Why Visit Lisbon Portugal? 16 reasons to visit Portugals’s capital city & 2 reasons not to

After seeing countless photos of Lisbon on my friends’ Facebook and Instagram pages in the last few years, I became curious about the hype surrounding the city. It seemed like everyone was flocking to Portugal’s capital city to spend 2 days in Lisbon, and I couldn’t help but wonder if it was worth the hype.

So, as part of our year of travel and in desperate need of some sunshine, I decided to plan a trip to Lisbon myself to find out if the city lived up to its reputation.

This was to be my first time in Lisbon (and my first time in Portugal) and I was intrigued to see what the city had to offer.

As I began to research and plan my trip, I quickly realised that Lisbon had a lot to offer.

From beautiful and historic architecture to delicious cuisine, and long sandy beaches, it was clear that Lisbon had something for many types of travellers. However, I also came across some reasons why people might not enjoy their visit to the city.

Below, I’m sharing 16 reasons why you should visit Lisbon, as well as 2 reasons why you shouldn’t. If, like me, you were unsure about whether Lisbon would live up to your expectations, this list should help you make an informed decision about whether or not to visit the city.

Why visit Lisbon? Here are 15 reasons!

1. Beautiful Architecture

If you’re a fan of stunning architecture, then Lisbon is the perfect destination for you. The city is known for its mix of architectural styles, ranging from Gothic to Baroque, which can be seen in the stunning buildings and palaces that line its streets.

One of the most impressive architectural landmarks in Lisbon is the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, which was built in the early 1500s.

Found in Belem, just outside of downtown Lisbon, the monastery is known for its intricate facade and these days it’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you book a ticket to go inside you can explore the cloisters, the church, and the tombs of famous Portuguese figures such as Vasco da Gama.

Another must-see attraction for architecture lovers is the Sé de Lisboa or the Lisbon Cathedral. This cathedral was built in 1147 and is one of the oldest churches in Lisbon.

The church boasts a mix of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque, and is known for its beautiful stained glass windows and intricate tilework.

For a glimpse of Lisbon’s more recent architectural history, a visit to the Convento do Carmo is a must.

The convent was largely destroyed in the earthquake of 1755 which devastated this part of the city. Today, the ruins of the convent stand as a haunting reminder of Lisbon’s past, and visitors can explore the remaining arches and walls that still stand.

Lisbon’s architecture is not limited to historical landmarks, however. The city also has plenty of modern-day charm, with impressive buildings such as the MAAT museum in Belem.

2. To try Lisbon’s delicious cuisine

Portugal is famous for its cuisine, and when you visit Lisbon you’ll be able to try a wide variety of foods that the country has become famous for.

Whether you are looking for fresh seafood, traditional Portuguese dishes, or sweet desserts and pastries, you’ll find it in Lisbon.

You can’t visit Lisbon without trying some seafood. The traditional Portuguese codfish, Bacalhau, is a popular choice which comes served in many ways. These include Bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod, fried potatoes, eggs, onions, black olives, olive oil, and parsley), Pasteis de Bacalhau (cod fritters) and Bacalhau à Lagareiro (cod with cream).

There are also plenty of sardines on menus around Lisbon including canned sardines and other fish with unique flavours like orange and cinnamon or lemon and thyme. Served with some good bread, this makes a cheap and light dinner during your stay in Lisbon.

There are many other traditional Portuguese foods to try in Lisbon too such as Polvo à Lagareiro (octopus with olive oil and potatoes), and Porco Preto (Iberian black pork). You could also check out pregos and bifanas (meat sandwiches) peri-peri chicken or grilled chorizo commonly served on a hot flame at your table which adds a bit of theatre.

You cannot leave Lisbon without trying the famous Pastéis de Nata, an egg-yolk custard tart that originated in Portugal. The original and best Pastéis de Nata can be found at the Pastel de Belém bakery in Lisbon, which has been producing these delicious treats since 1837.

Wine is also a big deal in Portugal, and I highly recommend getting a glass (or bottle) of Vinho Verde, known as green wine. While not green in colour, this slightly sparkling white wine is perfect on a hot day in Lisbon.

As you’re walking around the city, be sure to get a shot of Ginjinha, a cherry liqueur from Ginjinha Sem Revival or Ginjinha Carmo where the latter serves the shot in a chocolate cup which is a delicious way to try it!

If finding where to eat seems hard (I get it), you can also book a food tour where you’ll get the chance to try lots of traditional dishes while learning more about both them and the city.

Some of the best Lisbon food tours include:

• Lisbon food tour with 17 tastings: 5/5 star reviews
• Small group food & wine tour in Lisbon 4.5/5 star reviews

3. A mix of old and new

Lisbon is a city that has an interesting mix of old and new and it’s something you can’t fail to notice as you wander around the city, especially in Lisbon’s city centre.

While there aren’t many skyscrapers and high-rise glass buildings, there are touches of modernity here and there. The LxFactory is a great example of this, offering a creative hub with trendy restaurants, cafes, and shops in old warehouse buildings in Belem.

As the second oldest capital city in Europe after Athens, Lisbon has a rich history that attracts history lovers from all over the world.

The city’s hilltop neighbourhoods of Alfama, Castelo, and the Cathedral district are full of maze-like streets, terraced buildings, colourful walls, churches and a castle.

If it’s history you’re after, you’re going to get it in spades on your trip to Lisbon.

4. To enjoy the fantastic Lisbon weather

If it’s sunshine you want you’ll find it in Lisbon.

Lisbon enjoys some of the best weather in Europe, with a temperate climate that is perfect for exploring all year round.

Lisbon’s peak summer season runs from July to September with warm temperatures making it the busiest tourist season. However, the shoulder seasons of late May through June or the end of September through October are recommended, as the weather is still warm, and the crowds are not as bad.

The spring and fall are also great times to visit Lisbon, with temperatures around 18°C to 22°C. These seasons are also perfect for avoiding the worst of the crowds.

I visited Lisbon in the first half of April and we got warm temperatures (mid 20sºC) and beautiful sunshine pretty much the whole time.

Even winter in Lisbon is quite mild, with an average daytime temperature of 15°C, making it a great time to visit and experience the festivities in the city of Lisbon in December!

5. Gorgeous Beaches

Although Lisbon doesn’t really have any beaches of its own it’s super close to loads of beautiful beaches making it a great place to visit if you want to mix a beach holiday with a city break.

Lisbon’s location on the Iberian-Atlantic coast means that beautiful sandy beaches are just a short ride away from the city. From the main terminal in Cais do Sodré, you can hop on a train and explore the beaches of Oeiras, Estoril & Cascais.

Whether you’re looking to lounge on the beach with some drinks at a bar or enjoy water sports such as sailing, kayaking or surfing you can do it all in under an hour’s train ride from Lisbon.

When I visited Lisbon, I stayed in the super cute village of Oeiras which was just 20 minutes from central Lisbon by train. The beach here was beautiful and stretched so far, I loved spending my afternoons there with a book.

Carcavelos a bit further west is also a great spot for surfing, or enjoying a drink with a view.

6. Distinct and unique neighbourhoods to explore

Lisbon is a city of distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own character, charm, and history. From the winding streets of Alfama to the trendy bars and cafes of Bairro Alto, Lisbon’s neighbourhoods are super fun to explore.

Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood, has labyrinthine streets and alleys which are filled with pretty buildings, cafes, and stunning views of the city. The area is known for its traditional fado music, which is performed in many of its restaurants and bars.

Bairro Alto, on the other hand, is Lisbon’s trendy and bohemian neighbourhood. This is where you’ll find lots of bars, restaurants, and cafes. The area comes to life at night, with its narrow streets and alleyways filled with people enjoying drinks and music.

Chiado is also worth visiting. It has beautiful architecture and is known for its historic cafes as well as being home to several museums, including the National Museum of Contemporary Art and the Museum of the City of Lisbon.

Belem is just west of the city centre and is known for its rich maritime history as well as being where you’ll find some of Lisbon’s top attractions including the Belem Tower, the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos and the Discoveries Monument being just a few of the best things to do in Belem.

7. (Mostly) Affordable Prices

Despite being a popular tourist destination, Lisbon is still one of the most affordable capital cities in Europe. For those on a budget, Lisbon offers great value for money (as long as you visit outside of the peak tourist season).

Accommodation is what most people spend all their money on when travelling, but with some research, you can find cheap Lisbon hotels in the city centre.

When it comes to restaurants and eating out, you can often find menus in Lisbon for under €20 and even cheaper if you opt for the daily menu in local taverns and cafes. Drinks too are often pretty cheap if you stay away from the more trendy and upmarket places.

Getting around Lisbon is also fairly cheap when using the metro system and since downtown Lisbon is pretty small, you can easily walk between the top places to visit in the city.

However, Lisbon wasn’t as cheap as I thought having heard that this was a reason why many people liked it. Is it cheaper than UK cities and those in Canada and the US? Sure, but I wouldn’t say it’s ‘cheap’ (see below).

8. Well connected to other parts of Portugal

One of the best things about Lisbon is how well-connected it is to other cities and towns across Portugal.

If you’re planning on spending a few weeks in Portugal, then Lisbon is a good place to base yourself since it’s roughly in the middle (of the coastline anyway).

Lisbon has several major train stations with lines running throughout the country making it easy to get around. You can get to cities like Porto in the north, or the Algarve in the south in just a few hours and trains generally run on time – in my experience anyway.

When staying in Lisbon it’s also super easy to do some day trips. Some of the best day trips from Lisbon include visiting Sintra which is home to the beautiful Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle and a forested National Park. You can also visit the western most point of Europe on the Atlantic Coast.

There’s also the fishing and surfing village of Ericeira, and the beachside town of Cascais or the pretty white-washed town of Obidos.

9. Lisbon is a safe city

Lisbon is generally viewed to be a progressive city with liberal attitudes, which has to it getting a reputation as one of the safest capital cities in Europe.

Of course, that doesn’t mean there’s no crime and you should always remain aware of your surroundings to prevent things like theft and pickpocketing.

I walked around solo a few times on my own an as a solo female traveller in Lisbon I found it pretty safe. There were a few catcalls from men but nothing more than in other major cities and once when walking with my husband we were offered drugs so there are crimes and nuisances but in general it feels pretty safe.

Lisbon is also one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly travel destinations in the world, with a thriving scene of bars and clubs catering to the community. Popular spots include Trumps, Shelter Bar, and Posh Lisbon.

10. Lisbon nightlife is fun

If nightlife is your thing then you’ll love Lisbon. There’s a reason I saw so many stag and hen dos (Bachelor/Bachelorette) parties in Lisbon and that’s because the city knows how to party.

From sipping cocktails while enjoying live music to dancing until dawn, Lisbon has it all.

Locals eat dinner late in Lisbon, which means that parties, drinking and dancing typically start later as well. If you’re planning to visit bars, it’s best to head out after 11 pm. Bars in Lisbon are usually free to enter and stay open until 3 or 4 a.m., while nightclubs charge an entry fee and usually close around 6 a.m.

There are four main areas to explore for a night out in Lisbon. The first is Cais do Sodre where you’ll find Pink Street, a street lined with bars and clubs.

Another option is Bairro Alto, the most iconic neighbourhood for partying, with over 100 bars and restaurants to choose from. In the evenings people fill the streets and you’ll hear music and partying well into the night.

11. Stunning Views

Another reason why to visit Lisbon is the views you can enjoy as you explore the city!

As Lisbon is built on seven hills, there is no shortage of beautiful viewpoints and panoramas over the city.

Apart from the official viewpoints, known as Miradouros, there are many rooftop bars and restaurants with great views.

Some of the best Lisbon Miradouros include Santa Luzia and Miradouro da Graça. There’s also Miradouro das Portas do Sol with views of the Tagus River and the Alfama neighbourhood, the viewpoint from Jardim do Toel which was one of my favourites as it was super peaceful and Miradouro de Nossa Senhora do Monte which is the highest point in Lisbon and less touristy than others.

Many of the viewpoints get very busy at sunset and there are a lot that now has a cafe, bar or kiosk where you can purchase a drink and some snacks to enjoy alongside the views.

12. So many historic monuments

Lisbon is full of historic monuments from colourful, art-deco to beautiful tiled buildings and more modern structures.

The tiles, or azulejos, found throughout Lisbon and Portugal are something that catches the eyes of most visitors to the city. They come in various designs and colours including blues, yellow and more. They’re not actually from Portugal but were introduced by the Moorish people from Asia.

These days, however, they are known as Portuguese tiles by most. Visiting the National Tile Museum in Lisbon is a great way to learn more.

The architecture doesn’t stop at tiles and the district of Belem is a great place to visit to see some of Lisbon’s top attractions. These include the Belem Tower, and the Jerónimos Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage site and the more contemporary MAAT museum.

13. Lisbon has an incredible history

Lisbon’s rich history and culture make it a must-visit destination for any traveller. As one of Europe’s oldest capital cities, it boasts a fascinating past influenced by both Moorish and Roman rule.

Visiting Lisbon provides an opportunity to explore centuries-old buildings and monuments that have stood the test of time, such as the impressive Carmo Church, where the ruins from the 1755 earthquake are still visible today.

The Alfama district is the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon and a must-visit, with its narrow cobbled streets and alleyways that were spared by the earthquake. Head up the hill from Alfama to the São Jorge Castle, with stunning views of Lisbon.

14. It’s a start-up and digital nomad hub

Lisbon has become a top destination for digital nomads and startups in recent years.

Lisbon has been the host of the Web Summit, a global tech conference that attracts thousands of visitors each and the government has provided incentives for startups and expats, which has led to a thriving community of digital nomads in Lisbon.

The city has a wide range of co-working and living spaces, a more affordable cost of living, vibrant nightlife, and various events and conferences that cater to the needs of digital nomads.

While this is good for people visiting Lisbon, it has many downsides for those that have grown up there or lived there for a longer time which is, unfortunately, the case in many beautiful cities around the world.

15. Friendly People

Lisbon locals are known for their warmth and hospitality, which is one of the reasons so many people love Lisbon and a great reason why you should visit Lisbon.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be welcomed with friendly faces. And while you should always make an effort to learn a few words of the local language, English is also widely spoken, making it easy to navigate the city and be understood.

16. Opportunity for outdoor activities

Lisbon is surrounded by natural beauty and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

One of the most popular outdoor activities in Lisbon is hiking in Sintra Natural Park. There are many trails through forested areas or you can rent an e-bike and head out to the Atlantic Coast. Inside the city of Lisbon, Monsanto park is a great area for a walk.

Another thing to do in Lisbon is surfing. The beaches of Cascais and Guincho are famous for their excellent waves and are popular with both locals and tourists.

I tried surfing at Carcavelos just outside of Lisbon and had a great time riding the waves.

There are plenty of surf rental shops and surfing schools at each of the main beaches near the city.

Cycling is another popular outdoor activity in Lisbon. You can rent a bike and explore the city’s many bike paths or take a guided bike tour to learn more about the city’s history and culture.

Why NOT to visit Lisbon

Despite the above reasons on why you should visit Lisbon, there are a few reasons why you shouldn’t. Namely, if you don’t like crowds and you’re travelling on a budget.

Has Lisbon become too popular?

Portugal is a very popular tourist destination, and Lisbon is no exception.

However, during the high season, the central areas of the city can become very crowded with tourists, making it difficult to fully appreciate your trip to the city.

Even when we visited in early April, a local guide told us they’re not taking any more work on in Sintra as it’s become too crowded that it’s getting out of hand. We read reviews of local attractions where people were just stuck in a line and couldn’t walk around to probably explore the place they’d just bought a ticket for.

Additionally, with the high demand from tourists, prices for accommodation, dining, and activities can be higher than usual.

It was for reasons like this that we opted to stay outside of the city, in Oeiras, which was much quieter but still close enough to get in and explore. When we visited Sintra we rented e-bikes so we could avoid the worst of the crowds too.

Lisbon CAN get expensive

Lisbon is often viewed as ‘cheap’ or as an affordable alternative to other European capitals such as Paris or London, but the reality is that prices have been rising in recent years.

The influx of digital nomads and ex-pats, as well as the effects of over-tourism, have caused prices for accommodation, food, and activities to soar, making Lisbon more expensive than people may expect.

I definitely found that the case when we visited having been told by numerous people that it was cheap.

That being said, there are still ways to enjoy Lisbon without breaking the bank. For example, instead of paying high prices for cocktails at a trendy bar, go to smaller, local bars with more reasonable prices.

They might not look as cool, but the drinks are pretty much the same and way cheaper and you’ll mix with locals rather than other travellers.

Final thoughts – Is Lisbon worth visiting?

Lisbon has a lot to offer visitors, from its extensive history and beautiful architecture to its fun nightlife and stunning views.

The city is also well-connected, making it a great place to explore the rest of Portugal from.

While prices have increased due to tourism, there are still plenty of affordable options available, especially if you seek out local bars, restaurants, and activities.

So why visit Lisbon? If you want history, culture, great food and pretty views with nice weather then you’ll find all this and more in Portugal’s capital city.

FAQs about visiting Lisbon Portugal

Last Updated on June 29, 2023 by Hannah