Best things to do in Lisbon, Portugal

Let’st discovering best things to do in Lisbon Portugal

I lately explored Lisbon beside Porto journey as a part of a 10-hour layover with TAP Air Portugal. There have been plenty of stopover choices accessible for my flight route, however I selected Lisbon due to how vibrant and full of life it’s. It didn’t disappoint!

Lisbon is the colourful coastal capital metropolis of Portugal. It’s outlined by its cobbled streets and superbly painted buildings, all snugged amid seven imposing hills.

When you’re into postcard-worthy surroundings, gritty Gothic structure, and old-world allure, you’ll discover loads of causes to go to the Portuguese capital. Right here’s find out how to spend a layover in Lisbon, considered one of Europe’s most lovely cities.

The best things to do in Lisbon, Portugal on a Layover

Getting round Lisbon

Lisbon’s airport is simply north of town middle, which makes it simply accessible for layovers.

Many layovers in Lisbon are between 6-10 hours, the right period of time to discover town’s high sights.

Relying on how a lot time you’ve got and the way a lot cash you’re prepared to spend, listed below are one of the best public transportation choices.

Metro: One-way ticket prices €1.45 and it takes 35 minutes to get to town middle.

Aerobús: One-way ticket prices €four whereas a return ticket is €5.40. Relying on visitors, it takes round 40-45 minutes to get to town middle.

Taxi: Count on to pay €20 for an roughly 20-minute drive to the downtown space.

Not like a number of the different main cities I’ve visited on layovers (i.e. Istanbul), getting round Lisbon is a breeze.

A lot of the sights on this article are inside strolling distance, so carry your good sneakers and let’s discover the colourful streets of Lisbon.

What to see and do in Lisbon throughout a layover

When you’re flying to Lisbon from the US or Canada, you’ll doubtless be arriving someday within the morning.

My flight arrived at 5:45 am, simply in time to catch the dawn. It simply so occurs that one of the best dawn spots additionally occur to be probably the most lovely sights within the metropolis, that are all highlighted under.

In no explicit order, listed below are a number of the high things and locations you may’t miss throughout a 6-10 hour layover in Lisbon.

Belém Tower

Constructed within the 1500s, Belém Tower is among the most iconic sights in Lisbon. This fortification proudly watches over the Tagus River, initially supposed to defend town earlier than turning into the lighthouse and customs home it’s right this moment.

On a cloudy day, Belém Tower appears to be like much more dramatic and breathtaking. Add to that a cool sea breeze and a dawn or sundown, and also you’ve discovered your self a blinding spot to spend a part of your layover in Lisbon.

Belém Tower showcases many architectural components—together with Mudejar, Moorish, Gothic, and Romanesque—an emblem of Lisbon’s multifaceted historical past. Close to the tower is among the metropolis’s most well-known bakeries, Pastéis de Belém, the place you may take pleasure in some signature Portuguese pastries.

For excursions of Lisbon, take a look at all of those high points of interest with Get Your Information

Strive the Pastéis de Nata – What to eat in Lisbon

Pastéis de Nata,

When visiting Lisbon on a layover, you have to indulge within the native delicacies.

Lisbon is understood for a lot of wonderful meals, however none are sweeter and extra sought-after than pastéis de nata, a Portuguese custard tart produced from egg and cinnamon.

This delicacy—together with plenty of different tarts and breads—might be discovered at Pastéis de Belém, however you too can discover pastéis de nata in just about each café throughout town.

They sometimes go for €1 a pop, so I purchased about 5 or 6 throughout my quick stopover in Lisbon. Don’t decide!

Ascensor da Bica

A layover in Lisbon wouldn’t be full with no go to to the Ascensor da Bica, a vibrant yellow funicular set on a slim and steep passage.

In spite of everything, you may’t spell funicular with out “enjoyable!” It’s one of the Instagrammed sights within the metropolis, and for good cause.

The Ascensor da Bica dates to the late 19th century, providing a glimpse of Lisbon’s colourful character and allure.

There’s often an extended line to hop on, so if you happen to don’t have time, your finest wager is to stroll alongside the tracks in direction of the Bairro Alto quarter.

From there, you’ll have an unbelievable view of the funicular and vibrant cityscape under.

Miradouro das Portas do Sol

Since Lisbon was constructed on seven hills, you’re certain to stumble into not less than considered one of them throughout your go to.

The Miradouro das Portas do Sol is my favourite miradouro (lookout level) within the metropolis.

There’s a comfy out of doors terrace right here with sweeping views of the Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, in addition to the river and orange-cladded rooftops under.

Tram 28

Simply subsequent to this lookout level, you may hop aboard Tram 28, probably the most historic and iconic tram in Lisbon.

This previous, rattling tram is nice for people-watching and snapping photographs of the palaces, church buildings, and alleyways that you simply go by.

If the traces are too lengthy (they in all probability shall be), you may nonetheless watch the tram because it strikes up and down town’s slim winding streets.

Noticed in almost each tourism brochure, it’s such a photogenic sight.

Lisbon Cathedral

Inbuilt 1147 AD, the Lisbon Cathedral—often known as the Sé— is among the oldest surviving constructions within the metropolis.

Its primary attracts are the nave and sanctuary inside, however the exterior can be extremely distinctive.

With two clock towers and a sturdy Gothic façade, it resembles a fortress greater than a church.

So far as European cathedrals go, Lisbon’s is on the austere aspect. Nonetheless, it’s lovely and has impressively withstood a number of earthquakes in its 800+ 12 months historical past.

Bairro Alto 

Courting again to the 1500s, the Bairro Alto is among the coolest quarters in Lisbon. It has a bohemian really feel to it with its road artwork, bars, and eating places.

In case your layover is throughout the day, cease by for a chew to eat or to peruse its stylish retailers. In the course of the night, take a look at this neighborhood’s hip nightlife.

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

Translating to Our Woman of the Hill, the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is one other scenic viewpoint in Lisbon.

From this lovely hillside setting, soak within the panoramic views over town’s previous quarters.

From right here, you may see the Golden Gate Bridge’s doppelgänger, the Ponte 25 de Abril. This bridge – paired with the encompassing hills – jogs my memory loads of San Francisco.

Different things to see in Lisbon, Portugal throughout a 1 Day Stopover (if in case you have time)

Contemplating the time it takes to get into town and that it’s important to be again on the airport two hours earlier than your connecting flight, you’ll doubtless solely have time for the above sights. You probably have an extended layover in Lisbon and wish to cowl extra floor, listed below are another things it’s best to do.

Castelo de Sao Jorge (St. George’s Fortress)

Inhabited since not less than the eighth century, St. George’s Fortress stands atop considered one of Lisbon’s tallest hills.

Sadly, I ran out of time to go to right here, however seeing it from a distance from one of many miradouros can be very particular.

Rossio Sq.

That is the liveliest sq. within the metropolis. It’s an important place for purchasing, consuming, and people-watching.

I grabbed a chew to eat right here earlier than taking the close by metro again to the airport.

Sintra

This resort city is about 30 minutes from Lisbon by automotive. You probably have a brief layover, you received’t have time to go there.

Nonetheless, if you happen to’ve visited Lisbon earlier than or have some additional time, contemplate a quick go to to this lovely UNESCO World Heritage Website.

The Pena National Palace is a must-see.

Learn these 7 enjoyable things to do in Sintra

Different Miradouros in Lisbon

Three different lookout factors value noting are Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, and Miradouro da Graça.

Final ideas on a having an extended layover in Lisbon

On condition that Lisbon is pretty small and compact, it’s the right place to spend a layover.

I believe Eight-10 hours is a lot if you wish to catch a glimpse of those high locations. However clearly the extra time you’ve got, the higher!

As you crisscross the steered sights above, you’ll discover plenty of different treasures all through the neighborhoods of Lisbon. This record merely covers the highlights.

How lengthy of a layover do I would like in Lisbon, Portugal?

Most layovers are 6 – 10 Hours in Lisbon and it is the right period of time to discover the highest sights.

Can I go away the airport on a layover in Lisbon?

You’ll be able to go away the airport when on a stopover in Lisbon, however you’ll have to undergo safety so ensure you give your self ample time for safety lanes and customs. Right here is find out how to get Lisbon from the airport.

Author : Jon – International Viewpoint journey weblog 

Read more:

• Simply again from: South Korea, Portugal, New England and Slovenia

• Simply again from: the Seychelles, Portugal, Mauritius and Honduras

• 5 potential new UNESCO World Heritage websites for 2020