Lisbon Packages

Discovering Lisbon: Old World Charm and Modern Life

Lisbon, Europe's Oldest City, is a beauty-packed place and filled to the brim. A significant part of Portugal, it is the land of the first modern life explorer, and the city proudly showcases that. Lisbon is everything that you imagined- fun, vibrant, glamorous, colourful, cultural, modern, with a bit of gothic. There is nothing you will not find here, as the city has the most scenic views of the hilltops, buildings painted in sharp yellow pastels connected by the old trams, and vibrancy with Fado Music. The city has close, narrow streets that are themselves a beauty and always lead to the city's hidden cascade, which tells the history as it was. Lisbon deserves to be visited once in a lifetime by culture, historical, food, and art enthusiasts from all over the world. If you want to visit Lisbon and get a wholesome experience, then you should be prepared with the basic information, and this post is going to help you with that. 

Capital: Portugal

Currency: Euro

Population: 5.76 Lakhs (2024)

Official Language: Portuguese

Airport: Humberto Delgado Airport 

Must-Visit Places in Lisbon

To make your Lisbon travel one of a kind, you should have a list of the must-visit places or the landmarks that make the city what it is. The city has such locations that make it a total tourist trap, and also quench the historical, architectural, art, and cultural thirst of the geeks who want to know the city more than what the surface offers. The city is full of interesting places that will keep your interest piqued. So, you can use the list of must-visit places in Lisbon below to get to know the city well. 

1. Praco do Comercio: This is the landmark location of Lisbon and lies in the heart of the city. It is a vibrant and emblematic square that comes alive with the crowd every morning and never sleeps. It is built on the site of the former Royal Palace. Surrounding the prominent white building are the yellow, shiny buildings with a large entrance. It is the main entrance to the Rua Augusta Arch and the city's bustling district. The square is cherished for its history and vibrancy. 

2. Belem Tower: Torre de Belem is a renowned site that is located on the Tagus River. The tower was built in C. 1514 and completed in 1519, and was designed by the famous Francisco de Arruda. It has gained recognition from UNESCO and been added to its list of World Heritage Sites in 1983 as a location that offers a glimpse of ancient Portuguese life and the history of the Age of Discovery. The Belem Tower was built during the Portuguese Renaissance and is an excellent example of the Manueline style. 

3. Santa Justa Lift: The connection between the lower neighborhood of Baixa and the Carmo Square is formed by the Santa Justa Lift, which is also called the Carmo Lift. It is an elevator or a lift in the civil parish of Santa Maria Major. It is located at the historic centre of Lisbon, Portugal, near the end of the Rua de Santa Justa. After the elevator's construction, it has become a tourist spot for the view it offers. Constructed to connect Baixa and Carmo due to the age-old connectivity problem, it was a significant project. 

4. Jeronimos Monastery: Also known as the Hieronymites Monastery, it is the old monastery of Saint Jerome, near the Tagus River in the Belem region. This monastery is a prominent example of the Portuguese Gothic-Manueline style. The monastery was the necropolis of the Portuguese Royal Dynasty of Aviz, and on December 28, 1833, it was secularized by the state. The monastery was then transferred to the charitable institution, Real Casa Pia de Lisboa. 

5. São Jorge Castle: Also known as the São George Castle, it is a historic castle in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon. The castle is located in the freguesuia of Santa Maria Major. The castle offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and of the Tagus River, which has a rich Moorish and Medieval History. The castle is perched atop a hill and is considered a marvel for its royal vibe, architecture, and cultural heritage. You will get to see this castle from all the corners of the city. 

Things to do in Lisbon

Lisbon has so much to offer everyone. You should make sure to experience Lisbon completely, and it will leave you mesmerized. The city is brutally beautiful, and you will have plenty to do while traveling. So, it's better to travel to Lisbon with a plan. Below are the must-do things when you are in Lisbon to see what the buzz is all about. 

1. Dine at the Miradouro de Santa Luzia: After reaching Lisbon, the first thing that is a must is to dine at the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. The restaurant is usually full, so you need to book. You will see the beauty of Portuguese culture through music and performances. So, enjoy the best Portuguese cuisine while listening to music that matches the view.  

2. Hike up to the Castelo De São Jorge: The next thing that you should do is to hike up to the Castelo de São Jorge, which is the steepest climb in Lisbon's historic district to reach the highest point of the city. Upon arrival, you will witness the beauty of the Alfama district and enjoy a panoramic view from 360 degrees. The location is full of peacocks just casually hanging around on the ancient ramparts. The castle on top also has a museum with archaeological artifacts. 

3. Dig into the history of LX Factory: Next on your list should be the LX Factory, which can be accessed easily with the tram. LX Factory is an old industrial complex that operated in the textile industry and also served as its storage facility. It is considered one of the hippest places in Lisbon. Independent shops, restaurants, bars, and co-working spaces now surround the factory. The street is filled with the work of the local artists.  

4. Go on a book-buying spree at Livraria Ler Devagar: Livraria Ler Devagar is an independent bookshop that is filled with fun and creative interior designs. You will find the books of independent writers and those of famous publishers. If you are looking for new books or second-hand books, you can find them in this bookstore. The Livraria Ler Devagar is well-known worldwide as one of the most beautiful bookshops. 

5. Witness the Aquatic Life at Lisbon Oceanarium: The Lisbon oceanarium is considered to be the best in Europe for its design and the abundance of species that it is home to. The oceanarium is a tank surrounded by another tank with species inside, and it feels magnificent. Artificial habitats are also created to provide different settings. 

Best Time to Visit Lisbon

Lisbon enjoys pleasant weather year-round, making it a welcoming destination for tourists. You will see tourists filling the city's streets year-round. Lisbon's peak season is in Spring, March to May. You will see the golden city shining at its prime, with all its glory. The temperature is around 17-22 degrees Celsius in this season. The winter nights get pretty magical with some light breeze. You can also visit the city in the fall months of September and October, with temperatures ranging from 17 to 28 degrees Celsius. If you visit during spring, you can attend walking tours, wine tastings, and other festivals. 

To visit Lisbon in the off-season for a budget trip, you can visit in the Summer or Winter. In summer, temperatures range from 26 to 32 degrees Celsius, and in winter, from 13 to 15 degrees Celsius. As stated, the weather is not extreme in any season, making Lisbon perfect for all seasons. 

Foods to try in Lisbon

Lisbon cuisine reflects the nation's richness, variety, and choice. To get to know the country in depth, you should dine as the locals do. The food in the big metropolitan side of the city is adapted to the taste of the tourists, so if you want to have the traditional Lisbon cuisine, then you should discover some local hidden gems. The flavours and the taste were kept a secret from the world, and you can only taste the authentic Portuguese food in the city itself. On your trip to Lisbon, do not miss out on trying the local Portuguese delish food, and to not miss any of them, you can refer to the list below: 

• Caldo Verde
• Acorda
• Torricado
• Croquettes
• Francesinha
• Cachorrinhos
• Prego
• Bifana
• Bacalhau
• Polvo a Lagareiro
• Sardinhas Assadas
• Ameijoas a Bulhao Pato
• Arroz de Tamboril
• Sapateira Recheada
• Percebes
• Conservas
• Alheira
• Porco Preto
• Cozido a Portuguesa
• Tripas a Moda do Porto
• Rojoes
• Frango no churrasco com piri piri
• Pastel de Nata
• Ginjinha
• Port Wine

Things to Keep in Mind when Visiting Lisbon

• Beware of your personal belongings and other valuable items when traveling in public.
• When visiting Lisbon's top attractions, remember to book in advance.
• Even though English is widely spoken, learn some basic Portuguese meet-and-greet terms.
• Make sure to pack lightly for your trip.
• Carry some cotton and warm clothes with you, depending on the weather.
• Keep some extra cash on hand, in addition to the cards and online payment methods.
• Travel in your comfortable shoes.