The Intrepid Traveller’s Guide to Lisbon
Lisbon is one of Europe’s best-known cities, famous for its cobbled streets, dramatic hillsides, medieval architecture and lively street markets. But did you know there’s more to discover in and around Lisbon than the typical tourist sights?
This 10-day guide to Lisbon delves into the hidden gems and lesser-known attractions in and around the city. It’s time to illuminate the secrets of the City of Light.
Day 1: Dine in style at Palácio Chiado
Have you ever dined at an 18th-century palace? You’ll be surprised at how affordable it is at the extravagant Palácio Chiado. The gourmet restaurant brings all the regions of Portugal together under one roof. This “true tribute to Portuguese and international cuisine” seats you among impressive murals in palatial rooms. There’s even a room with a giant hanging golden lion with wings.
Don’t feel like eating? Find a table at the bar downstairs for champagne and cocktails in a more laidback setting. The palace-turned-restaurant is only a short walk from Lisbon’s famed Time Out Market and The National Museum of Contemporary Art.
Day 2: Lisbon’s beaches
On the Lisbon side of the river, you can also take a train along Tejo River from Cais do Sodré to Cascais. There are lovely beaches along the way worthy of a day spent sunbathing and swimming.
Carcavelos beach is well worth the visit, too. Only 20 minutes from Lisbon via train, it’s the ideal spot for cooling off not only during summer but to attend all year round.You’ll see locals surfing the small waves and there are numerous restaurants and bars along the beachfront.
Lisbon’s Transpraia (also known as the mini-train) only runs during summer. It’s honestly the best way to hop around Lisbon’s beautiful beaches on the southern coast. The small train connects Costa da Caparica to Fonte da Telha, stopping at various natural beaches along the way.
Day 3: Stroll around the Tapada das Necessidades
Dating back to the 17th century, Tapada das Necessidades was once the sought-after picnic spot for royalty. These days the wooded park is a scenic area for exploring duck ponds and one of the oldest cacti gardens in Europe.
As you wander through the parkland, keep an eye out for the beautiful glass greenhouse. There are also various spots for enjoying views of the River Tagus and Lisbon’s iconic bridge. Feeling a little peckish? Duck into the nearby bakery, Gleba, where you can pick up coffee and freshly baked bread and pastries.
Day 4: Explore the town of Cascais
Once upon a time Cascais was a sleepy little fishing port. It has now been transformed into a very lively and attractive area with golden beaches, a cobbled old town and a bustling marine. Cascais caters to a range of travellers with its boutiques, intimate museums and alfresco restaurants.
Beach lovers shouldn’t miss Praia da Rainha or Praia do Guincho. The former is better for beachfront bars and cafes, while the latter attracts windsurfers and kite-surfers. Explore along Cascais’ coastline to discover the Boca do Inferno, a beautiful chasm in limestone cliffs. Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães is another hidden gem filled with paintings, Indo-Portuguese furnishings and prehistoric archaeological finds.
Day 5: Day trip to Sesimbra
Another popular hangout, specially during summer season, is Sesimbra a charming beach town only 30 kilometres from Lisbon. The old town is particularly atmospheric with its seafood restaurants, local boutiques and whitewashed fortress overlooking the beaches.
If you are visiting during summer, so take advantage of the water sports. Kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling and stand-up paddle boarding are all part of a day’s work here. Want to discover a local secret? Drive or walk about 45 minutes from the centre of town to Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo a beautiful, sheltered cove with towering cliffs, soft sand and cocktail-blue water.
Day 6: Indulge in Portuguese fare at Campo de Ourique Market
Everyone knows about Lisbon’s Time Out Market, which is why we’re suggesting this slightly smaller, but far more local market. It’s located in a pretty residential area next to Jardim da Estrela (Jardim Guerra Junqueiro) and Santo Condestável Church and hosts a number of stalls selling fresh produce. This ranges from seafood to vegetables and fruit.
The other part of the market is its gourmet restaurant stalls and bars. You’ll often find friendly locals happy to serve you traditional Portuguese fare and drinks. Now you can sit back and enjoy the market’s atmosphere.
Day 7: Unique dining experiences around town
Lisbon offers a wealth of unforgettable dining experiences, particularly in its local hangouts. In some restaurants, you can even cook your own selection of locally sourced meat over hot stone plates. Alternatively, wander to the Moroccan-influenced Casa do Alentejo for traditional grilled pork with clams or pork sausage on bread.
Lisbon’s hidden local restaurants offer top-quality Portuguese produce and plenty of traditional drinks to wash it all down. From fresh cuttlefish to pepper steak and grilled octopus tentacles, Lisbon offers a veritable smorgasboard of unique flavours.
Day 8: Hidden street art by Bordalo II (Artur Bordalo)
Bordalo II is one of Portugal’s most recognisable street artists. Finding his artworks around Lisbon is a great way to discover more of the city. These 3D artworks are created using garbage and pop out from walls in the form of a giant bee, racoon and fish (to name a few).
As we mentioned, finding the artwork is only half the fun. This street art trail leads you all across Lisbon, from the Belem Cultural Centre to the LxFactory. The latter is an industrial complex housing all kinds of art retailers and trendy restaurants.
Day 9: Uncover the medieval world of Sintra
Located in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains, Sintra is a place of Moorish and medieval influences. You can easily spend a day discovering all the highlights and hidden sights of Sintra. Start with the 19th-century Pena National Palace, a vibrantly coloured Romanticist castle with stunning views over Sintra.
Afterwards, venture down to the Quinta da Regaleira. It has an impressive palace and chapel, however, it’s the sprawling park that’s really worth exploring. You can discover a labyrinth of caves and grottoes, along with lakes and two eerie initiation wells.
Day 10: Charming local vibes around Jardim Botânico d’Ajuda
Somehow the naturally resplendent Jardim Botânico d’Ajuda still manages to sneak past most visitors. The first garden ever built in Lisbon, it’s home to more than 5,000 plants found in Portugal and around the world. This makes for quite a stunning display of flowers and trees surrounding the central pond.
There are numerous restaurants close to the park for some affordable and delicious Portuguese food. Take a stroll through the area while admiring traditional Portuese architecture. You can easily walk to the nearby Palacio Nacional d’Ajuda or venture north past quiet suburban houses to the equally impressive Parque Infantil dos Moinhos de Santana.
Uncover the secrets of Lisbon
There seems to be no end to the amazing culture, nature and adventures in Lisbon. You only need to explore a little further and look a little closer to discover the secrets of this fascinating city.
