Lisbon – A City of History, Culture, and Charm

Lisbon is a city full of charm—its cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, and the sound of Fado floating through the air make it feel like a tribute to history and art. Whether you’re exploring historic neighborhoods or enjoying cocktails at a rooftop bar, Lisbon has a way of completely winning you over.

Let us show you around Lisbon—a city that truly has it all. From colorful neighborhoods and historic landmarks to amazing food and unforgettable day trips, we’ll help you dive into everything Lisbon has to offer.

Your home away from home can define your experience in a city, and we can’t recommend the Sublime Lisboa Hotel highly enough. Tucked away in the heart of Lisbon, it feels more like a cozy private home than a typical hotel. With its boutique vibe and beautifully designed interiors, every detail exudes charm and comfort. The service? Absolutely top-notch—we were welcomed more like old friends than guests.

 

The location is a huge plus too. Sublime Lisboa sits right in the heart of the Amoreiras district, just a short stroll from the buzzing neighborhoods of Príncipe Real, Bairro Alto, and Chiado.

Exploring Lisbon feels like traveling back in time while still soaking up the energy of today. Start with Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, where winding streets lead you to unexpected gems like brightly tiled homes and cozy cafes.

 

From Alfama, make your way to Bairro Alto. This district changes its character depending on the time of day. By morning, it’s a quaint area with boutique shops and vintage stores; by night, it transforms into the city’s thriving nightlife hub. If you’re up for a quieter yet equally vibrant experience, stroll through Chiado, the cultural heart of Lisbon. It’s filled with bookstores, theaters, and elegant cafes that feel frozen in time.

 

Ending your day with a sunset view at Graça is something we insist you do. The Miradouro da Senhora do Monte lookout offers sweeping panoramas of Lisbon that are nothing short of magical.

Some landmarks in Lisbon are absolute must-sees—they capture the city’s history and charm perfectly. The Jerónimos Monastery blew us away with its stunning Manueline architecture and peaceful vibe. You can almost picture explorers like Vasco da Gama finding solace here before their great journeys.

 

Next up, we visited the Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site overlooking the Tagus River. It’s packed with history and offers some of the most Instagram-worthy views in the city.

 

 

For a glimpse into Lisbon’s medieval past, we made our way up to São Jorge Castle, perched on one of the city’s iconic seven hills. The hike was totally worth it for the incredible views from the castle walls and the chance to feel centuries of history beneath our feet.

No visit to Lisbon is complete without diving into its amazing food scene. The simple joy of biting into a freshly baked pastel de nata (we found ours at the iconic Pastéis de Belém) shouldn’t be overlooked.

Davvero, at Sublime Lisboa, offers a modern Italian menu crafted by Chef Isaac Kumi, while OTRO provides a contemporary Portuguese dining journey in a sleek setting.

For a blend of Portuguese and international flavors served in a glamorous setting, JNcQUOI Avenida is a must-visit. Along the scenic Tagus River, SUD Lisboa offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes paired with breathtaking waterfront views.

Of course, the wine should not be ignored. Portugal’s wines are affordable and delicious—from crisp Vinho Verde to bold reds from the Douro Valley. Pair them with cheese and chouriço at one of Lisbon’s many wine bars, and you’ll feel like a local in no time.

Discover more in our full Lisbon Cicerone.