Things to Do in Lisbon | Digital Nomad Family
As some of you many know, in September 2017, we all went to Lisbon, primarily for a DNX Global Conference. It was a slight palava getting there, but we all made it eventually and it was an amazing trip. After our time there, we wanted to put together a list of our top things to do in Lisbon.
‘Seven cinematic hillsides overlooking the Rio Tejo cradle Lisbon’s postcard-perfect panorama of cobbled alleyways, ancient ruins and white-domed cathedrals – a captivating recipe crafted over centuries.’ (Lonely Planet, 2018)
PARK
PARK is an absolute MUST if you ever find yourself in Lisbon, and a definite on our list of things to do in Lisbon. You may be wondering what it actually is, well. PARK is a rooftop bar on top of a multi-story car park (hence the name, PARK). The views are second to none, the perfect set up over looking the city and the 25 de Abril Bridge. Music and Sangria is the perfect way to watch sunset on top of this unique roof top bar.
ÁGUA PELA BARBA
After drinks at PARK, we headed over to Água Pela Barba. A small restaurant decked out with reclaimed wood and marble, and a super ‘by the sea’ feel despite being in the middle of town. A slight warning, if you’re not a fan of fish then maybe steer clear although they do have a few pork dishes. We’d been recommended this place by a friend, and booking a table is very necessary as it fills up quick. They serve arguably the best fish tacos in Lisbon among many other amazing dishes. If you’re looking for a little ‘hole in the wall’ style restaurant with good food and a nice atmosphere then this is the place to go!
LX FACTORY
The DNX Global Conference we were attending in Lisbon was actually being held at the LX Factory, and most probably is something we wouldn’t have found in Lisbon without them so BIG thank you to them. We headed over on a Sunday when they have a flea market on. This is not your standard flea market, this is the flea market of all flea markets. Everything from clothes to food, books to knick knacks and everything in between. The buildings are also one big gallery, covered in art and graffiti, there’s something new around every corner. It’s one big feast for the eyes.
SINTRA
Now I’m sure you’ve probably all heard of Sintra, whether you’ve been to Lisbon or not. It’s a small resort town just outside of Lisbon. It’s quite simply like something out of a fairytale, full of exquisite palaces and lush forests and gardens. Perfect for a day out, even a few days, but be sure to go early and probably on a week day to try and avoid the large crowds that it’s prone to. (Also make sure your if you’re getting a taxi there, or via similar transport that they drop you at the very top near Pena Palace, because the walk from the square in the middle up to Pena is long, very very long.
PENA PALACE
One of our favourites places in Sintra was the Pena Palace. Although you have to pay to go inside the Palace itself, the grounds alone are outstanding. We didn’t go inside, and based on our experience I’m not sure you need to – but that’s up to you. The Palace itself was like something straight out of Disney. Along with the bright coloured walls they also have walls covered in the most intricate tiles, over all just a simply fantastic building. There’s little alcoves, paths and grounds in and around the hold site that offer some amazing views of Sintra and it’s surrounding areas. Absolutely stunning, and one we’d definitely recommend visiting.
QUINTA DA REGALEIRA
Before heading on the trip, we had a look at certain articles and things to do in Lisbon. One of which being a video by, I think, Lonely Planet. The video showed this ‘abandoned’ spiral staircase that went into the ground, covered in plants and moss. We had a few hours before our flight and so we decided to go.
Quinta Da Regaleira is an estate near Sintra, that too looks like something out of a fairytale. They had beautiful grounds, buildings and a sort of underground tunnel system. I’m not sure if that’s quite what it was, but if you’ve been there or you go there you’ll understand. After wandering around, we finally stumbled across the spiral staircase that we’d originally come for. It sort of pokes out of the ground at the top, worn down with rugged edges and plants growing out of it. But once you get to the top and look down you realise the scale.
It’s a completely functioning staircase that you can walk up and down, to the very bottom and back up again. We didn’t have time at this point but something we’d definitely recommend doing if you do!
There’s much more to Sintra than these to places, these were just a few of our favourites. The Valley of the Lakes is another great stroll through the grounds, taking you past sculptures, buildings and forests galore.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our favourite or ‘top’ things to do in Lisbon. Let us know if you’ve been to any of these places or if you have some that you would recommend too – we’d love to hear from you!
If you would like to find out more about becoming digital nomads, so you have the opportunity to do more things like this and see more places around the world – the way YOU want to – then please take a look around our website or get in touch with us!
We’re more than willing to answer any of your questions or just have a chat with you!
If you missed our last blog post be sure to go and take a look!
Have a great day!
(P.S. If you would like to take a FREE look at the insides of the Digital Business System that we use, simply click here!)