Things to do in Lisbon, Portugal
- destinationsby-e
- Mar 13
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Flight: I booked my flight with Jetblue - New York JFK airport to Humberto Delgado LIS airport nonstop (7 hrs). The cost: $645 round trip. I went in August for a girls trip with my sister. Let me guide you through my Portugal trip!
What you should know
Portugal does not have the same electrical outlets as America, so you will need to purchase a European travel plug adapter to charge your phone. While in Lisbon, I made sure to carry a portable charger with me just in case.
Also, the food in Portugal is usually lightly seasoned. When dining, servers often bring bread and butter as an appetizer, which will be included in your bill. If you prefer not to have the appetizers, you can politely decline by saying, "No, thank you." The exchange rate is 1 euro to 1 US dollar. While tipping is not expected, it is appreciated.
Lisbon has many hills, stairs, and cobblestone streets, so it's important to wear comfortable shoes. If you plan to visit a church, please dress appropriately by avoiding shorts, tank tops, or skirts.
European Travel Plug Adapter, CLICK HERE
Transportation
When we landed at Humberto Delgado LIS airport, we requested an Uber to take us to our Airbnb. The Uber cost 15-20 euros (15-20 USD) for a 20-minute commute. The best way to explore Lisbon is by walking and taking public transportation, such as buses, trams and trains.
Where to Stay!
Rate: 9/10
This Airbnb was charming! It made me feel like I was living in an eighteenth-century building, complete with an antique key to open the front door and apartment door. It was an amazing experience! The apartment was clean, modern, and homey. We felt safe during our stay.
My favorite part was waking up and stepping onto the balcony to enjoy the views of the streets of Lisbon. However, be mindful that there are many steps leading up to the apartment on the third floor, which can make carrying your luggage a bit of a workout lol.
There are mini markets, bars, and the historic center nearby. This Airbnb is a 2-minute walk from Bairro Alto, a 5-minute walk from Chiado, and only a few minutes from the train station that takes you to Belem, Sintra, and Cascais.
To check-out this place, CLICK HERE.
Things to do – Places to see!
Cost: FREE Rating: 10/10
The Church of Saint Dominic was established in 1241 and was renovated after being destroyed by an earthquake in 1531 and 1755 and a fire in 1959. Upon entering, I learned that visitors must dress appropriately, avoiding skirts, shorts, and tank tops. Fortunately, I dressed according to the requirements. When I stepped inside, my jaw dropped! I had never seen a church like it before. The architecture was breathtaking, and the rustic dark and cracked cement walls still leave a trace of the previous destructions. @Church Sao Domingos
Cost: FREE Rating: 10/10
Panoramico de Monsanto is a hidden gem! We took a tuk-tuk to reach this destination, and as we arrived, we were unsure of what to expect when approaching the abandoned property. Built-in the 1960s as an exclusive high-society restaurant, this site offers stunning views of Lisbon and is surrounded by lush nature. The building is now covered in graffiti, which adds to its unique charm. As you stroll around, you'll be continually amazed by the distinctive features of this place. It was a highlight of my trip!
Take a stroll on Passeio Carlos do Carmo
Ticket cost: €16 Rating: 10/10
Passeio Carlos do Carmo is a promenade along the Tagus River, stretching 4 kilometers. You can have a wonderful time simply by strolling along this scenic path. As you walk, you'll come across the Belém Tower, a famous 16th-century monument on land and in the water. At Belém Tower, you might see some people taking off their shoes to dip their feet in the water, others relaxing nearby, and some walking on the bridge to get a closer view of the tower. There is a €16 ticket to enter the tower. I did not get to go inside, but the atmosphere outside felt straight from a scene from Game of Thrones. @Belem Tower
Ticket cost: €12 Rating: 10/10
If you continue walking along the path, you will come across the MAAT—Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology. Although we didn't go inside the museum, the modern architecture of the building was remarkable from the outside. A ticket costs €12 for entry, and you can enjoy a self-guided walking tour. A few photos of the exterior were all I needed. I noticed people sitting on the steps in front of the museum, gazing at the Tagus River as the sun shimmered on the water. If you visit this museum at night, it is gorgeous! @MAAT
Cost: FREE Rating: 10/10
Towards the end of the path, you'll encounter Ponte 25 de Abril, the longest bridge in Europe. This bridge connects Lisbon to Almada, southern Portugal. While people cannot walk across it, you can get a closer and clear view of the bridge from the path. It is accessible by car and train, providing an unforgettable experience. My sister and I shared a memorable moment while admiring the bridge and felt truly grateful for the opportunity to be there. Additionally, you can book a Wine Sailing Tour that passes under the Ponte 25 de Abril. For more information about the Wine Sailing Tour, scroll down to the following subheading.
Length Time: 2 hours Cost: $73 Rate: 10/10
The Wine Sailing Tour was spectacular! What made this experience so special was the endless serving of delicious wine lol. The captain and crew were friendly, spoke English, and were very knowledgeable. The sailboat had comfortable seating that resembled day beds, and it was clean and well-equipped.
This tour offers the best views of Lisbon's iconic statues and landmarks, including passing directly under the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge. The cruise was a relaxing sail through Lisbon during sunset, with a beautiful clear sky and warm air. The crew recommends bringing an extra layer of clothing. They also provide blankets.
I highly recommend this sailing tour to anyone who loves wine and enjoys exploring. If you tend to get motion sick, bring the medicine with you. You can enjoy this fantastic experience! -xoxo E.
TOURS: With flexible booking policies that allow you to reserve now and pay later, along with offerings from around the world, booking our experiences through Viator was easy #partnership
RECOMMEND: Sunset and Wine Sailing Tour
Thank you for the recommendations hun