When traveling, it is always wise to have several options on the table to explore.
Ensuring you have some cultural items, delicious food items, and plenty of entertainment is a must.
Portugal, and more specifically the capital, Lisbon, is packed with so much of all the above you might have difficulty choosing!
Why visit the capital of Portugal?
Lisbon offers so much to visitors, and in 2022, the city welcomed almost 6 million people, according to Statista. Lisbon offers so much for every type of traveler; for foodies, there are plenty of pastries and traditional dishes. The water is a huge draw for those who enjoy water sports and sailing. And anyone into history will find so much in terms of architecture and tradition Lisbon is a must.
What are the best things to do in Lisbon?
With food, culture, and entertainment, here are some of the best things you should see, eat, and do.
Tram Rides
While stretching your legs and enjoying a nice long walk is something quite wonderful in a new place, Lisbon has the very popular number 28 tram. It takes you from Martim Moniz to Bairro Alto - going through Alfama and Chiado on the way. What makes this tram special is that whenever you see a photo of Lisbon, you are likely to have seen these quirky yellow carriages.
They have a glorious rickety sound as they travel and are one of the best things to do as a tourist in Portugal.
Casino Lisboa
This super-fun casino can be found in Lisbon’s Park of The Nations and is one of the largest casinos in Europe - which is why you have to check it out. It hosts a whopping 1,000 slot games, two live-action poker tables, and 26 card tables.
The casino is open 12 hours a day and can attract some high quality players so if you’re heading over on holiday, it is a good idea to visit a UK poker site to brush up on your skills. It’s not just casino games that you can find here, though; there are plenty of other things to do here.
You can head to the Beletejo bar and restaurant to enjoy some traditional Portuguese dishes or enjoy some delicious cocktails in the Arena Lounge or head to the Baccarat Bar, which has a stunning ambiance and interior.
Pasteis de Nata
When it comes to really finding out about a place and its people, one thing every traveler should do is try as many of the traditional foods as possible. The Pasteis da nata is a delicious creamy custard tart with a scrumptious crispy top and delicious pastry holding it all together.
If you want to try the original, then head to the Pastéis de Belém bakery but feel free to sample this delightful little sweet treat at every place you can find them.
Another delicious traditional food to try while you are there is Polvo à Lagareiro, which is an octopus with potatoes, olive oil, garlic, and grelos (known as rapini or broccoli rabe).
If culinary delights are on your mind, then there are some more places that you should be sure to visit outside of Lisbon; The Best Food and Wine Experiences in the Algarve: A Guide to the Region’s Top Culinary Delights.
LX Factory
Those with a keen interest in arts and culture will find themselves at home in the LX factory. It is an incredible complex filled with restaurants, over 50 shops, studios, and galleries. Depending on when you go, you might be lucky enough to catch some of the talks and exhibitions, which are often in English. The LX Factory was once one of the largest textile and weaving companies in Lisbon; over the years, it became a food processing company - until it was revamped and unveiled as a hub that creatives could enjoy.
You’ll be immersed in a real sense of the creative community in Lisbon and enjoy a coffee and something to eat at one of the many restaurants.
Belem Tower
Lisbon in itself is gorgeous, and there are more than a few things to do there, but what you might not realise is just like London and Big Ben and Paris and the Eiffel Tower, Lisbon has the beautiful Belem Tower.
The tower was originally built to protect the coast from would-be attackers in the Age of Discoveries. The exterior of the tower has a wide variety of more ornate carvings, including spheres, nautical symbolism, and animals. You can spend hours in this location because there are simply so many things to see.
The exterior is more awe-inspiring than the interior, so taking a boat tour around the tower is definitely time better spent than waiting in a queue to see the inside.
