Lisbon Activities

Worth getting out of bed for

Viewpoint

Unsurprisingly, given that it sprawls across seven hills, Lisbon has a wealth of vistas to choose from. The city overlooks the rippling River Tagus and the Atlantic Ocean, and ruins from the 1755 earthquake mean that many hollowed-out buildings offer dazzling glimpses of the city, framed by stone. Castelo de São Jorge has some unbeateable Lisbon look-out points. Alternatively, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, a hilltop garden with Arabic-influenced details, boasts dazzling panoramas. It’s also worth taking a ferry to Cacilhas and taking an elevator to the top of Cristo Rei.

Arts and culture

Admire some contemporary art in the Museu do Chiado or learn about Lisbon’s early globetrotters – the explorers and sailors – at the Museu da Marinha. Head for the hilly heights of Castelo de São Jorge for cityscapes and Alfama’s charms. Tick off a traditional tourist box by hopping on the Santa Justa Elevator, designed by one of Gustave Eiffel’s apprentices, and visit Palacio de Belém. While you’re there, remember to sample some of the area’s legendary custard tarts.

Something for nothing

Get some designer-decor inspiration by wandering through Lisbon’s narrow streets, admiring the intricately patterned mosaic stone sidewalks and the rainbow range of colours and patterns in the city’s distinctive hand-painted tiles (azulejos).

Shopping

In addition to marvellous markets, Lisbon has some amazing shops. Visit Tourist House (+351 213 151 558) on Avenida da Liberdade for regional and retro crafts, and A Vida Portuguesa (www.avidaportuguesa.com) on Rua Anchieta, which stocks gorgeous stationery, jewellery and toys. Fashionistas and fantasists will love Storytailors (www.storytailors.pt) on Calçada do Ferragial, which sells imaginative and colourful womenswear inspired by fairy tales. It also makes to order. Luvaria Ulisses (www.luvariaulisses.com/uk) is a beautiful glove shop on Rua do Carmo in Chiado that sells a range of leather gloves, traditionally made using the finest materials.

Daytripper

For a romantic retreat, visit the enchanting forests and mountains of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995. Formerly the summer bolthole of Portuguese monarchs, its opulence lives on in the Moorish Castle, Pena Palace and the white-chimneyed Palácio Nacional de Sintra. Alternatively, celebrate Portugal’s reputation for nectar-like wines, with a wine-tasting session in the nearby region of Alentejo.

Best beach

Cascais is a beautiful beach, perfect for sun and sea soaking. While you’re here, take the 20-minute walk along the coastal road to the breathtaking Boca do Inferno (Mouth of Hell). Here, hill-high waves crash into gigantic caves sculpted out of the rock by the sea.

Activities

Take a boat ride on the River Tagus or try some watersports in one of Lisbon’s nearby seaside towns. Hagglers and bargain-hunters will be seduced by the city’s many markets – start with the famous Feira da Ladra (Thieves Market) in Alfama’s Campo de Santa Clara and browse the bric-a-brac. It takes place every Tuesday and Saturday from dawn till dusk. Foodies will love the Mercado da Ribeira food and fish market, just across the street from the Cais do Sodré train station. Buy locally produced items such as port and honey from its second floor. The market is open daily from 7am until 1pm, except on Sundays.

And...

Caffeine lovers must try a typical Lisbon coffee – or Galau. It’s milky, sweet, served in a glass, and is the perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up.