Portugal is gaining popularity as a European destination, and with good reason! The weather is fabulous all year round, the food is simple and delicious, the nature is spectacular, the Portuguese are friendly and the culture is rich.
Lisbon has become a top European destination with its beautiful views, delicious cuisine and vibrant culture. Here are some must-sees for a first visit to the capital of Portugal.
It is possible to fly directly from Montreal to Lisbon using Aeroplan points. For example, a round trip in September 2023 will cost you approximately 82,600 points and $120 in fees and taxes with a preferred fare.
Here are some other tips to reduce the price of your flight to Lisbon:
To help you earn the points you need to travel to Portugal, you can sign up for one of these Aeroplan credit cards:
With the annual Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card free night certificate, you can stay at several hotels in Lisbon such as the Moxy Lisbon City.
Please note that if you prefer another type of lodging, it is possible to use your points for reservations with Airbnb, or even to book accommodations with Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy.
For travelers on a budget, Lisbon is known as one of the cities with the best hostels in the world; take advantage of Booking.com’s Genius loyalty program to get the best prices.
A visit to Belém is a classic for any first visit to Lisbon. Go to the Bélem Tower, then stop to taste the authentic pastel de nata of Belém, a real delicacy.
On your way to Belém, stop at two places: LX Factory and Village Underground.
LX Factory is a small industrial center of local stores and restaurants; the perfect place to find authentic souvenirs and admire the creations of Portuguese artists.
Village Underground is a unique platform that takes the form of structures made of buses and containers used as creative spaces. The place is both a work of art in itself, and a place where you can refuel.
The Alfama district is one of the oldest in Lisbon and its charm quickly makes up for its steep streets. Stroll through its narrow streets and you’ll probably come across one of the most beautiful views in Lisbon when you reach a Miradouro (panoramic terrace). Transport yourself back to medieval times with a visit to the São Jorge Castle, then hop on the iconic Tram 28 to admire the architecture of the neighborhood.
Tip: Take advantage of your visit to Alfama to attend a Fado music evening. The Alfama district is the birthplace of this typical Portuguese musical style.
Plan a day trip to visit Sintra, a village located 30 minutes by car from Lisbon that is also easily accessible by train from the Rossio station. Let yourself be enchanted by this magical place made up of palaces and castles such as the National Palace of Pena, Quinta da Regaleira and the Moorish Castle.
A day in Sintra gives the impression of walking in a fantastic universe like the ones we see in the movies that bathes in the surrounding nature and sometimes, is covered with a mist that adds its mystical aspect.
You’ll find food for every taste in Lisbon, and Portuguese cuisine is definitely worth trying. Here are some personal suggestions:
If you don’t know where to start your gastronomic adventure, the Time Out Market also known as Mercado da Ribeira is a good place to start. Lisbon is also full of delicious brunch restaurants and independent cafes.
Partygoers will also find plenty to do in the neighborhoods of Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré. Since it is allowed to drink alcohol in the streets, they fill up quickly during the night.
The city of Lisbon is full of breathtaking views. These are called Miradouro, and a simple Google search will take you to the most beautiful sights in the Portuguese capital. These are the perfect places to take a break after walking up countless streets. Save these in your Google Maps application:
Most of these places have terraces where you can have an aperitif, as well as street vendors that sell you snacks. That said, you can do as the locals do and bring your own drinks while enjoying some live music from local artists. During sunset, the atmosphere is often very festive.
It certainly takes more than one visit to Lisbon to discover it in its entirety. Here are some suggestions for additional activities, depending on your interests:
As in all major European cities, starting your visit with a free guided tour of Lisbon is a great way to not only see the most important attractions of the city, but also to identify places you want to explore further. Take this opportunity to ask your guide for some personalized suggestions (restaurants, parks, etc.) for the rest of your stay. You won’t regret it!
Civitatis offers a free guided tour of Lisbon in French that is highly rated. Book yours here.
Languages: Portuguese people are fluent in English, especially in Lisbon. Some of them also understand French. They will still appreciate an “Obrigado” as a thank you for their outstanding hospitality.
Transportation: It is very easy to get around by public transportation, whether it be the subway, bus, streetcar or commuter train. Uber is also available at very reasonable prices in Lisbon. Better yet, hop on a tuk-tuk for a unique experience.
Currency: Most places take credit cards, but it is always advisable to have euros on hand. Read our guide to getting the best exchange rate when traveling. For your payments in Lisbon, we recommend using a credit card with no conversion fees such as the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card to avoid paying a 2.5% fee on each transaction.
Network: While it won’t be difficult to get Wi-Fi in many establishments, it might be a good idea to purchase an eSim card for the duration of your stay via the Airalo app.
Finally, Lisbon is one of those cities where it is good to walk around without an itinerary, just to admire its architecture and hidden treasures. Having visited in January, October and during the summer, I can confirm that the climate is pleasant almost year round. In my opinion, it is a city that is best visited in the low season, if only to avoid the crowds.
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