The Lisbon Travel Guide
August 22, 2025
We’re all about making bucket lists and finding the fun. Here’s where to stay, eat, and shop in Lisbon, according to Tuckernuck.
Getting There
Fly into Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) from your closest international airport to easily get to the center of the city. With direct connections to the city center via their metro system, you’ll be downtown within 20 minutes.
Enjoy a Delicious Meal with a Seaside View
Whether at a vineyard of one of Lisbon’s fine restaurants, don’t miss a beachside meal with the city’s signature fresh seafood.
A Day on the Lisbon Coast
Spend a day in Sintra and Cascais. Not to miss: seeing Pena Palace and trying Lisbon’s signature pastries, “Travesseiros de Sintra.”
Visit Coimbra
See Portugal’s first university, University of Coimbra, and its word-famous library. Fun fact: the university was one of many places in Portugal that inspired J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and Hogwarts!
Take a Food Walking Tour
Explore Alfama, the oldest area in Lisbon, and visit traditional stores and taste some local pastries and Portuguese snacks.
From wine country estates to the heart of downtown, find your next Lisbon escape.
Where to Stay
Grande Real Villa Itália
A former royal residence turned five‑star spa hotel in Cascais, the Grande Real Villa Itália seamlessly boasts regal elegance and stunning Atlantic views just 30 minutes outside of Lisbon.
Bairro Alto Hotel
Tucked between Chiado and Bairro Alto, this five-star boutique stay blends classic Portuguese charm with contemporary flair in the heart of historic downtown. Enjoy rooftop cocktails with sweeping city views and walkable access to Lisbon’s buzziest neighborhoods.
São Lourenço do Barrocal
A restored 200-year-old farm estate in the Alentejo countryside, this serene escape pairs rustic minimalism with understated luxury. Think horseback rides, farm-to-table dining, and slow mornings under ancient olive trees.
Quinta Da Comporta
Nestled in the rice fields of Comporta, this design-forward wellness retreat is barefoot luxury at its best. With thatched-roof suites, a dreamy infinity pool, and a relaxed pace, it’s the definition of coastal cool.
A foodie’s paradise, with some of the best seafood—and seaside views—in the world.
Breakfast
Fábrica da Nata
Start your morning like a local at Fábrica da Nata, where warm, flaky pastéis de nata are baked fresh all day in a charming blue-and-white tiled café. Pair yours with a bica (Portuguese espresso) for the ultimate no-frills, all-flavor breakfast treat.
Nicolau Lisboa
A healthy-ish café with a playful vibe and palm-print wallpaper, Nicolau nails the brunch classics—pancakes, smoothie bowls, and flat whites—served all day long. Expect a sunny terrace and a stylish crowd.
Fauna & Flora
Brunch heaven with a botanical twist—lush plants, rustic wood tables, and a menu packed with poached eggs, shakshuka, and layered toast stacks. It’s the kind of spot you linger in after a morning stroll.
Comporta Café
A laid-back beach café perfect for breakfast with a sea breeze. Grab a galão (Portuguese latte), a fresh croissant or tosta mista, and soak in the surf-town vibe before hitting the sand.
Lunch
Bar do Fundo
Tucked beneath the cliffs of Praia Grande along the Sintra coast, this breezy spot is all about fresh seafood, ocean air, and long, sun-drenched lunches. It’s the kind of place where rosé flows and sandals stay sandy.
Ilha do Arroz
Set steps from the dunes, Ilha do Arroz serves up laid-back beach vibes and standout seafood—don’t miss the prawn linguine or clams in garlic butter. It’s barefoot lunching at its best.
Monte Mar
Overlooking the Tagus River, Monte Mar delivers classics like garlicky shrimp and fresh sole fillets with unfussy, coastal flair in an elegant, industrial-chic space. You’ll forget you’re in the heart of a major city.
Terraçu’s at Quinta Nova
Perched above the vineyards at Quinta Nova, Terraçu’s offers a refined farm-to-table lunch with sweeping views of the Douro River. Expect seasonal dishes, estate wines, and a gorgeous setting.
Dinner
BAHR
A chic rooftop spot where Portuguese flavors take center stage—expect fresh, seasonal plates, an open kitchen, and killer city views that pair perfectly with a glass of vinho verde.
Vale de Abraão
Set in a storybook wine estate, this dreamy dining room blends rustic elegance with refined fare. Sip Douro wines and savor seasonal tasting menus by the glow of a walk-in fireplace.
Bistro 100 Maneiras
An eclectic, art-meets-gastronomy destination where every dish is a surprise. Chef Ljubomir’s bold tasting menus and moody interiors make this one of Lisbon’s most unforgettable dinners.
Bairro do Avillez
Chef José Avillez’s playful, multi-concept space serves up elevated Portuguese classics in a lively setting. Come hungry, follow the chef’s lead, and don’t skip the upstairs pisco bar.
Cervejaria Ramiro
A Lisbon institution where the seafood is simple, fresh, and worth the line. Order the garlic shrimp, crab, and clams—just don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.
Sea Me
A modern mash-up of seafood taverna and sushi bar, Sea Me reinvents the fish shop with flair. Come for the sashimi, grilled octopus, and a lively crowd in the heart of Chiado.
Lisboa Tu e Eu
Tiny, tucked-away, and totally charming, this Alfama gem is all about honest Portuguese cooking. Go for the grilled sardines, stay for the cozy, local vibe.
Clube de Fado
Dinner comes with a soulful soundtrack at this classic Fado house near the cathedral. The food’s solid, but it’s the live music that makes the night.
Ilha do Arroz
Feet in the sand, steps from the sea, and a view of the mountains…the location couldn’t be better for this beach restaurant. It’s relaxed yet elegant, with an easy-going vibe and music in the air. Signature dishes include fish pasta, octopus rice, pork, and plenty of veggie dishes. Plus, don’t miss the delicious cocktails.
Monte Mar
Overlooking the Tagus River, Monte Mar is one of the best-known restaurants among locals for its fresh fish and seafood. In an elegant and industrial-chic space, enjoy the best flavors of the sea, exquisitely prepared and served in a relaxed atmosphere. You’ll forget you’re in the heart of a major city!
Rui dos Leitões
The suckling pig is one of the most famous dishes in Portugal. It is found on menus all over the country, but if you want to taste it at its best, Rui dos Leitões is the place.
Time Out Market
Ceated from scratch in 2014 by Time Out Portugal, Time Out Market selects the best ideas and business projects and keeps it in the market for anywhere from one week to several years. If it’s good, it goes in the magazine. If it’s great, it goes into the market. On the one hand, you’ll find some of the best restaurants for burgers, steak, or sushi. On the other hand, you’ll discover some of the longest-running market vendors for fis, fruit, and flowers.
Unwind after a day of adventure at these buzzy Lisbon bars.
Onda Cocktail Room
In a cozy corner of Chiado, this jewel-box speakeasy is perfect for an intimate evening. With plush banquettes and craft cocktails tailored to your mood, it’s the kind of place where every sip feels personal.
Red Frog Speak Easy
Hidden behind a bookcase on Avenida da Liberdade, Red Frog channels Prohibition-era glamour with a Portuguese twist. Sip artfully balanced concoctions amid moody lighting and swing tunes.
Park Bar
Perched atop a downtown parking garage, Park delivers panoramic sunset views over Lisbon’s rooftops. Lush greenery, laid-back beats, and cocktails in hand make this a must-visit for happy hour or a nightcap.
Sky Bar
For full-city drama, the Sky Bar on Tivoli’s ninth floor is the go-to. Skyline panoramas, inventive cocktails, and live DJs set the scene for a sophisticated evening that feels straight out of a travel dream.
There’s so much to see, sip and taste—plan accordingly and stay for at least a week!
Shopping at A Vida Portuguesa
Step into Lisbon’s prettiest general store and stock up on gorgeous soaps, linens, and retro treasures. Everything here—from embroidered bedding to tins of sardines—makes a dreamy souvenir.
Explore LXFactory
Housed in a former industrial complex, this creative hub is packed with quirky shops, cafés, and cool-girl energy. Don’t miss Landeau for the richest, most famous chocolate cake in town.
Wander Around Belém
Belém is Lisbon’s historic gem, home to iconic landmarks, riverside parks, and the original pastel de nata. Go early to beat the crowds, and don’t leave without a tart from Pastéis de Belém—still made with a centuries-old secret recipe.
Visit Castelo de São Jorge
Perched high above the city, this medieval castle has panoramic views and winding walls to explore. Pro tip: buy tickets a day in advance to skip the long lines and stroll right in.
Day Trip to Azenhas do Mar
This postcard-perfect cliffside village is straight out of a fairytale, with whitewashed houses, sea views, and a dreamy ocean pool. Go for lunch, stay for the golden-hour glow.
Be a Winemaker at Quinta Nova
Spend the day at a 250-year-old Douro Valley estate blending your own wine, sipping riverfront vintages, and soaking in rolling vineyard views. A must for wine lovers and design enthusiasts alike.
Tour the Black Pig Distillery
On this playful farm-meets-distillery, you’ll sip award-winning gin, meet resident peacocks and pigs, and learn the secrets behind their famous botanicals. Great for cocktail lovers and kids alike.
Take a Class at Homecooking Lisbon
Join a local chef in her Lisbon home for a hands-on cooking class with wine, conversation, and authentic Portuguese dishes. You’ll leave full, happy, and armed with recipes for back home.
Kid-Friendly Activities
Cookie Workshop at São Lourenço do Barrocal
Let little hands run wild with dough and icing at this sweet baking workshop. Kids choose from adorable animal shapes, decorate to their heart’s content, and leave with treats (and memories) to take home.
Jerónimo Ride
Hop aboard Jerónimo, the friendliest donkey on the farm at São Lourenço do Barrocal, for a gentle countryside ride perfect for littles. Afterward, feed him fresh veggies from the garden—parents can even sip local wine on horseback nearby.
Kid-Friendly Foodie Tour in Baixa
Explore Lisbon’s tastiest traditions on a flat, stroller-friendly walk through Baixa. Kids try bites of everything from custard tarts to cheesy sandwiches while you sneak in a little culture and culinary know-how.
Children’s Vegetable Garden Tour in Barrocal
Get hands-on in the garden as kids learn how veggies grow, taste what’s in season, and dig in the dirt a bit. It’s wholesome, interactive fun with a side of farm-to-table education.
Nest Building with Portugal Birds & Trails
Crafty kids will love building their own birdhouses and feeders before spotting real birds in the wilds of Alentejo. This two-part workshop blends creativity, nature, and up-close animal encounters.
Dolphin Watching
Set sail on a dolphin-spotting cruise through the scenic coastlines of Tróia and Arrábida. Morning and afternoon tours are short and sweet—perfect for young explorers with big eyes and short attention spans.
We hope this inspires you to book a trip, pack your bags, and plan your itinerary!