What Is There To Do In Lisbon? Explained Simply
Lisbon. Ah, Lisbon. The city of seven hills, trams that screech their way up impossible inclines, and pastries that will make you question all your life choices (in the best way possible). If you're wondering what to actually do there, beyond just soaking up the sunshine and getting lost, then buckle up. We're about to break it down, Lisbon-style. And yes, I have opinions. Unpopular ones, maybe, but delicious ones.
First off, let's talk about the star of the show: the Tram 28. Everyone raves about it. It's iconic. It’s a rattling, charming journey through the oldest neighborhoods. My unpopular opinion? It's often a sweaty, sardine-can experience where you're more focused on not dropping your phone than appreciating the views. But hey, if you're feeling brave and don't mind a good elbow nudge, give it a whirl. It is a classic for a reason, even if that reason is pure, unadulterated chaos.
Now, for something I truly adore. The Belém Tower. It looks like a fairytale castle plucked straight from a storybook and plonked on the edge of the Tagus River. It’s beautiful. It’s historical. And it’s got a great view of absolutely nothing too exciting, if we’re being honest. My advice? Admire it from the outside. Take your perfect Instagram shot. Then, move on to the real treasure nearby.
Pastel de Nata Power!
You cannot go to Lisbon without indulging in a Pastel de Nata. These little custard tarts are small miracles of flaky pastry and creamy, slightly caramelized custard. The most famous place is Pastéis de Belém, and yes, the line can be epic. Is it worth it? Absolutely. My unpopular opinion? Any good bakery selling them is probably just as good. Don't stress about finding the one. Just find one that’s warm and fresh, and prepare for bliss.
Speaking of Belém, you’ve also got the Jerónimos Monastery. This place is ridiculously grand. Think intricate carvings, soaring ceilings, and enough stone to build a small country. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and it’s truly breathtaking. My unpopular opinion? After a while, it all starts to look a bit… samey. Beautiful, yes, but overwhelming. My tip? Focus on one or two key areas, soak in the grandeur, and then head back outside for some fresh air.
Let’s shift gears to the Alfama district. This is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood. It’s a maze of narrow, winding streets, laundry hanging from balconies, and the soulful sounds of Fado music drifting from tiny restaurants. It’s utterly charming and romantic. My unpopular opinion? Sometimes these charming streets can feel a bit too much like a tourist trap. The Fado shows can be pricey and, dare I say it, a bit performative for some. Seek out a more local, less advertised spot for a more authentic feel, if you can find one.
One place that’s undeniably cool is the LX Factory. This is an old industrial site that's been transformed into a super trendy hub of shops, restaurants, and art installations. It's got a really hip vibe. You can find unique souvenirs, grab a coffee, and generally just soak up the cool atmosphere. My unpopular opinion? It’s so trendy it sometimes feels like it’s trying a bit too hard. But still, a great place to escape the usual tourist trail for an afternoon.
Views Worth Shouting About (Literally)
Lisbon is famous for its viewpoints, or miradouros. You’ve got the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, the Miradouro das Portas do Sol, and many more. The views are stunning, especially at sunset. You can see the terracotta rooftops, the river, and the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge. My unpopular opinion? They can get crowded. Like, shoulder-to-shoulder crowded. My secret weapon? Go a bit earlier, or find a less famous one. Or just embrace the crowd and make new friends while you’re elbowing for a selfie.
The Time Out Market Lisboa is another popular spot. It’s a giant food hall where you can sample dishes from some of Lisbon’s best chefs and restaurants all under one roof. It’s a foodie’s paradise. You can try everything from seafood to steak to, you guessed it, more Pastéis de Nata. My unpopular opinion? It can be a bit overwhelming with so many choices. And sometimes, the more relaxed, smaller tascas offer a more authentic, less frantic dining experience.
For a dose of art and culture, the National Azulejo Museum is a must. It’s dedicated to the beautiful ceramic tiles, the azulejos, that are everywhere in Portugal. The museum is housed in a former convent and is really quite beautiful itself. My unpopular opinion? If you’ve walked around Lisbon for more than an hour, you’ve already seen plenty of stunning azulejos. Unless you’re a tile aficionado, you might find this a little niche. But hey, tiles are pretty!
And then there's the São Jorge Castle. It sits on the highest hill, offering panoramic views and a peek into Lisbon’s past. You can wander through its courtyards, imagine knights and royalty, and generally feel quite medieval. My unpopular opinion? It’s a bit of a climb, and while the views are good, they aren’t that much better than some of the free miradouros. Still, it’s a solid option if you’re looking for a historical landmark with a view.
Exploring the Bairro Alto is essential for experiencing Lisbon’s nightlife. It’s a charming neighborhood by day, but by night, it transforms into a lively hub of bars and restaurants. Music spills out onto the streets, and people mingle happily. My unpopular opinion? It can get very loud. And sometimes a bit… rowdy. If you’re looking for a quiet chat, this might not be your spot. But if you want to feel the pulse of the city, it's a great place to start.
Finally, the most important thing to do in Lisbon? Just wander. Seriously. Put down the map, forget the itinerary for a bit, and let yourself get lost. Stumble upon a hidden courtyard. Find a tiny café serving surprisingly good coffee. Watch the world go by from a sun-drenched step. That’s where the real magic of Lisbon happens. And that, my friends, is my most cherished, and perhaps most unpopular, opinion of all.