Katie & Sam
Things To Do
Lisboa
Lisboa (aka Lisbon) is the capital as well as the largest city of Portugal and where most will fly into. It is along the Tagus River as it enters the Atlantic and has many neighborhoods to explore (some we'll recommend later). To get around you have taxis, Uber, a metro system, buses, trollies, electric scooters, and of course walking. We've found prices for taxis/Uber much more reasonable than back home (around $10 to get from airport to downtown). We enjoy walking around the city to explore, and you are usually at most 30 minutes from anywhere. A warning on walking, while the distances might not read as being far it can be hilly and especially so as you walk away from the river. Some additional sites outside of the neighborhoods we go into: LxFactory R. Rodrigues de Faria 103, 1300-501 Lisboa, Portugal Belém Tower Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal Padrão dos Descobrimentos Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal Jerónimos Monastery Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal
Alfama
Alfama is one of the older neighborhoods in Lisbon. It is close to historical sites and usually described as one of the calmer areas compared to others we will list. This isn't boring ruins and museums though; it is an area with beautiful alleyways and what we feel is one of the more distinct areas in the city. You'll find plenty of restaurants and bars to stop and relax with a drink or bite to eat as you wander the streets. Castelo de S. Jorge One of the more popular historical sites with good views. R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal As Bifanas do Afonso A popular walk up style restaurant serving bifanas and drinks. Portugal, R. da Madalena 146, 1100-340 Lisboa, Portugal Maria Palato-Wine Bar A nice wine bar we stopped in during some rain and had a fun time. Also, they serve wine from our wedding venue. R. da Madalena 120, 1100-323, Lisbon, Portugal Mercado de Santa Clara - giant flea market on Saturdays & Tuesdays 9am to 6pm with antiques, arts and crafts.
Bairro Alto
We haven't been here much during the day, but there is plenty to do here at night. In the late to early hours this is one of the busier areas in the city. There are many small bars to stop in or grab a drink to go. You'll also find some nice restaurants and fado (more on that later). If you're looking for a Burbon Street or college town type feel, then this is the area. A Nossa Casa Fun small Portuguese restaurant we enjoyed. 31 Rua da Atalaia, Lisboa, Lisboa 1200-037, Portugal O Trevo Small Portuguese restaurant you can grab a bifana. Praça Luís de Camões 48, 1200-283 Lisboa, Portugal
Cais do Sodre
A neighborhood along the river that has seen recent development. During the day explore sites along the river and at night find trendy bars and clubs on Pink Street. Time Out Market Lisbon Market style building near the river with lots of options to eat. 49 Avenida 24 de Julho, Lisboa, Lisboa 1200-479, Portugal Arco da Rua Augusta Large square and landmark with busy road leading away from river. R. Augusta 2, 1100-053 Lisboa, Portugal Av. Ribeira das Naus Notable street along the river. Pensão Amor Trendy bar we enjoyed on Pink Street. 19 Rua do Alecrim, Lisboa, Lisboa 1200-292, Portugal
Príncipe Real
Príncipe Real is a neighborhood a little further north than the rest we mentioned. It’s known as a more artistic neighborhood with boutique shops and trendy places to eat and drink. At night this area has some more clubs than the others in addition to bars. It’s also known for its LGBTQ community. EmbaiXada Shopping area with botique stores and gin bar. Praça do Príncipe Real 26, 1250-184 Lisboa, Portugal Red Frog Speakeasy / Monkey Mash Two cocktail bars in the same location. Red Frog you might need a reservation. Praça da Alegria 66b, 1250-004 Lisboa, Portugal CINCO lounge Small cocktail bar with a DJ. R. Ruben A. Leitão 17A, 1200-392 Lisboa, Portugal Green Street Area with shops and restaurants. R. da Silva, 1200-267 Lisboa, Portugal Incógnito Disco club you can come to dance late. Might have to pay entry fee. R. Poiais de São Bento 37, 1200-356 Lisboa, Portugal Mercado Biologico Do Principe Real - organic farmers market on Saturdays in Principe Real.
Baixa-Chiado
Baixa and Chiado are two neighborhoods that make up downtown Lisbon. They are in a low-flat area of Lisbon and have several major squares and roads within them. These are some of the busier areas during the day with plenty of shops for well-known brands and restaurants as well as sites and monuments. In general you will find English speakers throughout Lisbon, and you’ll especially hear it here as well as other languages from throughout Europe. Praça do Rossio One of the more famous and busy plazas. 1100-200 Lisbon, Portugal Church of St. Dominic Historic church that has seen damage from earthquake and fires. Santa Justa Lift Cast-iron elevator with access to view of city and in busy area. R. do Ouro, 1150-060 Lisboa, Portugal Avenue da Liberdade Busy street with hotels and shops and plenty of side streets offering the same. Ginjinha Sem Rival Walk up store for a popular Portuguese liquor. R. das Portas de Santo Antão 7, 1150-264 Lisboa, Portugal
Fado
Throughout the city and particularly in Alfama and Bairro Alto you'll find restaurants and bars advertising fado singing. This is a Portuguese music style sung in bars that has a singer accompanied by string instrument (usually a classical Portuguese guitar). It can come off as mournful and sad but doesn't always have to be. The location we recommend and enjoyed is Tasca do Chico (address tagged here) in the Birra Alto neighborhood. It can be difficult to get in on busy nights as they have limited table space and will pause entry when a performer is about to begin. There are others throughout the city, and as a rule of thumb the good ones won't have someone outside in the street trying to get you to come in.
Ericeira
Yo, you like to surf gnarly waves or have a shesh at the skate park? Ericeira is a town on the Atlantic coast usually about an hour away from central Lisbon(can be shorter but you might hit traffic leaving Lisbon). It is world famous for its surfing and it is a central part of the town’s culture. It isn’t only surfing though, the village and area around it have great views from coastal cliffs and you’ll find luxurious hotels as well as great seafood. Miradouro Ribeira d'Ilhas Observation point looking down on beach and surfers. Nearby surf school as well. 2655-319 Ericeira, Portugal Golfinho Azul Restaurant north of Ericeira that was recommended to us and we enjoyed. R. das Ribas 24, 2640-254 Encarnação, Portugal Jogo da Bola Square in the town with shopping, cafés, restaurants and bars. Praça da República 13, 2655-347 Ericeira, Portugal Restaurante Mammy Fun restaurant we came across and talked to owner. R. Prudêncio Franco da Trindade 14 R/C, 2655-344 Ericeira, Portugal
Cascais
A coastal resort town around 45 minutes outside of Lisbon. One of the more popular towns in the Lisbon area, and is frequently visited as a day trip from Lisbon or an area stay and then visit Lisbon. It has beaches, and a historic center with sites and restaurants. You are also close to other towns on the coast and outside of Lisbon. Praia da Rainha Small beach. 2750-482, Portugal Praia da Ribeira de Cascais Popular beach. 2750-642 Cascais, Portugal Boca do Inferno Scenic site. Av. Rei Humberto II de Itália 642, 2750-642 Cascais, Portugal Citadel of Cascais Ancient fortress. 2750-642 Cascais, Portugal Santa Maria House Museum Popular museum. Praceta Farol, 2750-642 Cascais, Portugal
Sintra
This is a town north of Cascais. It is famous for its castles and palaces. It can be difficult to drive here with tight roads and steep hills, so might be worth hiring a driver(or Tuk-Tuk) to take you to sites and show you around. The main attraction here is the hilltop palace the Palace of Pena. Park and National Palace of Pena Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal Castelo dos Mouros 2710-405 Sintra, Portugal Quinta da Regaleira R. Barbosa du Bocage 5, 2710-567 Sintra, Portugal Sintra National Palace Largo Rainha Dona Amélia, 2710-616 Sintra, Portugal Initiation Well Quinta da Regaleira, R. Barbosa du Bocage 9, 2710-567 Sintra, Portugal