Inspired by Tynan’s guide to Budapest, here’s my take on Lisbon—what to do, see, and where to stay in this vibrant city.
Lisbon is a joyful, sun-soaked spot with endless things to explore, whether you’re in town for a few days, a month, or longer. The city itself is stunning and has something for everyone, with plenty of social connections and an easy flow of people coming and going. All year round, you’ll be met with abundant sunshine that invites exploration. Let’s dive into where to stay and what to do, see, and eat!
Where to Stay
To make getting around easy, try finding a place along the green (verde) metro line. If you’re here for a short stay, being close to Baixa is convenient, while Roma is perfect for longer-term Airbnbs. Another good option is Arroios – just avoid Martim Moniz, which can feel a bit sketchy. Lisbon is generally safe, but like any big city, it’s wise to be street-smart in tourist areas. If you’re on a lower floor, lock your windows at night or when you’re out.
Each neighborhood offers a unique vibe:
Baixa Chiado (near Praça do Comércio) – The heart of Lisbon’s bustling activities it’s a lot more touristic.
Roma – Is more local and conveniently located along the green line. Los of local cafés in the area.
Saldanha – Ideal for coworking spaces.
Near the park Jardim da Estrela – A quieter, local atmosphere.
Where to Connect with People
Connecting in Lisbon is easy thanks to its active social scene. Meetup.com offers endless options, from hiking and live music events to standup comedy and digital nomad meetups. For runners, the weekly Nomad run is a must-try. Here are a few top recommendations for socializing:
- Weekly Nomad Run – Join the Lisbon Digital Nomads group for a scenic weekly run. Link to Meetup
- Lisbon Supper Club – Jake, a Brit living in Lisbon, hosts this cozy weekly dinner club. Enjoy good food and new friends in an intimate setting. Link to Meetup
- Standup at Selva Cafe – Ash hosts some of the best standup comedy in Lisbon. Check it out on Instagram for show dates.
- Bachata Lisboa – Dance lovers can learn or practice their moves with the local bachata community. Join on Meetup
What to Eat and Drink?
Food is the way to the heart, so let’s start there! Here are my top picks:
- Bifanas do Afonso – A central spot for a quick, tasty fried pork snack with spicy yellow mustard.
- Rooftop Bars – Lisbon has many beautiful rooftops, like Terraço Editorial or Java Rooftop (reserve in advance). Especially great at sunset!
- Pastel de Nata – While the original comes from Belém, my favorite is fresh and warm from Manteigaria (there’s one at Time Out Market): Manteigaria Location
- Traditional Portuguese Restaurant – Try A Tigelinha, a cozy spot with husband-and-wife service for over 50 years, or any other of the well-rated little portuguese restaurants. Practice a little Portuguese (a few greetings, numbers, and “thank you”), and definitely try the Bitoque (steak with egg in garlic sauce).
What to Experience?
There’s a lot to enjoy depending on your vibe. Here are a few options:
- Longer Trips – Hiking in Sintra and visiting Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe, are worth the trip.
- Shorter Trips – Rent a bike or scooter at Praça do Comércio and ride along the river to Belém—super fun!
- Beach Time – For a mix of active and relaxed, head to Costa da Caparica or Carcavelos Beach by Uber or public transit for some sun.
- Gardens – Jardim da Estrela and Gulbenkian Garden are fantastic for picnics with friends, family, or even solo exploration.
- Flea Market – On Tuesdays and Saturdays, the Feira da Ladra flea market is a great spot to browse vintage items and collectibles. Nearby, if you’re adventurous, try Cozido, a classic Portuguese meat and veggie stew.
- Sailing Tour – Take a sailing trip with Tiago on a sunny day (or one of his crew members). It’s tranquil sailing with the wind, and exhilarating against it. You’ll enjoy a drink and petiscos (Portuguese cheese and ham snacks) on board: Sailing Tour
- Hidden Gem – The view from the VIP Executive Éden Aparthotel is breathtaking! If you’d rather not sneak onto the hotel’s rooftop, try the Castelo de São Jorge at sunset for a similarly stunning outlook.
Where to workout/stay fit?
Two main recommendations:
- For shorter stay you can use the Urban Sports Club app to train in a bunch of clubs around town. There is also a lot of more training sessions such as yoga etc. available
- Meetup.com offers also a bunch of sport & fitness activities to join
- FitnessHut is cheap and quite good gym chain and already worth it if you’re staying a little more than 15 days. Just remember to cancel it.
- Swimming pools are cheap to enter and super fun to get a swim in. And of course swimming in the oceans is free (just a bit cold hehe :))
Where to Cowork?
For digital nomads, the Croissant app lists about 40 coworking spots in Lisbon. I have a more in-depth review of Croissant on my blog (in German): Croissant Coworking Review
Lisbon is truly a place to fall in love with. Enjoy the sun, the food, and the adventures that await!
