Colorful tiles, cobbled streets and oodles of charm: Why Lisbon has become the darling of Europe
- Peregryn travel writers
- May 2
- 9 min read
Lisbon is a city with soul. Cinematic streets are filled with vivid colors, sounds and scents that stir the senses, while the majestic architecture speaks of the city’s artistic sensibilities. Above all, this is a place with a rare depth of character and a clear identity; one that’s forged from a melting pot of cultures and time-honored traditions, and infused with modern ingenuity.
Wonderfully authentic, warm and welcoming, there are so many great things to do in Lisbon. From its eclectic cuisine and storied past to its charming cobbled streets and laid-back lifestyle, it's a city that’ll make you fall hard. And when you finally leave, you’ll be left with one lingering question…
When am I going back?
Big in the USA
While Lisbon has been a travel destination favorite for years, this increasingly popular Portuguese city has recently started setting records. It’s now become one of the continent’s hottest cities, a European travel magazine favorite.
It’s become particularly popular among American travelers, due to the mix of great weather, amazing architecture, excellent food and affordable prices. In fact, the Portuguese National Institute of Statistics found that US citizens are the third-largest demographic for overnight stays.
The increasing number of flights between the US and Portugal is certainly making it easier to visit this enchanting city. But many are coming to stay permanently, with the Portuguese capital proving popular with tech investors due to its burgeoning startup scene and more measured pace of life, and the Golden Visa Program making it easier than ever to settle down in Lisbon.
Still, even while absorbing a large increase in tourism in recent years, Lisbon has retained its unique identity – the hallmark of a truly great city.
Reasons to love Lisbon
When you first step foot in this enchanting city, you soon realize why people get so easily swept away. With the perfect balance of time-honored traditions and exciting innovations, it’s a city with a certain allure and endless possibilities.
From the climate and the nightlife to the incredibly beautiful buildings and the sheer number of great things to do in Lisbon, there are a million and one reasons to love this city. Here are just a few.
Amazing weather
With nearly 300 days of sunshine per year, Lisbon is one of Europe’s sunniest capital cities. Summer is blissfully warm, while spring and autumn are wonderfully temperate. You’ll even get good weather in the winter, with mild daytime temperatures making it a great city to visit in the festive season.
Epic views
Known as the ‘Cidade das Sete Colinas’ (the city of seven hills), it’s no surprise that Lisbon offers a spectacular view or two, notably at Miradouro das Portas do Sol, where you can watch the sunrise over the red roofs of the Alfama houses on the banks of the River Tagus.
Vibrant nightlife
From unforgettable all-night parties on Pink Street, to cozy candle-lit Fado shows at upscale bars in Bairro Alto, Lisbon’s nightlife is as varied as it is alluring. There’s something to suit every taste in Portugal's fun-loving capital, making it one of Europe’s best nightlife destinations.
Relaxed pace
Lisboetas live the good life. Locals like to savor the moments that matter, taking their time over lunch and enjoying slow rambling strolls along the city’s cobblestone streets, taking in the beauty of it all. While it’s ultimately a busy, modern capital city, Lisbon’s local population has retained a culture of being connected with one another, with a focus on the importance of neighborhood and community.
Easy to get around
Despite its interweaving streets and sloping hills, Lisbon is easy to navigate. A great public transport system, including excellent bus, metro and tram networks, links together all major landmarks and points of interest. And for those with energy to burn, its compact nature makes it a very walkable city.
Where to stay in Lisbon: the best hotels
To meet the needs of its increasing popularity, Lisbon is seeing a whole variety of exciting accommodation options spring up. Here are some of our favorites:
The ideal blend of country elegance and city chic, this luxury hotel is nestled in one of the most picturesque areas in Lisbon. The atmosphere is regal, the service outstanding and the serenity afforded by the adjoining Jardim das Amoreiras is simply sublime.
A brand new boutique hotel in the heart of the historic Alfama neighborhood, the AlmaLusa Alfama offers excellent service, immaculate rooms and breathtaking views of the Alfama and River Tagus, and all just a short stroll from the city’s cathedral and São Jorge castle.
Another new boutique on the block, this fabulous five-star stay is situated in the center of the city, surrounded by theaters, art galleries and the best cultural things to see in Lisbon. Tasteful, contemporary interiors create a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a busy day sightseeing.
Far from the hustle and bustle of the very center of the city, but still close enough for easy access, the Luster Hotel brings a blend of understated luxury and refined relaxation. Classic art-deco interiors add to the vintage vibe, while the outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and hammam bring next-level tranquility.
Particularly popular with families visiting the Portuguese capital, these stylish apartments come with a well-equipped kitchen, together with a relaxing lounge and dining area. Just a 20-minute walk from Lisbon’s Commerce Square, Look Living also provides a bicycle and car rental service to help you explore the city and its surroundings.
A chic adults-only five-star hotel with a rooftop pool and 24-hour room service, Brown’s is situated right in the heart of Lisbon. The minimalist contemporary design and welcoming service make it a relaxing, stress-free stay, while the spectacular views from the elegant roof terrace add a touch of class.
Lisbon: where to stay – the best neighborhoods
Lisbon’s neighborhoods range from cool vibrant hotspots to hidden gems away from the tourist trail. Here’s our pick of the bunch:
Baixa and Rossio
This is the beating heart of the city – Lisbon’s downtown area. Here you’ll find many of the top things to do in Lisbon, with epic landmarks, historic squares and famous shopping streets. It’s perfect if you're planning on a short city break or want to be best-placed to soak up the city’s day-to-day life.
Bairro Alto
Perhaps the coolest of all Lisbon neighborhoods, Bairro Alto has a certain bohemian vibe. Teeming with cafes, art galleries, bookstores and creative restaurants, this hilltop district is the perfect place if you’re looking for Lisbon’s livelier side.
Chiado
Nestled between Baixa and Bairro Alto, Chiado is all majestic buildings, elegant boutique hotels and upscale shopping. Whether you’re browsing the world’s oldest bookstore or getting lost in Lisbon’s culinary scene, Chiado has plenty to offer.
Alfama
The city’s oldest neighborhood, Alfama is a fabulous fusion of old-school romance and contemporary flair. Catch a live Fado performance, stroll the winding streets or settle in for an epic sunset view from one of the area's incredible lookout spots.
Belém
A riverside gem located a little further outside the city, Belém is the perfect place for a quiet, tranquil base away from the high energy of the city center. You’ll find historical wonders, such as the Torre de Belém and the sumptuous Gothic Manueline style Jerónimos Monastery, as well as excellent museums, art galleries and cafes.
Alcântara
Lisbon’s newest go-to place for young digital nomads and entrepreneurs, Alcântara is situated by the Pont 25 de Abril. Expect eco-stores, art spaces, artisanal markets, creative bars and great live music. It seems like everything new and innovative in Lisbon is happening here.
Príncipe Real
The grandeur of the buildings, the opulence of the hotels, the elegance of the shops and restaurants – none of it is a surprise given the area is named Príncipe Real, or ‘Royal Prince.’ There’s definitely an air of regality here, in a district designed with luxury in mind.
Graça and São Vicente
A gorgeous hilltop neighborhood with incredible panoramic views over the city, Graça and São Vicente is a wonderful showcase for Lisbon’s many charms. With its colorful little streets, picturesque squares, and fabulous façades, this is the perfect place for a daytime sightseeing stroll.
Mouraria
Lisbon’s Moorish Quarter is home to an eclectic mix of cultures, with Asian, African and Arabic influences on every corner. Centuries-old townhouses flank the labyrinthine streets, alive with the sound of local chatter and the scent of spices in the air. You’ll also find legendary Fado nights, showcasing the best of the famous soulful music, the traditional Portuguese form of music found throughout the city.
Where to eat in Lisbon
From sumptuous seafood – salted cod, grilled sardines, octopus, lobster and scallops – to unbelievable beef and pork-filled sandwiches, Lisbon has a whole host of must-try traditional dishes.
Still, Lisbon is a city unafraid to infuse tradition with innovation. There’s plenty of creativity when it comes to the city’s blossoming brunch, lunch and dinner scene, with chefs and street food specialists preparing old classics in ever-more ingenious ways.
Many choose to begin their Lisbon culinary journey at the Time Out market, favored by Lisbon tour guides, but there’s so much more to explore. From fine-dining rooftops to industrial-chic street food markets, Lisbon has it all.
With a plethora of favorite foodie spots, regarded as some of the best restaurants in Lisbon, where to eat has never been such a hard choice!
Rustic old-school charm meets the simple ingredients and the finest flavors at one of famous Lisbon chef’s Jose Avillez’s most popular restaurants. From the incredible beef and mustard prego to the sensational salted octopus, you’ll be bowled over.
Located in a converted 19th-century candied sweet factory, Prado is all about daring dishes served with blissful simplicity in an industrial-chic setting. The smoked bluefin tuna belly served with kumquat and bergamot mint is dazzling, best eaten with one of the restaurant’s natural wines.
A beguiling blend of Portuguese and Spanish cuisines, Tapicso serves up tapas dishes with a creative twist, in wonderfully comfortable, contemporary surroundings. Don’t leave without trying the cocktails.
A classic seafood restaurant set over three floors, Cervejaria Ramiro serves seriously good food and excellent beer and wine in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. A city staple, it’s been a local favorite since the 1950s.
This smoking-hot restaurant packs a punch. An authentic slice of coastal India on the streets of Lisbon, Gunpowder makes the most of the city’s incredible fresh produce to deliver incredible spiced fish dishes.
Top things to do in Lisbon’s surroundings
Beyond the city, there are many more things to see in Lisbon’s outskirts.
Cascais and Sintra
Those looking to explore beyond the Portuguese capital shouldn’t miss two popular neighboring towns, both of which are easily accessible by train and offer memorable day trips.
Cascais is one of the jewels of the region, a perfect getaway from the energy of the city. Here, you’ll find blissful beaches, gorgeous architecture and countless green areas to relax and unwind.
At the achingly beautiful Sintra, you’ll find ancient castles, majestic palaces, grottos and rose gardens. It’s a truly whimsical town, with striking scenery straight out of a fairytale, and it can all be explored on foot.
Cais do Ginjal
For a step back in time, make like a local and take the ferry across the River Tagus to Cais do Ginjal. A former fishermen’s village, here you’ll find charming traditional restaurants and beautiful buildings untouched by tourism. A sunset stroll in Cais do Ginjal is as romantic as it gets.
Evora
The historic capital of the Alentejo region, Evora is characterized by olive groves and rolling plains, together with a large number of historical monuments such as a Roman temple and aqueduct, and an imposing Gothic cathedral.
Nazare
With its ancient fishing traditions and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, this small town has a lot to offer those on a whirlwind day trip. The serenity of the beach is another draw, while its wild beauty is illustrated by what are claimed to be the world’s largest waves.
Tomar
Formerly one of the most influential towns in the whole Iberian Peninsula, Tomar is the former base of the Knights Templar. The secretive history adds to the intrigue, although today, Tomar brings a peaceful seaside ambience.
Get your bags packed
One of Europe’s most exciting travel destinations, there are some great things to do in Lisbon, and it truly has something for everyone. From the grandeur of downtown historical buildings, the quaint beauty of its winding streets, the cuisine that blends the best of past and present and the warm and welcoming locals – this city has it all.
With a melting pot of cultures that have influenced the city over the years, Lisbon has evolved into a great modern city. As a city break destination, it’s hard to beat.
So, whether you’re an adventurous soul looking to discover the best of Mediterranean history, culture and cuisine, or you simply want to soak up the sun in blissful surroundings, this is the city for you.