Lisbon Holidays

Lisbon is a sightseeing paradise, so get set for a spellbinding city break with something for everyone.

• Explore Alfama: Get lost in the Old Town of Alfama, Lisbon’s Moorish district – and oldest neighbourhood – which is a maze of narrow lanes, hidden squares and artisan cafés. Traditional Fado music echoes from quaint taverns and the mighty São Jorge Castle is the perfect spot for panoramic views of the city.
• Discover Jerónimos Monastery: This must-see landmark is the jewel in Lisbon’s architectural crown. An elaborate frenzy of limestone carvings adorns this UNESCO World Heritage Site, from the decorated entrance to the vaulted ceilings. One of the most stunning features of Jerónimos Monastery is its elaborate cloister decorated with delicate arches, intricately carved columns and finely sculpted capitals.
• Climb Belém Tower: Perhaps Lisbon’s most striking landmark, Belém Tower is a symbol of Portugal's Age of Discovery. The 16th-century structure stands on the banks of the Tagus River and is an extraordinary display of Portuguese architecture throughout time. Guided tours are available to explore the interior of the tower and learn about its role in Portugal's maritime past.
• Ride Tram 28: Hop aboard one of Lisbon's iconic yellow trams for a nostalgic journey through the city's picturesque neighbourhoods. Tram 28 winds its way through historic districts such as Graça, Alfama and Baixa, offering glimpses of colourful façades, charming squares and historic landmarks along the way.
• Visit Lisbon Cathedral: Also known as Sé de Lisboa, this is one of the oldest and most important churches in Lisbon, with over 800 years of history. One of the most striking features is the Romanesque main entrance, known as the Portal of the Virgin, which depicts scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. You can also explore a series of chapels and altars, a Treasury Museum and a magnificent rose window added during the Gothic period.
• Ascend to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the tranquillity at this panoramic viewpoint in the Graça district. From Miradouro da Senhora do Monte you can soak up breathtaking vistas of Lisbon's red rooftops, the Tagus River and beyond. It's the perfect spot to watch the sunset and capture unforgettable photos.

Along with being a fantastic city break destination, Lisbon has a number of sandy shores, making it an equally delightful beach holiday destination.

• Praia de Carcavelos: Situated just a short train ride from Lisbon city centre, Carcavelos Beach is one of the largest and most accessible beaches in the area. Families will love the wide expanse of soft sand and clear waters, while the consistent waves and lively promenade make it a great choice for surfers and beach-goers looking for a lively atmosphere. Make use of excellent facilities, including showers, lifeguard supervision during the summer months and beachfront restaurants and cafés.
• Guincho Beach: Located within the stunning landscape of Cascais, this beach is known for its wild and untamed beauty. Backed by sand dunes and surrounded by cliffs, it offers a striking contrast to the urban beaches closer to Lisbon. The strong Atlantic winds make it an ideal spot for wind-based water sports, while surfers love the powerful waves.
• Costa da Caparica: Make a beeline for this beach, which stretches for 15km along the Setúbal Peninsula. Its golden sands and rolling waves provide the perfect backdrop for a day of seaside fun, especially among locals, offering a taste of authentic Portuguese beach culture.
• Praia da Rainha: Also in Cascais, this smaller beach is tucked away from the more popular spots, making it ideal for couples, small groups and solo travellers wanting a quieter beach experience. Named after Queen Amélia, who famously bathed here in the 19th century, this intimate cove is surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush vegetation. The calm waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling and there's a beach bar for when you're feeling peckish.
• Praia de São Pedro do Estoril: Hidden along the Lisbon coastline, the calm waters and gentle waves make this beach perfect for swimming and paddleboarding, while its golden sands provide a tranquil setting for sunbathing and relaxation. The beach is backed by a charming promenade lined with palm trees, offering picturesque views of the ocean and the surrounding cliffs.

There’s no denying that Lisbon more than delivers on the food front. But if you’re looking to savour some local, quintessential Portuguese dishes, here are some that need to be at the top of your list:

• Pastel de Nata: This is one of Portugal's most iconic and beloved desserts and has become synonymous with Portuguese pastry culture. Its origins can be traced back to the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, where monks used egg whites to starch their clothes and found creative ways to use up the leftover yolks. One of the most famous places to try it is the historic Pastéis de Belém bakery in Belém, where the recipe has been closely guarded since the 19th century.
• Bacalhau à Brás: Bacalhau (salted cod) holds a special place in Portuguese cuisine, and Bacalhau à Brás is one of the most popular ways to prepare it. Salted cod is shredded and cooked with onions until golden brown, then mixed with scrambled eggs and fried potatoes, resulting in a hearty and flavourful combination.
• Sardinhas Assadas: Grilled sardines are a staple here. Fresh sardines are marinated with sea salt and olive oil, then grilled over an open flame until crispy and golden. It’s usually served with salad and fresh bread. Grilling sardines over an open flame is a centuries-old tradition in Lisbon, dating back to the days when fishermen would cook their catch on the shores of the Tagus River. Today, it’s a popular street food that is a must-try when visiting.
• Piri piri chicken: Known for its bold flavours and succulent texture, this dish has its roots in Mozambique and Angola, former Portuguese colonies where piri piri peppers are native. It gained popularity in Lisbon and across Portugal thanks to the influence of African cuisine. BBQ restaurants and casual eateries will serve this either with chips or rice and salad.
• Caldo Verde: This soup is particularly popular during the winter months and is made with kale, potatoes, onions, garlic, chorizo or Portuguese sausage and olive oil. The kale is thinly sliced and simmered with potatoes until tender, then mashed to create a thick, creamy base. You’ll find this dish served in neighbourhood restaurants and traditional eateries known as tascas. It's often enjoyed as a starter or light meal, accompanied with crusty bread and a glass of Portuguese wine.

Foodies will love the array of dining options available in Lisbon. From Michelin-starred restaurants to local tascas, you’ll be amazed at how varied and exciting the food scene is here.

• Time Out Market Lisboa: Not strictly a restaurant, but no visit is complete without immersing yourself in Lisbon's vibrant food scene at Time Out Market, located in the historic Mercado da Ribeira. Indulge in a culinary adventure as you sample gourmet offerings from some of the city's top chefs and vendors, showcasing the best of Portuguese cuisine all under one roof.
• Cervejaria Ramiro: Renowned for its fresh seafood and shellfish, you’ll find prawns, crab, clams and lobster all on the menu. It's a popular spot among locals and visitors, known for its casual yet vibrant ambiance. One must-try dish at Cervejaria Ramiro is the Sapateira Recheada, a stuffed crab dish filled with a delicious mixture of crab meat, breadcrumbs and spices. It's a decadent and flavourful seafood delicacy.
• A Cevicheria: This stylish and contemporary restaurant has a sleek and modern interior design. A Cevicheria specialises in Peruvian-inspired ceviche dishes, featuring fresh fish and seafood marinated in citrus juices and served with a variety of herbs, spices and condiments. Try the Classic Ceviche, a refreshing and zesty dish served with red onions, coriander and sweet potato.
• Belcanto: This 2-Michelin-starred restaurant has an innovative and creative approach to Portuguese cuisine. The elegant and sophisticated reflects the fine dining experience at Belcanto, which includes a tasting menu and à la carte meals to choose from. The Pigeon in Two Services is a signature dish that showcases Chef Avillez's culinary artistry.
• Prado: If you value farm-to-table cooking then you’ll love Prado. There’s a focus on local ingredients thanks to established relationships with farmers, fishermen and wineries. The fresh, trendy interior complements the creative dishes on the menu by Chef Antonio Galapito. Come as a group so you can order multiple dishes and enjoy the fun atmosphere.

Lisbon is the perfect destination for a family holiday, offering a wealth of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures and family-friendly attractions and activities.

• Picnic in Parque Eduardo VII: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a family picnic in Parque Eduardo VII, Lisbon's largest park. Located near the city centre, this spacious park offers lush greenery, scenic views and plenty of open space for kids to run and play. Bring along a picnic basket filled with Portuguese delicacies, such as fresh bread, cheese, olives and fruit, and spend a leisurely afternoon soaking up the sun and enjoying quality time together.
• Take a day trip to Sintra: Embark on a day trip to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just a short train ride from Lisbon. Explore the fairytale-like palaces and gardens of Sintra, including the colourful Pena Palace, the romantic Quinta da Regaleira and the mysterious Castle of the Moors. Kids will feel like princes and princesses as they wander through the enchanting landscapes and discover hidden tunnels, secret passages and whimsical architecture.
• Spend time at the science museum: Explore the wonders of science at the Pavilion of Knowledge, Lisbon's interactive science museum located in the Parque das Nações district. Designed to spark curiosity and creativity in visitors of all ages, the museum features hands-on exhibits, interactive workshops and immersive experiences covering a wide range of scientific topics, from physics and chemistry to biology and astronomy. Kids can conduct experiments, solve puzzles and engage in fun learning activities that make science come alive in exciting and unexpected ways.
• See Lisbon by bike: Rent bicycles and explore Lisbon's scenic riverfront along the Tagus River. The flat, waterfront promenade is perfect for family cycling adventures, with designated bike lanes and stunning views of the river and city skyline. Stop along the way to admire historic landmarks such as the Belém Tower and 25 de Abril Bridge, or enjoy a riverside picnic in one of the many parks and green spaces along the route.

Lisbon's picturesque streets, historic landmarks and scenic waterfront make it the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. Here are some ways to make your couples holiday that bit more romantic.

• Sunset cruise along the Tagus River: Embark on a romantic sunset cruise along the Tagus River and admire Lisbon's skyline bathed in golden light. Set sail aboard a traditional wooden sailboat or a sleek modern yacht and enjoy a glass of Portuguese wine as you watch the sun dip below the horizon. This is also a great way to soak up iconic landmarks such as Belém Tower and the 25 de Abril Bridge.
• Enjoy dinner with Fado music: Immerse yourselves in the soulful melodies of Fado, Portugal's traditional music genre known for its heartfelt lyrics. Enjoy an intimate dinner at a Fado restaurant in Lisbon's historic Alfama district, where talented musicians serenade you with emotional performances. At the same time, savour delicious Portuguese cuisine, sip on fine wine and enjoy the romantic atmosphere.
• Catch sunrise at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte: Wake up early and witness the breathtaking beauty of a Lisbon sunrise from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, one of the city's most romantic viewpoints. Perched atop the hill of Graça, this panoramic lookout offers sweeping vistas of Lisbon's rooftops, domes and the Tagus River. Wrap yourselves in a blanket, cuddle up together and watch as the city awakens to a new day, painting the sky with hues of pink, orange and gold in a spectacle of natural beauty.
• Couples cooking class: Indulge your senses with a couples cooking class in Lisbon, where you'll learn to create delicious Portuguese dishes together under the guidance of a local chef. Roll up your sleeves, don your aprons and embark on a culinary adventure as you chop, sauté and simmer your way through traditional recipes. Discover the secrets of Portuguese cuisine as you work side by side in the kitchen, and enjoy the fruits of your labour as you sit down to savour a romantic meal that you've prepared together.

Portugal’s capital city is one of the best in Europe for nightlife, meaning the fun continues well after the sun goes down.

• Explore Bairro Alto: Bairro Alto is considered Lisbon’s premier party district. Hip cocktail joints, laid-back breweries, cosy wine bars and traditional Fado music holes all jostle for space in this small area. Take your pick!
• Discover Cais do Sodré: Another region for revelry is Cais do Sodré. Once the red-light district but now a hipster haven, it’s a network of quirky bars, underground clubs and converted buildings full of surprises.
• Enjoy evenings in Alfama: If you seek to be serenaded by Portuguese fado with a glass of wine in hand, the Alfama district is your best bet. This soulful style of song is performed in bars, restaurants and cafés for nights full of artistic expression.
• Party at Lux Frágil: On the waterfront is Lisbon’s most popular club, Lux Frágil. Top international DJs regularly hit the decks at this multi-storey giant, but the real highlight is watching the sunrise from the balcony.
• Check out Parque das Nações: On the more modern side of Lisbon, the Parque das Nações district features swish new bars, Lisbon’s only casino and stunning views across the estuary.

You could spend all week museum-hopping in Lisbon and never get bored. Here’s the cream of the cultural crop:

• The National Museum of Ancient Art contains Portugal's finest art collection. 3 floors of Old Master paintings, medieval sculptures and grand galleries stake its claim as one of Europe’s greatest museums. Highlights include the famous "Saint Vincent Panels" and the exquisite "Triptych of the Temptation of St. Anthony" by Hieronymus Bosch.
• The gorgeous domes and spires of Basílica de Estrela rise up beyond Lisbon’s rooftops, enticing you towards this Baroque church. The outside is beautiful but the intricately painted interior is even better.
• Art lovers flock to Museum Gulbenkian. It houses an exceptional collection of art spanning various periods and cultures, including Egyptian, Greco-Roman, Islamic, Asian and European art. You’ll find Egyptian artefacts, Persian rugs and works by European masters such as Rembrandt, Rubens and Monet.
• The National Tile Museum is dedicated to the art of Portuguese tiles, known as azulejos, which have been an integral part of Portuguese culture for centuries. The museum's extensive collection includes decorative tiles, panels and installations showcasing different styles, techniques and themes.
• Mafra Palace is a day trip dream come true. Step inside the Baroque palace to discover elaborate royal residences, linked turrets, painted ceilings and a library that’ll take your breath away.