The locals are always friendly and love to welcome visitors to their haven in the hills. The city is home to almost three million Portuguese who enjoy all the benefits of their coastal playground with one of the best climates in Europe boasting year-round sunny weather. That warmth certainly comes out in the character and spirit of the city and its people.
The contrast between old and new, edgy and conservative, blue hues of the sea and dark orange terracotta are ever-present. The brightly coloured and ornate facades of the heritage buildings, so many with tiny window balconies, add to the aesthetic charm of the narrow streets and tight alleyways. Scattered across the city, there are pockets where the walls of 20th-century buildings have become the heavily adorned canvasses of street artists. In fact, the city is famous for its street art and open-air galleries. On the topic of art, if you’re into art and history, Portugal is also renowned for its Azulejos ceramic tiles and Lisbon has some wonderful examples dating back centuries discreetly on show in spots around town. You can also gift a friend or family loved one to take part in an Azulejos tile workshop where they’ll learn how to apply this beautiful craft to design and make a tile of their own.
Getting around Lisbon is easy if you like to walk and are not afraid of taking on the inclines. The streets follow the folds of the hillsides, dipping and rising as you go. Make sure you get to the Parque Eduardo VII and its observation deck. From here you can see out across the city line to the Tagus River that flows out to the Atlantic Ocean. Other wonderful vantage points are the terraced lookout of Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara and observation deck of the Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
The other great way to get around in the old part of town is to jump on one of the quaint and early-model trams. The tram network comprises six lines and has been operating since 1873. It’s uncanny the way they navigate through the narrow streets as well as the main thoroughfares. We have a full day historic tour of the city that introduces visitors to the amazing architecture found in the period buildings as well as tram travel. It’s a terrific way to spend the day seeing the sites and visiting some of Lisbon’s jewels in the crown. In fact, the historical architecture, city squares and monuments are a feature of this beautiful city impossible to ignore. The magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, the 16th-century Belém Tower, Praça do Comércio, Castelo de S. Jorge and Queluz National Palace are standout attractions in what is a long list of exceptional sites that represent Lisbon’s bygone eras. You will need lots of time to cover them all.
The vivacious nature of the city’s cultural scene is as good as it gets. The food, Fado and nightlife are irresistible. Lisbon is as extraverted as it is romantic and the overwhelming feeling you get from being here is happiness. The Portuguese are incredibly proud of Fado - the country’s traditional form of music. Seemingly, wherever you go, you are serenaded to the sounds of soft trickling of guitar strings and heavenly voices - another reason to feel cheery.
The local cuisine is heavily centred around seafood and paired with regional wines makes for excellent dining experiences. Gifting Owl has several foodie experiences including cooking classes with chefs and home-hosted meals that include a visit to one of the many local markets to first buy the ingredients for the dishes you’ll prepare under the guiding hand of your host.
Markets are a way of life in Lisbon and speciality markets scattered through the city are great places to scour for interesting and unique goodies from fresh food supplies to antiques, music, tech and fashion. The LX Factory Sunday Market and Time Out Market are the popular market haunts. For upmarket shopping, Mercado Biológico do Principe Real is where you’ll find gourmet goodies galore. And while we’re on top-end of town experiences, the Avenida da Liberdade is the place for fashionistas chasing one-off designer pieces and luxury accessories.
Lisbon is blessed with lots of magnificent coastline and with sunny skies overhead for most of the time, it’s not hard to find seaside adventures close to the city and easily accessed by public transport. A day at the beach topped off with a night on the town makes any day in Lisbon complete. Lisbon’s nightlife is renowned for being one of the best in Europe. The Bairro Alto district and Cais do Sodré are the happening places for bars, clubs and Fado lounges. Take your pick of any number of nightspots that rock on through to the early hours.
It is easy to fall in love with Lisbon and we want you to see and enjoy it all. Check out our Lisbon experience listings to ensure you make the most of your Portugal holiday time or to gift family or friends who may be heading this way. Happy Gifting!
