Hola!
I’m so excited to share our list of the best ways to spend your days in Lisbon… So I’m just going to get right into it!
Time Out Market
Hello delicious food all under one roof! This isn’t your regular fast food market situation. A team of professionals came together with a mission statement to only allow in the best of the best. Some chefs were vetted, and some had to compete to be invited into the club. This is a collection of top-notch edibles curated by some of the best in the biz, many of which hold a Michelin star under their belt. Prices are good, considering your paying a fraction of what you would pay for these dishes at their brick-and-mortar restaurants in the city.
This 19th-century Historic building resides in the Cais do Sodre neighbourhood. The 32,000 square foot market has a collection of restaurants, bars and shops occupying part of the space along with trusted long-standing seafood, meat and produce vendors. They also house a cooking school for beginners, all the way to chefs trying to hone their skills. There’s a space for live concerts and entertainment where you can show off your dancing skills and take a lesson early in the evening to try something new.
We started inside and did a few loops around to take it all in. Then we divided and conquered, ordering up food from 3 different vendors including doing a port tasting and sipping an Aperol Spritz to accompany our meals. We truly enjoyed everything we ate! After our bellies were full, we continued to the outside garden area where artists were selling their handmade jewellery and art. I happily walked away with a couple of pairs of earrings designed and made by a sister duo.
*It is an easy place to get to, located at Mercado da Ribeiro, Avienda 24 de Julho 49 by the waterfront. You can take the train to the Cais do Sodre station which is just across the street from the market, or you can easily grab a taxi or Uber. The market is open daily from 10am-midnight and is buzzing… try the mid-afternoon for smaller lines and better seating.
Walking there is a great option too, besides the hills, Lisbon is a very walkable city. The heel-toe express allows you to see streets and buildings you would miss out on otherwise.
Pink Street
Pink Street is super close to The Time Out Market, so it’s easy to fit both into the same day. Pink Street or its official name Rua Nova do Carvelho used to have a seedy history. Being in the Cais do Sodre neighbourhood so close to the waterfront, allowed for easy access for sailors and criminals using the area to conduct business and partake in the underground world of prostitution and gambling. Needless to say, this part of town had a bad reputation that was hard to shake. The city knew they had to work hard to clean up and re-vamp the streets, so during 2011-2013, they did just that… sealing it with a kiss, painting the street in a pretty shade of Pink. This new breath of fresh air has re-invigorated the neighbourhood drawing locals and tourists alike, looking for a cool spot to socialize.
During the morning it is quiet. Bars and restaurants are closed, providing ample opportunity to get a good picture of the area without the crowds. Personally, I enjoy the electricity of Happy Hour and the late evening. There is a slew of restaurants and bars, each with its own unique flavour and atmosphere to be enjoyed. You can listen to live music, sip wine in a chill space or party down on Pink Street and “jump jump” to the DJ, like Kriss Kross intended!
Tuk Tuk Tour
Hop on and go for a ride with a guide! This is something best done on your first full day. It will help you get your bearings. Your guide will give you the low down on each of the main districts and enough tidbits of information to help you better understand the people and history that has helped shape what Lisbon is today. We had a blast weaving in and out of traffic in this open-air vehicle, from one part of town to the next; stopping along the way at some spectacular lookout points and monuments around the city.
This eco-friendly private tour is so much more enjoyable than squishing into a tour bus. Our guide was such a lovely person, who went out of his way to ensure we had a good time, he even walked with us after and helped flag down a taxi!
Tram 28
Take a ride on the notorious Tram 28. This vintage form of transportation allows for easy access to the older neighbourhoods. Navigating around narrow corners and climbing up and down the steep streets of Lisbon all while you get to effortlessly observe. This, of course, is dependent upon whether or not you are able to get on. There are 20 seats, but you’ll see people packed in like sardines occupying every inch. If you go early enough in the morning or during the off-season, you’ll be more likely to land yourself a spot. There are over 25 of these running the 28, arriving every 10 minutes or so. They start-up at 6 am and go until 10-11 pm. The loop takes about an hour, breaking at the major sights for people to descend and explore… Just be aware that you may have to wait in line for a space on the next tram. I would recommend only doing this on a day when you can take your time and be flexible with your schedule. Because we chose to do the Tuk Tuk Tour instead, we just admired these quintessential street cars from the sidelines during our time out in the city.
*Alternatively, if you’re just looking for the experience of riding on a tram, take Tram 24… you won’t see all the same touristy spots, but you will have a nice view around some of the areas such as Prínciple Real, without all the crowds.
Santa Justa Elevator
Lisbon is a city of hills upon hills, and although this provides an endless array of beautiful vistas, getting from one area of town to another can be a challenge. They needed a way to transport people from Baixa to Largo do Carmo, and with this need, a solution was formed. The Santa Justa Elevator is the result of the extremely talented, problem-solving skills of engineer Raoul Mésnier du Ponsard. He had been the apprentice of world-renowned engineer Gustave Eiffel. Eiffel is most well-known for his workings of The Eiffel Tower.
In 1902 the elevator was up and running. This mechanical structure was powered by steam and then later in 1907 was converted to electricity and continues this way today. This iron neo-gothic style structure stands 45 meters tall. It is truly a work of art and a “must-see” while visiting Lisbon. Be sure to check it out!
As you can imagine, flocks of people come here each year to have a look and ride the elevator. We chose not to wait in line and opted to appreciate it from below and then headed up to The Carmo Rooftop Bar. Here, you get a great view of the top of the Elevator and can access the viewing deck without waiting in a large line.
This multi-level rooftop bar has views from every terrace. It has a modern aesthetic, juxtaposing the ever-magnificent ruins of Convento do Carmo (Carmo Convent) which was hit by the earthquake of 1755. They serve up tasty cocktails, all while listening to the DJ do his thing. We stayed here for a few hours watching the sun go down and met some cool people. Each Saturday there’s a market from 11 am-9 pm, selling jewelry and clothing and decor. They also host different events and live music along with outdoor movie nights. Carmo Rooftop Bar was easily one of our favourite places in Lisbon.
* Now to find the bar… make your way just a short jaunt from the Santa Justa Elevator on Rua do Carmo and look for a little tiny shop (selling quark products when we were there). Inside this shop, you will easily see the elevator with the words Carmo Rooftop above it. This free elevator will take you there. Hop in and get ready to be impressed.
Rossio Square
Rossio Square has two large fountains, and a 27ft monument in the middle sitting on top of intricately layered tiles, in a swirly whirly pattern mimicking waves. This square is the perfect place to meander around and do some people-watching. Check out the vendors and shops and sit down for a relaxing lunch at one of the many cafés.
It was a happy little accident that we happened upon this square. We were exploring the Baixa neighbourhood when we found it. On this particular day in October, the EDP marathon was taking place. This marathon is the largest in Portugal. The energy was high and alive with runners flying by and supporters cheering them on. Live music was bouncing off the walls of the surrounding historic architecture and street performers were gathering crowds that were enthusiastically taking part in the performance.
Arco da Rue Augusta & Praço do Comércio
From Rossio Square make your way down Rua Augusta. This pedestrian street is full of shops, souvenirs, restaurants and talented street performers and musicians. It will lead you toward the water to the magnificent Arco da Rue Augusta, this grand archway is a monument to signify the rebuilding of the city after the earthquake of 1755 where 50,000 people lost their lives and the city lost a lot of its infrastructure. The archway leads to Praça do Comércio which is an expansive square by the water encapsulated by the brightly coloured yellow buildings. The architecture and history of the area is impressive, to say the least.
After dinner one evening, we strolled down there and sat by the water enjoying a bottle of wine and listening to some locals singing and playing guitar.
Alfama District
Walking through the narrow streets in the Alfama district is like walking back in time. This historic neighbourhood has retained its distinctive medieval characteristics. Have some fun and get lost in the maze of secret walkways and alleys. You can explore Sao Jorge Castle and lookout over Miradouro da Portas do Sol at the terracotta rooftops below. Miradouro de Santa Luzia is another perfect spot overlooking the Tagus River. You’ll want to take some pictures and stay a while.
This neighbourhood is a favourite amongst history buffs. There are remains of a Roman theatre, museums, and the Cathedral of Saint Mary Major (Sé de Lisboa). This church has been around for 800yrs, making it the oldest in Lisbon.
Come evening, find a cozy corner to enjoy a meal at a traditional restaurant and experience a live Fado show (reserve in advance). This style of music originated in Alfama by the women waiting for the return of their husbands out at sea.
The LX Factory & The Alcântara District
Historically, this complex in the Alcântara neighbourhood was the manufacturing complex for textiles and printing factories. Today it is an artsy centre with an edgie design and a hipster vibe. This one was too cool to summarize! Click here for a more in-depth perspective on it.
Night out in the Bairro Alto District
This is an unassuming quiet residential neighbourhood during the day. Come nightfall, the streets come alive and people come out in droves to be a part of the action and party late into the night. I wouldn’t pick this area to stay in unless you’re one of those people joining in. The small bars, extend outside creating a vibrant atmosphere up and down the pedestrian streets. Most of the bars in the area are budget-friendly, which is a nice change from the prices in some of the other touristy areas like the Chiado-Baxia neighbourhood… and there isn’t a shortage of options either. I have been told there are around 200 bars and restaurants to choose from. This is also a popular place to sit and enjoy Fado music.
Where to stay?
There are many areas to stay in, We decided on Airbnb in the busy, tourist area between the Chiado and Baixa districts. This centralized location makes it a breeze, to get from one area to the next. Even with the metro being only a few blocks away, you can explore most of the city on foot. Many of the main attractions are here. The neighbourhood is clean and well-lit in the evening, We felt extremely safe here (We tend to avoid shopping malls and chain stores but for those interested, this is the place to find them).
Sintra and Cascais
If you have a day to spare while in Lisbon. Head to Sintra and Cascais for the day. Sintras enchanted forest and the charming town of Cascais makes for a memorable day! Check out our blog on how we spent ours!
For the Barbershop Enthusiasts
Figaro’s Barbershop Rosemary location – Rua do Alecrim 39, 1200-014
Figaro’s is the place…. If you are looking for a nostalgic barbershop for a little trim or beard grooming. We found this gem close to where we were staying.
Until next time Lisbon! What a lovely city, the people were kind and English was spoken everywhere. Transportation was easy and affordable, and the food was fantastic! There were so many neighbourhoods to explore, each with its own unique characteristics. I can see why so many people have put Lisbon on their bucket list of places to travel to.
Thanks for stopping by!
