Summer is coming! Why not visit Lisbon?
With the arrival of summer, it’s the perfect time to plan a getaway and explore new destinations. If you’re looking for a city that has it all, look no further than Lisbon. Located on the western coast of Portugal, this charming and vibrant city is known for its stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and lively atmosphere. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or simply soaking up the sun on a beautiful beach, Lisbon has something for everyone. From the winding streets of the Alfama district to the grandeur of the Belém Tower, there is no shortage of sights to see and experiences to be had in this beautiful city. So why not pack your bags, book your ticket, and head to Lisbon for an unforgettable summer adventure? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some top things to do and see in Lisbon, from exploring its historic landmarks to sampling its delicious food and drink, and everything in between. Get ready to fall in love with this vibrant city and all that it has to offer.
So, these are the things we have chosen for you to do in Lisbon this summer (2023):
- Explore the historic neighbourhoods: Lisbon is known for its charming and historic neighbourhoods, including the colourful Alfama district, the Bohemian Bairro Alto, and the elegant Chiado. Wander the narrow streets, admire the architecture, and stop at local cafés and shops along the way.
- Visit the iconic landmarks: Lisbon is home to a number of iconic landmarks, including the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and São Jorge Castle. Take a guided tour or explore on your own to learn more about the city’s rich history and culture.
- Soak up the sun on the beaches: Lisbon is surrounded by beautiful beaches, including the popular Cascais and Estoril beaches, and the quieter Praia da Adraga and Praia do Meco. Pack a picnic, grab your sunscreen, and spend a day relaxing in the sun.
- Play Explorial: Explorial is an interactive and challenging game in which the objective is to collect as many points as possible as a group. You explore the city on foot and get points for solving different types of tasks.
- Attend cultural events: Lisbon has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with a number of festivals and events taking place throughout the summer. From music festivals to art exhibitions, there is always something exciting happening in the city.
1. Explore the historic neighbourhoods
Exploring the historic neighbourhoods of Lisbon is one of the top things to do during a visit to the city. From the winding streets of Alfama to the vibrant energy of Bairro Alto, each neighbourhood has its own unique character and charm. Here’s what you can expect when exploring Lisbon’s historic neighbourhoods:
- Alfama: This is Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood, characterized by narrow, winding streets and colourful tiled buildings. It’s a great place to wander and get lost, taking in the sights and sounds of traditional Portuguese life. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Castelo de São Jorge, which offers stunning views of the city.
- Baixa: This is the heart of Lisbon’s downtown, with wide avenues and grand plazas. It was rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1755 and is known for its ornate architecture, including the iconic Rossio Square.
- Bairro Alto: This is Lisbon’s Bohemian district, with narrow streets lined with trendy shops, bars, and restaurants. It’s a great place to experience Lisbon’s nightlife, with plenty of live music and dancing.
- Chiado: This is one of Lisbon’s most elegant neighbourhoods, with upscale shops and cafés. It’s home to the famous A Brasileira café, a historic meeting place for artists and intellectuals.
- Belém: This neighbourhood is located west of the city centre and is known for its historic landmarks, including the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. It’s also home to some of Lisbon’s best pastry shops, where you can sample the famous pastel de nata.
Exploring these neighbourhoods is easy and enjoyable on foot, as they are all within walking distance of each other. Take your time to soak in the sights, sounds, and flavours of each neighbourhood, and you’re sure to fall in love with the unique charm of Lisbon.
2. Visit the iconic landmarks
Lisbon is a city full of stunning landmarks, each with its own unique history and cultural significance. Here are some of the top landmarks to visit during your trip to Lisbon:
- Belém Tower: Located on the banks of the Tagus River, the Belém Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Lisbon. Built in the 16th century as a fortress to protect the city, the tower features intricate stone carvings and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Jerónimos Monastery: Also located in the Belém district, the Jerónimos Monastery is a stunning example of Manueline architecture, a style unique to Portugal. The monastery was built in the 16th century and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- São Jorge Castle: Perched on a hill overlooking the city, São Jorge Castle offers stunning views of Lisbon and the surrounding area. The castle dates back to the 11th century and has been restored and renovated over the centuries.
- Rossio Square: Located in the heart of Lisbon, Rossio Square is a bustling plaza surrounded by historic buildings and lively cafés. It has been a central gathering place for locals and visitors alike for centuries.
- Santa Justa Lift: This ornate elevator connects the lower and upper parts of the city and offers stunning views of Lisbon from its observation deck.
- Alfama: This historic neighbourhood is one of the oldest in Lisbon, with winding streets and traditional houses decorated with colourful tiles. It’s a great place to explore on foot, with hidden cafés and shops around every corner.
- Chiado: This elegant neighbourhood is known for its upscale shops, theatres, and cafés, as well as the stunning Santa Justa Lift.
Visiting these landmarks is a great way to immerse yourself in Lisbon’s rich history and culture. Be sure to take your time exploring each one and learning more about its significance to the city and the country as a whole.
3. Soak up the sun on the beaches
Lisbon is a beautiful coastal city in Portugal that is surrounded by a number of stunning beaches. During the summer months, there’s no better way to relax and unwind than by soaking up the sun on one of Lisboa’s many beaches. Here are some of the top beaches to visit:
- Cascais Beach: Located about 30 minutes from central Lisbon, Cascais Beach is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The beach boasts golden sand, crystal-clear water, and a wide range of facilities, including restaurants, cafés, and showers.
- Praia da Adraga: This secluded beach is located just a short drive from Lisbon and is known for its dramatic cliffs and beautiful rock formations. The beach is surrounded by natural beauty and is perfect for those who want to escape the crowds.
- Praia do Guincho: This wild and windy beach is popular among surfers and kite boarders due to its strong waves and consistent winds. It’s located on the edge of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Costa da Caparica: This long stretch of beach is located just south of Lisbon and is easily accessible by public transportation. The beach is popular among families and offers a wide range of facilities, including restaurants, bars, and water sports activities.
- Praia de Carcavelos: This long and wide beach is located just a short train ride from central Lisbon and is a popular destination for surfers. The beach has a lively atmosphere and is surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and beach bars.
Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot to relax or a lively beach with plenty of amenities, Lisboa has something to offer. Pack your sunscreen, grab a towel, and head to one of Lisboa’s beautiful beaches for a day of sun, sand, and relaxation.
4. Play Explorial
The tours are designed for all ages, it’s an interactive and engaging way to discover the history, culture, and hidden gems of Lisbon. You’ll learn fascinating facts about the city, solve riddles, and most importantly, have lots of fun! These tours are perfect for families, friends, and solo travellers who want to explore the city in a unique and exciting way.
As you follow the tours, you’ll explore Lisbon. You’ll discover some of the neighbourhood’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Elevador de Santa Justa, Praça dos Restauradores and Arco da Rua Augusta (in Chiado and Baixa trail); the Pastéis de Belém, Torre de Belém, Padrão dos Descobrimentos, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (in the Belém trail).
But the tours are not only about sightseeing, as you wander through the streets, you’ll be solving riddles and answering questions that will lead you to discover hidden gems.
The tours are self-guided, so you can start and finish it at your own pace, you can also take as many breaks as you like. The tours are designed to be completed in around 2 hours, but you can take as long as you like to finish it.
The scavenger hunt is not only fun and unique, but also affordable, making it accessible to everyone. Learn more here.
5. Attend music festivals
In and around Lisbon there are several music festivals, two of the best known are NOS Alive, which takes place on 6, 7 and 8 July 2023 at Passeio Marítimo de Algés; and Sumol Summerfest, which takes place on 30 June and 1 July, at Costa da Caparica.
NOS Alive features a diverse line-up of international and local artists across multiple stages, spanning genres such as rock, pop, indie, electronic, and hip-hop. Past performers have included major acts such as Arctic Monkeys, Radiohead, The Cure, Pearl Jam, The National, and many more.
Sumol Summerfest has featured a diverse range of music genres, including hip-hop, reggae, electronic, and pop. Past performers have included major international artists such as Wiz Khalifa, Major Lazer, and Snoop Dogg, as well as popular Portuguese acts such as Richie Campbell and Mundo Segundo.
In addition to music, the festival also offers a range of food and beverage options, as well as other activities such as art exhibitions, pop-up stores, and interactive installations.
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