Are you looking for a reason to book a holiday to Lisbon?
As someone who swapped London drizzle for Lisbon sunshine a couple of years ago, I could list multiple reasons why Portugal is well worth the hype. Here are ten of my top Lisbon tips – just a small taste of why I love living here - and why you should add this dazzling European city to your holiday wish list for 2026 and beyond.
- 01. The Best sunset spot in lisbon
- 02. The Best pastel de nata in lisbon
- 03. The Best neighbourhoods in lisbon
- 04. The Best museum in lisbon
- 05. The Best day trips from lisbon
- 06. The Best hotels in lisbon & beyond
- 07. The Best restaurants in lisbon
- 08. The Best shopping in lisbon
- 9. The Best wine bar in lisbon
- 10. The Best Outdoor activities in Lisbon
The Best
Sunset spot in Lisbon
There’s a particular hour in Lisbon just before sunset when everything is bathed in amber. The city’s pink, yellow and orange hues come to life. It’s a photographer's dream and the perfect time of day to stroll along the River Tagus or head to one of the city’s many miradouros (viewpoints) for a panoramic view.
The Best
Pastel de Nata in Lisbon
Pastéis de nata are Portugal’s not-so-secret national treasure. My favourite are from Pastéis de Belém, where the original recipe has been a closely guarded secret since 1837. Pair it with a morning visit to the neighbouring Jerónimos Monastery – one of Lisbon’s most iconic historic sites and best visited first thing, ahead of the crowds.
The Best
Neighbourhoods in Lisbon
Lisbon’s charm lies in its many layers and cobbled streets. Alfama is a maze of narrow lanes, Bairro Alto buzzes after dark, Príncipe Real has leafy squares and excellent restaurants and cafés, and Santos is home to some of the city’s best independent coffee shops and bakeries including two of my favourites, Monka and Do Beco Padaria.
The Best
Museum in Lisbon
The Best
Day trips from Lisbon
Portugal’s beauty stretches well beyond the capital. Spend a day exploring Sintra’s fairytale palaces – my personal pick is the lesser-known Monserrate Palace. Follow this with a drive along the coast to Azenhas do Mar for lunch with a sea view, then explore the charming seaside town of Cascais.
The Best
Hotels in Lisbon & Beyond
Portugal’s hotel scene is having a moment – from restored palaces in Lisbon like Palácio Príncipe Real and The Ivens, to boutique wine estates like Quinta do Paral in the Alentejo. Families should consider Viceroy at Ombria or Vila Vita Parc in the Algarve, while design lovers might head to The Largo in Porto or Vermelho Melides.
The Best
Restaurants in Lisbon
Lisbon’s food scene is refreshingly unpretentious. Canalha is one of my personal favourites – a modern Portuguese restaurant with a laid-back counter, a daily changing menu, and a team who know their wine and their produce inside out. Hidden in the city’s working docks and well off the tourist trail, Último Porto is where locals go for the freshest grilled fish in town. For a classic local dish, head to Valenciana for simple, perfectly grilled chicken.
The Best
Shopping in Lisbon
Head to Principe Real for the best selection of independent boutiques. On Saturdays, don’t miss the farmers’ market here for local produce and flowers. For beautifully made-in-Portugal gifts, A Vida Portuguesa is a must, with several stores throughout the city. Perfect for gifts to take home for friends and family.
The Best
Wine bar in Lisbon
Prado Mercearia. This stylish wine bar in the heart of Lisbon is a great place to sample Portugal’s lesser-known and natural wines. It’s unassuming with delicious petisco to go with your drinks, and right next door is Prado, one of Lisbon’s most acclaimed restaurants, where seasonal, local ingredients shine.
The Best
Outdoor activities in Lisbon
With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Lisbon invites you to live outdoors. Walk or cycle along the river between Cais do Sodré and Belém, join local families at the quiosque in Jardim da Estrela or head to the beach for an impromptu dip and golden hour apéritif.
Thinking of planning your own Portugal holiday? Whether it’s a wine-led road trip through the Douro, a chic city escape in Lisbon, or a beachy hideaway in Comporta, our expert consultants will plan the holiday that perfectly matches your needs and desires.
Photography credits: Unsplash, Do Beco, Gulbenkian Museum, Ivo Martins, The Ivens, Canalha, A Vida Portuguesa, Prado Mercearia
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