Is Lisbon Worth Visiting? An Insider’s Guide To Exploring The City

Lisbon is a vibrant, bustling city that has something to offer every kind of traveler. From its cobbled streets lined with colorful buildings to its delicious flavors of pastéis de nata, there is something for everyone to explore. For those looking to get a feel of what Lisbon is really like, the best way to do so is to go beyond the tourist attractions and look for the hidden gems. In this insider’s guide to exploring Lisbon, you will learn about the best spots to visit and experience the true essence of the city. From the iconic views of the city from the top of one of its hills to the secret gardens of Belém, you will get an authentic feel of what it is like to be in Lisbon. Stroll through the city’s old neighborhoods and get lost in its narrow alleyways and you will find yourself captivated by its charm. So, is Lisbon worth visiting? Absolutely! Let this guide be your tool for discovering the many wonders of this city.

Overview Of Lisbon

1. Lisbon’s history dates back to the Phoenicians, who traded with the Iberian Peninsula in the 10th century B.C.E. Lisbon was then conquered by the Romans, Normans, Arabs, Moors, and Franks before being integrated into the Portuguese kingdom in 1147. 
2. The city’s strategic location on the Atlantic Ocean made it an important commercial hub connecting the East with the West. Lisbon flourished during the Age of Discovery, becoming a prosperous city with an international outlook.
3.  It was the European Capital of Culture in 2001 and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. It is now the capital of the Portuguese Republic, as well as its largest city. Lisbon is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural heritage.
4.  It is often referred to as the “Venice of the North” due to its expansive network of canals and rivers. The city is also known for its rich architectural heritage, with buildings that reflect a mix of Portuguese and Moorish influences.

Famous Attractions In Lisbon

• The iconic views of the city from the top of one of its hills: Whether you choose to go to São Pedro de Alcântara or São João de Penha, you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Lisbon. These hills are some of the city’s most iconic places, and the best way to see Lisbon is from above. While São Pedro de Alcântara is close to the city center and therefore more accessible, São João de Penha is a more remote location, but it is worth the journey since it has some of the most outstanding views of the city. 
• The Lisbon Architecture Trail: Lisbon is home to a rich architectural heritage, and the best way to experience this is by following the Lisbon Architecture Trail. The trail consists of a series of buildings, monuments, and sites designed by renowned architects such as Eduardo Souto de Moura and Álvaro Siza, and is worth visiting for anyone interested in architecture. 
• The city’s famous pastéis de Nata (custard tarts): Lisbon is famous for its pastéis de Nata, a traditional Portuguese dessert. The best pastéis de Nata can be found at Antiga Confeitaria de Belém, the city’s most famous bakery. Located near the waterfront and the adjacent Jerónimos Monastery, Antiga Confeitaria de Belém is also worth visiting for its architecture, which dates back to the 19th century.

Exploring The City’s Neighborhoods

1. The city’s cobbled streets are lined with colorful buildings: A visit to the city’s old neighborhoods is the perfect way to get an authentic feel of Lisbon. 
2. Visit the city’s old neighborhoods and you will find yourself strolling down the cobbled streets lined with colorful houses, most built during the 17th and 18th centuries.
3. You will find a mix of architectural styles, with elements of Moorish, Baroque, and Manueline influences. Some of the best neighborhoods to visit are Alfragide, Amadora, Arroios, Campo Pequeno, Castelo, Chiado, Graça, Marvila, Martim Moniz, Mouraria, Penha de França, and Santos.
4.  Enjoy the views from the Torre de Belém: Torre de Belém, the most famous landmark in Lisbon, is located on the waterfront and is worth visiting for the views from its top. It is also worth visiting the nearby Jerónimos Monastery, which is UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.

Enjoying The Portuguese Cuisine

• The city’s traditional dishes: There are a few traditional dishes worth trying while in Lisbon, such as Carne de Porco à alentejana (Portuguese pork and rice), bacalhau (salt cod), and roasted chicken. 
• You can try these dishes and many more at the Restaurante A Figueira, one of the best restaurants in Lisbon. Drinking port wine: One of the things that make Lisbon unique is that it is the home of port wine.
•  You should definitely take the opportunity to try some port wine while in Lisbon. You can visit the Vinhos Barros shops, where you can try the different varieties of port wine.

Day Trips From Lisbon

1. Head to the beach: The best day trip from Lisbon is to Sintra. Sintra, around 50 kilometers from the city, is home to the spectacular Palácio Nacional da Pena. 
2. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the city’s most famous attractions. Sintra is also a great place to go to the beach, with the Praia do Guincho being one of the best beaches in the city. 
3. Discover the history of Portugal: Another great day trip from Lisbon is to visit Évora, the city of the Roman Temple. 
4. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its impressive buildings and monuments, including the Sé Cathedral and the Roman Temple.

Tips For Visiting Lisbon

• Bring your passport: You will need to have a passport to enter Lisbon, so make sure you bring it with you.
• You will need to have a passport to enter Lisbon, so make sure you bring it with you. Get there early: The train station is one of the busiest places in the city, so avoid arriving there during rush hour.
• The train station is one of the busiest places in the city, so avoid arriving there during rush hour. Consider taking a taxi from the airport: If you are arriving from outside Portugal, consider taking a taxi from Lisbon airport instead of paying for a hotel or hostel.
• If you are arriving from outside Portugal, consider taking a taxi from Lisbon airport instead of paying for a hotel or hostel. Explore the city’s surroundings: If you have time, explore some of the surrounding areas such as Castelo de São Jorge and Cascais.
• If you have time, explore some of the surrounding areas such as Castelo de São Jorge and Cascais. Dress appropriately: Lisbon is a great city for both men and women, but you should dress appropriately to fit in with the style of the city.
• Lisbon is a great city for both men and women, but you should dress appropriately to fit in with the style of the city. Get a map: The streets are confusing without a map, so make sure you get one before your trip.
• The streets are confusing without a map, so make sure you get one before your trip. Make use of public transit: Public transportation offers an easy way to get around while avoiding traffic jams. There are many different types of transport available in Lisbon including buses, trams, trains, and metro lines.
• Public transportation offers an easy way to get around while avoiding traffic jams. There are many different types of transport available in Lisbon including buses, trams, trains, and metro lines. Carry cash: The exchange rate in Portugal is very favorable, so it’s important to have some cash with you.
• The exchange rate in Portugal is very favorable, so it’s important to have some cash with you. Take advantage of the airport: Lisbon airport offers a wide range of services including a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops as well as free WiFi.
• Lisbon airport offers a wide range of services including a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops as well as free WiFi. Keep your passport handy: You will need your passport every time you travel outside the country, so make sure you keep it close by at all times.

Conclusion

Lisbon is a cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural heritage. It is often referred to as the “Venice of the North” due to its expansive network of canals and rivers. There are a few traditional Portuguese dishes worth trying while in Lisbon, and you should definitely try some port wine. You can also visit the nearby Évora to learn about the history of Portugal, or go to Sintra for the beach. Lisbon is definitely worth visiting.