Portugal has been high on my list of places to visit for a long time and when my family decided that’s where we would be going on vacation this year, I was beyond excited! Our family is spread out across the United States and Europe, so getting together usually involves some long-haul travel. The last time we all were able to get together was in 2019 when I went to Amsterdam. You can see that travel guide here.
This trip was so fun, not only because of the location but the company really made it the best. I had a few priorities on this trip and they were bookstores and food. You’ll see that pretty heavily reflected in my travel guide. If you plan a trip to Lisbon I highly recommend checking out the recommended resources below, I will be using them to plan my next trip back!
Transportation and Things to Know
- Uber will almost always be under $10 to your destination. Is usually cheaper than a cab so make sure you have the app set up.
- Pack your walking shoes! You are going to want to walk a lot, to see a lot of the city and all the cutest side streets, but walking in Lisbon is no joke. The pathways are lined with tiny slippery tiles, that when wet become a death trap. The pathways are also small and be prepared to be going up and down hills constantly. Trust me it’s worth it but don’t pack anything besides your most comfy sneakers. I packed two and was grateful I could rotate through different shoes.
- The airport is easy to get to and from via metro or Uber. If you are taking the metro be prepared to climb some stairs with luggage. I would bring a backpack instead of a suitcase on my next trip.
- If you are traveling out of the country from Lisbon you will have to go through passport control before you can go to your gate. This happens after security and can sometimes have long wait times.
- Order a transportation card before your trip so you can save money if you will be there longer than a week,
- Otherwise, use a reloadable metro card. Buy a day pass if taking 4+ trips or plan to ride the tram or ferry more than once a day.
- Tram 28 is a popular way to get around and see the city! You can use your metro card and the tram is such an iconic way to see everything. Be mindful of when you are using the tram because it is also this city’s primary mode of transportation and locals need to use it to get to and from work. Try riding during hours when people won’t be commuting and if it’s busy maybe opt for a walk.
Where We stayed
- Our family shared an Airbnb and I cannot recommend this spot enough! It was great for a larger family group, everyone was able to have their own bathrooms. The metro entrance was also directly below our apartment so transportation was extremely simple.
- Great neighborhood with a few great dining options within walking distance and the cutest coffee shop underneath the apartment.
- One thing to note is not many places have central heating so in the winter the apartment is extremely cold. Bring something cozy if you are traveling during the wintertime, even if you won’t need it outside.
- There are a lot of Airbnbs, hotels, and hostels in Lisbon. This city was built with tourists in mind! So depending on what you are looking for you will find something.
Where We Ate
Food is obviously a huge part of my life and when I am traveling I try to fit in as many little bites as I possibly can. There were so many places I wanted to visit but just didn’t have the time to get to. Make reservations because spaces are extremely small at some of these spots.
- Time Out Market
- FARÈS
- Chapitô à Mesa: Come for the view and steak sandwich.
- Flores de Pampa
- Taberna Sal Grosso
- Jezzus Pizzaria
- Fauna and Flora
- Cafe Almirante
- Thank You Mama: the best iced latte in all of Lisbon.
- Dear Breakfast
Stores I Loved
The first three places listed are bookstores that I think you absolutely must visit! But every street is home to a little bookstore and it was the biggest joy for me. There are lots of adorable stores and I popped into so many that I can’t remember the names of so just trust that wherever you go you will be sure to find a hidden gem.
- Fable Books
- LX Factory – big creative arts and shopping and eating space
- Ler Devagar– bookstore
- Salted Books
- Mini Mall
- Cecile M Ceramics
- D’Olival
Where We Bopped Around
These are all the different areas we had a chance to explore on our trip, but there is so much more to see and loads of day trips right outside of Lisbon.
- Pink Street
- Green Street
- Miradouro da Senhora do Monte – viewpoint
- Alfama
- Rossio
- LX Factory
Love this yes had the best time! Xx