My First Visit to Lisbon, Portugal (Plus a Hint of Sintra)
I’d been curious about Portugal for a long time, and this summer, I finally made it! Choosing between Lisbon and Porto wasn’t easy – Lisbon, the capital, is known for its charming cityscape and lively atmosphere, while Porto is more relaxed and located further north (just three hours by bus). I’d love to visit Porto’s wineries one day, but since this was a solo trip, Lisbon felt like the right choice. Wineries are more fun when shared with someone special, right?
I spent four days in Lisbon, soaking in the culture, hilltop castles, coastal views – and even squeezed in a magical day trip to Sintra (more on that in the next blog!). From local food to the vibrant St. Anthony Festival, this trip had a bit of everything.
⸻
Getting the Lisboa Card
I bought the 72-hour Lisboa Card along with a separate ticket for the Pena Palace (including the gardens and palace interior), since I planned to visit as many attractions as possible, including day trips to Sintra and Cascais.
The Lisboa Card includes free entry to major sights, discounted admission to others, and unlimited public transport – even for trips outside the city. It’s a great deal if you plan to visit places like São Jorge Castle, which costs €15 on its own.
I bought mine online from this link and picked it up at the airport. This link gives you 8% off, and you can choose from a 24, 48, or 72-hour pass. I got the 72-hour card and added a ticket to Pena Palace (€9), which brought the total to about €70. It was totally worth it if you’re planning to visit multiple attractions and take day trips outside the city.
Just a heads-up: you’ll need the physical card – it’s not a digital pass. From the airport, I hopped straight on the train to the city centre, and it was super easy!
⸻
Top 3 Spots I Visited with the Lisboa Card
1. São Jorge Castle (Lisbon Castle)
My first stop was the castle! It’s open until 9pm during the summer season (March to October), with last entry at 8:30pm – perfect if you’re arriving later in the day and still want to start exploring.
The views from the top are breathtaking – you can see the sea, the red rooftops, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the whole city.
I was also surprised to find so many peacocks wandering around the castle grounds. They were beautiful, relaxed, and didn’t even flinch when I got close to take photos. Such unexpected castle residents!
2. Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos)
This iconic monastery is a must-see! Unfortunately, there was a strike during my visit, so it was closed for several days. But since the St. Anthony Festival was in full swing, I couldn’t complain too much!
Another great viewpoint in the city! I loved how you could take an elevator to reach a panoramic terrace. It’s a different angle from the castle view – you’re right in the middle of the city and can see details of Lisbon’s colourful rooftops and nearby plazas. There was even an open-air theatre below when I visited, which looked so cool!
⸻
Strolling Along the Waterfront
You don’t need the Lisboa Card to enjoy Lisbon’s scenic riverside. The walk along the Tagus River was peaceful and full of impressive landmarks. I was amazed by the huge Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) – such a striking sculpture with incredible detail!
You can actually go to the top of the Padrão dos Descobrimentos for a panoramic view of the river and surrounding cityscape. Don’t worry – there’s a lift that takes you up, so no need to climb the stairs!
⸻
Most Lively Spot in Lisbon
The area around Miradouro das Portas do Sol, near the castle, was my favourite part of Lisbon. The view over the Alfama rooftops at sunset was stunning. The streets were buzzing with people, music, and restaurants spilling out onto the cobbled paths. I also loved the azulejos – the traditional tiled façades that give the city so much character.
⸻
Must-Try Treat: Pastel de Nata
These little custard tarts are a Portuguese classic – and I fell in love with them! You can get decent ones in Bristol too, but eating them fresh in Lisbon just hits differently.
I went on a bit of a Pastel de Nata tour and tried them at:
• Castro
• Fábrica da Nata
• Manteigaria
• Pastéis de Belém
And the winner? Definitely Pastéis de Belém! It’s the oldest Pastel de Nata shop in Lisbon. Even though there were tons of seats, the place was always packed. Luckily, I got a table right away, but there was a queue when I left. Their tarts had the crunchiest crust and the creamiest filling– and they serve them warm from the oven. Perfection!
⸻
Experiencing the St. Anthony Festival
I visited from 10–13 July, which happened to be the perfect timing – the St. Anthony Festival was in full swing! It’s the biggest celebration in Portugal, honouring the patron saint of Lisbon.
The main event is on 13 July, but the night of the 12th is when the real party happens. Streets all over Lisbon turn into one massive celebration with music, dancing, and colourful costumes. The carnival kicked off around 10pm, and I saw group performances and parades all through the old town. Every costume was unique and full of character!
Food stalls lined the streets, selling local favourites like grilled sardines and bifanas (pork sandwiches). What made it even more exciting was watching the open kitchens in action – massive sardines sizzling on BBQ grills and huge slabs of pork turning slowly over fire. The smoky smell filled the air, and once I saw (and smelled) it all, I just couldn’t resist. I had to join the queue and grab a bite!
I arrived on the 10th, and some markets had already started. I’ve always wanted to experience a local festival abroad, so this felt really special – like being in the right place at the right time.
⸻
Beach Day in Cascais
For a quick escape from the city, I took a day trip to Cascais, a charming beach town just 30 minutes by train from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré Station. Super convenient and scenic! Lisbon has beaches too, but a local friend told me “if you want a beach day, head to Cascais” – and she was totally right.
Cascais is a charming seaside town with a laid-back vibe, tropical plants, and colourful buildings. I got there around lunchtime and planned to visit a trattoria for an octopus dish… but accidentally walked into the wrong restaurant! They were side by side, and I didn’t even realise until my octopus tacos arrived instead. Oh well, still tasty!
After lunch, I strolled along the coast and relaxed on the Praia da Ribeira beach. The whole place looked like a postcard – palm trees, cute houses, and sandy coves. I had a delicious gelato from Santini, just a short walk from the beach – perfect for a sunny day!
I also found a lovely restaurant called Hifen, with a terrace overlooking the beach. They serve great Portuguese tapas and wines, and it’s a perfect spot for lunch or just a drink after a swim.
Before heading back to Lisbon, I grabbed an iced coffee at Atelier Albatroz, right in front of Praia da Ribeira de Cascais and just a 2-minute walk from Cascais Station. It had the perfect view of the beach and surprisingly wasn’t crowded at all – a true hidden gem!
⸻
Final Thoughts: Lisbon & the St. Anthony Festival
Lisbon completely won me over with its charm, energy, and warm people. I felt so lucky to be there during the St. Anthony Festival, and it added something truly unforgettable to the trip.
I also visited Sintra for a day (more on that [in this post] – coming soon!) and it turned out to be one of the most magical spots I’ve ever been to.
Lisbon has something for everyone – history, culture, food, and fun – and I’d go back in a heartbeat.
