May 17, 2023

LISBON - WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN LISBON

Lisbon is Portugal's capital and largest city, located on the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula. It is a vibrant and historic city known for its picturesque streets, lively culture, and beautiful architecture.

Emma, our buyer, went for a long weekend and shares her top picks of what to do, see and eat….

We were lucky to be there for the weekend, when the weather was unusually hot for mid-April, hitting as high as 30 degrees. It was my first time in Lisbon and I was taken over by the food, culture and beauty of the city.

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What To See

Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa Cathedral

Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa Cahedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in the Alfama neighbourhood of Lisbon. It is one of the city’s oldest and most significant monuments and has played an important role in Portugal’s religious and cultural history. The cathedral was built in the 12^th century and has undergone many changes and renovations over the years, one of its most distinctive features is the rose window on the west facade, which was added in the 18^th century.

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Ride the 28 tram

A great way we found to see the city and a must-do experience when visiting Lisbon, is riding the 28 Tram. It is a historical tram that winds through the narrow streets, taking passengers on a scenic tour of some of the city’s most iconic routes and landmarks. We purchased our ticket from the Tram 28 driver when we boarded the tram, alternatively, you can a buy Viva Visgem card.

Views from the city's Miradourous (View Points)

Lisbon is known for its many ‘miradourous' or viewpoints, which offer stunning views of the city and its surroundings. Our favourite viewpoint of the city was the Miradouro da Graça, this viewpoint offers an expansive view of Lisbon’s historic centre, the Tagus River and we enjoyed a glass of fruity sangria at Noobia rooftop bar.

Where To Eat

Vicente

A traditional Portuguese restaurant located in the neighbourhood of Chiado. The restaurant specialises in serving cuisine from the Alentejo region of Portugal, which is known for its hearty meat dishes, fresh bread and regional wine. We settled into the rustic, cosy atmosphere and enjoyed the sirloin steak platter and a bottle of red wine, which was delicious!

Ponto Final

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Known for its yellow chairs and the exquisite outdoor seating area overlooking the breathtaking views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. The restaurant serves a variety of traditional dishes, with a focus on fresh seafood. We were told there was a waiting list of three months to book a table, however, we queued for an hour and it was well worth the wait and we were given a table with a sea view. Some of our favourites from the menu were the octopus salad, grilled seabass and sizzled garlic prawns.

Javá

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Lisbon is known for its vibrant and trendy rooftop bars, overlooking the panoramic views of the beautiful city. Our favourite bar and restaurant was Javá, situated on the top floor of a building in the Santoas neighbourhood. We settled in for the evening enjoying their speciality spicy margaritas and indulging in their selection of delicious tapas.

What To Do

LX Factory

We visited was the LX Factory, a former industrial complex that has been transformed into a vibrant and dynamic space with a variety of shops, restaurants and galleries. It is a great place to explore and discover unique and innovative art and design, and to experience the creative energy of Lisbon’s thriving artistic community.

Cerâmicas Na Linha

One of my favourite parts of Lisbon was the colour and ceramics which filled the city. Cerâmicas na Linda was our favourite ceramic shop we visited, offering a range of handmade ceramics, including plates, bowls, vases and tiles. The pieces are created by a team of local artisans and feature unique designs that reflect the culture and history of Portugal. I bought a pair of white ceramic mugs and a salad bowl, which I can’t wait to use in the summer.

Belém

One afternoon we visited the area of Belém, which is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage. Belém is also famous for its pastries, particularly the Pastéis de Belém, which are custard tarts that have been made in the area since the 19^th Century. We visited the famous bakery Pastéis de Belém to sample these tarts for ourselves and can say they were delicious!