Our Lisbon recommendations
Something for everyone!
Lisbon has so much to offer— we love to stay in the Alfama area (we love Vincci and Memmo and prefer to stay in hotels in Lisbon as opposed to Airbnbs) and do almost everything on foot. If you want to get your 10,000 steps in and have plenty to do each day besides eating and relaxing, Lisbon is the right move.
Recommendations
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Recommendations 〰️
Go see a soccer game! // Have the best time watching a game at Estadio da Luz, easily accessible via public transportation. You can’t buy alcohol inside the stadium, but go early so you can have a cold beer and a delicious bifana (pork sandwich) in the tailgate area near the stadium. (Pictured— us doing exactly that!)
Castelo de São Jorge // A beautiful castle with a rich history—built on a hilltop occupied by Celts, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Visigoths and Moors as far back as the 8th century BC.
Jerónimos Monastery // This 16th century era monastery is a beautiful example of the Portuguese Gothic Manueline style of architecture—and also the birthplace of one of Portugal’s most delicious inventions, the pastel de nata! Legend has it that the monks used egg whites to starch their robes, and needed something to do with all the extra egg yolks…so they turned them into the most delicious pastry of all time.
Pasteis de Belém // Going to Jerónimos Monastery? Go next door to the takeout counter at Pasteis de Belém to have “the original” recipe. They’ll still be good even if you don’t make it all the way to Belém, so don’t fear if this doesn’t make it into your itinerary—but if you have time and are in the area, it’s worth a visit! (Pictured!)
Pão Pão Quiejo Quiejo // This fast casual takeout spot is a recommendation we stole from João’s brother Miguel! If you find yourself hungry by the Monastery, this is a great place to get a quick bite. A juicy roast chicken sandwich with french fries can’t be beat!
As Bifanas do Afonso // A bifana is a delicious Portuguese sandwich made of juicy pork on a chewy roll. Some say this is the best spot to get them in Lisbon! (Pictured!)
MAAT (Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia) // One of our favorite museums with very cool exhibits and displays about industrialization, clean energy, and the environment. (It’s cooler and more fun than it sounds, we promise!)
A Tasca do Chico // A classic small restaurant serving home-cooked food with some of the best live Fado music in the city. Plan ahead or book your seating in advance! One of our favorite and most memorable dinners in Lisbon.
Castro // Zoe’s favorite pastel de nata in Lisbon!
Casa do São Miguel // João’s favorite pastel de nata in Lisbon!
A Vida Portuguesa // A gorgeous shop with souvenirs, pantry goods and homewares. (Pictured at the top of this page!)
O Velho Eurico // A great dinner spot near the Castelo that makes traditional, casual fare— it gets packed, so plan ahead!
Tu e Eu // Similar to the above, another popular (read: busy, make a reservation!) restaurant serving home-cooked Portuguese fare.
Planning a trip to Lisbon? Seeking more recs? Let us know! We’re so excited to share our favorite places with you.