See medieval castles while street musicians serenade you, learn about ancient nautical explorers and try the city’s signature seafood in the Portuguese capital.
Explore Lisbon and experience a rich cultural fabric characterised by medieval architecture, whitewashed houses and contemporary art. Bask in great weather year-round, socialise with relaxed locals and tour the best of this coastal city’s sights.
Wander through Lisbon’s historic Alfama district and find medieval plazas alongside ancient cathedrals. From cobblestone streets, admire the Castle of São Jorge, which is perched atop a hill outside Alfama. Near the castle, street guitarists serenade visitors. While passing bars and performers, listen out for the soulful melodies of the “fado” (fate), a moving style of music created in Lisbon.
Shop in high fashion boutiques surrounded by colourful, tiled houses in the Chiado neighbourhood. This stylish district has cafés and restaurants where you can try traditional dishes like bacalhau (salted cod). Being situated on the fertile Atlantic coast, Lisbon restaurants are known for their freshly caught and delicately flavoured seafood dishes. Sample catch-of-the-day specials like octopus, sea bass and sardines.
Try Lisbon’s signature cinnamon-topped pastry or grab an afternoon coffee at the world-famous Pastéis de Belem. Nearby, learn about the city’s Catholic history at the Jeronimos Monastery.
The country’s history is also preserved in a number of museums. Learn about the ancient Mediterranean civilisations while browsing a collection of over 6,000 Greek, Roman and Moorish relics at The Gulbenkian Museum. Admire contemporary culture exhibits at the Museum of Design and Fashion.
Discover Portugal’s exploratory naval history at the Maritime Museum, which displays boats and maps dating back to the 1800s. View maritime wildlife at the Lisbon Oceanarium. This colossal enclosure has one of the world’s largest collections of fish, birds, mammals and ocean critters, with a population approaching 8,000 animals.
When you need a break, the Botanic Garden provides a welcome green oasis to relax.
Central Lisbon is a short drive from its international airport, just a few minutes north of the city. Get around using the underground subway system, buses or aboveground trains.