Cosmopolitan Portugal in Lisbon, Portugal - 24-Hour Travel Guide

Views over the Tejo

Lisbon city center

Belém Tower

Overview - Lisbon has experienced a boom like no other cities in the Iberian peninsula, and it shows. The magical feel of the nightlife contrasting against the busy daytime cafe culture means tourists who can navigate the language barrier will enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Breakfast - Tourists and locals alike descend on Pastéis de Belém for the city’s best 'pastéis de nata', served warm. Sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy with their delicious coffees and lattes.

Morning - After breakfast, stay in Belém and see the many monuments packed tightly together in this neighborhood, including: Belem Tower (Torre de Belém), the Jerónimos Monastery, Padrão dos Descobrimentos and the Belém Cultural Center. A stroll around along the river is also well deserved before heading back into town for lunch.

Lunch - Relax on the sun-drenched terrace of Cafe Noobai (Miradoura de Santa Catarina) and look out over the stunning views of the Tejo river. Tasty fare with light, refreshing cocktails are just perfect for the setting. Sometimes a live DJ is playing.

Afternoon - Start the afternoon in the The Gulbenkian Museum, Lisbon’s famous display of the personal art collection of Armenian Calouste Gulbenkian. If you find that the art is not your thing, the gardens here are worth the price of the ticket alone.

Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the high-end shopping district of Chiado and the grid-layout of the streets in Baixa. Near the water’s edge in Praça do Comércio, wander into Vini Portugal, where you can taste free flights of Portuguese wine.

Dinner - Néctar WineBar (R. dos Douradores) is a good choice for hard core wine lovers who did not get their fill at Vini Portugal. Sul (Rua do Norte) is another popular choice for South American and Mediterranean food, but reservations are recommended. Keep in mind, the Portuguese often do not meet for dinner until well past 10PM, sometimes even midnight.

After Dark - After Dark in Lisbon does not start until after midnight, but it is well worth the wait! Bairro Alto is the epicenter for Lisbon nightlife and has some of the most cosmopolitan atmosphere on the continent. Bars throw open their doors and party-goers fill the winding streets, enjoying the warm weather usually blessed upon Lisbon. In fact, the streets are so full it can be difficult to get through. This is an experience not to be missed.

Sleep - Clean, comfortable accommodation can be found throughout the city for good value. For a splurge, stay in the Pousada de Palmela - Castelo de Palmela, a former fortress offering great views over Lisbon.

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