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Spending nearly 8 months in the fantastic, tiny country that is Portugal, I had the chance to do a ton of activities. Even better, is that I get to share them with you! Whether you’re there for a week or a month, staying in a hostel or a hotel, this is the guide (in tandem with the Semester Abroad (and General) Guide to Lisbon) for anyone wondering what to do during their time in Lisbon.

Living

Whatever your style of travel (hotels vs hostels vs a homely park bench), Lisbon’s got you covered. Hotels are mostly cheap, but if you’re doing budget travel then Lisbon’s hostels are ranked as some of the best in the world

• I wouldn’t recommend being in the Bairro Alto area. This place is amazing for partying (more on that later), but rough to get a decent night’s sleep. Expect beats going until well past 2AM
• Ideally you’ll be somewhere near the subway line closer to downtown, likely around the blue line. The subway is really convenient in Lisbon, I’m guessing you’ll be using it a lot, alongside walking a bunch
• For hostels, Yes! Lisbon ($30 USD) and Goodnight Lisbon ($27 USD) are both great picks, with freebies and awesome socializing opportunities. You can go cheaper as you go further from downtown, but these hostels are incredibly rated and you won’t need to use the metro often
• If you’re more interested in hotels, Airbnb has some incredible spots, or the LX Boutique Hotel ($140 USD) and Tesouro da Baixa by Shiadu ($120 USD) are great options

Activities

You may or may not get the chance to do this stuff – I’d recommend just going with the flow of whatever the group you’re with is doing! Especially if you’re at a hostel and people sound like they’re going to do something fun, join them! This is a list of stuff if you’re really looking for something to do.

Surfing

• If you’ve never gone before, Portugal is one of the best places in the world to surf. I’d recommend taking a train down to Carcavelos or Cascais (it’s not too far) and hopping over to the beach. Some days it’s packed with amazing waves, other days it’s better for beginner learning. Can always check online, or call up one of the companies (Angel’s Surf School)

Castle

• Castelo de Sao Jorge is an amazing view of the city, and a pretty fantastic hike. Not too expensive to get in, especially with a student card
• If you’re really not feeling it, go one way walking and the other cab / uber (uber is great in Lisbon)

Miradouros

• All around Lisbon are these viewpoints the locals call Miradouros. These are basically gorgeous lookout points that people love to hang out with. Not uncommon to find people selling beer and playing guitar around these.
• Miradouro de Santa Catarina was my favourite, definitely worth a check out

Belem

• It’s a 20min trek on a really cool tram
• Watch out for pickpocketers on the tram!
• In Belem, there are a couple of things to do. There’s an art gallery, a big museum, and a few huge sculptures that people enjoy. If you’re not one for touristy stuff, then maybe don’t bother
  • Has the tower of belem, which is on all the postcards
  • Huge monastery
• My favourite part of Belem is the pasteis de belem. Basically these little Portuguese custard tarts that you’ll be eating all over. These are delicious, and the Belem bakery is famous for their take on them. However, my heart (and stomach) still side with Manteigaria in Lisbon when it comes to Portuguese tarts (the pasteis de nata)

Praca de Camoes

• Awesome place to hang out by the water and beach
• Basically a giant square where people hang out, buskers play
• Note that there are a ton of restaurants here, but they’re all overpriced and not very good. Please don’t eat here

Lisbon Oceanarium

• I’ve never been, but I hear it’s one of the best aquariams ever. A few of my friends went multiple times

Football game

• If you get the chance, absolutely go to a soccer game! Lisbon has 2 teams, Benfica and Sporting
• They’re insane. The Ultra section tickets are the cheapest, and absolutely absurd. As a heads up, the seats are first come first serve there, and the fans can get real rowdy. Between people throwing garbage at the opposing team and having an eagle fly around the stadium as part of the pre-show, it was wild and one of my favourite nights
• Make sure to buy a scarf for 5 euros in the tunnel!

Walking Tour

• Not the worst idea as with many great cities. Lots here that a guide may be able to show you, and you can always find the free ones where you just tip after.

Nightlife

Nights in Lisbon are incredible, but be prepared to stay up for a bit! People here, as with a lot of Europe go out around 12 and come back closer to 5 or 6 when the metro opens back up. Long, fantastic nights.

Bairro Alto

• This area is insane, and absolutely hopping. Every door is another bar, and students back out into the streets with their 1 euro pints in hand
• Awesome place to just run around, and make some new friends in. Lots of students

Tasca do Chiado

• In Bairro Alto, this amazing spot is open Mondays and Wednesdays for Fado, Portuguese folk music. Really incredible spot, no cover
• Especially if you’re with a date, this place is beautiful and right in the middle of Bairro Alto
• Highly recommend checking it out, but as a heads up it gets pretty packed around 9! May have to stand by the door for a bit to listen until a seat opens up

Pavilhao Chines

• Really cool bar with awesome stuff on the walls. Drinks are a little more expensive, but this place is practically a museum. If you’re in the area, definitely worth it to grab a drink

Lux

• One of the best clubs I’ve ever been to, and I hate clubs. Be prepared to stay up until sunrise, I think this place opens at 2

Urban Beach

• Another late night spot, pretty cool looking club. Pool in the back that may or may not let good looking girls swim. Definitely a club. They usually have sweet face painting or something going on, and everyone lights up under the black light

Pub Crawl

• Like the walking tours, all European cities have their pub crawls. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend one, but you usually get a few free drinks and club entrance end of night if you buy the wristband. Easy way to meet some new people and have a night out
• All the hostels have these pretty much every night, just pop in and ask!

Food

Most of the best food I’ve ever had was in Portugal. Note that in general the food in a lot of restaurants is pretty similar, you have your protein, and very basic salad, and fries. It’s all super cheap, really healthy, and delicious. I didn’t have a single bad meal when I was here.

Some of my highlights:

Manteigaria

• You have to go here and get a pasteis de nata. Not even a question.
• Go in the back to see how they’re made

Time Out Market / Mercado da Ribiera

• Huge market with every kind of food ever, pretty gourmet but not tough on the wallet
• Just an awesome space to explore. Everything is delicious

Frangasqueira Nacional

• The best chicken I’ve ever had. Like, by far. It was stupid how good this stuff was.
• Note that it’s take out only, but you get a huge bucket of chicken, ribs and sausages for super cheap and then go find a park or a bench!
• Make sure to also get all the sides, especially the rice!

Eurico

• Definition authentic Portuguese food, everything on the menu is great
• The shrimp (gambas) are expensive, but holy hell they’re big and good. You will not finish this plate alone

Baccalau

• This isn’t a restaurant, but Portugal’s national dish (imported from Norway for some reason)
• I’d recommend getting it atleast once and seeing what you think!

Ramiros

• Incredible seafood joint, I’ve never seen such big shrimps. The crab was also incredible. Definitely a bit more expensive, but sooo good
• The waiter may want you to try barnacles. I wasn’t a huge fan.

Gelado Santini

• Amazing gelado in downtown. Pretty world renowned, definitely rivaled Italy

Street chestnuts

• There are guys all over the place selling roasted chestnuts on the street
• Awesome snack to get, super filling

Downtown eating

• I wouldn’t recommend anywhere that has pictures of the food on the menu, or multiple languages (maaaybe Portuguese and English). All of these places are overpriced, and usually in the downtown core. You can do so much better by walking a block or two!

General

• Bring your student card, especially if it has no expiry date! You’ll probably be able to find a ton of deals, definitely on the touristy stuff
• Portugal is super safe to walk around in at night, just watch your pockets
• People will approach you all the time asking if you want weed or cocaine, just ignore them and keep walking. They won’t hurt you, but for safety don’t interact with them

Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions, and have the best time!