Lisbon

Discover the essential places to visit in Lisbon

“Who never saw Lisbon, has never seen a good thing”

Lisbon is an eclectic and unique city that has to be lived slowly. Get lost in its cobblestone streets, discover its authentic flavours and be carried away by the magic of the capital of Fado

Muchosol Team

Lisbon, capital of Portugal and a magical place

It is a perfect destination for a getaway at any time of the year. The good climate of the Portuguese country makes it ideal for taking walks or enjoying a drink on a terrace at any time of the year. The features that seduce most travelers to visit Lisbon is the combination of old and new, the idea of a small city and big metropolis with a powerful cultural scene and a historical past that gives personality to the streets and people. Bem-vindos a Portugal

Discover Lisbon with your family

Family trips, the unique and unforgettable memories which we keep with us for the rest of our lives. These memories are the best souvenirs you can bring home.

If you are looking for a holiday with your family, Lisbon would be perfect for you. Besides the good weather and the many family activities, you should know that children have free entrance, or tickets for a very low price, for a big amount of monuments and museums in the Portuguese capital. If you are looking for good activities with children, you should have a look at these:

Planetario Calouste Gulbenkian

Praça do Império, 1400-206 Lisbon

This planetarium is located next to the Jerónimos monastery. In the building you can walk on the moon and learn your children more about the various constellations that cross the galaxy, by a large projector.

Orient Museum

Av. de Brasília 352, 1350 Lisbon

It is one of the best activities to do in Lisbon. The exhibition includes costumes, masks and ritual objects that will certainly generate the curiosity of the little ones. The Orient museum is a bridge between civilisations that show the deep connection between the East and West.

The Zoo

Praça Marechal Humberto Delgado, 1549-004 Lisbon

Yes, it seems like something we can also do in our own country, but this zoo is special: it’s the only zoo in Europe with a cable car! Also, the zoo has a farm so that the little ones can have contact with the animals; there are always activities for the whole family together with the employees of the zoo.

Aquarium of Lisbon

Esplanada Dom Carlos I s/nº, 1990-005 Lisbon

Over 16,000 marine species from all over the world are waiting for you at the Aquarium of Lisbon. This is definitely a must-see if travelling with the whole family to Lisbon because it is great for everyone!

Tour through Lisbon

Places of Interest

If we talk about Portugal, then you will always hear the word Fado, or think about the famous yellow tram that rides through the narrow streets of Lisbon and shows you all the popular curiosities. Lisbon, as a capital, has many places and experiences that you should not miss while visiting this city.

The first thing you should do before you go to Lisbon, is to prepare yourself for the trip. That’s why we’ll start with buying the Lisboa Card. This is a tourist pass that allows you to travel free and unlimited by public transport. There are three types of cards depending on how long you would like to use it: 1 day, 2 days or 3 days. Depending on the card you choose, prices are between £18.50 and £39. You can not only travel unlimited by public transport, because you also get free access to the main museums and discounts on entrance fees for the main monuments.

There are places in Lisbon that you should definitely have visited. Not only because these places are beautiful for photographing, but also for the historical value. These are some of those beautiful places:

▶ The castle of St. George

This castle with 18 towers was built in the sixth century: the profile of Lisbon. Over the centuries the castle of St. George has seen wars, sieges and even an earthquake that devastated the city, and therefore it remains one of the most recognised symbols of Lisbon.

▶ The tower of Belém

It is one of the most important symbols of the Portuguese capital and was built in the sixteenth century. This defensive building was built on the banks of the Tagus River and was used among others to welcome travellers returning home. Moreover, this symbol of Portuguese architecture is a world heritage of UNESCO.

▶ Elevador de Santa Justa

This is a Neo-Gothic lift that could perfectly be from one of the pages of a Victorian novel, located in the Chiado district, a bohemian and artistic neighbourhood. When you go up in the elevator you will be amazed by the beautiful views of Lisbon. Prepare yourself for shooting the most beautiful photos!

▶ The Carmo church (Igreja do Carmo)

In 1755, Lisbon was struck by an earthquake which hit the roof of the church. The earthquake took place on the Day of All Saints and was considered at that time as a manifestation of God’s wrath against the city. Despite the ruined roof, this beautiful Gothic church is indispensable. The remains of the Igreja do Carmo can be seen in almost all of Lisbon, because it is located in the highest district of the city. The Elevador de Santa Justa offers amazing views of the temple.

▶ Jerónimos Monastery – Belém

Lisbon has several monuments declared as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and this monastery is one of them. If you get the opportunity to walk through the monastery, you will definitely be fascinated by the architecture and the intricate designs that this building has. In addition, in the monastery, the grave of Vasco de Gama is located, the explorer and navigator responsible for the discovery of the maritime route to India.

▶ Explore its markets

Who does not like to stroll through all the markets the city you are visiting has? These markets have something special because they contain all the colours and flavours that form the gastronomy of the city. Here you can always try some of the city’s best traditional recipes. For example, on the Ribeira market in Cais do Sodré, “the” market of the city, or on the Campo de Ourique market, smaller and quieter, ideal to visit with your family.

Gastronomy of Lisbon

Homemade dishes with a delicious glass of wine, what else do you want in a good restaurant? Portugal is a seaside country, which makes it logical to think that the supply of fish and seafood hast to be rich and varied. And yes indeed, that’s right: in Lisbon you can try some delicious typical dishes such as cod, grilled sardines or rice with fish and seafood and an excellent glass of white wine from the region. Moreover, you will not only love their fish dishes but also their delicious meat dishes. They have everything!

In addition, they also cook delicious with meats such as chicken or hamburger dishes that you can try in the bars of its streets. If you are looking for suggestions, write these down because you will surely love them:

La Baixa

Many restaurants can be found in the La Baixa district and in some of these places you can try a few of the best appreciated Portuguese delicacies. For example, at the restaurant da Prata, which has a varied and delicious menu, but not really extensive. Here you can enjoy dishes for a good price in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere. The restaurants is located in Rua da Prata 52.

If you are looking for grilled fish and meat, prepared as they only do in Lisbon, then the Flores das Escandinhas is your ideal restaurant. A menu with traditional grilled fish and meat combined with cheese, soup and salad. A centrally located restaurant, close to tourist attractions like the San Jorge Castle, with fresh products. The address is Rua de Santa Justa 13.

Chiado

The typical Bohemian district also serves delicious and affordable dishes. If you walk through the streets and you are looking for a place with snacks and drinks, we recommend you to stop at the Lisbon Winery, a place specializing in cheeses and good wines. They also have tastings at this cosy place in Rua da Barroca 31.

If you want to discover the traditional cuisine but with a touch of avant-garde, then Oficina do Duque is the perfect restaurant for you. Meat, fish, pasta and desserts worth trying in this restaurant in Calcada do Duque 43A.

Bairro Alto

Between the cobbled streets and the facades with wrought iron balconies, you will find a great gastronomy where you can discover new tastes during your stay in Lisbon. We advise you to book a table at Restaurante Momento because of its selection of meat, fish, soups and delicious entrees. In addition, they have great dishes to share and a good wine collection. The address is Rua de Rosa 151.

The Tasca Mastai restaurant is a small place with a friendly atmosphere where you can try rich dishes and drinks. Cocktails, colourful salads, and cheeses are some of the things you’ll find on their menu. It is the ideal restaurant for a snack and a drink and to enjoy a perfect evening in Lisbon. You will find the restaurant in Rua de Rosa 14A.

Alfama

In the old fishing district, they -of course- know how to prepare delicious seafood. In Restaurante o Cartacheiro, a small restaurant in a cobbled street, you can try fresh fish, seafood, salads and live the typical Portuguese atmosphere. The address is Largo do Chafariz de Dentro 23.

A small, cosy and charming place: that’s Porto Alfama, a renovated restaurant that you find in a cosmopolitan corner without losing the Portuguese gastronomy. Enjoy the finest wines, cheese, sausages, fish and olives. This restaurant is located on Rua de Sao Pedro 26.

Belém

The Belém district is famous for its delicious cakes: Pasteis de Belém. Besides this typical Lisbon dessert, you can discover many other typical dishes and world dishes in the capital of Portugal, but the Pasteis are the most popular.

In Feitoria Restaurant & Wine, a Michelin-starred restaurant, the food is an authentic ritual of flavours, smells and colours. They use excellent products, prepare the dishes with care, making the modern atmosphere of this restaurant a unique experience. The restaurant is located in Doca do Bom Sucesso.

Enoteca de Belem is a place where the most delicious dishes are combined with the taste of good wine. Each dish belongs to one of the wines from the restaurant which completes the experience in Enoteca de Belem. On the menu you will find different dishes from typical Portuguese cuisine such as fresh fish and meat products they bought at the fresh market. The address is Travessa do Marta Pinto 10.

Looking for cheap but good restaurants? Discover this TOP 5 with great restaurants that serve cheap food!

Lisbon Pastelerias you cannot miss

Sweet lovers will also find their paradise here, because they will discover some of the most sublime pastry shops in Europe.

▶ Manteigaria

They are known because they sell the famous Pasteis de Belém, in the centre of Lisbon. In fact, those who have gone say they are even richer than the originals: creamy, crunchy and warm. It is a small place and always busy, they make their sweets right there and you can even see it through a window.

▶ Pastelaria Alcôa

It is located in the Chiado neighbourhood, its sweets can be eaten inside but they also have take away. They offer a great and varied assortment of cakes that cost around £2 each. They have Jesuits, yolk palms or cream cakes, delicious!

▶ Pasteis de Belém

Near the Tower of Belém, it is always crowded but it is worth the wait, because here the original Belém cream cakes are served. Freshly baked and delicious, its taste has something different. It has an area with tables, but they can also be ordered for take away. Despite being a well-known patisserie, prices remain within an acceptable range.

▶ Pastelaria Alfama Doce

The best place to have breakfast, it is located in the neighbourhood of Alfama. The price for 4 coffees and 8 cakes isn’t more than £12. At its affordable prices come both sweet and salty delights. They are famous for their Alfama cakes, their chocolate-filled croissants and their cream cakes.

▶ Confeitaria Nacional

It is a pastry shop with almost 200 years of history. In the place they serve menus of the day but also sweets, all handmade. The most requested, apart from the cream cakes, are the meringue cake with lemon, the glazed palms, the coconut sultana, the Black Forest chocolate cake or the pine nut cake filled with almonds. They sell some typical brass boxes that you can fill with the cakes that you like the most.

Travelling with pets

Travelling with your dog is becoming more and more common, and destinations offer more and more animal-friendly options. If you travel to Lisbon with your dog, here is a list of activities that you can do together:

Parque do Tejo: on the banks of the Tagus River you can enjoy the sun and, like many others do, enjoy the environment together with your dog. Let your dog enjoy the freedom, the perfect moment for a break during your visit to Lisbon.

Quinta das Conchas park: this park, which is divided into three areas, is often full of people who walk here with their dog. The atmosphere is very relaxed and a place where everyone is friendly. In addition, there is a perfect spot for a picnic in the middle of nature.

Kaffeehaus: this cafe has been opened by 2 Austrians where dogs are allowed. When it’s crowded you can also sit on the terrace with a drink while your dog is enjoying in the sun.

Walking and playing in Jardim do Campo Grande: here you will find a safe and enclosed environment to let your dog run and enjoy the sun in Lisbon. It is not recommended to let your dog run freely due to the proximity of a busy road.

Parque Eduardo VII: this park is located in the centre of town near the Marqués de Pombal square. Your dog will meet many new friends to play with. If you go by car you can park close to the park without any problems.

Where do you want to go?