How to explore Lisbon for the first time

If there’s one city in the world that always leaves me feeling happy, inspired and a little euphoric, it’s Lisbon. Maybe it’s because I spent some of my most carefree years there in my twenties, or maybe there’s simply something in the air that makes everything feel a little bit better.

Either way, Lisbon is a city I keep coming back to. So, I’ve put together some of my favourite spots and things to do for a first trip, a mix of the slightly touristy things that are worth experiencing, alongside the places that make you feel a little more like a local.

Where to wander

One of my favourite things to do in Lisbon is to simply pick a direction and walk. The city is full of tiny streets, tiled facades, laundry hanging from balconies and cafés you would never have found by looking for them.

Chiado, Bairro Alto & Príncipe Real
Depending on where you’re staying, take a walk through Chiado, Bairro Alto and up to Príncipe Real. Don’t miss the beautiful viewpoint along the way!

Príncipe Real is one of my favourite areas in Lisbon, with plenty of great restaurants, rooftop bars, independent shops and concept stores. Praça das Flores is just around the corner and is a lovely little square with a small park and several wine bars and restaurants around it.

Walk around Bica
Bica is one of the most charming little corners of Lisbon. Watch the famous yellow tram make its way up the hill and wander through the surrounding streets. Go early in the morning if you want to experience it before it gets busy.

Explore Santos
Santos is a little more relaxed and contemporary, with design shops, second hand, cafés and restaurants tucked between the old tiled buildings. It’s a great area to explore without much of a plan.

Get lost in Alfama
Take your time wandering through Alfama’s narrow streets and steep little lanes. It’s one of the oldest parts of Lisbon and one of the best places to simply walk around without a plan. Stop for a traditional Portuguese lunch, there are plenty of local spots mixed in with more touristy ones, but some are absolutely worth it. And don’t miss Miradouro de Santa Luzia for one of the prettiest views over the city. If your legs are tired, you can also take the famous Tram 28 from the city centre up into Alfama.

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Coffee and Breakfast

Hello, Kristof
A tiny little hole-in-the-wall café with the tram passing by every now and then. The coffee is excellent and the place itself is so lovely. They also have a beautiful selection of magazines on display that you can browse through while you’re there.

Seagull Method Café
Right by Praça das Flores and one of the places I always go for my first breakfast in Lisbon. A lovely spot for a slow morning and a good coffee before heading out to explore.

Heim Café
Located in Santos, with a lovely outdoor seating area. A great place to start the day before wandering around Santos and the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Lunch & dinner

For lunch, I highly recommend trying two Portuguese classics: Bifanas do Afonso for their famous bifanas simple but delicious pork sandwiches and Bonjardim for their traditional piri-piri chicken!

Both are casual, local favourites and great options if you want to try something very Portuguese.

Ofício
The last time I visited Lisbon, I had dinner at Ofício, located on the Blue Street in the city centre. It’s the perfect mix of fine dining and laid-back local atmosphere. Think seasonal cooking, great wine and a relaxed setting. Their tomato salad with gazpacho and the catch-of-the-day crudo were both incredible!

Skizzo
A slightly cooler spot in Santos with a dark, moody interior, beautiful lighting and incredible service. The food and cocktails are both excellent, with plenty of dishes worth trying. Their scallop was absolutely incredible.

Tasca Pete
A traditional Portuguese tasca in Graça with natural wines. Small, intimate and full of charm, with really delicious food. A lovely spot for a relaxed dinner and a few glasses of wine.

Wine bars

Black Sheep
A carefully curated selection of wines from small, independent producers. Expect biodynamic, organic and low-intervention wines, with a different selection of bottles to discover each time you visit. You can also take your glass to go and enjoy it in the park.

Holy Wine
A tiny and intimate wine bar with no menu, just trust the lovely staff to pour you something good. Their selection leans towards natural and unfiltered wines. There’s barely any seating, so people gather outside on the street with a glass of wine, watching the tram make its way up the hill.

Insaciável
Located in Santos, this neighbourhood wine bar has a great selection of Portuguese and international wines. Alongside your glass, they serve small seasonal dishes made for sharing. A relaxed spot for an afternoon glass of wine or a slow evening.

There’s so much more to discover, but my best advice is to leave some room in your plans. Walk a little further, stop for a coffee when you weren’t planning to, sit down for one more glass of wine and let yourself get a little lost. Some of the best parts of Lisbon are the ones you stumble upon along the way!

Wishing you a lovely trip!

/ Denise