by Local Experts
Are you planning an upcoming trip to Lisbon? To experience everything this stunning city has to offer, you need to do a little pre-travel planning. That’s where our Lisbon destination guide comes in.
The team at Your Tours are expert local specialists with a passion for Portugal’s beauty, culture, and history. You can rely on us for genuine insights and tours of unmatched quality.
We believe in tailor-made, hyper-personalized travel – so that’s exactly what we provide.
From private day tours in Portugal to premium self-guide travel, our Portugal specialists can show you a truly authentic experience.
Our team is always happy to answer questions about what we do, so please don’t hesitate to contact us with any queries.
On this page, however, we’re focusing on all the great things to do in Lisbon. Read on to discover our recommendations for making the most of your time in the city.
Lisbon’s outstanding food scene is finally receiving the recognition it deserves.
Like many Mediterranean destinations, think honest, uncomplicated meals made with simple, delicious ingredients. Mealtimes are a communal experience here, so many dishes are made with shared enjoyment in mind.
Arguably the most famous of all Portuguese foods is the humble pastel de nata. These custard tart pastries, which you can optionally dust with cinnamon, are having a deserved moment in the spotlight around the world.
Inevitably, though, they taste best at the source! Lisbon has many amazing options to choose from, with Pastéis de Belém chief among them.
Best of all, it’s perfectly acceptable to eat a pastel de nata for breakfast, washed down with a strong shot of coffee we call a bica. If the prospect of an espresso-like drink doesn’t appeal, ask for a galão – an espresso with foamed milk.
If you still crave more food options, head to Time Out Market Lisbon. This foodhall blends an array of lowbrow and highbrow eats from around the world. You can even sample cuisine from some of Portugal’s most famous chefs.
We haven’t even covered the incredible Portuguese wines yet! Like our Mediterranean neighbors in Spain, France, and Italy, we take our wine seriously.
In fact, Portugal has the world’s oldest demarcated wine region – the Douro Valley. It’s even a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While you can find many fine wines from this region in Lisbon, Your Tours can go one better and take you there!
Our time-served guides know Porto and North Portugal inside out. Our all-inclusive Douro Valley Private Tour is our most popular day tour option that you won’t want to miss.
Lisbon consists of various exciting and vibrant districts. This is perfect if you’re in the city for an extended stay, as you’ll always find something fun or interesting to do.
However, if you’re on a tighter schedule, you’ll have to choose the neighborhoods you visit carefully.
In this respect, Alfama is a must. Not only is it one of the oldest parts of Lisbon, it’s packed with character and is home to many of the city’s most iconic buildings, including:
The Elevador de Santa Justa is especially noteworthy as it’s perhaps the world’s most beautiful elevator!
Alfama is a joy to discover and the perfect place to get lost in. With labyrinthine side streets, delightful plazas, independent shops, and trendy cafes, you may find it difficult to leave.
This part of the city is also famed for its hilly streets and breathtaking panoramas.
Lisbon’s iconic tram 28 works its way through the narrow streets here as well. Riding the vintage, yellow streetcars will transport you to another era, but it may also save your feet after a long day of walking.
Where the Tagus River flows out into the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find the Torre de Belém (Belém Tower) and, a short walk along the riverfront, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries).
Today, Torre de Belém looks like a small, idyllic castle floating in the river. This eye-catching aesthetic alone draws plenty of photo-hungry travelers to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the 16th century, however, this tower was an operational fort that protected Lisbon’s port from invaders. During the Age of Discoveries, it served as a departure point for explorers heading out to the “New World”.
The Monument to the Discoveries was constructed in the 1960s to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Henry the Navigator’s death. A highly distinctive sail-shaped structure, this monument honors notable figures from a fascinating era in Portuguese history.
From the riverfront area, a short walk back into the city will bring you to the Monastery of St Jerome. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this late Gothic Manueline-style building is nestled in the Belém district.
A masterpiece of architecture, construction started in 1501 and took a century to finish. Given its incredible grandeur and size, it appeals to history buffs, architecture aficionados, and just about every type of traveler we can imagine.
We’ve tried to pack as much into this destination guide as possible, but we’ve only scratched the surface of Lisbon life. And after the capital city, you’ve got the rest of Portugal to explore!
Wherever you travel in our homeland, you can rely on our local experts to guide you around famous and less-well-known places alike.
From Porto, Braga and Guimarães in the north to Coimbra and Aveiro in the center, we help you to create memories that last a lifetime.
Are you ready to book the tours that will make your Portugal adventure? Get in touch with our friendly team today and let us start shaping your time with us.
