Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal. This city is becoming so popular with tourists and celebrities, and it's not difficult to know why! Delicious food, enchanting streets, welcoming people, stunning buildings... Just few hours in this destination and I was even thinking to move there!

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WEATHER

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Lisbon has a Subtropical-Mediterranean climate. Its hottest month is July with temperatures that can reach the 30°C, and the coldest is January with an average temperature of 11°C. The wettest month is November.

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I visited Lisbon in March and one of the days rained quite a lot but the rest of the days were sunny. It was a bit cold so if I go back I will choose warmer months like May or June.

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TRANSPORT

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It is really easy to get from the airport to Lisbon city centre. We arrived at night so we decided to take a taxi to our hotel. You don't need to book it in advance as you will find them when you exit the airport. It will cost you around 15€.

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If you prefer to use the public transport, I advise you to purchase a Viva Viagem card and recharge it with the amount that you want. A one-way ticket costs 1.85€ but with the card will cost you 1.45€. You can use this card to get around the city on local buses, metro and trams. 

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PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO

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Day 1​

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• You can join a free tour where they will show you Lisbon's main attractions. We chose the one offered by Sandemans NewEurope tours. You can have a look here Free Tour of Lisbon to check out the sites that you will visit and the meeting point. I highly recommend to do this tour as you will get to know many interesting things about this amazing city. Alternatively, you could do the sightseeing at your own pace. Don't miss: Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square), Santa Justa Elevator (enjoy a great view of Lisbon) and Carmo Convent. Don't forget to stop for a ginjinha (cherry-like liqueur) while you are visiting Portugal's capital.

• Stop at the lively Time Out Market (a food hall located in the Mercado da Ribeira) and have few drinks and lunch here. 

• As you have spent a busy morning visiting some of Lisbon's famous landmarks chill out at Pensão Amor, a funky bar that was once a brothel and that is located in an area that used to be a red light district popular with sailors.

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Day 2

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• Start your day visiting Alfama, which is the oldest district of Lisbon. Allow yourself plenty of time to see the main sites of this area. Here you will find St. George's Castle, Lisbon Cathedral and Santa Luzia Viewpoint (admire the breathtaking panorama from this popular observation deck). 

• Stroll around the streets of Alfama where you will find many nice little shops selling unique stuff.

• Head off to Bairro Alto for some action. This traditional neighbourhood has a great nightlife and a vibrant atmosphere. You can try one of the many restaurants in this area and then go for few drinks. I also advise you to find a place where you could listen fado (Portuguese singing) as it is a really enjoyable experience.

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Day 3

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• Your last day in the city you could explore the Belém district. You should start by having breakfast and trying the Pastéis de Belém (pastéis de nata)... Yummy!! On a full stomach you can go to see the Belém Tower and after that the Jerónimos Monastery (both listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites). Personally I think the monastery is truly beautiful and it is worth a visit.

• Treat yourself to a gorgeous lunch with some fresh seafood paired with Portuguese wine.

• Last hours in Lisbon and I think it's time for some shopping! If your budget can afford luxury brands then Avenida da Liberdade is your place. Alternatively opt for downtown where you will find more traditional and reasonably priced shops.

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FOOD AND DRINK

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Lisbon is another food and drink paradise. If you like wine you will have a great choice like vinho verde (green wine), the Dão table wines (red wines) and the table wines of Ribatejo. Port​ is the most famous Portuguese wine (from the city of Porto). If you are more into beer I suggest you Sagres and Super Bock. As mentioned above you have to try as well the ginja (cherry-like liqueur).

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Here I mention some traditional dishes and sweets:

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• Bacalhau: Portuguese cook the bacalhau (dried salted codfish) in many different ways. My favourite was the Bacalhau à Braz, where scrambled eggs with olives and fried potatoes are added to this meaty fish.

• Sardines:  Grilled sardines usually served with roasted bell peppers and boiled potatoes. 

• Bifana: A snack consisting of thin slices of pork marinated in white wine and loads of garlic, then fried and served into a bun.

• Seafood

• Pasteis de Nata: Egg tart pastry dusted with cinnamon. 

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My personal recommendations: 

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• Time Out Market: As mentioned above, a great place to stop and have few drinks and some tasty bites. Address: Av. 24 de Julho 49, 1200-479, Lisbon.

• Pensão Amor: Funky decor that you will love. Perfect to chill out with a glass of wine and some snacks. Address: R. do Alecrim 19, 1200-292, Lisbon.

• Sabor do Bairro: Nice food and really friendly staff in Bairro Alto. Address: R. do Diário de Notícias 100, 1200-145, Lisbon.

• Pastéis de Belém: Here you can taste and buy the famous pastéis de nata. Address: Rua de Belém nº 84 a 92, Lisbon.

• A Ginjinha: A Historic open-fronted bar where you can have a shot of ginja. Address: Largo São Domingos 8, 1100-201, Lisbon.

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WHERE TO STAY

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We stayed at Empire Lisbon Hotel, a three star rated accommodation located nearby Lisbon city centre. It offers spacious rooms with comfy beds and nice a bathroom. We also tried the breakfast which was really nice.

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Check out this link Empire Lisbon Hotel for info or to book a room.

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BUDGET

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Lisbon is an affordable city so I will recommend you to bring with you around 120€-150€ (without including flights and hotel).