The 7 best plans to do in Lisbon during the winter
Lisbon is one of the most charming cities in Europe, and one of the most recommended to visit all year long. Thanks to its excellent government management, and its civil responsibility, Lisbon became one of the safest destinations to visit, despite the Covid 19 pandemic.
But it is in autumn or winter, and although the sun no longer warms as before, when it is the ideal time to escape the routine and visit Lisbon, with its nostalgic beauty. We especially recommend this period, as it is a time when Lisboners have replaced tourists in the narrow streets of the city, and the visit can be very pleasant... simply because Lisbon has everything.
The autumn cold is coming to the capital of Portugal, but life there does not stop. Especially at this time, when the sunny days are fading away, the wind stirs up the leaves fallen on the wet ground and the cold days fuel the melancholy that begins to flood the streets... a new life emerges in this city, where no one can get bored. The Portuguese capital still offers a wide range of cultural and leisure activities.
Winter in Lisbon can be enjoyed both on the streets or in closed places. It will be in the high viewpoints, which abound in the city, where you can contemplate its beautiful architecture covered with colorful tiles. Its streets sprinkled with old yellow and red trams, help pedestrians to save the ups and downs, so characteristic of this city. Let yourself be carried away by the Fado and its nostalgic rhythm and walk the cobblestone streets, where the smells of its exquisite gastronomy will invite you to sit at a table in some curious bar.
How can I make the most of my days in Lisbon? If you have the opportunity to take a break and visit this beautiful city we give you these recommendations...
1- Stroll through the Baixa Pombalina and its elegant streets...
which once witnessed the splendid reign of Portugal, and which is now the historical and commercial center of Lisbon. Walk along the elegant Rua Augusta to the most emblematic square of old Lisbon, the Praça do Comércio, which is totally open to the sea. See Cais das Colunas, whose marble walkway was used to welcome kings, queens, and presidents.
Walkthrough the most elegant neighborhoods, such as the Chiado district, where you can breathe in the intelligentsia, passing through the historic writers' cafés, for which the Portuguese capital was much more than a source of inspiration. Let yourself be surprised by the incredible elevator of Santa Justa, a perfect work of engineering, which connects, with its 32 meters of ascent, the Baixa Pombalina with the Barrio Alto. It offers spectacular views and helps to bridge the height differences in its geography.
2 - Ride a beautiful classic tram
It is the element that has best resisted the onslaught of modernity. The tram, a symbol of this city for a century, climb the slopes with amazing skill. Historic, yellow or red, they are not only the most common means of public transport but in themselves a tourist attraction. There is nothing more picturesque than tackling, for example, the route of the mythical tram No. 28 that creeps up the narrow slopes, wobbling between the neighborhoods.
3- Visit the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon: Alfama.
The oldest district of Lisbon, the only survivor of the earthquake of 1775, is a delightful maze of steep streets and houses of Moorish influence with fountains, patios and peeling walls. A bud that goes up the hill to the castle, crossing the passage of important monuments (including the cathedral). A neighborhood of sailors and fish sellers, this is where Saint Anthony was born, the most popular saint, who is invoked to find lost objects as well as to get a husband. Alfama is also the corner of the city where you can get carried away by its soundtrack: the fado, Portuguese soul.
4- Have a hot coffee, with its traditional pastry.
When the cold weather starts, you will want a hot coffee. What better than going to their traditional cafés, where it is essential to try their sweet classic pastries. These are the Pasteles de Belém, which can be found in any café in Lisbon. Visit the famous Confeitaria Nacional, a coffee that has belonged to the same family for five generations, or the classic Café A Manteigaria.
5- Taste the Portuguese gastronomy and its classic preserves.
Enjoy this varied gastronomy in which fish and seafood stand out. Discover the most typical gastronomic corners of Lisbon, located in the old neighborhoods of Alfama and Mouraria, where bars and restaurants abound with their tables winding through the steep streets. Walking through the streets, you will also taste the delicious sardines roasted on the embers, very well cooked by picturesque street cooks. Try the best preserved fish and seafood, paired with the richest Portuguese wines. Let yourself be surprised by the unique and charming atmosphere of the traditional canning stores.
6- Get to know other neighborhoods on the outskirts of Lisbon
Ready to cross the Tagus River on a beautiful boat ride? We recommend Cacilhas, this incredible fishing village famous for its colorful houses and rich gastronomy. See the famous red suspension bridge while you take an incredible walk along the river. Have the opportunity to admire the sunset while having a glass of wine sitting in one of the most beautiful bars in the area, on the banks of the Tejo River. Learn about Portuguese wines and gastronomy, enjoying a full dinner in one of the most picturesque restaurants in Cacilhas. What better plan!
Don't miss the Belem district, only 15 minutes away from Lisbon, by train. Stop at the oldest cafeteria in Belém and discover the secret history of its delicious 'pastel de nata', from which the famous recipe comes from. The Jerónimos Monastery, declared a World Heritage Site, the impressive Belém Tower, built in the beautiful 'Manuelino' style of Lisbon, is a must for any visitor to spend a pleasant day.
7- Visit Sintra and its wonderful Palaces
Take a day trip out of the city and visit this wonderful town, taken from a fairy tale, where its incredible pastel-colored palaces predominate. Sintra is one of the wonders of Portugal and Europe, a place that, just an hour from Lisbon, has it all: forests, gardens, fairytale castles, mysterious romantic palaces, and breathtaking views. Unesco declared it a World Heritage Site in 1995, as it is one of the highest architectural peaks of the Romantic style. It was also a place of summer and recreation for the former Portuguese monarchy, which had several palaces there. Visit Quinta da Regaleira: an incredible palace that combines the style of fairy tales with an esoteric atmosphere.
