The capital of Portugal is Lisbon, with no less than 3 million inhabitants it is a vibrant city close to the Atlantic Ocean.
The largest city in Portugal is perfect for a pleasant, interesting city trip.
Can you already see yourself cycling through this Portuguese city? Explore Lisbon and marvel at the beautiful historical buildings, charming neighborhoods, and of course the lively atmosphere.
What to do in Lisbon?
- Visit Baixa, the historic center
- Castelo de Sao Jorge
- Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
- Torre de Belém
Lisbon; a great city trip destination
Lisbon is a wonderful base for a short city trip. The city offers a beautiful mix of history, culture, and a lively center where you can enjoy eating, drinking, and going out.
The historic center Baixa is the place where many important Lisbon attractions are located. Rua Augusta is a lively pedestrian street with the large Arco Triunfal. This beautiful triumphal arch was built to commemorate the earthquake of 1755. The street is further lively and chic, the sidewalks are paved with mosaics and you will find cozy terraces here.
Lots of history in Lisbon during your city trip
Because Lisbon was founded on hills, there are such height differences between the neighborhoods. It offers beautiful views here and there, but also special sights such as the Castela de Sao Jorge. The castle is located on the highest hill with a magnificent view over the city.
The Tower of Belem, Torre de Belém, is located in the Belém district. The tower dates from 1515 and is entirely built in the Manueline style. Yet there are also beautiful details from Moorish architecture to be found. Don’t waste precious time during your Lisbon city trip and buy your ticket in advance!
In the same Belém district is also the monastery Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. A prominent building with the graves of many famous Portuguese, such as Vasco de Gama and members of the Royal family. The monastery is very large and richly decorated in various architectural styles.
Top-notch conviviality in Lisbon
During a Lisbon city trip there is of course also time for delicious food and a drink. Lisbon, in addition to a rich history, also has a beautiful modern part. Bairro Alto is a lively part of the center with many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Here you must be during a city trip to Lisbon for good dishes and Portuguese conviviality.
4 tips for your city trip to Lisbon
Tips in Lisbon
Lisbon is one of those Southern European cities you should visit once if you’ve already seen Barcelona, Madrid, and Rome. But it’s also one of those cities where, if you’re not careful, you might misjudge distances and lose an afternoon wandering aimlessly. Here are four tips for your city trip to Lisbon.
Tip 1: A glass of port with a view of the bridge
It’s not super luxurious, it’s not fancy but it’s just fantastic. From Praça do Comercio, standing with your face to the water, walk to the right along the water. Walk past the harbor building, then you’ll come across a tea house-like bar. A round dome that stands right by the water. They have a terrace of old deck chairs, where you can sit comfortably. While you put your feet on the edge in front of you and lean back, order a glass of Port from the waiter.
Do this at the end of the afternoon, because then it’s a real treat: the sun sets and the lights on the bridge come on. It’s one of those moments when you think “wow, I’m in Lisbon and how beautiful it is.”
Tip 2: Dine at restaurant Pharmacia
This unique restaurant can be found on Rua Marechel Saldanha 1, right in the old center of Lisbon. Why is this fun? Aside from the beautiful garden, where you can sit and eat with a bit of luck while enjoying the best view over the city and harbor, it’s a fun concept restaurant. This old pharmacy building has been converted into a restaurant and keeps a strange combination of pharmacy and restaurant alive. The menu looks like a medical file, the water is served in pharmacy bottles, and you eat at pharmacy tables. Apart from that, the service is good, the food is good, and it’s just a beautiful place.
Tip 3: Day trip to Cascais from Lisbon
Cascais is the Bloemendaal of Lisbon – but with a Mediterranean twist. It is known as the Atlantic counterpart of Monte Carlo and Saint-Tropez. Cascais offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of Lisbon, with beautiful beaches and nice restaurants. The train ride from Lisbon to Cascais is about 40 minutes and is almost entirely along the sea. Beautiful, and that for a few euros round trip. If you’re in Cascais, order fish for lunch on one of the terraces by the bay.
Tip 4: Belém – by bike or tram
Belém is a nice little district on the coast, just outside Lisbon actually. A really nice neighborhood where you can easily spend a morning. Belém of course has the famous Tower of Belém. Very beautiful but one downside: it is next to the highway and over the railway. Don’t make the mistake of thinking “I’ll just walk to Belém tomorrow morning” because it’s further than you think.
Explore Lisbon by bike
The solution: take the tram to Belém (get off at Rua Bartolomeu Dias) or book the Lisbon highlights bike tour that ends in Belém. This tour starts in the center of Lisbon, in the park of Eduardo VII, at the top of the city. You cycle at a leisurely pace along the highlights of the city to the harbor and from there along the coast to Belém. The guide collects the bikes there, and you can enjoy lunch with a view of the Tower of Belém or in the neighborhood itself.
The city consists of numerous neighborhoods, and cycling is a good solution for covering longer distances quickly. By bike, you can explore the city in a few hours during your Lisbon city trip. In addition, you can tick off all the tourist attractions one by one.
Choose a fun, interesting bike tour from Baja Bikes. Accompanied by a Dutch guide, you will get to know Lisbon in no time. You will learn the necessary information and history while pedaling! Check out the offer of Baja Bikes bike tours here.
Safety and cycling in Lisbon
Despite the height differences, Baja Bikes’ bike tours are suitable for both young and old and completely safe. The Portuguese capital is perfect to discover by bike. Cycling in Lisbon is very pleasant and safe. The Portuguese are used to cyclists and the streets are flat and easily accessible.
- Are you only in Lisbon for a short time? Then read our article about Lisbon in 1 day
Did you know that…
- Lisbon is the oldest city in Western Europe and as seen over the years a perfect city trip destination.
- Remarkable in Lisbon are the many black and white tiled streets and squares. The origin could be with the patron saint Sao Vicente. White represents the clothing of crusaders, black the favorite color of Sao Vicente.
- The Vasco de Gama bridge is the longest bridge in Europe. With over 17 kilometers, the bridge tops the list.
- Another record; the casino of Estoril is the largest in Europe.
- Lisbon excels in records, it also houses the oldest and the smallest bookstore in the world.