We just left Lisbon a couple of days ago and loved it! I wanted to write a post right away about our favorite experiences while they are fresh so that you can start planning your trip to Lisbon! Here are highlights that you can bookmark or add to your Pinterest travel board (that’s what I do).
It’s worth noting that everyone speaks English in Lisbon almost like a second language and many signs are in English, too. We still learned a few Portuguese words, of course, like “bom dia” (good day/morning) and “obrigado”(thank you).
The city reminds me of San Francisco with the hills and bay and they even have a similar bridge to our Golden Gate!
1. The Architecture
I have always loved Portuguese ceramics so to see the beautiful tiles adorning buildings everywhere is amazing!
I had read that the city is highly “Instagrammable”…and it IS so photogenic.
Most of the sidewalks and squares have beautifully patterned cobblestones.
2. The Prices
We found the prices for food and drinks to be very reasonable for a big city…a pleasant surprise!
3. The Food
Our first day in Lisbon, we stumbled upon Fabrica de Nata where they freshly make delicious custard tarts (pasteis de nata) in the top right photo. You have to try one or several! And the blue and white décor is charming.
We loved the tapas and friendly atmosphere at Bairro do Avillez (Make reservations)• The Decadante was a fun place to eat lunch with an outdoor patio. .
The Timeout Market Lisboa is a food court featuring lots of the city’s restaurants. • For a really special treat ($$$), go to the Belcanto for a “two Michelined starred” experience. (Make a reservation).
4. Drinks with a View
Head up to the Skybar for a cocktail and view of the city.
5. The Sao Jorge Castle
Speaking of views…this is worth the hike up the cobblestone streets to see the Castelo de São Jorge. You can have a glass of wine up there and enjoy the view and surroundings of this 11th century fortress.
6. The Weather
The weather is fairly temperate, in the 60’s to 80’s all year round.
7. The Shopping
Embaixada houses several Portugues boutiques in a beautiful old Palace (just the palace is worth seeing and the shops are fun, too) • Luvaria Ulisses is a tiny store with beautifully made leather gloves.
Sant’anna has hand painted Portuguese ceramics. I bought my mom a present here. • Bernardo Atelier has cute locally made gifts.
Republica das Flores has ceramics, scarves, jewelry and other fun things. • My favorite stores (there are two of them close to each other) with awesome Portuguese goods are A Vida Portuguesa. You will love the textiles, skin care and ceramics. They sell my pumpkin bowls there that I got in Paris 20 years ago.
In fact, we are in Paris now! Hope you are following me on Instagram to see the sights with me 🙂
Well, if you haven’t been already, this should help you to start planning your trip to Lisbon (or perhaps your trip back). I know I definitely want to come back and hopefully go to Porto and Sintra next time (some of you commented on Instagram that we should go). If I left any of your Lisbon favorites off, please let me know in the comments for next time!
Thanks for visiting!
Planning a trip in May to Portugal. Do you have any hotel recommendations?
Thank You!
I don’t but this is Beth’s comment:
(And hotel suggestion) Lisbon is really fabulous. As you said, so reasonable compared with other major European cities. I have been there many times and there is so much to see and do – I always seem to have a list of things to do next time. We have stayed in a few hotels, but feel that the Hotel Avenida Palace is really great. Beautiful old hotel, centrally located, easy to walk everywhere, very nice staff, gorgeous salon area off the lobby which is a great place to sit and read if some downtime is needed, a terrific small bar and bar menu (you can also be served in the salon as well). And, at 7:00 each and every evening, there is an hour-long music concert in the salon – classical piano, jazz piano, Mediterranean guitar…..changes each evening. All feature local professional musicians. Wonderful to slip in and do before heading out for dinner. I was just over there a few weeks ago, and your wonderful post this morning is making me want to return soon! Oh, the Gulbenkian Museum….one of the finest small museums in the world. Amazing. All collected by Mr Gulbenkian and left to the city of Lisbon. A must.”
What a great recap of your trip. Sounds so inviting. Thanks. I think it is a place I would enjoy.
I want to go! I have head many say how much they love Portugal. It looks amazing! Well now back to the real world! What a great little guide for anyone planning a trip!
Beautiful post Mary Ann! Everyone I know that’s been to Portugal has nothing but raves to say about it and from your beautiful photos, I can see why! The gorgeous sky, colorful buildings and that wonderful Portuguese tile, I’d love to go there. It sounds like a perfect vacation spot if you want to go someplace abroad. Your trip must be coming to an end, so safe travels home. XO
It was beautiful, Gail. And yes we are back in the USA…in Florida but headed home soon.
This comes at the perfect time, my husband and I are moving to Portugal later this month and I have been thinking about outfitting our new home!
That’s exciting!
Looks beautiful, thanks for taking us along Mary Ann! Makes us want to go visit. Glad Chief is having fun in LA. too. That picture at the farmers market cracked me up. 😂
I miss that little guy. Will see him on Monday!
(And hotel suggestion) Lisbon is really fabulous. As you said, so reasonable compared with other major European cities. I have been there many times and there is so much to see and do – I always seem to have a list of things to do next time. We have stayed in a few hotels, but feel that the Hotel Avenida Palace is really great. Beautiful old hotel, centrally located, easy to walk everywhere, very nice staff, gorgeous salon area off the lobby which is a great place to sit and read if some downtime is needed, a terrific small bar and bar menu (you can also be served in the salon as well). And, at 7:00 each and every evening, there is an hour-long music concert in the salon – classical piano, jazz piano, Mediterranean guitar…..changes each evening. All feature local professional musicians. Wonderful to slip in and do before heading out for dinner. I was just over there a few weeks ago, and your wonderful post this morning is making me want to return soon! Oh, the Gulbenkian Museum….one of the finest small museums in the world. Amazing. All collected by Mr Gulbenkian and left to the city of Lisbon. A must….
Excellent advice, Beth…THANKS so much!! Now I know where to stay next time…Hotel Avenida Palace!
Mary Ann
We’re planning a cruise next year that start in Lisbon. Thought we’d get there a couple of days early. Can you recommend a place to stay?
That’s a great idea. Our hotel was just ok, so I hestitate to recommend it. Tripadvisor is a good place to start.
Thank you so much for the tour of Lisbon this morning. I definitely need to add this beautiful city to my bucket list. Happy Tuesday, Mary Ann!
Thanks! You will love it.