Lisbon Loves
Panoramic view of Lisbon’s colorful rooftops and the Tagus River under bright sunshine, showcasing the city’s charm and energy.
Published on
So much to love about Lisbon, here are just ten things to experience:
1. Enjoy the sunshine
Lisbon is Europe’s sunniest capital with 2,799 hours of sunshine. It basks in sunshine with extended summers, keeping the temperatures balmy right through until November.
2. Make friends
Portugal is renowned for its hospitality. Despite its growth, Lisbon has remained a warm and friendly city with polite, tolerant and multilingual people.
3. Immerse yourself in history
Lisbon is the second-oldest capital city in Europe after Athens. Steeped in culture and history with churches, forts and museums, Lisbon was first inhabited around 700 B.C. It seems like every culture lived here for a few centuries – Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, German tribes and finally, Christians.
4. Drink a ‘ginginha’
A weird and wonderful experience – a small glass made of chocolate filled with a local cherry liquor called ‘ginginha’ – delicious.
5. Lunch at Mercado da Ribeira
The Time Out Mercado da Ribeira is a relatively new addition to Lisbon, opened in 2010. There are more than 40 small shops, restaurants and bars - it’s a great place to lunch with a fantastic, bustling atmosphere.
6. Taste a “Pastel de Belém”
Often called a pastel de nata, this is the original egg tart pastry, which was named by The Guardian as the “15th most-tasty delicacy in the world”. A Lisbon must!
7. Visit “Pensão Amor”
This modern, cool and trendy bar was once a brothel frequented by sailors! Located in the centre of Lisbon at Cais do Sodré neighbourhood, the Madam’s Lodge is very quirky with a decidedly over-18s theme…!
8. Experience ‘Fado’ (and ‘saudade’!)
Fado, Portugal’s version of traditional folk music, was born in Lisbon, and there are numerous fado restaurants. The recurring theme with the music revolves around a word that is also an integral part of Portuguese culture: saudade. It signifies longing, love, loss and sadness in one powerful word.
9. Ride the Santa Justa Lift
The Santa Justa Lift, in a Gothic tower, is an architectural wonder offering unobstructed views of Lisbon’s landmarks and rooftops. The vertiginous elevator was designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a student of Gustave Eiffel, and is Libson’s last vertical street lift.
10. See dolphins along the coast
Lisbon's coastal waters are home to so much marine life, and a boat trip along the coast will bring you face-to-face with common and bottlenose dolphins, which are frequently seen around Arrábida Natural Park.
Sold on the area? Then contact our team of knowledgeable Property Advisors to discuss your property needs:
Email hello@PortugalProperty.com or call us on +351 308 800 878 or 0800 014 8201 free from the UK.
Published in: Guide to Portugal / Miscellaneous / Portuguese Life