ALFAMA/CASTELO
Oldest part of Lisbon. Worth walking around albeit very touristy
Things to check out:
Stroll around the old town up to the castle. They charge to enter but there is a cafe and great views. Easy to get lost on the way as its bit of a labyrinth but that’s part of the fun
Dome of Santa Engracia – lovely views across the city
Miradouro de Santa Luzia – really busy touristy area. Be careful as its full of pickpockets
GARCA
Stayed here for a month in an AirB&B – liked it, a real locals vibe (even though many are selling up or converting to rental apartments). But a bit down at heel and out of the way of most of the places you will probably want to be
Things to check out:
Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum) – sounds boring but recommend
Castelo de Sao Jorge
Miradouro da Graca – one of the famous viewing areas which is best at sunset
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte – another great view
Restaurants:
Santa Clara Dos Cogumelos – if you like mushrooms this is the place to go! Every dish is based around mushrooms and they even have mushroom ice cream for dessert which wasn’t bad. Worth a try (once)
Plano Restaurant – high end place in atmospheric basement (patio for lunchtime eating). Michelin style place which is recommended but pricy and a bit of an outlier for this part of town
BAIXA, AVENIDA and ROSSIO
The lower city and oldest part of Lisbon. It has to be done but again very touristy
Things to check out:
Suggest you start in the Praca do Comercio – the Main Square which you will probably have seen in tourist pictures and just wander
BAIRRO ALTO, CHIADO, PRINCIPE REAL and SANTA CATARINA
Favourite part of Lisbon
Things to check out:
Convento do Carmo
Take one of the Fuiculars up the hill – Ascensor do Bica or do Gloria
Great view from de Soa Pedro de Alcantara
Great view from de Santa Catarina
Restaurant:s
Boa Boa – local Asian institution so very busy
Dear Breakfast
Cafe Brasilera – good cocktails/outdoor patio
Time Out Market – novelty but worth a visit – street food and good selection
Peixola – seafood, communal dining at bar, good food, tapas
Sushima – not fancy but good sushi and good value. All you can eat Chefs tasting menu
Taberna Da Rua Das Flores – tasty and interesting tapas selection – one of the favourites
BELEM and RESTELO
To the west of the suspension bridge and a few km out of the main core – do not walk!! . Worth a visit to see the Cathedral and some of Lisbon’s iconic statues
Things to check out:
Mosteiro dos Jeronimos/Jeronimos Monestary – very impressive but sometimes big queues to get in
Museu Nacional dos Coches – a coach museum with old state ceremonial carriages. Is much cooler than you would think!
Padrao dos Descombrmentos
Torres de Belam – one from the standard tourist trail
Restaurant:
Pasteis de Belam – “the” original Pastel de Nata bakery. There will be a huge queue but look for the door into the restaurant bakery. Everyone was busy lining up and the restaurant was basically empty. Go in through the doors and you may well find a table right away. Coffee with pastel de natas is very civilized
ESTRELA, LAPA and ALCANTARA
Again a bit away from the old central part of Lisbon but not a bad place to stay as there are some good restaurants, bars and cultural opportunities
Things to check out:
Museu da Marioneta – Puppet Museum – a quirky place good fun
LX Factory – former industrial area now revived into a happening cool creative center ~ art, restaurants, shopping
Restaurants:
Geographia – smart casual dining but well priced with an interesting menu
Foxtrot – quirky little hideaway bar that makes great cocktails. Quite hidden from street like a speakeasy