Last month, I visited Portugal for the first time! I had a lovely time. During my visit to Lisbon specifically, I enjoyed amazing weather, good food, and interesting sights. FYI: I’ll talk about my visit to Porto in a separate post. If you’re looking for a more affordable and smaller European country, it’s worth a visit. The only bummer was that I didn’t quite make it to all of the great places and sights that I had on my list or were recommended to me to visit. So there’s definitely a reason to go back. I have a list below of sights to see and places to eat (a * notates a recommendation I received but may not have had a chance to visit).

Sights to See + Things to Do

• Downtown Lisbon

  • Praca do Comercio

  • Igreja de Sao Domingos

  • A Vida Portuguesa Gift Shop*

• Sintra

  • Moorish Castle

  • Park and National Palace of Pena

  • National Palace of Sintra

• Alfama

  • Miradoro de Grace (viewpoint)

  • Castelo de Sao Jorge

  • Old Quarter

• Belem Tower

• LX Factory*

• Livraria Ler Devagar*

• Feira de Ladra (flea market)
  

Places to Eat

• Time Out Market

• Pasteis de Belem

• Pizzeria Romana al Tavolo*

• Barrio Avilez Taverna*

• Nicolau Lisboa*
  

General Travel Tips

• Keep a close watch on your belongings (I was warned numerous times of pickpockets). For day time sightseeing I used a small backpack that was designed to prohibit theft.

• Don’t even bother packing heels! Btw, I say this as a girl who loves my heels. Lisbon is quite hilly, wear comfy shoes (preferably sneakers!) and save yourself the foot pain or treacherous walking in heels on slippery tiled streets.

• A recommendation I received from a tour guide/Lisbon native: Don’t be afraid to try local restaurants you’ve never heard of. The more modest it looks, the likelier that the food will be fresh and delicious.

• Come with an appetite and sample wine, it’s very good and relatively inexpensive here. If you have dietary restrictions or are vegan or vegetarian, I suggest you do in depth research in advance of any places you plan to eat…call if necessary to confirm you can be accommodated.