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Lisbon, Portugal Travel Guide 2026: Top Things to See, Eat & Do
- Santeka Grigley
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Lisbon is one of Europe’s most charming capitals, known for its colorful tiles, historic trams, hilltop viewpoints, and relaxed coastal energy. We visited Lisbon in December, and it turned out to be the perfect time to explore the city without the peak-season crowds. The weather was mild, the holiday markets added a festive charm, and the slower pace made it easy to truly enjoy Lisbon’s food scene, vibrant neighborhoods, and iconic viewpoints.
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While the city is compact, its rolling hills, layered history, and rich culture give it incredible depth. From centuries-old landmarks and traditional eateries to lively nightlife and scenic waterfront walks, Lisbon offers a balance of old-world charm and modern energy that feels both welcoming and exciting. In this Lisbon, Portugal travel guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip, including top attractions, historic sites, where to eat and drink, local experiences, accommodations, cultural events, and tips for getting around the city with ease. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, Lisbon is a destination that leaves a lasting impression year-round.
Learn More: Rome, Italy in December: What & How I Packed
Skip to the section you're most interested in: Top Attractions - Where to Eat - Where to Drink - Cultural Events & Festivals - Historic Sites - Accommodations - Must-Do Experiences - How to Get Around
Top Attractions and Experiences in Our Lisbon, Portugal Travel Guide 2026
Top Attractions
Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks, originally built to protect the city’s harbor.
Jerónimos Monastery – A stunning example of Manueline architecture and one of Portugal’s most important historic monuments.
São Jorge Castle – A hilltop fortress offering sweeping panoramic views of Lisbon’s rooftops and the Tagus River.
Praça do Comércio – A grand waterfront square that serves as one of Lisbon’s most recognizable gathering spaces.
Avenida da Liberdade – A wide, tree-lined boulevard known for luxury shopping, cafés, and elegant architecture.
Alfama District – Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, filled with narrow streets, traditional homes, and classic fado music.
Baixa-Chiado District – The lively city center connecting shopping, dining, and historic plazas.
25 de Abril Bridge – A striking suspension bridge connecting Lisbon to Almada, often compared to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and best admired from riverfront viewpoints.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte – One of the highest viewpoints in Lisbon, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the city and river.
Miradouro de Santa Catarina (Adamastor) – A popular sunset spot overlooking the Tagus River and the 25 de Abril Bridge.
Where to Eat in Lisbon
Breakfast & Brunch
Quest Breakfast – A cozy breakfast café best known for its freshly baked pastries, specialty coffee, and indulgent cinnamon rolls.
Breakfast Lovers – A popular brunch spot with multiple Lisbon locations, serving creative breakfast plates, pancakes, eggs, and quality coffee in a relaxed atmosphere.
Dear Breakfast – A stylish breakfast spot with excellent breakfast options. If you get an upstairs window seat, you can watch Tram 28 pass by, making it a great spot for photos.
Neighborhood – Well-known for its breakfast burritos and laid-back vibe that’s popular with both locals and visitors.
Lunch, Dinner, & Casual Eats
Pomme Eatery – Fresh, flavorful comfort food with a cozy atmosphere.
KOB by Olivier – Upscale steakhouse experience offering high-quality meats and creative dishes.
Franguinho do Príncipe – Casual spot famous for perfectly grilled chicken.
O Trevo – Famous for traditional pork sandwiches.
El-Rei Dom Frango – Traditional Portuguese restaurant known for its bold flavors and classic local dishes.
Traditional & Must-Try Restaurants
Portugália – Iconic Portuguese beer hall and restaurant
Cervejaria Trindade – Historic brewery serving classic Portuguese dishes
Ramiro – Legendary seafood restaurant
A Merendinha do Arco Bandeira – Traditional Portuguese comfort food
Adega da Tia Matilde – Classic Portuguese recipes
Tabernáculo by Hernâni Miguel ⭐ Black-owned – Elevated dining with bold flavors
Mambo ⭐ Black-owned – West African cuisine
Alto Minho – Traditional Portuguese dishes
Where to Drink in Lisbon
Java Rooftop Bar – Rooftop bar offering stunning city views and creative cocktails.
Lumi Rooftop – Chic rooftop lounge with panoramic views and a stylish atmosphere for sunset drinks.
A Ginjinha – Traditional spot serving Lisbon’s famous sour cherry liqueur, typically enjoyed standing at the bar.
Rendezvous – Cozy cocktail bar with expertly crafted drinks and a relaxed vibe.
Lisboa Bar – Open late with a lively crowd, perfect for experiencing Lisbon nightlife.
Social B ⭐ Black-owned – Late-night bar known for creative cocktails and vibrant energy.
Black Tiger – Stylish nightlife spot with a modern, energetic atmosphere.
Marrecreo Pizzeria – Casual spot for pizza and drinks, ideal for a relaxed evening out.
Cultural Events & Festivals
Christmas Markets (December) – Festive markets featuring seasonal crafts, treats, and holiday cheer across Lisbon.
Holiday light displays (December) – Colorful illuminations brighten the streets, plazas, and historic landmarks throughout the city.
Live music and nightlife in Bairro Alto (year-round) – Experience Lisbon’s vibrant music scene with bars and clubs hosting live performances nightly.
Sunday gatherings at LX Factory – A lively mix of shopping, art, and socializing at this creative hub every Sunday.
Food culture celebrations at Time Out Market Lisboa – Sample the best of Lisbon’s culinary scene through events and tastings hosted year-round.
Historic Sites
Jerónimos Monastery – A masterpiece of Portuguese architecture and the resting place of Vasco da Gama.
Belém Tower – Once a defensive fortification, now one of Lisbon’s most photographed landmarks.
São Jorge Castle – A centuries-old fortress that played a key role in Lisbon’s defense and history.
Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa) – The city’s oldest church, blending Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles.
Convento do Carmo – Striking Gothic ruins that serve as a reminder of the devastating 1755 earthquake.
Praça do Comércio – A historically significant square rebuilt after the earthquake and central to Lisbon’s revival.
Alfama District – A neighborhood that survived the earthquake and preserves Lisbon’s medieval layout.
Avenida Almirante Reis – A historic and culturally diverse avenue reflecting Lisbon’s evolving identity.
Cervejaria Trindade – A former monastery transformed into one of Lisbon’s most iconic beer halls
Accommodations
Where We Stayed
InterContinental Lisbon – Stylish and comfortable hotel offering excellent city views, modern amenities, and a convenient location with easy access to Lisbon’s major attractions.
Lisbon also offers many large hotel brands, stylish Airbnbs, and a wide range of stays in popular neighborhoods like Baixa, Chiado, Alfama, and Avenida da Liberdade, depending on your travel style and budget.
Must-Do Experiences
Take a TukTuk tour through Lisbon’s hills and historic neighborhoods for an easy and informative introduction to the city.
Ride Tram 28, one of Lisbon’s most iconic trams, for scenic views as it winds through historic districts like Alfama and Graça.
Explore Time Out Market Lisboa, a lively food hall featuring some of the city’s best chefs, local favorites, and desserts all in one place.
Wander through Baixa, Lisbon’s main tourist area, known for its grand plazas, shopping streets, and classic architecture.
Spend a Sunday at LX Factory, a creative hub housed in former industrial buildings and known for shopping, local brands, handmade jewelry, cafés, and art spaces.
Take a sunset boat cruise on the Tagus River for panoramic views of Lisbon, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the city skyline as the sun goes down.
Shop handcrafted jewelry and artisanal goods at Sentido da Cor, a local favorite for unique, meaningful souvenirs.
Stop by Conserveira de Lisboa, a historic shop famous for beautifully packaged Portuguese canned fish that makes for a uniquely local souvenir.
Enjoy a warm pastel de nata at Fábrica de Nata, one of Portugal’s most beloved pastries and a must-try while in Lisbon.
Sip a shot of ginjinha at A Ginjinha, a traditional Portuguese sour cherry liqueur and a classic Lisbon experience.
Take a day trip to Porto by train, where you can explore historic neighborhoods, enjoy Douro River views, and sample the region’s famous wine.
How to Get Around Lisbon
Walking
Lisbon is a compact city, making it easy to explore on foot. However, its steep hills can be challenging at times, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Uber
Uber is widely available and very affordable in Lisbon, making it one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get around, especially when navigating the city’s hills.
Trams & Public Transportation
Lisbon’s trams, buses, and metro system are reliable, easy to use, and well-connected, offering a budget-friendly way to travel between neighborhoods.
Taxis
Taxis are readily available throughout the city.
Lisbon is a city full of character, where history, culture, and modern life come together in a way that captivates every traveler. From winding streets and historic trams to delicious pastéis de nata and vibrant nightlife, the city offers endless discoveries around every corner. Visiting in December allowed us to enjoy Lisbon’s festive charm without the crowds, making it easy to take in panoramic views, explore diverse neighborhoods, and savor authentic food and drinks. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, Lisbon leaves a lasting impression, inviting you to return again and again to uncover even more of its magic.
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