbon.
Neighbourhood guides
Families, celebrities, tourists, divas, intellectuals or fools: everyone strolls around the most famous and dearest of neighbourhoods. All roads lead to Chiado. Take a walk on the city's red carpet and release your inner Prima-Donna. We promise it's okay, just go with it. Recommended: The 33 coolest things to do in Lisbon
With many restaurants to try from - don't fall for the tourist traps that will try to seduce you each step of the way - and many typical stores and streets to lose yourself in, both Baixa and Sé are worth a whole day (or more) of exploring. Bring comfortable shoes and hit the streets. When the day is done, grab a seat at a bar, watch the game (whichever one is on) and you'll get why Baixa is one of the best places in Lisbon for a late afternoon drink. Recommended: The 33 coolest things to do in Lisbon
The views, the people and the streets. Alfama was once the whole city of Lisbon, and although the city grew, it remained the heart of the capital. Get ready to get lost in its picturesque streets and meet its deepest and most well kept secrets. Recommended: The 33 coolest things to do in Lisbon
If we translate the name of this neighbourhood it literally means Royal Prince. With restaurants, bars, stores, and art galleries everywhere, this neighbourhood is clearly attempting a rise to the throne. Hang in the coolest bars, shop at the dopest stores or just go for a bite. Here is all you need to know to explore Príncipe Real. It’s the neighbourhood with the most alternative shops, colourful fun nights and the hottest restaurants. There’s a lot to see and do and the offer is varied and does not disappoint. If you’re here for the food than be ready to taste a bit of every corner of the world. Recommended: The 33 coolest things to do in Lisbon
If on one hand it’s the place where typical fado was born, on the other it takes in more than 50 nationalities. What you get out of this is a powerful mix of sounds, flavours, and cultures. Recommended: The 33 coolest things to do in Lisbon
Play detective and search for little villas, eat fresh fish and have a toast with sparkling sangria so you can fit in. Getting lost in Graça is like being part of a treasure hunt: you never know what you might find. We know your parents told you not to talk to strangers but in this case, you must. Meet the locals, the culture and the hidden jewls of this amazing areas. Recommended: The 33 coolest things to do in Lisbon
The best of Lisbon
With its world-class restaurants, excelling in seafood, its reputation for style and long pedigree in art and culture, Portugal’s first city remains high on every discerning weekend-breaker’s hit-list. Want to know what to do in Lisbon? Wether you’re just here for a short visit (and if so, be sure to check out our best hotels list for a place to stay), or thinking of extending your stay permanently, this checklist will help you find the very best of Lisbon. Discover the landmarks, get a taste of some of that typical Portuguese food or uncover world flavours in the most typical neighbourhoods around the city. Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. Find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world.
Think of it as a jukebox of sorts but, instead of coming to a bar and inserting a coin to listen to the record you want, put the coin on the bar counter, order a drink and hope that the music is good. If you picked the right place and you know what you want to hear, even if the musical selection isn't exactly what you expected, it will still be close enough. Jazz bars work that way: you want to hear Chet Baker and you get Miles Davis, you hope for Duke Ellington and you get Coltrane. Not bad. That's the expectation in these places, the finest jazz clubs in Lisbon. Recommended: The 33 coolest things to do in Lisbon
“If you can look, see. If you can see, take notice." This sentence comes from Portuguese King D. Duarte's "Book of Teachings", and it was included in the back cover of Literature Nobel prize winner José Saramago's "Blindness". It could apply to the new Pousadas of Portugal program. Places that have always been in plain sight now make themselves noticed by being members of Pousadas Authentic Venues, a series of locations where you can have lunch, tea, dinner or even watch the Champions League final, in couples or in groups, in private or corporate events - with prices varying according to the number of patrons and the selected menus. Here are the current Authentic Venues. Recommended: The best things to do in Lisbon.
Staying home with the kids is not an option, but often neither is spending a pretty penny on them. If the previous conundrum seems too hard to figure out, put that negativity aside. Just rack your brain a bit and find simple yet fun activities. Firstly, remember that many of the best possibilities are on the streets, a real open-air museum for all ages. But the list goes well beyond urban art. That is why we present you this list of free-of-charge activities for kids - going to a museum, climbing trees or discovering plants and animals in a garden Recommended: The 33 coolest things to do in Lisbon
Embarking on an intrepid mission to discover Lisbon's many offerings is thirsty work and, besides the city's wide-range of history and cultural sights, there is a long list of modern, and more traditional, bars where you can replenish any lost fluid. From Portuguese beers to contemporary cocktails, you're in for a smorgasboard of alcoholic refreshments...
From Classical art to Modernism, from historic palaces to buildings designed by contemporary architects, here’s a brief guide to the the best Lisbon museums.
Lisbon's attractions are great if you're looking for some sightseeing, and it's viewpoints are perfect for some Instagram worthy photos of your stay. But sometimes a low key day, with a picnic and a stroll is exactly what you need to take a break from the city. Here's a list of the best of Lisbon's public gardens and parks to reconnect with nature. And if you're traveling with kids, check out the best outdoors activities in Lisbon for kids, as well.
If you picked Lisbon for your holidays – hey, great choice! – and still don't know what to visit, you've just arrived at the right place. On the list below we show you the best neighbourhoods in Lisbon and the things to do in each one. Enjoy your stay!
Want to get to know the Portuguese capital like a local? Try one of the many Lisbon tours on offer. With these, you can tackle the city’s charming streets and take in sights and attractions on foot, by bike, bus, boat – even in an old school VW Beetle if that’s what you fancy. There are loads of fun ways to explore the capital, you just have to pick your favourite. Why not experience the delicious delicacies of Portugal on a food tour? Sample bacalhau (salted cod) in the historic district of Belém, or sip on Portuguese wine, fresh from the vineyards of Alentejo, on a day-trip north of Lisbon. Alternatively, tour Lisbon at your leisure on one of the many hop-on, hop-off buses and trams that circulate daily. To help your decision-making, we’ve gathered up the best Lisbon tours below.
It’s no secret that the Portuguese love to party, and the Lisbon nightlife reflects that like a mirror: chill, crazy or just really loud, there is something for all the night crawlers out there. From amazing rooftops to closed door bars, from fancy cocktails to beers from all over the world, all the must-knows are here. Recommended: The best of Lisbon nightlife
Restaurants in Lisbon
Take a look at our list of the best places to eat in Lisbon, from the finest seafood restaurants to the city’s top tapas bars.
Grilled, boiled or roasted fish and the freshest seafood – the choice is yours, but it is our job to point you in the right direction. We've trawled through the city looking for the best seafood restaurants in Lisbon. Nothing here reeled you in? Then check-out the best fish restaurants in Lisbon and our pick for the best japanese restaurants, in case you prefer to have your fish in a sushi roll.
Whether you’re craving for crusty sourdough pizzas, want to take a pasta-loving date to one of the city's best romantic restaurants or are looking for a break from the Portuguese traditional food, these are the best Italian restaurants in Lisbon.
If you are a fresh fish lover, Lisbon is probably one of your top destinations. And if it isn’t yet, because you’ve never been here and you’ve just arrived at this page because you were cruising on the internet, pay attention to what we have to say. Our seafood is the best in the world (ok, maybe we are exaggerating a little bit here, but it is certainly on the top-5) and these are the best fish restaurants in Lisbon where you have to go to see that we are absolutely right.
Just because you’re on a diet, detox or health kick – or need coeliac-friendly, dairy-free or paleo-style dishes to figure on the menu – doesn’t mean that you can’t still dine out in style. We’ve rounded up the best healthy restaurants in London, including superfood pitstops, healthy vegetarian and vegan restaurants, calorie-conscious eateries and raw food specialists. We’ve also included restaurants that offer plenty of healthy dishes so that you don’t have to ditch your less enlightened (read: fatty) friends when you say goodbye to gluttony. Clean eating just got a whole lot tastier.
The offer for Japanese restaurants in Lisbon has seen a major growth over the last years. Not everything that opened, however, has the quality we would wish for or the magical hands that can treat it as it deserves. The best Japanese restaurants in town are few, but they make a fine set. Here it is.
It’s always time for a great barbecue and we give you a complete list of the best restaurants in Lisbon to eat meat. We’ve also included some cool tips for you to make your own barbecue, things we’ve learned with people who have spent years firing up the grill.
These restaurants and cafés are the top Lisbon brunch spots.
Cabbage and tasteless tofu are a distant memory for Lisbon's vegetarians. From the very best restaurants in Lisbon to Lisbon's best healthy restaurants, check out the creme-de-la-creme of the city's veggie scene.
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Every year, MEO Marés Vivas brings, to Vila Nova de Gaia, artists from various genres, creators of the songs that we all know and love to sing. Between 19 and 21 of July, in Antiga Seca do Bacalhau, in Lavadores, you will be able to attend some of the best concerts to hit Portugal this year. The much anticipated concert of Ornatos Violeta (July 20) - this alternative Portuense band is turning 20 and is celebrating on stage. Sting (21), a well-known household name will also headline the festival. The rock band Keane (19) and the electronic music band Morcheeba (21) promise to appeal to nostalgia. And Carlão (20), one of the most important figures in Portuguese hip-hop, is not going to miss either. As for the tickets, daily tickets cost € 33 and the everyday pass is € 61. There are also two types of VIP tickets - the daily (65 €) and the general passes (150 €). These give access to a reserved area with catering, bar and a privileged view to the stage.
The 'MEO Sudoeste', in the last ten years (more or less), has become an amusement park for younger people in search of new experiences, preferably away from the parents, with a musical menu that walks between pop, hip-hop and dance music. Anitta, Russ, Timmy Trumpet and 6blak are some of the names we already know about this year's poster.
The greatest pop culture festival in the country is quickly becoming one of the geekiest events of the year. There will be premieres, debates, meet- and-greet sessions with famous actors and authors and, of course, lots of stalls selling comic books, films and videogames.
Of all the urban festivals, this one is the most central. Lisb-On is an electronic and dance music festival taking place in Parque Eduardo VII, and it officially wraps up the summer festivities season. Carl Craig, Moodyman and Masters at Work are the names to look out for.
Where to stay in Lisbon
The number of brilliant things to do in Lisbon is huge. We’re talking about ancient castles, beautiful churches, art museums, markets, beaches, fresh seafood eateries, bars in which to hear traditional fado music and one massive, ornate lift designed by a guy who studied under Gustave Eiffel. That’s just a fraction of what’s on offer and you’re probably going to want to fit in as much as possible, so you're going to want a great base in which to start and end your days. This is where the best Airbnbs in Lisbon come in. Whether you’re travelling solo, having a romantic weekend or enjoying a group trip, we’ve got an awesome Airbnb apartment to suit you. Have a look at our round-up below and start planning your adventure. Recommended: The 33 coolest things to do in Lisbon
Sure, there are plenty of hotels in Lisbon, but a good bargain is hard to come by. We went on the hunt for the best cheap hotels in Lisbon and came back with eight great ones, with prices between 50 and 70 euros a night. Save your Money and have a look at our selection, and if you’re still feeling thrifty check out how to have fun in Lisbon without spending a cent. Recommended: The 33 coolest things to do in Lisbon
What makes a hotel cool? In coming up with this list of the coolest hotels in Lisbon, we considered a heady mix of factors – from definables like design, location, service, amenities, architecture, and value for money, to less tangible elements like ambience or history. Then we factored in what we think Time Out readers would want from a trendy hotel and ended up with this list of the coolest hotels in Lisbon with something for every relaxed aesthetic sense. Recommended: The 33 coolest things to do in Lisbon
The best 4-star hotels in Lisbon offer style, comfort and privileged location in the city center. Many of the best boutique hotels in Lisbon are in this category, bringing the best of design and a personal touch to their guests' stay.
The offer for hotels and hostels in Lisbon keeps growing to keep up with tourists pouring in to meet the capital. We’ve already covered the best hotels in Lisbon, but now we are narrowing it to the cream of the crop. If you are looking to live it large check-in at one of these best 5-star hotels in Lisbon. Recommended: The best things to do in Lisbon
We already knew that Lisbon was one of the most romantic cities on earth, but the fact that it had so many hotels perfect for a romantic getaway was a nice surprise. Whether it's because a delicious breakfast is served in bed or because you’ll get highly emotional with its breathtaking views, the best romantic hotels in Lisbon will make you fall in love even more.
Lisbon's best family-friendly hotels offer the perfect getaway to the city. From all the activities you can do outdoors to all the beaches you have near the city, Lisbon is a magical playground for children. If you’re planning a family break to the city make sure you choose a hotel that knows how to make your stay really special. There are hotels that will bring milk and cookies to your little ones beds before they go to sleep or that will take care of them while you go to a fancy dinner. Below are the best family-friendly hotels in Lisbon – they’ll soon make you wish you were six again! Recommended: The best things to do in Lisbon
Lisbon is getting busier and we don’t mind that at all. With so many cool streets to go, shops to buy and restaurants from all over the world to experience, besides the good and old traditional ones, of course, you can end your holidays more tired than when you began. Whether you're looking for a relaxing treatment or to spend a full weekend, these hotels have the ideal recipe to forget the craziness of the urban life for a while. Lean back, place some cucumber in your eyes and enjoy some zen music at the best spa hotels in Lisbon. Recommended: The 33 coolest things to do in Lisbon
From the good old classics that already belong to the city’s history, to the most recent ones that bet on the design or on the boutique concept, these are the best luxury hotels in Lisbon. Intended for a very specific audience, for people with blue blood running through their veins we might say, these hotels were born and exist for all who refuse to let go of their whims. Recommended: The best boutique hotels in Lisbon
That Lisbon doesn’t lack hotels, everyone knows. And that the number of hotels has risen considerably over the last few years – a result of the worldwide hype around our city – is also a well-known fact. That being said, we swooped the whole of the city’s hotel industry to bring you the best boutique hotels in Lisbon. Considered the rich cousin of the not-so-fancy Bed&Breakfast, boutique hotels are known for their personality and cosy environment. The laidback mood is designed to make guests feel at home, and these certainly knew how to do it. Recommended: The 33 coolest things to do in Lisbon
