Overview
** LISBON, PORTUGAL TOURS **
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I spent 24 hours in Lisbon know a layover over from Barcelona. It was so great! I wish I planned to have spent more time there. Literally everywhere we went was DELICIOUS!!! The people were so kind and seemed to enjoy us colored folks. It was also so affordable in comparison to other European countries. I actually would love to return and spend more time.
Lisbon should be on everyone’s list for a number of reason. The city is absolutely beautiful with magnificent sceneries and great eateries. It’s also very racially diverse with many people from Africa and Brazil calling it home.
I went to this club ( Cais do piratas ) with some friends, I was the only black guy of the group . The bouncer refused me the access cause i was wearing shorts, but like many people in it . On the picture I took it’s obvious that non black people shorts weren’t a real problem. mine wasn’t good enough.
My Portuguese friend tried speak to him , the guy jabbered something about dress code and some nonsense reason . So we left .
None of us was aggressive, disrespectful or anything. My only mistake was to present myself first …
Just another sad story
Otherwise the city is incredible
Surrounded by history marred with the rise and fall of the Moorish Empire to the slave trade, Portugal is the ultimate juxtaposition against a modern backdrop that opens itself up to embrace diversity. Still a work in progress, yet the ease of “being Black” is met with a casual nod to an open embrace. Traveling while Black one is bound to find a melanated community – restaurants, historical tour guides, business owners, etc. While there’s an influx in the larger cities – Lisbon, Porto, and parts of the Algarve, it’s not uncommon to feast on African cuisine and culture. A small country with plenty to offer.
In Lisbon, you are American, not “black.” That’s an American term. Sure, locals know that this term is used in the US, but they are so friendly and relaxed that they usually don’t stress about that stuff. Besides, there are loads of “black” Portuguese people and immigrants from the former colonies of Portugal in the country, especially in Lisbon. I sit with my back to the door in cafes—that’s how safe I feel. Oh, a big tip: please wear comfortable shoes with lots of grip. You will thank me for this. The cobblestones streets, though beautiful (remnants of Moorish colonization) are slippery and undulating. Enjoy!
Lisbon may not be top of mind when you think about places to go where you will be welcomed as a Black traveler, but I have been living in Lisbon for over three years now and can honestly recommend Lisbon, Portugal for Black travelers. Pro tip: Connect with the Black expat communities, Black In Portugal and People of Color In Portugal which are fantastic and very resourceful. Both groups host events for our community. These groups are also a great way to connect with locals and expats. Also highly recommend the African Lisbon Tour as a must do activity! Great way to learn the true history of the area and also meet some awesome folks along the way. For nightlife, I would check out and follow Black Hills Events on Instagram (@black_hills_events) I have also made a list of recommendations for Portugal in Google Maps which can be found here: https://goo.gl/maps/wPXAAMNfqGC9xeKJ7
That was my worst experiences. I felt not welcoming here in restaurants or in bar or club events with was very touristic place some time expensive. The staff was not nice. We were two mixed girl black background. They really gave us a bad feeling there. I am not sure to recommend it and I am not sure that I will go again.
I loved Portugal and as a black traveller, I felt very safe there. If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, here are some things you should definitely consider doing the following:
Explore Lisbon
Lisbon is a fun city that doesn’t feel like a crowded city. It has a lot to offer visitors, from the stunning views of the city and river from the Castelo de São Jorge to the historic district of Alfama. Be sure to take a stroll through the trendy Chiado neighborhood, admire the Gothic architecture of the Jerónimos Monastery, and visit the iconic Belém Tower. Don’t forget to indulge in the delicious local food, including the famous custard tarts known as pastéis de nata.
Visit Porto and the Douro Valley
Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal and a great place to explore. The city is famous for its historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a stroll through the charming Ribeira district, visit the stunning São Francisco Church, and cross the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge for amazing views of the Douro River. While in Porto, take a trip to the Douro Valley for some wine tasting and explore the picturesque vineyards and villages.
Relax on the Algarve Coast
The Algarve Coast is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear water, and warm climate. The region is a popular destination for tourists, but it’s still possible to find quiet and secluded spots. Visit the charming town of Lagos, with its historic walls and colorful buildings, or head to the buzzing Albufeira for some nightlife. Don’t miss the stunning beaches of Praia da Rocha, Praia do Vau, and Praia do Camilo.
Discover Sintra and Cascais
Just a short distance from Lisbon, Sintra and Cascais are two charming towns that are worth a visit. Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its colorful palaces and castles, including the stunning Pena Palace. Cascais is a charming coastal town with beautiful beaches and a lively marina.
Go hiking in Madeira
Madeira is a stunning island that is perfect for hiking and nature lovers. The island has a network of hiking trails that take you through lush forests, breathtaking cliffs, and stunning valleys. Don’t miss the levada walks, which follow ancient irrigation channels and offer some of the most beautiful scenery on the island.
Portugal has a little something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or just relaxing on the beach, Portugal has it all.
We visited Lisbon, Portugal in December 2019 right before New years, we were there for 2.5 days.
Things to do – we stayed at a boutique hotel in the heart of downtown, just a few blocks from the waterfront. We rode the cable car, did a bus tour to the carriage museum (I don’t recommend), 25 de Abril Bridge, Jerónimos Monastery, downtown shopping Area, old town, day trip to Sintra Palace (you have to climb a very steep hill but it’s worth it), Moorish Castle, Cascais (seaside town, where you want to try Jinja, it’s a cherry tasting shot served around the holidays) and the Western most point in Europe.
Food – if you like seafood, Lisbon is your spot. They do have this fried cod street food with cheese inside that was disgusting to me and it had bones, but “when in Rome”. We also tried Port wine, which was just “ok”.
Overall we enjoyed Lisbon, we went right after the holidays, it was relaxing, the temperatures were cooler, the sunsets beautiful and the people were exceptionally kind. It’s also beautiful to see all lit up during the holidays.
Lisbon, Portugal. Despite the language barrier, the people are very kind and curious. I loved Lisbon. The food in general was top 3 and it’s not 3. Let me start by saying that I was pleasantly surprised of how well seasoned and flavourful their seafood is; Exquisite. My girls and I went to LX factory which can be considered as the nightlife spot as well as the place to go to chill in the day. There’s a lot of movement there. Wine stores, souvenir boutiques, lounges, rooftop clubs, restaurants, bars. Before you leave Lisbon for my sweet toothers you must go get yourself of pack of 6 or 12 pastéis from Pastéis de Belèm. Thank me later!
Some of the freshest food on the planet exists in Lisbon. A scenic city in the country of Portugal. You’ll find castles on hilltops, medieval towers, palaces and fortified cities throughout. Have time? head to the very Western edge of Europe, Cabo Da Roca. Breathtaking views!
I traveled to Lisbon in April of 2018. I fell in love with the city. It was so romantic and had a fair amount of things to do in such a short visit.
My favorite was the Castelo de S. Jorge, a historic castle in Lisbon. The site was full of rich heritage and history. The castle is entwined in Lisbon’s early history. The castle is filled with watchtowers and beautiful gardens. I can’t remember how much admission run you, but I believe it was no more than 25 U.S. dollars. You also have the option of joining a tour guide for a more informed and educational experience.
The castle gives you a great view of the city of Lisbon and if you’re lucky may spot a heard of peacocks wandering around loosely! I had one walk right up to me.
It is one of the biggest tourist attractions. I definitely recommend visiting. Lisbon is one of my favorite European cities traveled to date.
Lisbon is a charming and very affordable city in Europe. The streets colourfull the food is so good. So where do you need to brunch? You must check out “Zenith Lisboa”! Then on your road to visit Belèm neighboorhood stop at”Pasteis of Belem” café! You will go several times there even for a short weekend getaway. Book a great air b and b near Praça do Comércio! Best neighborhood to stay. Take the tramway to the Time out market and enjoy your self. This city has a great soul, visit the “Cristo Rei “statue to have the best spot and view of the ” 25 de Abril Bridge.” This city is welcoming and being black does not put you on the Spotlight. You just have to keep in mind a few locals speak English.
The food here was pretty good. Although people think of Spain as the place to have sangria I also tried it here and it was very good. You have to go to a bakery and try some of the pastel de natas. It’s a custard tart that is so good I could’ve eaten ten. We also went to a restaurant called Noobai, I recommend making a reservation but the sunset from there is beautiful and the pitcher of sangria will hit you.
I truly enjoyed myself in Lisbon or as the locals say, Lisboa. The city is full of history. You can tell the buildings have been around for centuries and they’re well kept. We were only there for 24 hours, (layover to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria) but we walked the cobblestone sidewalks the entire day and enjoyed ever minute of it. I definitely recommend visiting Lisbon
Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal is a popular city to visit given the affordability and warm weather available here. Unfortunately, on our recent trip to Lisbon the weather wasn’t on our side and it rained all day on our first full day there . This was an abaolute bummer because like most European cities, Lisbon is best discovered on foot whilst strolling the winding,cobble stoned streets. Nevertheless, we were able to have a great time.
We booked an AirBnb which was located in the Alfama district close to restaurants, tram lines 12 & 28 , and Castello de St. Jorge. Given that the Castle is located in the middle of this residential area some ubers/taxis cant enter the area, and we had the misfortune of having to pull our luggage to the road to our apartment. Just be sure that the taxi can access your accommodation.
Given that there is a large influx of people from African countries, the population in Lisbon is quite diverse and this make it easier to travel. People are generally friendly and helpful, although I did have a few instances where Portuguese people were a bit rude.
Getting around Lisbon is fairly simple and weather permitting, you will be able to get amazing pictures from the view points located around the city. If you happen to travel in winter when they are experiencing heavy rainfall then I would suggest getting a yellowbus tour. We took a yellowbus boat ride on our first night – this takes you out on the Tagus river and goes all the way down to Belem. The boat ride is great as you get to see the city from a different perspective. We then opted to book for further tours which granted us access to the hop on -hop off sightseeing buses on 2 routes going to Belem to see the monuments as well as the modern part of Lisbon. This was a great option because despite the bad weather we were able to see so much of the city and the running commentary is quite detailed. We also got unlimited access to all yellow trams , the viewpoint and 3 funiculars in Lisbon. It was quite a solid deal.
Food in Lisbon is amazing – the seafood was a highlight for me. I got seafood rice at a lovely restaurant in Alfama and this was my favourite. There are areas with culture specific cuisine, so you can ask around to find out more about this.
THINGS TO DO ;
1. RIDE A TRAM – it seems very cliche and everyone wants to get a picture next to these cute trams, but it definitely is an experience. Tram No. 12,25 and 28 go through the most famous districts – Alfama and Bairo Alto. If you want to take a shorter tram ride then I’d advise No.12. It’s also likely to be less crowded. One tip is to get onto the tram at its primary point, this way you are guaranteed to get a seat.
2. VISIT BELEM – this district is filled with monuments and heaps of history. In this district you will be able to see Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery , Musuem of Art, Architecture and Technology, and Padrao dos Descombrimentos. All of these monuments are an important part of Portuguese history , including a large map on the floor which details the dates of every expedition from Portugal.
3. SANTA JUSTA LIFT – this lift located within the centre of Alfama is an amazing viewpoint of the river cruise terminal as well as most of Lisbon.
4. CASTELO de S. JORGE – The castle is located on top of a hill and looks down on Alfama district. All the history and spectacular views make this castle worth visiting.
5. TIME OUT MARKET – This amazing market is located in Bairro Alto. It’s a massive food market with so many options to choose from including drinks and desserts. The food prices here are slightly higher, but the ambiance makes it worth it.
6. PRACA do COMMERCIO – this large square is an amazing . It was the former area where all trade from the ships was conducted and is now lined with restaurants and cafes. The square overlooks teh massive Tagus river which is quite majestic.
Overall, Lisbon is a colourful and vibrant city. I think the city may be best enjoyed in the summer. However, even the winter the temperatures are still warmer than most of Europe and it is still worth visiting.
Due to Portugal’s mass colonization of many African countries, Portugal was filled with black people. I went twice. Once with my sisters and another time solo. Both times I loved it there. You can just walk around and everything is beautiful. The people are so welcoming and the food is amazing. It’s a very affordable location. I stayed in air b&bs both times, but I have friends who tried the hostels and said they loved their experience too. I think Portugal is one of the most underrated European countries.
I loved Lisbon, it’s a nice get away for a weekend in Europe. I recommend the Altis Suites hotel, its right in the centre no need to take a bus or metro. The hotel has a spa and it’s very comfortable. 5mn walk from shops and restaurants. The food in excellent and not expensive. Travel while black was ok, people are rather nice.
http://www.booking.com/Share-ucsaXf
Lisbon, Portugal was my last stop on my three country globe trot. We were originally supposed to end in Madrid, but a friend recommended Lisbon instead, and we could have not made a better choice.
The weather, monuments, food and wine made for a perfect end to our trip.
Day 1
We decided to stay at the Epic Sana Lisboa for 4 days, 3 nights (about $500 usd total), a 5 star hotel that was centrally located in the city. It was modern, with excellent customer service, a nice pool, cocktails and some good jazz.
https://lisboa.epic.sanahotels.com/en/photo-gallery
After check in, we changed clothes and caught an Uber straight to Pink Street (Rua Nova Do Carvalho) for the culture/ mini photoshoot! Pink Street was full of cute restaurants and tons of bars; definitely a nighttime move. While there, stop for gelato at Gelato Davvero; the mango and raspberry combo was A1.
Next stop was A Valenciana for lunch. Order the Red Sangria, Chicken, potatoes and rice! Yes, I know it sounds basic, but let’s just say the place was packed and entire table was quiet with no leftovers!
From there we headed to the Port for a Sundown cruise ($31 USD) that included wine, architecture and history of the city. Did you know the Golden Gate Bridge in California had the same architect as the 25 de Abril Bridge? We had a taste of SF ad Brazil while in Portugal.
https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/924721?s=67&shared_item_type=2&virality_entry_point=2&sharer_id=55607001
Our next few days were jam packed with tours, museums and of course more wine and food. Definitely check out The Village Underground which is a super modern workplace/ art exhibit, Timeout Market for lunch and dinner (there are so many restaurants, so you can double back), take the trip to Sintra to see the palaces and try to get a wine tour to Porto in!
Tchau!
I LOVED My trip to Lisbon and will definitely be going back. I stayed in the Baixa district which was centralized to most of the main sites. Loved strolling along Rua do Augusta, shopping in Chiado district, and sipping sangrias at the main square (Praca do Comercio). I also enjoyed the walking tour of the Alfama district where you get an authentic experience of the city and learn its history. I recommend eating at the Timeout Market and hitting up Pink Street for the bars. Also, take the tram to Belem where you can try the original pasteis de natas and stroll the boardwalk while checking out the different monuments. I did the day trip out to Obidos instead of Sintra. Though Obidos was wonderful (like a small Santorini), I really wish I could have experienced those beautiful castles in Sintra. For food and drinks, I enjoyed the fresh cod fish and took plenty of ginja shots. This is a cherry liquor shot you can get with chocolate.
What I loved most about this trip was the laid back vibe of the city. It’s quite multicultural and virtually everyone speaks English. You will definitely see Black faces so don’t feel like you will stick out like a sore thumb. A lot of the people I encountered were very friendly and helpful. I was often walking around exploring solo and I personally never felt unsafe. Portugal is actually one of the top 10 safest countries in the world (but watch for pick pockets on the trams). So if you are thinking of exploring Europe, I would highly recommend adding Lisbon as a destination.
Portugal is one of those countries many people are hesitant about including myself. But I am so grateful I went, it was a very educational trip for me. Filled with joy and many questions I was eager to find out more about. It is a strikingly beautiful country. The two places I visited were Lisbon and Porto. But I’ll do a review on Lisbon since I spent more time there and enjoyed it more even though Porto was so much cheaper.
Lisbon is filled with lots of history particularly tying to Africa. That is the one thing I noticed right away in Portugal, a lot of blacks from all sectors of Africa and other parts of the world. Even with its Colonial past, the face of its multiracial present let’s anyone who has any knowledge of Europe know Portugal is probably, if not definitely, the least racist country in Europe. The Portuguese are used to many differences and are the most culturally tolerant and peaceful people. There are many blacks there whether they have some sort of family history with slavery or they came from different parts of the world for a better life. Everywhere you go particularly where the tourist are you see black people and they immediately strike conversations with you and before you know it, you have been talking for hours and you leave like you’ve know each other forever. Truly one of the very high points of my whole trip in Lisbon.
Other parts of it’s history is that Lisbon is one of the world’s oldest cities. Predating over a century the likes of London, Rome and Paris. You can see its wear and tear on many of its buildings, especially in the Alfama district, the oldest part of the city. Which I highly recommend getting lost in and wondering around. As you stroll the winding streets and alleys that forms the district you get a taste of everything from, small cafes, hole in the wall restaurants, little shopping centers, homes, and other necessities of human life. You see street art, performers, the Lisbon Cathedral, and chapels reveal themselves on the many corners throughout. It’s truly one of the main things many if not all visitors go out and experience.
Ride the Tram system is something I encourage as well. Just like in places in the U.S. like San Fran, Lisbon is a city that has a very efficient tram line throughout its city. The most iconic one of all is Tram 28, which has been in service for decades. You should also visit the historic Belem, the beautiful Sintra Portuguese town that is situated within the hills of the Serra de Sintra. It has extravagant palaces, opulent mansions and the ruins of an ancient castle. Also enjoy the beaches and the food (lots of fresh fish for cheap), beer, and large selections of wine.
We stayed at an Airbnb with this one lovely Portuguese couple and their 5 year old son. We had our room with keys, towels and everything we needed. We shared the loving room and bathrooms but it worked out very affectively. In the morning the couple went to work and the kid went to School. In the evening the would be home and they are very engaging and try to encourage you to join them in whatever they were doing as a family. The host recommend a lot of things for us and helped with whatever we needed. One cool thing we got to experience a couple of nights with them was a dad is an African music producer. They traveled to Africa find artist and work with them. At the time one of the artist they found came to the house a few times to work in music so we got to witness live concerts and going out afterwards .
Overall Lisbon is a place every black traveler should visit maybe even more than once. I will definitely be returning to Lisbon in the near future.
I visited Lisbon in January 2019 and absolutely loved! Lisbon is a very walkable city and the people are very friendly. The younger generation speaks English as do most in the touristy areas. I decided to learn a little Portuguese which was not required but I enjoyed using what I learned to have a conversation with locals. I highly recommend the following places below:
I tried many pastel de bats while in Lisbon and I must say these, the original pastéis de Belém are the best! I went on a very rainy day Saturday and to my surprise there was no long line! I was in and out within 5 minutes. These are definitely worth trying!
Pasteis de Belem–I tried many pastel de natas while in Lisbon and I must say these, the original pastéis de Belém are the best! The originals at Pasteis de Belem are sweeter and so delicious. Best to go early or later in the evening. If you’re lucky, you can go on a rainy day (like I did) because the line is very short and the wait is less than 5 minutes.
Time Out Market–Basically a huge food court with many delicious items to choose from to eat. Can be very crowded, but since I went during low season, it was not difficult to find a place to sit and eat.
Alfama District–Best views of the city and an amazing district to walk through. I went with a guide which prevented me from getting lost, which can be done very easily if you’re not familiar with the alleyways.
Trams–Definitely worth taking a ride on any one of them (I took Tram 12 which goes to the Alfama district). When getting on and while on the tram, keep your items close to you as their are pickpockets around.
Belem–Beautiful area of Lisbon containing many tourist sites such as the Belem Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Monument to the Discoveries , and April 25th Bridge. All worth visiting! The architecture and history behind it is very interesting. This area is also right on the tagus river which is a beautiful and scenic area great for pictures.
The food is lisbon is very delicious they do not contain many seasonings but if many vegetables, they love the grilled food and the portuguese are excellent bakers.
(I recommend you taste: pastel de nata, pao de deus and bifanas)
In portugal are some of the best beers in the world (sagres) and it’s cheap.
in lisbon you will find lots of sea food, especially cod and sardines.
If you are afraid to try different things in any place you will find a basic dish with beans, rice, meat or chorizo, salad and drink from 4 to 7 euros.
I absolutely loved my visit to Lisbon. It was filled with History and I can definitely imagine returning. Especially as I would like to take the trip to Sintra.
Here are my recommendations:
Turim Marques Hotel
Walking Tour (www.neweuropetours.eu/Lisbon )
Walking Tour Belem and Alfama as well (We got these tours while there so I forget the name of the company)
Don’t hesitate to contact me I have itineraries of all my trips and happy to share with you: info@iamdrwanderlust.com
Lisbon is a cool
City! Nightlife has a lot of options. The area I visited was the pink street. The road is actually pink and it’s full
Of bars and clubs also
Restaurants. The clubs on this street open around 11pm and close at 4 or 5am.. so you can go all night. We bar hopped and had a great time. Most of the places are free to get in which is cool. I’m not a nightlife type of person, but if you are this is the place for you to party !
Portugal nightlife is LIT!! This has to be one of the most fun cities in my experience. There’s always something to do! Also you have to visit Sintra to see the castles. I recommend doing a bike tour as well, not going to lie, it was challenging since so many people are walking around but it was still a really great experience and such a workout because of all the hills ? Oh! And you must must try their famous pastry called pasteas de nata
Portugal was and still is a bucket list destination for me.
Lisbon has some of the most unique stone streets and tiled walls and floors throughout the city. The staggered hill like buildings make Lisbon one of the coolest architecturally.
I would recommend visiting the area of Alfama within Lisbon. Alfama is made up of narrow stone streets, surprising views of the water, and awesome port wine tasting. Has the feel of an old quaint Italian town, with vibrant colors.
The museums aren’t all that they are cracked up to be. I find venturing the streets allows you to run into some of the coolest areas.
By far one of my favorite cities in the world is Sintra just outside of Lisbon. Amazing views, castles, and well maintained infrastructure of a historical area.
If you are looking for some of the best panoramic views, venture to the west coast, Cabo di Roca. This is the westernmost point of continental Europe and jaw dropping views of the Atlantic.
I would definitely visit Portugal again. Awesome food, stunning views, and great people. Majority of the people in Lisbon also speak English which is helpful.
Lisbon impressed me so much. I had no idea what to expect but I wanted to try a different place from the normal European staples so I went and literally did not want to leave. I’m still trying to figure out if a move is possible because I loved it that much. Anything you want to do there you can. It’s so easy to get around the city. Their train passes usually work for the bus as well as the boats. It’s a walkable city so you can see a lot on foot. The food was FANTASTIC! I didn’t have one bad meal. Don’t be afraid to take the light rail outside of the city… there’s a lot to see as well like my favorite Pena Palace… quick 30 minute train ride to Sinatra and you’re there. I could say so much more but honestly, you should just go and feel the vibe for yourself… you won’t regret it.
Lisbon was dope from the food to the history to the nightlife. All the Sangria you can drink, delicious seafood and beautiful weather. I stayed at a dope ass hostel too that had the best waffles I’ve ever eaten. My biggest issue with Lisbon was how overtly anti-black my experience was. It was really terrible and in the end it left me itching to go home, and it’s not often that I’m keen to leave a travel destination. The blackface caricatures in the main square, and the Portuguese people at my hostel using nigger openly and saying things like, “Why would you want to have skin like a nigger?” after calling me beautiful was entirely too much. My final verdict? I’m definitely not going back, but I wouldn’t encourage anyone to stay away because of MY negative experience.
Listen, when I returned from Portugal, I looked up jobs there for about 2 weeks. I fell in love with this city! It reminded of San Francisco from the street cars to the infamous red bridge (that was designed by the same architect as the San Fran- Oakland bridge). The city is filled with hills, so wear your sneakers. There are several great vantage points as well. For nightlife, the pink street had plenty bars and clubs. I’d also recommend the Panorama restaurant for great views, food, and wine. Overall, the city felt safe and there was plenty to do, so I believe Portugal would make for a nice solo or group trip.
Bonus : if you know a little Portuguese, you’ll go far! ♥
Our trip to Lisbon was quite delightful! While we were only there for 48hrs, we managed to view most of the charming city by tuk tuk. At night, there is no shortage of bars and lounges in Bairro Alto. The patrons pour into neighboring streets, drinks in hand, laughing, singing, and dancing until the wee hours of the morning.
Via Airbnb experiences, we had enjoyed a hosted wine/dinner presentation in a private home in Lisboa, complete with traditional Portuguese foods and local wines.
If you have a chance, please add Lisbon to your list of European travel destinations.
Stayed in Lisbon for 2 days at the Marriott not far from the airport. Took Uber to get anywhere we didn’t feel like walking, but Lisbon is very walkable. Uber is hella cheap, in Lisbon so take advantage.
We did the ride on Tram 28 which was a recommended tourist attraction, but it was so crowded we barely had any room to move on there. We missed the day trip to Sintra to go view the castles and explore Caiscais beacause we just kept finding things in the city. Look up “We hate Tourism” Seven Hills Tour. They take you around the city in an old one-of-a-kind jeep, and you sightsee efficiently. Food is eclectic here, so have an open mind. Being a Portuguese country, the steak and any meat dishes were amazing. Go see the TimeOut Market Lisboa to try some amazing food all in one place. Also the wine. My God the wine…It. Is. Amazing.
Pink street is where the turn up is, but I feel like most of Lisbon is up all night lol. Just wander and find a club to jam in. Lisbon is the best kept secret in Europe. For the money, it’s probably the best value in Europe as well.
If you are thinking of visiting Lisbon, do so! It’s a fantastic city and I could have spent a lot longer than the four days we had there. We were a group of 5 girls and we stayed at 2 lovely apartments in Lisbon.
We spend 3 days in Sweet Inn Sao Bento then went to morocco for 5 days and when we came back we spent the last night in City Stay Cais do Sodre.
The first apartment: Nice place, 2 bedrooms with double bed and a double sofa bed in the living room. The apartment was clean and well decorated. The street was quiet and there was a little café next to it where we had breakfast several times. The people in the café are very nice they even stored our luggage for us the last day.
2nd apartment was City Stay Cais do Sodre, in terms of accommodation, we found this to be in a better location. It is a short walk from Time out market which you should absolutely visit if you are in Lisboa. also short walk to the waterfront and there was some souvenir shop nearby.
Lisbon is a wonderful city and its people are extremely friendly.
Well the main reason I wanted to write this is to talk about the apartments, because there if you find yourself traveling in big groups an apartment is always a good option
Stayed in Lisbon for five nights in the cutest Airbnb located in Barrio Alto which was a very convenient location. In fact the Tram 28 which is a highly recommended tourist attraction had a stop right infront of our flat. I found Lisbon to be a great city to walk in! The colourful building and vibrant streets and close proximity of many tourist attraction makes walking very pleasurable. But to be honest, it was sooooo hot during our stay walking was really tiresome. The exhaustion from the heat took a toll on us and the Tram being packed with tourist gave us all the more reasons to take Ubers from one destination to another even if it was just a 10 minute walk. Ubers in Lisbon are super cheap! I’m talkig 3-4 euros minimum depending on where you’re going of course! While in Lisbon we took a day trip to Sintra to go view the shading castles and explore a bit of Caiscais. This will take up a whole day as Sintra is about a 40 minute train ride away plus a bus to the castle and a hike! Wear comfy shoes! We went to Costa Da Caparica to cool off at the beach where the waters are sooo clean and the waves so fresh attracting lots of surfers! There are many beaches along Costa Da Caparica we went to Praia Castello which the Uber driver recommended along with Praia Princess. We were not disappointed! Make sure you visit the TimeOut Marlet Lisboa to try some amazing food and please don’t leave without trying some Pastel De Nata from Manteigaria they are the absolute best! To see a beautiful view of Lisbon and Amalfa go up to St George castle bring your student ID to get a discount ? I tasted some of the best seafood in my life at Beira Gare restaurant! Don’t leave Lisbon without trying seafood! It’s amazing! Didn’t do any partying in Lisbon but I heard Pink street is where the parties at and Barrio Alto had people screaming and singing at 3am! I spent most of my time in Lisbon as a tourist and living as a local. Despite the extreme heat alert that week I enjoyed every moment of it and would definitely come back and explore more of Portugal!
My friends and i did a a girls trip where we stayed 5 days in Lisbon. we booked an apartment on Expedia called city stays. like it’s name it actually is a the center of Lisbon within walking distance to the beach , the main nightlife street barrio alto and many more attractions. We did a tuktuk tour for about 12 euros each where our guide gave us a one and a half hour tour of the city and its main attractions. we visited the cathedral, he took us to the Panteao Nacional de Santa Engracia, we saw the fado museum and had a walking tour of Alfama neighborhood where we had a ginjinhas tasting. our guide was very helpful and knowledgeable of the city he even booked us a trip to Sintra with his company. after our tour we went to time out market for lunch. If you are not sure what you want to eat time out market is the place to go . it has wide range of restaurants from Italian to Asian and local food. garlic shrimp and octopus rice is a must . they even have cooking classes available. On our second day we went to visit the Sintra palace . Sintra is located outside of Lisbon and takes 30 to 40 minutes by car so i would recommend booking this trip with a company. Sintra has the most vibrant architecture with the walls ranging from bright yellow to orange paint to completely mosaic walls . inside the palace has been preserved to give you a clear image of life during the monarchy. if you want to try the best pasteis there are trams that can take you to belem and don’t worry about getting lost English is basically like the second language in Lisbon so you will find plenty of people to help you get around (google maps is not a reliable source). if you want to relax you can take a break from all the sightseeing and enjoy the beach or even take the old tram around the city.
Lisbon so far has been my favorite European city this year.
I traveled alone and I did not got bored or missed having someone at any point; you can do free or private walking tours of different parts of the city, Lisbon is a hilly city so if you are fit you will enjoy it however if are not you will probably struggle a bit but quickly get used to. You can also see the city taken tram 28 which goes to many of the points of interest of the city.
A most recommended place to visit while in Lisbon is Sintra, lovely old town with various castles and amazing views.
Cascais the closest beach, different vibes and busy place
Belem tower preferably go there early as the line / queue is longgggg.
Do not leave Lisbon without triying their famous Pastel de Nata or also called Pastel de Belem.
If you do not speak Portuguese do not worry, in most places people had a good level of English. ( at least the places I went)
A group of girlfriends and I came across amazing deal that allowed us to visit Marrakesh and Lisbon for a few days. While in Lisbon, we stayed in a wonderful and cute Airbnb that was about 15 min away from the city center. Close to our lodging were a few coffee/pastry shops with delicious treats and drinks, all which were affordable (less than 5 euros for breakfast). In addition, we ate at the Timeout Market which was a bustling place of various food choices and people enjoying. For anyone looking for a “One Stop shop” of sorts, this is the place to go! I had the most amazingggg turkey burger as well as delicious wine, Sangria, gelato, coffee, and pastries. Literally everything was good and even better, very affordable (my most expensive meal was 12 euros). Additionally, my friends and I had The pleasure of eating dinner at a local restaurant called Tambarine that served authentic Cape Verdean food. Since it was a large group of us, we all ordered different items (including red and white wine Sangrias) and everything I tasted left my taste buds happy :-). For example, we had white rice, beef/yam stew, black beans, fried chicken (cooked in beer), ribs, traditional stews, and fufu. This happened to be my second time in Lisbon and the food this go around was even better! I would HIGHLY recommend these places to anyone looking for a good meal, vibes, drinks, and overall nice time while in Lisbon!
Now I’ll be honest, I wasn’t too excited to go to Lisbon but my best friend REALLY wanted to go while her and I were in Europe so she bought us a flight from England and off we went. I am so glad she convinced me to go because it was one of the most architecturally beautiful country I’ve even been to. For starters, going thru the airport was sofast (I often wonder why the states don’t have that type of technology lol). When we got out, we took a bus to the central area where we could get on the Big Bus tour to see the city. Luckily my friend speaks Portuguese so we were able to get around town while waiting for the tour but we got carried away so the bus actually left us! But it was s blessing in disguise because we ended up taking a tram tour and THAT is when we got to see the magic of Lisbon. As it slowly winded up and around the rustic streets, we got to see ppl in their normal element. One of the stops was a castle in the Alfama District so we got off and headed up towards it. The artwork along the walls were simply pretty and the cobble floor made you feel like you were in the days of old but nothing prepared me for the beauty from the castle… Once we got there, a few vendors were there offering wine (which I could resist lo) and it was like we were in our own version of medevil times. The best part was the view from the top where you can see the whole city-it was gorgeous!!! I had never seen a view like that before in person. We only got to go for the day but it was definitely a day I won’t forget.
I lovedddddd Lisbon, it’s so chill. I love walking around cities and this one was so easy to walk around (easy because of the beauty but beware them hills will get you lmao). I definitely got lost a few times in Alfama but it’s so beautiful there that every wrong turn led me to a beautiful view. Also if you like graffiti and street art, getting lost walking around you’ll find so many! I also found myself in a currency museum downtown and I took a tour completely in Portuguese, I didn’t understand a word of it but they made me feel included knowing damn well I didn’t understand, it was fun lol. I went to the aquarium Oceanário de Lisboa because it’s the biggest aquarium in Europe and I love ocean life. It was nice, I recommend. On my last day I took a free walking tour downtown and learned about so much history in the city! If you’re a history buff, you’ll love it because there’s a lot to learn! They have a lot of pride in their history. After Lisbon, I took the train from Lisbon to Sintra, which is a BEAUTIFUL city in the mountains with palaces everywhere. I explored 4 palaces and each one was magical. After exploring in Sintra, I took the bus to Cascais, a beach city. On the way I stopped by Cabo da Roca, the Westernmost part of Europe and sat along cliffs 350ft above the water. You could see above the clouds at some points, and the view was insane. I got back on the bus to Cascais and walked around all the little shops and made it to a beach with giant rocks to watch the sunset. Portugal is so highly recommended, I almost stayed! Follow me on Instagram @__anomaly for more experiences and dope travel pictures!
This is probably the scenic place I’ve been. From the people who are friendly and welcoming to the Fado music that seems to set a mood, you’ll definitely be able to kick back and enjoy. There’s so many neighborhoods and river front views that I can’t begin to express my appreciation for. My husband and I really enjoyed taking a river cruise along the Tagus river at sunset that was unforgettable. The guide gave us and a small group plenty of history and pointed out a lot of landmarks along the way. Make sure to try the vino verde wine and the fresh seafood that you can find anywhere. I never had a bad drink or bad meal the whole time I was there. Take the time to check out the churches and museums or even the hop on hop off tour if you want to get a feel for the city before committing a day to a specific activity. Trips to Porto Sintra and Cascais are definitely worth the short commutes as well.
Lisbon, is a interesting city. It reminds me very much of San Francisco. The stony, hilly and narrow streets are very similar to that of San Fran along with the colorful homes and 25 de Abril Bridge which is very similar to the Golden Gate Bridge. Places to visit while in Lisbon include pink street and the Lisbon Oceanarium. Visit some of the highest points in the city for Lisbon’s beautiful sky-line view, check out Christ The King and if you have time rent a boat with a couple of friends at Porto de Lisboa and have a party while cruising past Rio Tejo. Don’t expect to much of a hip hop environment when looking for the turn up at night, but if you are with the right person or people you can still enjoy the night life!
Lisbon is a beautiful city! The people are so humbled. They love their chill, laid back lifestyle, and I found them to be very friendly and informative, even in many cases where they didn’t speak much English. If you are relatively good at spanish you can maneuver your way thru Portuguese in Lisbon. I visited the city of Cintra. The city remain untouched. There I visited the castle of the moors. You can climb to the very top of the castle and catch the most amazing view ever. The food in Cintra is amazing. I ate at Tascantiga restaurant! I stayed at HF Fenix hotel which is about 130 per night. I love the feel of that hotel. Each room represents a genre of music. They have a music studio where you can pretend to be a rockstar lol. They also have a roof top pool and a roof top bar with a city view that is amazing, especially in the summer time. The rooms are fairly compact but just right for 2. Lisbon is definitely an authentic city to see.
A Bauica Resturante. Is where I had the Best Cod Fish and Vinho Verde, authentic green wine. Eduardo VII view park is where I found the best view of the city. For more information about my visit to Portugal. Check out my blog. Therhythmicgypsy.com. I highly recommend as a future destination. Best time to visit. April- October.
When you go to Lisbon you have to visit Sintra to see all the colorful castles. Make sure you do it on a clear day so you can get great pictures. It’s about a 35 min train ride that only cost about $8usd one way. Using the trains is a must in order to see a great deal of this country. Uber is available but with things being spread far apart it can get expensive quick.
I went to Lisbon for work so I only got to layover for 24 hours but those 24 hours seemed soooo long, in a good way! I felt like we were able to explore a big part of the city in that one day and I absolutely fell in love. The architecture is amazing, every single building is beautiful. We got lost, went to the beach, the Aquarium (they also have an oceanarium), we saw the Christ the King statue, etc. There is so much to see and I would love to go back for at least a week and enjoy the city and all it has to offer.
Lisbon, Portugal is an incredibly interesting city which is rich in history, beautiful european scenery and amazing food for seafood lovers. I recommend taking a day trip to sintra it is a fantastic experience with lots of unique Portugese art and sights aswell as a colorful castle.
One thing you should definitely do is go to the Amoreiras Shipping center. You’ll be able to see panoramic views at the top of the center for about 5 euros! It was definitely a highlight of my short trip to Lisbon!
Really nice people, easy to get around, you HAVE to try their sea food, really good vibe on the night life; very diverse and low key, friendly, helpful, polite, visit Torre de Belem, Cascais, Praça do Comercio, and the Lisbon Market. Overall this place is amazing will definitely go back again, people are so nice and you buck goes along way
I went to Portugal for 12 days. Five is Lisbon, five on the Madeira island, and two more in Lisbon. While staying in Lisbon, we did a lot of day trips so I didn’t experience the true nightlife as I was exhausted lol. Anyway, the day trips were all private tours to different surrounding cities and they were nothing but beautiful. Same thing on Madeira. We did two day trips. One covered the left half of the island, and the next day the right side. The island is so small that if you do decide to do the day trips, plan to spend less days on the island. We did the day trips on day 1 & 2, beach day 3 and day 4 and 5 was pretty boring as we literally covered everything we could historically.
The most exciting part of my visit to Lisbon is its amazing architecture done with ceramic tiles. You can find the tiles on buildings during a walk around town in gift shops or within the walls of other top city attractions, including some of the palaces.
Lisbon was an absolutely amazing pace to visit for a very short time. I was flying TAP Portugal and had an 8.5 hr layover at the airport. The subway to the city center is connected to the airport and is very accessible! I got there in the morning, had a couple of Portuguese breakfast pastries and espresso. From there I spent a few hours at the city square next to the water, and walked to the fort up top on the hill. It is very scenic, the locals are friendly, and the windy streets are very picturesque. I am sure there is more to do than what I did, but If you have a long layover, going out into the city center is absolutely a must.
Cheers,
Jack
Lisbon Lisbon Lisbon yes to visiting here again!!! We Arrived around 12am to our guest house located at the vibrant area of Bairro Alto (party goers this is definitely the street to stay). Every night the multiple bars,restaurants and clubs are open till the wee morning???. Then there is the city it self it’s amazing!!! Next day we rented a Gocar from http://www.boostportugal.com/ and this experience was fantastic expect when we go lost and couldn’t find the drop of spot!! It was great driving around and stopping at various monuments like the Rua Augusta Arch ,Lisbon cathedral and many more.A day at Sintra is also recommended for History lovers as well as adventurers or any type of traveler! The palaces and castles are directly from fairytales and you will be captivated by each and every one you visit!! We visited Pena Palace,Quinta da Regaleira,Castle of the Moors and Monserrate Palace all in a day. Lisbon is a city where one can get lost and love it ? So much to see, do, explore and create unforgettable memories!!