About Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal. It is the 11th-most populous urban area in the European Union with nearly 3 million residents. Early settlements in the area date back to the 2nd century BC, making Lisbon historically unique. In the 20th century, Lisbon was the site of three revolutions: the 1910 revolution that brought about the Portuguese First Republic, the 1926 revolution that established the Estado Novo, and the Carnation Revolution of 1974 that reformed the government into the Portuguese Third Republic. In the 1990s, many of the town’s districts were renovated and architecture was modernized. This reformation and adaptation brought in a new wave of hotels and tourism in Lisbon Portugal. Distinctive yellow trams guide tourists to and from their cheap hotels in Lisbon Portugal, making the many things to do in Lisbon Portugal very accessible. Tourists may easily find cheap Lisbon hotels for their holiday throughout the year.
The city has rich architecture, and many of the top options for what to do in Lisbon involve visiting the historic Lisbon points of interest. Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Baroque, Modern, and Postmodern styles are found lacing the buildings’ construction all over. There are also numerous museums, performance centers, historic boulevards, and famous monuments making up the city’s fingerprint. The Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery are two sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Other top Lisbon points of interest include the Santa Justa Lift, offering panoramic views of the beautiful cityscape; Sintra, often referenced by globally famous poets as a “glorious Eden”; and the Oceanarium, a massive aquarium holding more than one million gallons of seawater and 8,000 sea creatures.
Where to Stay in Lisbon
When looking for where to stay in Lisbon, make sure to plan with a defined budget. Lisbon Portugal hotels are generally contemporary and polished, and they run for higher prices than many other European tourist destinations. The Atlantic and Mediterranean access makes the best hotels in Lisbon Portugal worth every penny nonetheless. There are nearly 2,000 hotels in Lisbon city center ranging in prices from €86 to €345.
There is a bounty of hostels in the Portuguese city with shared facilities that do not slack off in terms of style. Even so, hostels will cost visitors around €20 a night. The cheap hotels in Lisbon Portugal are generally run for about €100 per night. Tourists are paying for a flashy experience with common amenities like 24-hour restaurants and free wifi. Upon Lisbon Prime Residence has apartment-style rooms with a restaurant, a gym, and a rooftop infinity pool and bar. Lutecia Smart Design Hotel is another of the more affordable hotels in Lisbon city center. It is contemporary and design-focused, sleek dining, a spa, and a 24-hour gym.
The most luxurious and best hotels in Lisbon Portugal are coastal locations with vintage accommodations. The Lisboans Apartments have stylish lodging with balconies showing off incredible city views, antique furnishings, free breakfast, 24/7 accessibility. Another of the higher-class Lisbon Portugal hotels is the Quinta do Tagus. It has large, upscale and airy rooms with fine dining, an outdoor pool, and free loaner bikes. The Lisbon hotels Valverde Hotel and Palacete Chafariz D’El Rei are another couple of options that are even a bit more pricey with striking building design and art galleries.
Other options for where to stay in Lisbon are Lisbon airport hotels. The airport is quite close to the city and the many things to see in Lisbon. Even so, Lisbon airport hotels are just as pricey as the best hotels in Lisbon city center. A couple options include the Hotel Star Inn Lisbon Aeroporto and the VIP Executive Art’s Hotel.
Things to Do in Lisbon
Lisbon is recognized as a top global city for its importance in finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, education, and tourism. As a cultural and economic hub, the city’s architecture is among the top things to see in Lisbon. Wondering where to start for what to do in Lisbon? After walking the historic street of Avenida da Liberdade, stop at one of the many museums. The National Museum of Ancient Art, occupying the Palacio de Alvor-Pombal, hosts collections of antique paintings, sculptures, metalwork, textiles, furniture, drawings, and other decorative art forms from the Middle Ages to the early 19th century. In the category of landmarks, the monument to Cristo-Rei on the Tagus River, is another of the popular Lisbon points of interest. It resembles the monument in Rio de Janeiro and was built as a memorial of thanksgiving for Portugal’s survival through the destruction wrought in World War II.
Lisbon Dining
Lisbon cuisine has many similarities to Mediterranean cuisine, but traditional Portuguese cuisine is more influenced by a wide variety of spices. The cuisine is best-known for using ingredients such as piri-piri, black pepper, cinnamon, and saffron. Specialty dishes include bacalhau, a codfish recipe; cozido a Portuguesa, a “rich man’s stew”; and tripas, a seven hundred-year-old recipe made of internal organs and vegetables. Sama sama crepe and juice is one of the best and most affordable local eateries with healthy street food. Mestrias Nova Tasca is a more traditional Portuguese restaurant with authentic dishes and amazing seafood.
Lisbon Shopping
Despite the more expensive lodging, Lisbon is considered one of the most affordable places to shop in Europe. This makes shopping an attractive pastime among things to do in Lisbon Portugal. Upmarket brands and boutiques are still available, and they can primarily be found in the Chiado District in the western part of the city. It is a mile-long tree-shaded avenue of mansions, fountains, and cafes emanating luxury. Alternative boutiques and traditional Portuguese products can be found on the winding streets of Bairro Alto, and they are also open late, making them a great Lisbon nightlife attraction. A Vida Portuguesa is one of the city’s most original shops specializing in traditional local products with their original packaging.
Nightlife in Lisbon
Lisbon’s western European and Atlantic flair makes for an exciting Lisbon nightlife. Local beers and modern cocktails are readily available at the many bars and clubs. Chapito is one of the best of the local bars. It is attached to the Chapito circus school with its broad terrace that offers one of the best views in the whole city. There is additionally an upstairs restaurant with an international menu. Pavilhao Chines is a popular bar known for its interesting décor: rooms lined with floor-to-ceiling glass cases stuffed with plastic battleships and European army ornaments. It essentially has a museum vibe for a different kind of night of fun.