My top 5 first-time spots in Lisbon
I’ve lived in Lisbon now since 2019. I’ve always considered myself the type of traveller that falls head first into a city, right into its crannies but of course, to do this you need to scope out the more obvious spots first. It’s no good trying to get a sense of any place without the largest milestones first. So, I wanted to share my top places for first-time travellers to Lisboa, Portugal.
-
This is debatably the main square of Lisbon. You will see it on all the postcards when you come here because, in short, it’s iconic.
If you’re keen to get some aesthetic photos of the city - either of yourself or the gorgeous Pombaline architecture, this is the place for you.
Better yet, it’s situated right in what’s considered the centre. So, you can base the rest of your escapades on there. It also makes a good meet-up point for this reason.
-
Graça is an old neighbourhood on the tram 28 line. It’s characterised as having all the best views the city has to offer. There is also a market close by which is my third point
-
This is the most famous market in Lisbon. Known in English as the thieves market. You can find all manner of things here - including art and jewellery!
-
Pastelaria Aloma was voted as having the best pastel de Natas in quite a few recent years. Less touristy than other pastelarias, Aloma combines quality with a pleasant experience.
-
Assuming you’re visiting in the summer, Cascais is a great starter beach town. It has everything (including McDonald’s). Perhaps more interesting though is the Paula Rego museum. A must-see for art lovers. Oh, and of course, there’s the beach.