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Lisbon – 11 must visit hot spots

lisbon holiday cityguide

Next up in our ‘Europe city trip hot spots’ guides is Lisbon or Lisboa. Let us take you on a virtual tour in this lovely city and show you all the hidden gems with these 11 not to miss Lisbon hot spots.

WHY Lisbon? Three reasons to go on a city trip to Portugal’s capital:
1. Immediate happy vibe due to the colourful houses.
2. Great climate, 25 minutes from the beach, and affordable, yummy food
3. Cultural heritage and great architecture on every street corner

Where to STAY
We’re a bit biased, but as our Amsterdam friends of Hans Brinker recently opened a Hans Brinker in Lisbon, why look any further? Same great atmosphere, affordable beds and triple A location!

Going for more upscale? Then Rossio Delight is a great value for money. Small scale and also run by nice Dutch owners who know their way around and can show you the latest hot spots.

Where to EAT & DRINK
In the Príncipe Real neighbourhood there is some nice shopping and an organic farmer’s market in the Príncipe Real park on Saturdays 9am-3pm. There’s a lovely restaurant there as well for lunch. The park is near the botanic gardens ‘Jardim Botanico’, which is nice for a green weekend stroll.

Lunch and drinks at Noo Bai. Great shakes, sandwiches and yummy cocktails in summer. Beautiful terrace with nice views. The perfect place to sit down, plan your trip and start exploring!

Rosa da Rua at Rua da Rosa 265. Cute Portuguese restaurant in BAIRRO ALTO/ PRINCIPE REAL neighbourhood. Lunch and dinner, buffet starting at 10€ pp.

Roof top drinks at Hotel Bairro Alto (on “Largo Camoes”). Great views over the city and a lot of cool bars in the area!

PARK is a bar situated on the rooftop of a car park. Scenic views over the city, river and the towers of Santa Catarina Church. Think wooden furniture, a lot of greenery and an events calendar filled with events like DJ performances, outdoor cinema. Great comfort food as well (burgers, fish).

The clubs near at Docas (harbour) are a bit on the touristy side. LUX fragil is our favourite club in town. John Malkovich is the owner and cool kids drop in from 1 am onwards.

What to DO & SEE
Take tram 28. It will take you straight to the hottest neighbourhoods of Mouraria, Baixa and Graça and saves you the walk. The ride is so picturesque, passing all the tiny streets.

Best shopping in Lisbon is done in the Chiado area, next to Baixa.

Visit Castle de Sao Jorge. Can’t miss it as you can see this beautiful castle, situated on a hill, from every corner of Lisbon. It gives you the best views and for about 5 euros you can take a nice tour (about an hour).

Image by Rob Hurson