I am going to live here someday.
My plane had landed in Lisbon, Portugal less than an hour ago and already, I was working out the logistics of how I was going to make this city my someday-home. The taxi cabs weaving around trams on cobblestone streets, the pastel buildings traversed with clothing lines, the corner cafes and restaurants whose tables, brimming with people even past 8pm, spilled onto the sidewalks ….the city was vibrant, surging with life. I was undeniably in love.
More than three years later, I still find myself searching for apartments on Airbnb and scouring employment opportunities in Lisbon. My love for this city was immediate, so immediate that it startled me. In case you (somehow!) need more time to warm up to this city’s delights, I have created a list of seven must-have experiences that will leave you planning your own imminent move to Lisbon.
- Enjoy a Pastéis De Nata…or two, or three, or four!
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If the way to your heart is through food, this one is especially for you. And, even if this isn’t the case, a single bite of Portugal’s most famous desert will leave you craving more. A speciality of the nearby city of Belem, these egg tart custard pastries, dusted with cinnamon, consisted of 80% of my diet during my time in Lisbon – and I have zero regrets. Having tried unsuccessfully to recreate these pastries in my own kitchen, I can say with confidence that your only possible regret will not be treating yourself to more!
- Get lost in the Alfama District
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Leave your GPS behind for this one, although it wouldn’t be of much use anyway. This maze of steep cobblestoned streets, lined with colorfully painted homes and hidden alleys, is one of Lisbon’s oldest and most photogenic districts. Here, the true soul of Lisbon can be felt through the sounds of Fado music – the traditional music of Lisbon – drifting from open windows of restaurants, bars, and homes of Alfama.
- Ride Tram 28
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This is one that, quite literally, cannot be missed. The clicking of the yellow trams as they weave in and around the streets of Lisbon is a constant background noise in this lively city. While their appearance adds to the aura of this ancient city, their practical value is soon understood after a day or two spent walking the “City of Seven Hills”, as Lisbon is often referred to. Whether hopping on for the experience or to rest your legs (or a combination of the two!), a tram ride offers a different perspective of Lisbon’s districts that will certainly not disappoint.
- Wonder at All the Azulejos
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A distinct quality that defines Lisbon from other European capitals is the azulejos, a form of Portuguese tin-glazed ceramic tilework that decorates the facades of many buildings throughout the city. While traditional azulejos are blue and white and depict fascinating scenes from Portuguese history, today an array of colored and decorated azulejos adorn everything from historic cathedrals to subway stations. Visitors can learn more about the history of this artform at the National Tile Museum, located in downtown Lisbon. If you’d rather just admire the tiles on the streets of Lisbon, the Largo Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro building in the Chiado district presents an excellent photo opportunity
- Admire the View from a Mirador
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Lisbon is famous for the wealth of miradors – meaning “lookout points” in Portuguese – that are scattered throughout the coastal capital. Take your pick, as all of the miradors offer astounding views of the sprawling city of Lisbon as it stretches all the way to the Tagus river. However, if time is limited, my recommendation would be to stop at the Mirador of Santa Luiza. With a backdrop lined with vines, azulejos, and, oftentimes, street musicians, the setting only adds to the mystic of the incredible view.
- Enjoy the Tranquility of the Tagus at Praco do Comercio
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Praco do Comercio – the largest square in Lisbon – offers a chance to admire the natural beauty of Lisbon’s surroundings. Marked by an arch and lined with yellow government buildings, the square is a constant hub of activity. This commotion is offset by the calmness of the Tagus River, which wraps around Lisbon’s harbor. Watch sailboats pass by while seated on the steps of the harbor that once served as the gateway to Lisbon for kings and queens of distant nations. After enjoying a quiet break from the city’s hustle and bustle, jump right back in by passing under the arch to reach Lisbon’s main shopping avenue.
- Roam Castelo de São Jorge (St. George’s Castle)
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With all of these incredible sights, it’s only in Lisbon where a medieval castle, perched atop the highest hill in the city, almost misses the list! In addition to incredible views, the castle offers insight into the storied history of Lisbon and the many civilizations and kingdoms that have called this city their own. Having been under the authority of the Romans, the Visigoths and the Moors at different points in history, the castle has served as the watchful eye over Lisbon and its surrounding area for centuries. Walking the paths in and around this fortified castle is a reminder of the many lives and historical events that Lisbon has served as a witness to.
As incredible as these seven experiences are – and believe me, none of them can be missed – the magic of Lisbon reaches far beyond these seven experiences. The infectious energy of the city – captured in the streets, in the friendliness of the locals, in the fado music drifting from restaurants – has yet to escape my memory. So, when are you going to take your first bite of a Pasteis de Nata? Admire your first sunset from a mirador?
The only correct answer: now.