Your First Trip to Lisbon - 8 Things You Can't Miss

Kaitlyn Rawls
Apr 20
4 min read

Between it's bright and tiled streets, warm weather and rich culture it's hard not to fall in love with Lisbon. As one of the oldest capitol cities in Europe, Lisbon hosts incredible coastal views as well as a hilly landscape dotted with color.

With each narrow street filled to the brim with lively cafes, local bistros and vendors selling everything from hand-made crafts and art to flashy souvenirs, Portugal's biggest city does not lack in entertainment. Here are eight things you don't want to miss during your first trip to the beautiful city of Lisbon, Portugal.

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Explore the Castelo de São Jorge

Dating all the way back to the 6th century, (built over 1,000 years ago!), the Castelo de São Jorge is a medieval architectural marvel standing right in the heart of Lisbon. It's surrounding gardens offer some of the best panoramic views of the city and plenty of places to lounge for a quick cappuccino break while enjoying the weather. Trust us, your calves may be ready for a break as well!

Tickets to enter the Castle grounds are available for purchase at the entrance for €15. You can also buy them online here prior to your visit.

Climb the Torre da Igreja do Castelo de São Jorge (The Church's Bell Tower)

The church outside of the Castelo de São Jorge has slowly been renovated over the years to further share the story of the neighborhood and it's history. Enjoy a moment of peace inside the sanctuary and read through some of the neighborhood's history before heading over to it's newly opened-for-visitors bell tower.

Expect a €5 entrance fee that comes with a drink and watch your head as you walk the short ceilinged and narrow stair case up to enjoy our favorite view of the city.

Order Hors d'oeuvres at the Restaurante and Jardim Sol

We’ll be honest we’re all about a great view, and Lisbon is not lacking in them.

Just a short walking distance from the Castelo de Sǎo Jorge, enjoy an array of traditional gourmet Portuguese cheeses while watching the sunset over it's red roofed landscape.

Despite the sun going to bed, the city will seem to wake back up. With most restaurants starting to serve their dinner courses around 8 or 9pm, free flowing conversation, laughter and sangrias will fill the air back up with the same warmth the sun left just a few hours prior.

Visit the Oceanário de Lisboa

As the world’s largest Nature Aquarium spanning an incredible 40 meters, Oceanário de Lisboa will definitely be one of the highlights of your trip to Lisbon. With multiple floors covering different oceanic habitats all over the world the attraction is not only educational but filled with color and ocean creatures you may have never met before.

Tickets are €25 at the door but we recommend splurging for the €30 ticket which also includes the cable car experience. For more information visit the official website here.

Enjoy a Ride in the Telecabine Lisboa

After your adventure exploring deep into the ocean don’t forget to view it from above. Included in the €30 ticket to the Oceanário de Lisboa you’ll also be able to board the Telecabine Lisboa - the Lisbon cable cars that offer a beautiful sky view of the ocean on one side and the city on the other.

Tickets to board the cable car without Aquarium entrance are also sold separately in person or online here.

Dance the Night Away at a Local Street Party

Even during “off season” we were surprised to find a plethora of street festivals, free live music, trendy clubs and dancing everywhere! When it comes to finding free and local events, word of mouth is a powerful tool. Strike up conversation with your hostel mates, or befriend other travelers over coffee or during a tour.

Dine in Praça Dos Restauradores

Looking to explore a new part of Lisbon for dinner? Just a few subway stops from the riverfront and downtown, Restauradores Square is a wide plaza dotted with historical buildings, cafes and unique architecture. Walking distance from Rossio Square which is often considered the heart of Lisbon, the food and shopping options are endless.

Make sure to allocate proper funds for your dinner as the Praça Dos Restauradores is not the most budget friendly area of Lisbon. However we believe it is still worth visiting.

Try a Pastel de Nata

Leaving Portugal before trying its infamous dessert, Pastel to Nata, would be doing a disservice to yourself and the culture of one of Europe's oldest countries. A flakey pastry filled with a creamy egg custard is best served warm but we believe is enjoyed however you can get your hands on it.

Served in restaurants, cafes, bus stations, the subway and even in the airport, the delicacy can be found almost anywhere across the country and the best place to enjoy it is very up much for debate!