Travel Alli

Lisboa (Lisbon in English) is one of the oldest cities in the world. For centuries competing tribes have fought for control of Lisbon. Today the city is a harmonious blend of different cultures and people.

Here are the top 6 things to do in Lisbon:

Climb the Torre de Belem

Lisbon’s Torre de Belem (Tower of Belem) offers amazing views of the Tagus River and the 25 de Abril Bridge (25th of April Bridge). The 25 de Abril bridge bears a striking resemblance to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Visit the Monument of Explorers

This massive historic monument along the Tagus River pays homage to the explorers who risked their lives in pursuit of discovering new land.

Monument of Explorers and the 25 de Abril Bridge

Look for street art

Lisbon is a very artsy city. There are murals and paintings on EVERYTHING. Buildings, walls, fences, recycle bins, and even trash cans are painted. Every surface is covered in art. I found a tunnel in the Alfama neighborhood that was covered in cartoon strips that depicted the city’s history. Artsy AND educational! This city is just bursting with color and creativity. It’s a great place to get inspired.

Try a Francesinha

This Portuguese sandwich, originally from Porto, is rumored to be the Portuguese version of a French croque monsieur. It’s stuffed with ham, sausage, steak, and cheese. It’s usually topped with melted cheese, an egg, and a thick beer and tomato sauce. It’s so dense that it requires a fork and knife to eat. This is definitely something you’ll want to share if you plan on moving at all for the rest of the day.

Stroll around the Alfama neighborhood

This historic neighborhood is the heart and soul of Lisbon. Its narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets will delight you at every turn. There are so many scenic viewpoints that offer sweeping views of the city below. Just imagine beautiful orange tiled roofs as far as the eye can see.

Go on a day trip to Sintra

Sintra is only a 40 minute train ride from Lisbon. Sintra’s most famous sights include the Castelo dos Mouros (Moors Castle) and the Pena Palace. The Moors Castle is a historic stone fortress. To me, its narrow and rocky paths resemble the Great Wall of China. There are a lot of low overhangs so watch your head!

Moors Castle

In contrast to the Moors Castle, the Pena Palace is vibrant and colorful. It features purple tiled walls and bright reds and yellows. When you get tired of exploring, there’s a seating area and cafe where you can relax and rest your legs. There’s even a bar so you can enjoy a drink while overlooking the beautiful scenery. To see even more beautiful things, check out the nearby sculpture garden, too.