Lisbon Lifestyle Guide

Blessed with Mediterranean sunshine year-round, Lisbon is a city steeped in history, culture and a slow paced lifestyle. At the same time, it is brimming with outdoor adventures, a vibrant nightlife and a diverse cuisine.

Whether you’re into colorful architecture and postcard-worthy views, great wine and delicious food or gorgeous beaches and surfing, the Portuguese capital offers something for everyone.

On top of that, being small and condense, Lisbon is a really easy-to-visit city with a very relaxed, laid-back vibe.

So, if you want to capture the magic of the city, read on and take a look at the articles below that will show you how to best spend your time in the charming city of Lisbon.

Lisbon is all about the slow living - which is essentially about taking life down a notch and living the moment to the fullest.

You can see the locals enjoying hour-long meals with friends and family, hanging out at pastelerias, Lisbon's cafes, and chatting with the owner, or drinking a bica while watching the world go by.

Even the many green kiosks you'll encounter throughout the city are a reminder to slow down, grab a seat, and appreciate the slow pace of life. You can’t be in a hurry in Lisbon. A lot of Lisbon's public transportation doesn’t come on time and small businesses often close their doors at midday for a well-deserved siesta.

→ Did you know that the kiosks you see scattered around the city are a staple in Portuguese life? Join the Lisbon Kiosk Audio-Guide Tour to discover more about their interesting role in the city's history and present day. 

Being very compact, the city is pedestrian friendly and perfect for long walks. The many green spaces and terraces scattered around Lisbon are the ideal spots to pause and soak up the sunshine, the refreshing Atlantic breeze and the beauty of nature. Or, head to the top of the city and enjoy one of Lisbon's best rooftop bars or restaurants.

So, when you are in Lisbon and want to travel in harmony with the Portuguese lifestyle, why not opt for slow travel? Take your time, enjoy long and quality meals and experience Lisbon like the locals do...

From cycling to paragliding

One of the top things that draws people to Lisbon are the many outdoor activities the city has to offer.

From cycling along Lisbon’s beautiful waterfront to hiking along the Cabo da Roca coastline, you're sure to find anything your heart desires in the region filled with natural treasures.

Adrenaline junkies will get a kick out of adventures like joining an off-road tour in the Sintra-Cascais Nature Park, paragliding or skydiving high in the clouds or rappelling in the caves of the Arrábida Nature Park. You can even go horseback riding on the gorgeous beaches or admire the city from a bird's eye view on a helicopter tour.

If you aren’t into sports, no worries! Just grab a seat at one of the many outdoor cafés or the beautiful public parks, and enjoy the good weather and the city’s chilled-out surfer vibe.

Located on the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon offers a wide variety of water activities to try out during your stay. In fact, the city attracts especially surf fans as it boosts a really great surf culture.

Besides surfing, you can also practice water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding, kite-surfing, kayaking, canoeing, coasteering and scuba diving.

If you're more in the mood for relaxing ventures, you can take part in peaceful sailing trips, exciting dolphin-watching boat tours, or exhilarating boat parties with an on-site DJ.

Enjoy the sandy beaches and the crystal water on a beach day or explore nearby islands passing by steep cliffs, rock formations and caves.

As you can see, there are so many opportunities for amazing experiences that you will never get bored in Lisbon!

From Dishes to Food Scene

No trip to Lisbon or Portugal is complete without sampling the country's unique flavors and the top Portuguese dishes; especially since food plays such a large role in the Portuguese lifestyle.

Eating in Portugal is about socializing and the pleasure to savor meals together with friends and family.

Portuguese diet is rich in seafood from the Atlantic Ocean, fresh ingredients, olive oil and aromatic spices. But it’s more than that: the cuisine truly reflects the intermingling of civilizations, trade routes and former colonies. You can indulge in a huge variety of diversely rich dishes and an extensive selection of top-notch local wine.

From small local establishments and rustic taverns to Michelin-starred restaurants and fusion cuisine, Lisbon has just the right dining experience for every taste and budget.

Find out more in our complete Lisbon Restaurant Guide!

From Shopping Streets to Flea Markets

Fantastic shopping opportunities await you in the city of Lisbon!  Boasting a mix of traditional markets, luxury stores, artisan boutiques, ultra-modern malls, thrift stores and flea markets, you'll find everything you could possibly ask for.

The main shopping districts are Baixa and Chiado right in the center, where you will find upscale and luxury boutiques, family-run street stores, large chains, and many souvenir stores. Be sure to visit the very popular and touristy shopping street Rua Augusta in the heart of the historic center, which attracts with a wide range of shopping choices.

For alternative shopping with a Bohemian flair, head to Bairro Alto, where you'll find young designer stores, traditional boutiques, gourmet stores, art galleries and alternative spaces.

If you prefer all the stores in one place, you can visit one of the shopping centers, such as Centro Colombo, El Corte Inglés or Amoreiras shopping center. Another option that is a favorite of tourists and locals alike is the famous Feira da Ladra flea market in Alfama.

→ If you're heading to the market in Alfama, follow our complete one day guide to Alfama to discover what else there is to see and do in the historic neighborhood. 

Or, download the self-guided audio tour, A Taste of Alfama, to try the neighborhood's most famous foods while visiting the historic sites. 

Check out our complete Lisbon Shopping Guide!

Bars, Clubs and Best Districts

The Portuguese capital is known for its vibrant and eclectic nightlife, boasting everything from cheap, laid-back pubs and quirky bars to trendy rooftop bars and fancy nightclubs.

Bairro Alto is the beating heart of Lisbon’s nightlife scene. At night, the narrow, cobbled streets are packed with people enjoying themselves to the fullest. In the maze-like streets there are more than 200 bars where people love to socialize over a delicious pitcher of sangria, cheap beer or local wine and petiscos.

→ Read more about the best bars in Lisbon when planning your night out!

When the bars close, keep going to the bustling riverfront district of Cais do Sodré, with hip clubs, chic bars, gourmet restaurants and cafés. The trendy district is also home to the infamous Pink Street, the hottest nightlife hotspots in the city, known for its wild street parties that last into the wee hours of the morning.

For a traditional, local nightlife experience, head to Alfama and attend a Fado show. Indulge in local wine and dishes, while listening to the nostalgic Portuguese music that tells stories of heartbreak.

Read our complete Lisbon Nightlife Guide!

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