After enjoying some low-key, chill time in Lagos, we took a train into Lisbon. I can’t recommend taking a train if you’re a chronic over packer like me, but we got into the city without issue. Our AirBNB was in a quiet section of the Baixa/Chiado district, with windows overlooking colorful rooftops. We walked along cobblestone streets of the old city, while exploring historic districts, markets and shops. The AirBNB was a great location, allowing us to walk to most of our activities.

What to See & Do

Lisbon is a charming and captivating destination with something to offer no matter your interest. Whether you want to explore the city’s rich history, enjoy its vibrant culture, or simply relax and indulge in its delicious cuisine, Lisbon is sure to leave a lasting impression.

While it was difficult deciding where to spend our limited time – AirBNB certainly made things easier with Experiences, which are local activities you can book directly through them. This is how I found our first Lisbon activity – a private photo session to capture our ten year celebration. Our photographer was laid back and made the experience easy on Ryan, who doesn’t love being photographed. He captured moments for us with iconic Lisbon backdrops – cable cars, colorful tiled walls and doors, all while exploring the Alfama district. It’s so nice to have these to celebrate our anniversary trip.

Walking Food Tour

The thought of a food tour had never really appealed to me, but I changed my tune after doing one in Seattle a few years back. We decided to do a walking food tour one of our first days in Lisbon so that we could get a sampling of its signature dishes – and I’m so glad we did.

We used TripAdvisor for several bookings, including the Lisbon Roots walking food tour. It was a small group led by a local, making it low-key and easy to enjoy. Meeting the group was easy – it was walking distance from our AirBNB and started at a public square called Largo Sao Domingos, central to the Baixa and Rossio districts. The tour took us to seven stops offering bites and drinks, a few were well-known and others were local, family-run restaurants.

The most memorable tastings for me was a canned sardine appetizer, that was so simple but delicious, and the salted cod, which is a signature Portuguese dish. Salted cod, or “bacalhau” in Portuguese, dates back centuries. Salted cod was a staple food for Portuguese sailors during their expeditions, as it could be preserved for long periods without refrigeration. Over time, the preservation technique was adopted by the local population, leading to the creation of various traditional Portuguese dishes featuring salted cod.

Day Trips

Pena Palace

When planning a trip to Lisbon, it’s impossible to miss mention of Pena Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the seven wonders of Portugal. This castle stands at the top of a hill in the mountains overlooking the town of Sintra. A monastery turned royal residence, this castle has become one of the most visited monuments in Portugal and it’s not hard to understand why – the castle and its views are breathtaking.

While in Sintra you shouldn’t miss exploring the Costelo dos Mouros, a medieval castle that will make you feel like you’re wandering through a fairy tale. Built by the Moors in the 8th and 9th centuries.

Obidos & More…

There are many day trips you can take from Lisbon that include exploring nearby medieval towns, historic sites, and museums. A friend had highly recommended a visit to Obidos, a medieval city near Lisbon, so we found a day tour on TripAdvisor that also took us to a small fishing village, a gorgeous gothic monastery, and a religious heritage site. If I could do it over, I would’ve spent the whole day in Obidos alone.

The city is surrounded by an old stone wall and has cobblestone streets lined with shops and restaurants. Many shops have little windows where you can walk up and order a shot of ginja, many have chocolate shot glasses (highly recommend!).

Sunset Sailing

Every vacation we find a way to enjoy the water, and Lisbon was no different. I found a sunset sailing tour on Trip Advisor for our last evening in the city. It was a small group and the sailboat had enough comfortable lounge seating (like poufs) for everyone to enjoy the views

Shopping

LX Market

While our AirBNB was walking distance to most of our destinations, Ryan and I ended up taking electric scooters over to LX Market. On the way, we passed by some of the amazing street murals that Lisbon is well-known for. Each mural tells a unique story reflecting the spirit of Lisbon, and are a testament to the city’s thriving art scene and creativity.

Located in the heart of Lisbon, LX Market is an eclectic marketplace that offers a unique blend of culture, art, and gastronomy. The vibrant stalls and pop-up shops offer an abundance of treasures – from handcrafted jewelry and vintage clothing to local artisanal products. The atmosphere is full of energy, with a lively ambiance that adds to the market’s charm. While there, you have to indulge in the diverse range of culinary delights, from mouthwatering street food to gourmet cuisine.

Time Out Market

Time Out Market is THE market for anyone looking to try a little bit of everything, all conveniently located in a food hall full of energy. There’s truly something for everyone – though deciding where to start was a challenge. While you’re there you can pick up some food-focused gifts to take home with you.