Lisbon City Guide

Allow me to share some of my favorite spots from the oldest city in Western Europe—Lisboa.

Food and Drink:

Manteigaria - best pastel de natas in the city

Cervejaria Ramiro - Bourdain-approved seafood spot

Faz Frio - top 5 meal I've ever had

Sea Me - your pick of today's catches, fresh as can be

Explore the neighborhood of Martim Moniz through a personal tasting tour! The below recommendation comes from Jamie Ditaranto featured in the Going Places newsletter 👇

“Start with the close-quarters Os Amigos da Severa, where the owner sells ginjinha made from his personal recipe. From here, you can make your way toward the Escadinhas de Sao Cristóvão, while popping into any local ginjinha bar that catches your eye. Once you reach the stairwell, enjoy another taste of ginjinha from Boutique Taberna and drink it out on the steps covered in fado-themed street murals.”

Things to Do:

Ride the Santa Justa Lift—or you can just go around the back way past the Museu Arqueológico do Carmo to get the same view for free 🤗

Visit Castelo de Sao Jorge for a gorgeous view of the city

Ride Tram 28 through Lisbon’s hilly streets

Visit an authentic Portuguese azulejo tile shop like family-run Cortiço & Netos

Start at the Praça do Comércio (main plaza) and walk along the Tagus River

Stay

The Ivens - Lisbon, Portugal

This may just be the best hotel that I have ever personally stayed at - that’s right I said it. This absolute stunner of a property sits right in the heart of Lisbon - a couple blocks away from the main drag and the Santa Justa Lift. Stellar hospitality, all the way through. We felt taken care of as if we were the only ones there. Another example of a Marriott hotel that gives that boutique feeling, and another excellent use of points if you’ve got them.

Hidden behind the lobby’s large, dark wood doors, sits one of the most beautifully designed bars, let alone hotel bars, that I’ve experienced. A truly lovely place to stay if you’re looking to spend time in Lisbon. is-the-ivens-autograph-collection/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0

Surrounding Areas

If you have time to get out of the immediate city of Lisbon, try some of these:

Visit the iconic Belém Tower (pictured below)

Rent a bike in Cascais and explore the 5.5-mile (one-way) bike trail that follows the coastline to the large Guincho Beach.1

In Sintra, take the long way to visit Pena Palace by following the hour-long hiking trail that starts in Vila Sassetti.¹

Visit the many nearby beaches Lisbon has to offer!

¹ Also from Jamie Ditaranto via Going Places