Lisbon is easily my favorite city in Europe by far, and is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. Lisbon or Lisboa is the capital of/largest city of Portugal and located in the central-western part of the country. Portugal is a small country, that borders Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. Lisbon has a strong historical presence, with statues, castles, trolley car, and cobblestone streets that fill the city and nearby towns. Not to mention the beautifully tiled buildings and homes. But while maintaining it’s history, it serves 21st century urban culture and fun with modern art, music festivals and more. And the people...carefree, beautiful, prideful, and surprisingly a blended people with connections to European, Spanish, with African heritage.

I lucked up on a decently priced ticket ($450) to Portugal and Morocco for 9 days, a few years ago, from NYC-LIS-CAS-NYC for $450! These two countries weren’t really on my radar to travel to but I’m so glad I bought that ticket! I went with my fellow travel buddy, Tatiana, and we celebrated her 25th the best way possible! Always great having someone you can randomly by flights with lol.

I’m going to keep it short and sweet because this could easily get lengthy. Lisbon is perfect for a quick weekend getaway or an extended vacay. Check out my tips and experiences on how to explore this beautiful city!

Where to Stay?

Hostel: YES! Hostel Lisbon: A huge reason I loved Lisbon is because of my stay at Yes! Hostel Lisbon. 10 out of 10 across the board when it comes to the staff, cleanliness, comfortability, accessibility to places around the city, community, party, food/bar, helpfulness, and guest interaction. Yes! Hostel Lisbon hit the jackpot on creating lasting experiences for visitors of Lisbon, from all over the world. The staff made me feel at home, forreal. I’m sentimental guys lol. Shoutout to white Pablo and black Pablo (that’s how they referred to themselves lol), Martim-the night shift guy, and the amazing cooks (I lived for those beef pastries, ate them every night)!

Home Lisbon Hostel: Honorable mention. This place received a lot of recommendations so I thought I’d share. Good views, amazing staff, and great location; sounds pretty great to me.

Airbnb: I mean, Airbnb is great for any city, any country, all over the world. You can find something local or remote, budget or luxury. Just remember to read the reviews! It can be time consuming finding accommodations, especially if you don’t know where to look. Need help? Feel free to email me with any questions or planning inquiries!

Where to Go?

Lisbon is a good time! You can be chill, you can turn up, be artsy, be a foodie; I was literally all of the above. Tati and I booked a bar crawl through the hostel and it was mad fun. We also ventured out with some new friends and headed to different areas of the city.

Bairro Alto: Bars and lots of them!

Bairro Alto is like an edgier Bushwick (Brooklyn) mixed with LES. Bars, people and lots of them, metro, and places to eat and shop.

Rua cor de Rosa (Pink Street): Bars/Clubs

The famous Pink Street of Lisbon! What’s cooler than a pink street with cool themed bars, novelty clubs, and tons of people? Nothing. Check out: Jamaica (definitely go here), Copenhagen, Bar do Cais (bookstore by day, bar by night).

LX Factory & The Village Underground: Art district, daytime

Probably the coolest, hippest, IG worthy, picturesque places in Lisbon. It’s cool, vibrant, it has boutique shops, restaurants (one in particular is a cafe within a double decker bus), sculptures, and intriguing works of art. The day we went there was a flea market going on, and it had the cutest items. LX Factory is located about 15 min from Lisbon city center and it’s a must visit when you’re here!

Rooftop Bars: Park Rooftop, Topo

Who doesn’t love a rooftop bar? We got a chance to check out Topo, and it’s a sexy bar, with great views of the surrounding area. Can’t tell you much about the food because we got there right after the kitchen closed.

Where to Eat?

A Praca, LX Factory (Lisbon): ahh-mazing! Aesthetically eye capturing, great food, and the service was even better. We sat down with the manager and chopped it up about new and old Portugal, the history of the LX Factory, and his time with A Praca. It was a refreshing and insightful conversation on the progressive art movement in Lisbon, and walked away with another great memory.

Pasteis de Belem (Belem): Iconic. What Cafe Du Monde is to New Orleans. For the culture, Portuguese culture, you must hit this cafe. This bakery is located in Belem, a small town right next door to Lisbon. Get a pasteis de nada, the famous small custard tart, to go or sit and dine in the back (there’s plenty of room!).

Carol (Bairo Alto): It’s great place for a cheap meal, such as beer and shrimp when you sit at the counter.

Time Out (Lisbon): Yes, like the magazine! They have an entire mall of restaurants at your disposal.

Rue Augusta (Lisbon): Lots of restaurants and cafes. I would’ve ain’t at them all but I didn’t so I guess you all have some work to do!

YES! Hostel (Lisbon): My favorite hostel ever! But no, seriously, a 3-course dinner with open bar of beer and wine will run you…drum roll please…9 Euros!!! And trust, the food was delicious! Also, for a late night snack, grab a beef pastry from the front desk for 1 Euro. Best beef pattie, EVER.

What to Do?

Trolley car: They’re located throughout Lisbon and neighboring towns and are a great way to see the city in a short amount of time. Take the trolley tour the day before your leaving, why? Because the tickets are good for 24hrs, so you can use the same ticket on your bus ride back to the airport! There are different prices/tours available based on what areas of the city it covers, so feel free to choose whichever one your heart desires.

Hop On/Hop Off Street Car: The travel elites might shun me for this but this is easily the quickest way to see the city if you don’t have a lot of time! Plus, you can also use this ticket for transportation back to the airport (2-for-1 deal).

Days Tours: Visit surrounding cities and get the most out of your visit to Lisbon. We booked this multi-city tour through our hostel (again, clutch).

Sintra: beautiful castles, scenery, wine tour
Belem: castles, tours, Pasteis de Belem, boutique shops
Cascais: beach, upscale dining
Estoril: beach
Lagos: A surfer’s paradise or so I’m told, with some of the top beaches in the world. The whole world. If you have the time, it’s about a 3hr travel by car from Lisbon to southern Portugal.

Out Jazz Summer Festival: Picnic blankets, wine/beer, green, sunshine, a DJ spinnin’ all the classics, genuine fun, and lots of good energy! We were out exploring the city and randomly stumbled upon the Out Jazz Festival. We were pleasantly surprised to find that there’s a decent Afro-Portuguese presence in Lisbon, where most people’s roots trace back to many countries in Central and West Africa, especially Angola. Through some research, I found out that the Out Jazz Festival runs from May-September and each month is housed in a different location around Lisbon, Belem, Cascais, and Estoril. It’s an outdoor event and it happens every Sunday and on the last Saturday of each month! Definitely make it a point to go, it was very cool vibes.

Where to Shop?

Rue Augusta: Downtown Lisbon, it’s the main street to hit for shopping: brand name, boutique and souvenirs. I couldn’t help myself, Zara’s just different in Europe.

Retro City: Thrift Shop, pricier than your average thrift but some decent finds (also located in Madrid).

Sunday Thrift/Outdoor shops at LX Factory: This a was pleasant surprise for us. We stumbled upon the cutest boutique and thrift shops here, definitely check it out if you can.

Misssangas & Co: Belem (across from Pasteis de Belem). Beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces, at great prices! I can't tell you how many compliments I get on the hand-made, leather necklace I bought. I can't wait to go back!

Tips

Portuguese is NOT Spanish: Guys, don’t be that person. Don’t assume people speak Spanish, ask, and please don’t refer to a Portuguese person as Spanish. They are a prideful people and it’s kinda shady to assume.
Walk around: It’s easy, people are helpful, and it’s the best way to see any city. This will always be my number one travel advice.
Chorizo = Pork: The Portuguese love them so pork, so for my “no pork on my fork” brothers and sisters, make sure you read menus carefully and ask questions before ordering a meal.
Get the wine: The Portuguese are wine connoisseurs! Portugal has wine regions, comparable to Spain, with varying flavors. During the wine tasting, I got to taste up to 6 different types.
Watch your pockets: Especially in Bairro Alto. They got me for my phone on DAY 3, with my hands in my pocket! I was dumbfounded. These pick-pocketers are quick, quiet, and I was not ready. Just be careful and conscious always. Don’t say I didn’t tell you.

From the romantic aesthetics of the city, to the prominent historical presence that remains, to the vibe and the people, and the dope art culture. I LOVE LISBON! Lisbon really had me ready to miss my return flight home! Comment, like and share! Let me if you’ve been to Lisbon and tips of your own or if Lisbon is o your list!