Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, stands as the nation’s largest city, a blend of historical charm and modern dynamism. Perched upon seven hills overlooking the majestic Tagus River, Lisbon offers a picturesque landscape of colourful buildings, winding cobblestone streets, and breathtaking viewpoints. This historic city, with roots stretching back centuries, pulsates with a lively energy, where traditional Fado music echoes through the Alfama district and contemporary art flourishes in the trendy neighbourhoods. Lisbon is not only the political heart of Portugal but also a cultural hub, attracting visitors with its rich heritage, delectable cuisine, and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Lisbon | Porto
Also see the google maps list – Lisbon – which includes the LGBT venues
Restaurants
A Cevichera – Lisbon
R. Dom Pedro V 129, 1250-096 Lisboa, Portugal
acevicheria.pt
Well worth it just for the octopus on the ceiling to be honest but the food is also amazing. This chef has a few restaurants although the Asian one (O Asiático) I think closed during covid as it’s no longer listed on the chef’s website. He has a number of others though so if you prefer meat to fish check out O Talho instead which is up by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.
Downunder by Justin Jennings
R. dos Industriais 21, 1200-685 Lisboa, Portugal
downunder.pt
Aussie chef and the set menu is amazing. We have been 3 times and have never been disappointed.
Pharmacia Felicidade
Rua de Santa Catarina n 2 e n, 4, 1249-069
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Portuguese food & cocktails are served in a charming, pharmacy-themed space with outdoor seating. Also a great place for sundown cocktails with great views.
Marisqueira Azul – Praça do Comércio
Praça do Comércio 70-71, 1100-148
Nice food and wine with outdoor seating in the square.
Bars | Cafes
The Bar
Tv. Monte do Carmo 1, 1200-420 Lisboa
Great little cocktail bar. Not too far from A Cevichera if you are planning there.
Linha d’Água
Jardim Amália Rodrigues, Rua Marquês de Fronteira, 1070-099
Nice to drink wine and look at the view down to the sea through the park and city. More of a cafe than a bar so perfect for a glass of wine in the afternoon. Laid-back café in a park with a waterfront terrace serving light fare & cakes, plus coffee & wine. Did I mention wine?
Pharmacia Felicidade
Rua de Santa Catarina n 2 e n, 4, 1249-069 Lisboa
Portuguese food & cocktails served in a charming, pharmacy-themed space with outdoor seating. Also a great place for sundown cocktails with great views.
Gay bars
While Lisbon doesn’t have one single, concentrated “gay area,” the Bairro Alto and Principe Real neighbourhoods are known for having a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene with several gay bars. Some popular options include Shelter Bar, Bar TR3S Lisboa, Bar 106, Side Bar, and Drako. These bars are spread throughout the neighbourhoods, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
Shelter Bar: Facebook
Bar TR3S Lisboa: Bar TR3S Lisboa Facebook
Hotels
Culture
Jardim Amália Rodrigue and Parque Eduardo VII
Alameda Cardeal Cerejeira, 1070-051 Lisboa
Basically the same park – see also Linha d’Água which is a cafe at the park.
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
Av. de Berna 45 A, 1067-001 Lisboa, Portugal
gulbenkian.pt
Great museum, great building, great gardens.
Garden of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
Tranquil urban gardens with walking paths, lakes, diverse birds & a cafe in a picturesque setting. The Foundation itself is also well worth a visit.
Castelo de S. Jorge
R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa
Yep it’s a castle. You can also get great views of it and sit down with a glass of wine from the lookout at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
R. de São Pedro de Alcântara, 1200-470 Lisboa
This sizeable, landscaped terrace with a fountain offers panoramic views of the city. It usually also has stalls selling snacks and drinks.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Largo de Santa Luzia, 1100-487 Lisboa
Nice terrace with views and a cafe. Fun fact we confirmed the financing for our first home in Amsterdam here.
Graffiti Tramway | Calçada Da Glória
Calçada da Glória 51, 1250-096 Lisboa
Have you even been to Lisbon if you don’t have a picture of this? It’s all over socials!
EmbaiXada
Praça do Príncipe Real 26, 1250-184 Lisboa
19th-century palace turned shopping mall featuring Portuguese brands & designers & a restaurant.
National Sanctuary of Christ the King – Almada
Av. do Cristo Rei, 2800-058 Almada
cristorei.pt
Catholic statue dedicated to Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, inspired by Rio’s Christ the Redeemer.
The Cristo Rei statue in Almada, Portugal, stands as a testament to faith and a nod to its more famous Brazilian counterpart, Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Erected as a symbol of gratitude for Portugal’s sparing from the devastation of World War II, Cristo Rei was inaugurated in 1959. While both statues portray Jesus Christ with outstretched arms, symbolising protection and blessing, they possess distinct architectural styles. In Almada, Christ stands atop a monumental portal-like pedestal, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lisbon and the Tagus River.
For us Europeans, Cristo Rei is also significantly more accessible for pilgrimage or as a tourist destination. Travel to Portugal from within Europe is generally quicker and more affordable than a journey to Brazil. With Lisbon’s excellent transportation connections, reaching the statue is a simple trip across the Tagus River, making it a convenient and compelling alternative for those seeking a similar experience closer to home.
Porto
Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, now has it’s own dedicated page.
About Lisbon
For an immersive Lisbon experience, consider lodging in central neighborhoods such as Baixa, Chiado, Príncipe Real, Bairro Alto, or Alfama. Bairro Alto is the epicenter of Lisbon’s nightlife, including the vibrant Rua Barroca, a popular gay street. Lisbon’s nightlife ignites late, with gay bars filling around midnight and clubs reaching their peak between 2 and 3 a.m. The city’s gay nightlife is concentrated in Príncipe Real and Bairro Alto, where street drinking is common, creating a lively atmosphere. Rua Barroca, or rather, its southern corner between Rua das Salgadeiras and Travessa dos Fiéis de Deus, is the heart of the gay scene, with bars spilling onto the street. Príncipe Real, just north, also hosts numerous gay-owned businesses. Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, offers stunning views and fado entertainment, but requires a trolley or lengthy walk to reach Bairro Alto.
Lisbon’s culinary scene is a delight, with diverse restaurants offering delicious food and affordable Portuguese wines. Breakfast is typically light, while lunch is around 1 or 2 p.m., and dinner is closer to 9 p.m.
Lisbon is a captivating city with a wealth of attractions. A multi-day stay is recommended to explore its monuments, viewpoints, historic squares, museums, beaches, and parks. A minimum of three days is ideal, with additional time for day trips. The peak travel season extends from March to November, but even winter months are mild, with average temperatures ranging from 10–15°C (50–59°F), making it a warmer alternative to many European destinations during that period.
Transportation & Airport transfer
Navigating Lisbon and its environs is remarkably convenient, thanks to a comprehensive public transportation network encompassing metro, trains, trams, buses, and funiculars. For visitors staying three days or more, the Lisboa Card is a highly recommended investment. Priced at €39 for 72 hours, it grants unlimited access to all public transport and complimentary entry to numerous museums, monuments, and attractions. While a single metro journey is a mere €1.40, tram rides, though popular, are relatively pricier at €2.85 each.
Lisbon Airport, situated 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from the city center, is easily accessible via public transport in approximately 45 minutes. The most economical route involves taking the metro’s red line and transferring to the green line at Alameda, with a single ticket costing €1.40. Taxis in Lisbon are also quite affordable, with a trip from the airport to the city center typically costing around €15.
About Cramberts
From our home base in Amsterdam, we frequently explore some of Europe’s most vibrant cities, and we’ve compiled detailed guides to share our insider knowledge. Whether you’re seeking the canals and culture of Amsterdam itself, the sunny beaches of Gran Canaria, the historic charm of Lisbon and Porto, the bustling energy of Barcelona and Madrid, the refined elegance of Paris and Munich, the unique character of Sitges, or the diverse landscapes of the Randstad region, you’ll find comprehensive information and recommendations on the site.
See Also
Amsterdam | Barcelona | Chicago | Cologne | Gran Canaria | Iceland | Lisbon | London | Madrid | Munich | Paris | Porto | Randstad | Sitges | Washington DC
Welcome to Lisbon, the sun-kissed capital of Portugal, where timeless charm meets contemporary vibrancy. Located along the picturesque banks of the Tagus River, Lisbon beckons travellers with its cobblestone streets, stunning architecture, and a kaleidoscope of cultural experiences. From its historic tram rides and Fado music to its burgeoning culinary scene and lively nightlife, Lisbon offers a rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavours that promise to enchant every visitor. Whether you are exploring the narrow alleys of Alfama, savouring fresh seafood by the waterfront, or simply soaking in the city’s unique ambience, Lisbon invites you to uncover its many treasures and create unforgettable memories including a homage to Christ the Redeemer the Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil the Santuário de Cristo Rei. There is also a google maps list for Lisbon which may have more options. (LIS,LPPT)