10 Epic Places In Lisbon Every Local Is Proud Of

Lisbon is charming, serene and rich in unique culture, so it makes sense that the locals feel a deep sense of pride for their city. It can be a little overwhelming deciding which places to visit first, but these top spots are considered some of the best by the people who know best. Grab your sneakers (urban hiking may be involved) and check out some of these landmarks and places which are among the preferred spots by Lisboetas!

Terreiro do Paço

An obvious suggestion maybe, but one that needs to be mentioned nonetheless. Located in downtown, facing the river, Lisbon’s Terreiro do Paço (also known as Praça do Comércio) is one of the iconic squares in this city, known for the border of bright yellow, centuries-old buildings. Special events, including concerts, are often held there (especially during important holidays) and it’s also one of the most picture perfect architectural masterpieces in the city.

LX Factory

The LX Factory has become one of the trendiest spots around Lisbon, known as a workspace for digital nomads and entrepreneurs and as a shopping district for tourists and wanderers. The locals make stops in this urban cultural hub for a couple reasons in particular: Ler Devagar (one of the most beautiful bookstores in Portugal) and the LX Factory Market. The LX Factory also hosts holiday parties and concerts throughout the year.

Miradouros

One of the best things about Lisbon are the many miradouros, or lookout points, across the city and while a few standout, it’s hard to declare one favourite spot. Lisboetas commonly meet their friends to drink a coffee or an imperial (small draught beer) and catch up while enjoying a fantastic view. Some meet at the closest miradouro to their homes, since there are several throughout the city (at least one for each hill), or change spots every week. A few not to miss while in Lisbon include Portas do Sol and Miradouro da Santa Luzia, both in Alfama, and Miradouro da Santa Catarina in Bairro Alto.

Hindu Temple’s Canteen

Meat and seafood are staples in Portuguese gastronomy, but Lisbon has its fair share of exotic cuisines and vegetarian restaurants too, Hindu Temple Canteen being one of the best in the city. As if that’s not enough reason to visit, the restaurant is located in Lisbon’s Hindu Community Centre or Radha Krishna Temple and offers cooking workshops, community prayer, occasional music and dancing and Indian movie nights. The Canteen is another part entirely, serving buffet-style and authentic Indian dishes. Located outside the city centre, it’s a spot that’s usually missed by tourists but one that’s worth the venture.

Pink Street

Vibrant, loud, and eclectic, Pink Street (known in Lisbon as Rua Cor-de-Rosa) is the liveliest spot in Cais do Sodré and one of the hottest streets in all of Lisbon. Full of bars with personalities as colourful as the actual pink street (lined in blue and yellow buildings), this is a good place to go for a fun night out. Once an alley that was frequented by drunk sailors and prostitutes, it’s one of the trendiest roads in the city (although it hasn’t lost its ‘untamed’ appeal).

1. Monsanto Forest

Forest, Park

On the other hand, sometimes it’s nice to get away from the noise and Lisboetas prefer Monsanto Forest as one of their top escapes. This is Lisbon’s ‘Central Park’ even though it’s located west of the city, and it’s one of the greenest spots within a short distance. Walking and running paths also make this a perfect exercise location for athletes but everyone can appreciate the quiet solitude, forest feel and the designated picnic spots that are scattered throughout.

A walkway in Monsanto Forest Park © Manuelvbotelho / Wikimedia Commons

Alvalade

This is a neighborhood in Lisbon where many locals live, offering close proximity to the centre but far enough to be removed from the tourist frenzy. Filled with apartments, businesses, and gardens, there really isn’t much of a reason to leave if you live there with the occasional exception of shaking things up a bit. Convenient shopping, cute cafés, and plenty of nightlife options make this neighborhood once of the favorites among Lisbon’s locals.

Tagus River

Like the miradouros, another great reason for living in Lisbon is the nearby coast, but the river holds its own appeal. Lined with walking and running paths, from Parque das Nações to Belém, the Tagus River attracts locals and tourists alike, its many cafés and sitting areas making it an excellent spot.

Alfama

Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood holds a particular place in every Lisboeta’s heart, as the home of fado, traditional cuisine and old-fashioned buildings. It’s also home to the city’s oldest market and two of the most beautiful lookout points, as mentioned above. One of the most popular areas in the city, it’s also where some of the oldest locals have lived throughout their entire lives.

Casa Independente

A few blocks north of Martim Moniz is Casa Independente, an original and creative location in a gentrified square. This venue hall is a restaurant, bar, working space and art gallery all in one. Locals visit during the day with their computers for a different place to work and study, or they head over late at night to enjoy the patio and night sky with their friends.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.