Lisbon holidays and city breaks

Torre de Belem:

Just a short train ride from the city, you can find Torre de Belem, a historic tower on the river. You can visit the tower via a small bridge for a few euros.

Jerónimos Monastery:

Located close to Torre de Belem, this famous Monastery houses the Museu de Marinha, which showcases Portugal’s maritime history. You can see the royal yacht’s wooden quarters, a 15th-century portable altar, and more.

Picturesque architecture:

As you walk around Lisbon, look up to admire the beautiful building facades and colourful mosaics and down to appreciate the intricate Portuguese pavement.

Alfama:

One of Lisbon’s oldest and most atmospheric areas, the Alfama district is home to St George’s Castle and offers the best sunset views in the city. If you prefer a beautiful sunrise, head to the Miradouro Portas viewpoint and watch as the city awakens with the sun.

Street art tour:

Stroll around Lisbon with a guide to see the best of the street art around the city. Find colourful and meaningful pictures on buildings and learn a little bit more about their background, as well as about the city’s history.

Sintra:

Just a short 40 minute train ride from Lisbon, Sintra is a fairy-tale town known for its colourful palaces, lush gardens, and historic estates. Don’t miss the stunning Pena Palace and the mystical Quinta da Regaleira.

Cascais:

This charming coastal town is just 30 minutes from Lisbon, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.

Évora:

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Évora is a historic city filled with ancient Roman ruins, a beautiful cathedral, and the eerie Chapel of Bones. It’s a must-visit for history buffs, located 1 hour and 30 minutes from Lisbon.

Fátima:

A significant pilgrimage site, Fátima is known for the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, where thousands of visitors come each year to pay their respects. This small town is 1 hour and 20 minutes outside of Lisbon.

Mafra:

Just 40 minutes from Lisbon, Mafra Palace is a booklover’s haven. This grand Baroque palace, one of the largest in Europe, houses a stunning library filled with ancient books.

Ginja:

A must-try sweet Portuguese liqueur, typically served in a shot glass with a cherry.

Codfish Cake (Pastel de Bacalhau):

A Lisbon classic, the codfish cake is a crispy treat filled with savoury codfish and creamy Serra da Estrela cheese.

Pastel de Nata:

These iconic Portuguese custard tarts are readily available at many bakeries.

Bifana:

A simple yet delicious sandwich made with marinated pork, served in a soft roll.

Vinho Verde:

A refreshing, slightly fizzy white wine, often served in green bottles. It pairs perfectly with seafood dishes.

Francesinha:

Originally from Porto but popular in Lisbon, this hearty sandwich is layered with different meats, covered in melted cheese, and topped with a rich beer-based sauce.

Azeitão Cheese:

A creamy, slightly tangy cheese made from sheep’s milk.

Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato:

A traditional dish of clams cooked in garlic, olive oil, and cilantro.

Trams:

Lisbon’s iconic yellow trams are a fun and scenic way to explore the city. Tram 28 is the most famous route, winding through historic neighbourhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto.

Metro:

The Lisbon Metro connects key areas of the city, including the airport. Stations are marked with a red “M” sign.

Buses:

Lisbon’s extensive bus network covers areas not served by the metro or trams. They’re a reliable way to reach some of the city’s outer districts or to travel later at night.

Walking:

With its pretty streets and lively squares, Lisbon’s historic centre is great for exploring on foot.

Taxis/Ubers:

Convenient options for quick trips and late-night travel.