Written by Lexi Tebet
So, You Think You Know Lisbon
If you think you know Lisbon, you’re probably familiar with the sensation of calves burning and lungs struggling to keep up. You likely recognize the incredible views of the Tagus River, with waves of terracotta-tiled roofs cresting up the hillsides. You know Belem Tower, Tram 28, and Pastel de Belem. You’re probably also familiar with Sintra and Cascais.
But let’s pretend for a moment that you don’t. You don’t have Instagram or Pinterest, and you can’t find the top-listed attractions. Perhaps you’ve become the protagonist of a Pascal Mercier novel, riding on a Night Train to Lisbon, chasing the city’s beauty and the rhythm of Fado. You arrive, you follow the locals, and that’s when you discover who Lisbon truly is. (By the way, the same experience can be had simply by following the immersive guidance of our incredible ATI team!)
I recently traveled with my husband to visit a couple of friends who live in the City of Seven Hills, and there’s so much to unpack from our trip.
A few speed-round takeaways for your next visit—take them or leave them, as you wish.
- Instead of walking down the tourist-heavy Avenida de Brasília, grab a bite at the iconic Pastéis de Belém and then head to LX Factory for a more laid-back, local experience. Rooftop drinks, incredible shops, delicious food, an iconic bookstore—and far fewer crowds.
- Sunset sailing on the Tagus is a must. Two hours on the water with vinho verde, city lore, and sea breeze? An absolute highlight.
- While you’re nearby, check out Doca de Santo Amaro—a former port warehouse district turned lively waterfront dining scene. The food, the nightlife, the vibes? Unmatched.
- If you take a day trip to Cascais, you’ll want to go again. This charming oceanside town sits on dramatic cliffs and has an effortless beauty you won’t forget. My sister got engaged while we visited, so I may be a bit biased. 😉
- Hike or take a tuk-tuk up to Castelo de São Jorge—the views over Lisbon’s tiled rooftops and the river are nothing short of cinematic.
- Praça do Comércio at sunrise: While this is one of Lisbon’s most iconic squares, most tourists visit during the day when it’s busy. But if you get there early in the morning, you’ll see the square in a peaceful light, with fewer crowds and a beautiful view of the river. It’s a perfect spot for a quiet moment before the city wakes up.
- Alfama’s miradouros (viewpoints): While tourists flock to popular spots like Miradouro de Santa Luzia, there are hidden viewpoints throughout the Alfama district that offer stunning views of the city without the crowds. Try Miradouro de Portas do Sol, a more quiet spot, or explore the small, tucked-away Miradouro da Graça. They provide gorgeous panoramic views of the rooftops and the river, and the vibe is much more intimate.
For us, food is a big part of why we travel—alongside history, adventure, culture, discovery, the list goes on. As you may relate, whenever we travel, we’re on the hunt for the best gastronomic experiences possible. For me, this comes with two requirements: 1) I want genuinely delicious, local flavor; 2) I want to eat in beautiful parts of the city.
Out of the many places we stopped and enjoyed a meal, two of my favorites were Bairro do Avillez in Chiado and O Túnel in Sintra (a short drive from Lisbon, and yes—I’m counting it).
Bairro do Avillez: While it’s no secret to tourists, it’s also loved by locals. This culinary mini-universe created by chef José Avillez brings together several unique dining spaces under one roof. It’s high quality, beautifully designed, and a fantastic way to taste Portuguese flavors and toast to the start of your trip.
O Túnel: Just a quick drive from Lisbon, we stumbled upon O Túnel by happy accident. Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and as we wandered around the fairytale-like town center—alive with magic and charm—we channeled our inner Hansel and Gretel (João e Maria if you are in Portugal) and let our curiosity guide us. Leaving the busy core behind, we found this gem.
The owner, Carlos, was the most hospitable person we met, immediately laying down bowls of pastéis de bacalhau (cod fritters), batatas fritas (chips), pão (bread), and pão frito (fried bread) before we even ordered. Everything was made with ingredients from local farmers and was absolutely delicious. Drinking homemade sangria, enjoying tender steaks, and sitting in what felt like Carlos’ own dining room, we were completely at ease and incredibly well-fed.
Lisbon was the perfect port into Portugal: inviting, flavorful, full of charm. But I know I barely scratched the surface. She’s layered, hidden, and humming with stories I’m sure your ATI advisor could share better than I could. If Portugal is calling to you, I suggest contacting our team to start planning today!
