Curator’s statement
Lisbon is a destination that won my heart unexpectedly. The city blends history, culture, and effortless waterfront beauty in a way few cities do. Every neighborhood has its own rhythm and personality. Not to mention, the food and wine make every meal feel celebratory.
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Things to do in Lisbon
Day sailing on the Tagus
Slow days in Cascais: I love spending the day at the beach and then wandering into town to sit at a small local wine shop for hours, just people-watching with a glass in hand.
Weekend market wandering: Always so many hidden gems when browsing antiques, local goods, and food stalls. Plus, you get to soak in the energy of the neighborhoods.
Sailing on the Tagus River: A sailing day on the water with unlimited wine, can’t get better.
Exploring Sintra with our local driver: We use the same local driver each time we visit, and he always takes us to hidden gems. His mother worked in a castle in Sintra where he grew up, so the stories and local insight make the experience incredibly personal.
Long seafood dinners with Portuguese wine: Some of my favorite memories are the long, unhurried dinners with fresh seafood, endless bottles of wine, and conversations that stretch late into the night.
Following the music: One of my favorite things to do in Lisbon is simply follow the sound of live music. Whether it’s an intimate Fado performance in Alfama or a spontaneous band tucked into a neighborhood bar, those unplanned moments always end up being the most memorable.
Places to eat & drink in Lisbon
A Cozinha - Sr Lisboa
Java: Gorgeous rooftop, amazing food, great drinks, so many options to share. I would say this might be my favorite restaurant in the world.
Pastéis de Belém: No trip to Lisbon is complete without the famous custard tarts from this historic bakery. If you do a Tuk-Tuk tour, usually they will fast-pass you to get one.
A Cozinha - Sr Lisboa: Cash-only, cozy and intimate “house-like” restaurant with a two-story dining room. The menu features reimagined traditional Portuguese dishes, often with modern or vegetable-forward twists. This isn’t selling it well, but it is amazing and worth having to get cash out of the ATM across the street.
The Folks: Great breakfast and coffee if you ever want a break from the hotel options. The matcha is okay if that is your preference, but I haven’t really found good matcha anywhere in Portugal.
Alfama63: What I love about this place is it has great fresh seafood, and it can be casual and delish.
Need to know
Portugal is one of those destinations that can truly be whatever you want it to be. You can turn it into a honeymoon, a beach vacation, a history-filled cultural trip, a girls’ getaway, a winery escape, a hiking adventure, literally whatever fits your season of life, and it will deliver.
What I always tell people is to go in with a little research but a lot of flexibility. I am a travel advisor, so this says a lot, but the moments you don’t over-plan often become the ones you remember most. Almost everyone I send comes home already talking about when they’re going back.
Travel Advisor
Megan Sparks
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Lisbon page.