Portugal: best activities for a stay in Lisbon

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.

Flying to Lisbon with points

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.

Portugal: best activities for a stay in Lisbon - yul-lis aéroplan septembre 2023

Here are some other tips to reduce the price of your flight to Lisbon:

Watch for flight prices to nearby European destinations such as Porto and Madrid
If you are short on points, you can transfer Membership Rewards points and Marriott Bonvoy points to the Aeroplan program
You can also book a low cost flight (in points or cash) to a European destination, then combine it with a low cost 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:

Our credit card selection
Credit card	Annual fee	Welcome offer
TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$599	Welcome offer Up to 100,000 points	Apply NowCompare
American Express^® Aeroplan^®* Reserve Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$599	Welcome offer Up to 85,000 points	Apply NowCompare
American Express^® Aeroplan^®* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$120	Welcome offer Up to 45,000 points	Apply NowCompare
CIBC Aeroplan^® Visa* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$0	Welcome offer Up to 10,000 points	Apply NowCompare
FeaturedTD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$139 $0	Welcome offer Up to 50,000 points	Apply NowCompare

Accommodation in Lisbon with points

Avec le certificat annuel de nuit gratuite de la Carte Marriott Bonvoy^MD American Express^MD*, vous pouvez séjourner dans plusieurs hôtels à Lisbonne tel que le 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.

What to do in Lisbon – Visit Belém and its surroundings

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.

Portugal: best activities for a stay in Lisbon - Lisbon Belem pixabay

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.

Portugal: best activities for a stay in Lisbon - Village Underground Lisboa

What to do in Lisbon – Explore Alfama

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.

Portugal: best activities for a stay in Lisbon - Lisbon Mirador Pixabay

What to do in Lisbon – Take a trip to Sintra

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.

Portugal: best activities for a stay in Lisbon - Sintra Lisbon pixabay

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.

What to do in Lisbon – Taste the local cuisine and nightlife

You’ll find food for every taste in Lisbon, and Portuguese cuisine is definitely worth trying. Here are some personal suggestions:

Bacalhau à bras, a comforting cod dish
The excellent bifana sandwich from O Travo restaurant, as recommended by Anthony Bourdain
Vinho verde, a nice alternative as refreshing as rosé, which tastes even better when enjoyed from a Miradouro with panoramic view
The pastel de nata, you will find the best version in Pastéis de Belem or in Manteigaria (it’s up for debate)
Fish and seafood are generally abundant and very well prepared in Lisbon

Portugal: best activities for a stay in Lisbon - Pastéis de Belém

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.

What to do in Lisbon – Admire the most beautiful views

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:

Santa Luiza
São Pedro de Alcântara
São Jorge Castle
Porta do Sol
Jardim do Torel
Senhora do Monte
Eduardo VII Park
Santa Justa Elevator

Portugal: best activities for a stay in Lisbon - Miradouro da Graca pixabay

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.

What to do in Lisbon – Other ideas for activities

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:

Take a walk along the waterfront promenade and visit the Praça do Comércio square
Relax by the sea at Cascais beach, accessible by metro
Experience the electrifying atmosphere of a soccer game and cheer on the home team at Benfica Stadium
Take a day trip to Ericeira, a world surfing reserve, to watch the surfers or catch your own waves
Visit the Lisbon Aquarium and take a ride on the cable car for a breathtaking view, located right next to the Moxy Lisboa Oriente
Take a museum tour with the Museu do Azulejos, the Berardo Museum and the Calouste-Gulbenkian Museum

Portugal: best activities for a stay in Lisbon - Benfica Stadium Pixabay

What to do in Lisbon – Tips and practical information

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.

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Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Card

Scotiabank Scene+

Annual fee: $150
Our valuation: $350Milesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.; Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer: Up to 35,000 points; Ends Nov 1, 2026

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card ^+* Card^MC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

No fees for foreign currency transactions
6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

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* The potential value of savings and rewards during the first 12 months includes the value of the welcome offer, the potential value of points earned in the first year, the value of savings on foreign currency transaction fees and the cost of airport lounge access as of May 22, 2026:

$250 in travel rewards (25,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Cardholders who charge $2,000 in purchases to their account within the first three (3) months;

$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) for cardholders who charge $40,000 in purchases to their account;

$50 in savings from the annual fee waiver on the first additional card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card account holders;

$132 in savings on foreign currency transaction fees based on the average amount of foreign currency purchases made per active account over the past 24 months (by saving on the 2.5% foreign currency transaction fees typically charged by other credit card issuers);

$364 representing the potential value of points earned in the first year (36,400 Scene+ points) based on the average amount of purchases made per active account over the past 24 months, assuming an average spend of 21% of purchases in categories eligible for accelerated earn rates of 2X and 3X points;

$358 representing the value of complimentary membership in the Visa Airport Companion program which includes 6 airport lounge passes (based on « Preferred » membership valued at approximately $357 CAD/$259 USD). Based on the exchange rate in effect on May 22, 2026.

Maximum potential value after the first year = $1,254 (rounded to $1,250)

The actual value of offers, savings realized and points earned will vary depending on card usage and eligibility for applicable offers. Conditions apply.

1 Offer description and conditions: The 25,000 Scene+ points offer (the « offer ») applies only to new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card accounts (the « accounts ») opened between August 4, 2026 and November 1, 2026 (regardless of the date you apply for the account) subject to the conditions below. The offer may be modified, cancelled or extended at any time without notice, and it cannot be combined with any other offer.

In addition, as a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Cardholder, you are eligible for an annual bonus of 10,000 Scene+ points if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible everyday purchases to your Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account over the course of one year. Conditions apply; see below for more details.

Description and conditions of the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer: To be eligible for the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer (« 25,000 bonus points »), you must charge at least $2,000 in total eligible purchases to your account within the first three months following the account opening date.

Conditions for the annual 10,000 Scene+ points bonus:
As a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit cardholder, you can earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points (the « annual points bonus ») if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible purchases to your account over the course of one year (12-month period). The annual period begins on the account opening date; a new period starts again every twelve months thereafter. If you replace another Scene+-eligible credit card with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card (i.e., it is not a new card or an additional card), the opening date of your original account will be carried over to your new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account and your annual period under this offer will begin on the next anniversary date of your original account opening. For example, if you originally opened a Scotiabank Gold American Express^® Card account on January 15, 2022 and you switch to the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card on July 15, 2025, your annual period under the 10,000 Scene+ points annual bonus offer will begin on January 15, 2026 (your next anniversary date) and a new period will start again on January 15 each year thereafter. You will earn 2,000 bonus Scene+ points for each additional $10,000 in purchases made during the same year once you have reached the $40,000 annual purchase threshold.

Eligible purchases means purchases, less refunds, returns and any other similar credits, and excludes payments, cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions), interest charges, as well as card fees and other fees.

Fulfillment of the annual points bonus: Bonus points will be credited within approximately eight weeks after you become eligible for a bonus, provided the account is open and in good standing. In the case of a joint account with a primary borrower and a co-borrower, bonus points will be credited as follows: (i) the 25,000 bonus points and the annual points bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the account of the borrower who made the transaction that reached the eligible purchase threshold ($2,000, or $40,000) within the appropriate timeframe (the first three months, or the first 12 months). If an additional cardholder makes the transaction that reaches the eligible purchase threshold for the 25,000 bonus points, or the annual points bonus, the bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the primary borrower’s account. It is possible to transfer points between the Scene+ accounts of a primary borrower, a co-borrower or an additional cardholder by contacting Scene+. An account is in good standing if it is not past due, there is no over-limit, and the cardholder(s) have complied with the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement that applies to the account. All other program conditions continue to apply during the offer period.

Offer eligibility and exclusions: You cannot take advantage of the offer if you are currently a primary or secondary cardholder of a Scotiabank personal credit card or have been one in the past two years, including if you transfer your balance from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card account, and if you are a Scotiabank employee. Subject to the exclusions mentioned above, small business credit cardholders are eligible for this offer.

Rates and fees: The annual fees are $150 for the primary card, $0 for the first additional card and $50 for each additional card thereafter (including those issued to joint account holders and additional cardholders). The preferred annual interest rates applicable to the account are as follows: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions). The rates, fees, and features and benefits, which are described in the disclosure statement accompanying the application, may be changed.

Annual fee

Primary card$150

Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000

Household$100,000

Conversion fees

Earning rate

2xGroceries
2xRestaurants
2xTransit
2xEntertainment
1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650

2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days

Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days

Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days

Trip CancellationUp to $1,500

Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500

Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000

Lost BaggageUp to $1,000

Flight DelayUp to $500

Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000

Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded

Extended Warranty+1 years

Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

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.

Bottom Line

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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