Curator’s statement
Lisbon, Portugal is a city where old-world charm meets vibrant modern culture, perched across seven hills overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Its cobblestone streets wind through historic neighborhoods and pastel-colored buildings line narrow alleys. The city is known for its iconic yellow trams and amazing landmarks. I love it’s sunny climate!
The Fora Difference
Book with Kristine Butterbaugh to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Lisbon
Unlock perks by contacting Kristine Butterbaugh to book your trip.
Things to do in Lisbon
Lisbon's Arco Triunfal
Castelo de Sao Jorge: We really enjoyed this visit—there are peacocks roaming the grounds and the views of the city are spectacular. You can purchase tickets online or at the entrance.
Visit the Miradouros: There are several viewpoints around the city—we thought it was fun hopping on the trams and transferring from one to the next. The views are worth the visit and it’s a fun, free option and a great way to see the city.
Take a day trip to Sintra: Oh my!! The Pena Palace is a must-see when you are here. You can either do this on your own, taking a train there or connect with a tour. The town of Sintra is like stepping into a fairy tale.
Meander near the Arco Triunfal da Rua Augusta: This is a great place to simply walk and meander. It’s a pretty area with a huge plaza, next to the water. It is a vibrant area with an active energy.
Stop at the famous Pasteis de Belem: Next to a monastery, try one of the famous pasteis de nata. If the line is long, grab a table via the table service line, which is usually shorter.
Places to eat & drink in Lisbon
Solar Dos Nunes amazing presentation!
Solar Dos Nunes on Rua Dos Lusiadas (this was recommended by a resident, and it was a very local, fabulous place!!): Perfect for a romantic dinner out. The food was amazing and inexpensive!! You will need a reservation as it’s busy and rather small. Highly recommend this experience.
Taberna Anti Dantas: This restaurant has a very cool vibe and surroundings and hopefully you get to speak to the owner. The food was excellent with fantastic wine options. I would have your hotel make a reservation. Perfect spot for a romantic dinner. Address: Rua de Sao Jose 196, Lisboa.
Time Out Market: A great lunch option with loads of choices—be prepared, it’s busy!! It’s close to the tram/bus stop after you are in Belem, so it could be a good stop en route back to Lisbon from Belem.
Simpli Coffee, Chiado: A small, very local coffee shop with delicious coffee and a quiet place to prepare for a busy day.
Need to know
Credit cards are generally accepted everywhere: I would be prepared with some euros, but you can always get euros out of the ATM machines. Make sure your credit card does not have foreign transaction fees. When you use a credit card, if they ask you whether you want it charged in euros or dollars, always choose Euros! The conversion rate on your credit card will be much better than the conversion rate the company will use.
To use public transportation in Lisbon (this does not apply to other areas of Portugal), you will need to get a Navegante card. It’s the official transportation ticket for all public transportation: trams, buses, etc. It is a yellow rechargeable paper card that can be purchased at train stations and specific ticket kiosks. When you enter a tram or bus, there will be a card reader—you hold the card up to the reader and it will automatically take the fee off the card. The Navegante card costs 50 cents, and then you choose how much money you want to add to the card. We used the zapping option and started with 20 euro (rather than a day pass, for example). You will need cash to purchase the card. Do not try to pay with a credit card—it doesn’t work and it only takes a local debit/credit card. The kiosks have an English option that you can select so it’s easy to understand.
English is widely spoke, but sometimes taxis or Ubers do not speak English. Have addresses ready to go so you can show them the address.
Generally, restaurants don’t open for dinner until after 7/8 pm, so take that into consideration when planning your meals.
Travel Advisor
Kristine Butterbaugh
Kristine Butterbaugh
Get in touch with Kristine Butterbaugh
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Lisbon page.