When planning a family trip to Europe, there are many major cities that will catch your attention. Unfortunately you only have a limited amount of time for your vacation, so how do you choose where to go? Which cities should you consider? Is Lisbon worth a visit? Follow along to find out.
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IS LISBON WORTH VISITING?
Yes, Lisbon is worth visiting! In fact, if you’ve decided to visit Lisbon, you’ll be making one of the best travel decisions of your life. The city is full of charm, history, great sites and amazing food. There’s a variety of experiences for all to enjoy. While Lisbon is a major European capital it maintains an intimate feel with its compact city center which makes it easy for tourists to navigate.
Pasteis de Nata
This list is not a ranking but pasteis de nata is number one on my list. The more that can be said about this delectable treat, the better. It was described to me as “the perfect amount of gooey, the perfect amount of sweet, and the perfect amount of crusty”. If that sounds good to you, then this treat may be what you’ve been looking for.
When we were in Lisbon (since calories don’t count on vacation) I had at least 2 (ok, maybe 4) per day. They were that good. So many things in life and travel don’t live up to the hype, but this does and is a reason all by itself why you should visit Lisbon.
The Views
Lisbon is known for its miraduoros or scenic viewpoints. They’re scattered all over the city and its seven hills. This means that no matter where you’re staying, you’ll likely be close to one of them.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol, Senhora do Monte, and Santa Luzia are just some of the best that the city has to offer. Santa Luzia is great for its terrace and garden area. Portas do Sol for its open space and plaza that surrounds the area.
The officially titled miraduoros aren’t the only place to get a great view of the city of seven hills. You can also get a great view atop the Santa Justa Lift either by taking the lift or the stairs near the lift.
Entrance to Sao Jorge castle provides not only a chance to tour the castle but some of the best views of the city.
Lisbon is Very Walkable
Yes, Lisbon is very hilly and the hills can be steep. And yes the sidewalks are often paved in tile that can be slick even when dry, let alone when they’re wet. Despite those things, Lisbon is an incredibly walkable city especially if you’ve prepared well for your trip. So much of what you want to see is centrally located and not that far from each other.
The metro is easy to use and quite simple. It helps that there aren’t a lot of lines in the system. You’ll find that you only need to use it rarely when you’re within the city. When going from one neighborhood to another the trip can be done comfortably by foot.
It’s easy to find sites that you want to tour, restaurants, or shopping all within a short walk from each other. Of course, another thing that makes the city so walkable is….
Lisbon is a Beautiful and Charming City
Lisbon is the European city of your dreams. When you think of a European city with its time-worn beautiful architecture, narrow twisting streets and alleys, sense of history, and amazing views, what you’re imagining is Lisbon.
So many parts of Lisbon look straight out of a movie script. It’s a city best viewed on foot.
A lot of Lisbon’s charm lies in its architecture and omnipresent tiles whether on the sidewalks or the buildings themselves. It’s the tiles that bring such a unique look to a city. The color of the buildings, though often faded with age, adds a vibrance to the vintage feel of Lisbon.
The hills create some spectacular views either out over the city or simply up and down the streets. This adds a beautiful perspective as you make your way through the city.
The Food
If you love seafood, Portugal as a whole is the place for you, but there is a lot to be had in the capital city. Bacalhau is a Portuguese specialty, dried and salted cod, and is something that has to be tried. Try it as a full dish of which there are many, and also as a croquette for a delicious bite-sized snack or side dish.
Other seafood specialties such as calamari, caldeirada, and many other types of fish are great to try.
Looking to take a break from seafood? Then chicken piri piri is another tasty dish that you can have. The flavor of the meat and the spices are perfect.
There Is So Much To See And Do In Lisbon
While Lisbon does not have a signature attraction like the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Colosseum in Rome, there are many things that make Lisbon such a fascinating place to visit.
Each neighborhood has its vibe and personality so it is great to spend a bit of time in each area. Alfama is perhaps the most popular. It’s the home of Sao Jorge Castle, Lisbon Cathedral as well as several breathtaking miradouros. The luxurious and leafy Avenue da Liberdade is home to several high-end luxury stores and is a beautiful place for a stroll under the shade of its many large trees.
The Santa Justa Lift, Rossio Square, Carmo Convent and Praca do Comercio are just a few of the other highlights of the city.
Just a short ride out to the far west end of Lisbon lies Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery. These two structures are worth the trip out from the city center.
The People
We found Portugal to have some of the friendliest, most helpful people we’ve ever met in our travels. When asking for help or directions, there was always someone there willing to help out the best way they could.
It’s always nice to offer a word or two (or more if you can) in Portuguese, but the language barrier didn’t prevent people from being friendly and helping out even when we didn’t specifically ask for help.
Everyone from bus drivers, metro workers, waiters, store clerks, and fellow restaurant customers to people on the street were more than happy to help and offer suggestions.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO LISBON NOW
Lisbon is a remarkable place to spend your vacation and is a wonderful choice for a family trip. The city offers so much for everyone and has a unique charm that is unforgettable. Since you’re planning your trip to Lisbon, be sure to check out our top tips for booking your flight to Lisbon, our essential guide on the best areas to stay as well as our ultimate itinerary. Safe travels!