Welcome to another exciting travel episode of HaoChiBites! This time, we’re heading to Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital that seamlessly blends traditional heritage with striking modernism. Nestled along the scenic shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is a city of stunning contrasts, where ancient history meets contemporary charm. Join us as we explore this captivating destination in our upcoming posts.
How to get to Lisbon
By Air
Fly into Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS), Lisbon’s main international gateway. From the airport, you can reach the city center by:
- Metro: The Red Line (Linha Vermelha) gets you to the city in about 20 minutes. Operating from 6:30 AM to 1:00 AM, every 6 – 15 min (depending on peak/non-peak hours), with fares at €1.65 per trip.
- Aerobus: Dedicated airport bus service to key locations. More info
- Taxi or Ride-Sharing: Taxis and services like Uber are readily available.
By Train
Scenic train rides from major European cities arrive at the city’s main train stations, Lisboa Rossio, Santa Apolónia and Gare do Oriente.
By Bus
Long-distance buses from various parts of Portugal and neighboring countries arrive at Lisbon’s main bus stations, Sete Rios and Oriente. Companies like Rede Expressos and FlixBus offer frequent services.
Getting Around Lisbon
Public Transportation
- Metro: Clean, efficient, and extensive, with four lines (blue, yellow, green, red). Single tickets are €1.65, day passes €6.60. The Viva Viagem Card costs €0.50 and can be recharged with various options incl. single ticket, day pass, or pre-loaded balance (3-40 EUR). It can be used for metro, modern trams, buses, funiculars, and certain suburban trains. More info
- Trams: Lisbon’s iconic yellow trams are a charming way to get around the city, especially Tram 28, which passes through many historic neighborhoods.
Lisbon Card
Offers unlimited travel on public transport and free or discounted entry to many attractions. More info
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Taxis and services like Uber and Bolt are affordable. Taxi base fare is €3-4, with €0.50 per kilometer, plus possible additional charges such as luggage fees (around 1.6 EUR for each piece) or waiting time (around 15 EUR per hour, if taxi is stuck in traffic).
Walking
Lisbon is a walkable city, especially in central areas like Baixa, Chiado, and Alfama. However, be prepared for some hilly terrain.
Cycling
Pleasant along the waterfront or through parks like Eduardo VII. However, limited cycling lanes (especially in the center) and narrow, winding older streets can be challenging for cyclists.
Rental Cars
Best for exploring outside Lisbon. Within the city, parking is tough and traffic can be heavy—public transport is often a better option.
Where to stay in Lisbon
1. Baixa: Lisbon’s downtown area, known for its grand squares, neoclassical architecture, and bustling atmosphere. This area is flat and easy to navigate, making it ideal for walking. Suitable for first-time visitors who want to be close to major landmarks and enjoy a central location with easy access to public transport and shopping.
- Price Range: €100-€250 per night for mid-range to upscale hotels.
- Nearby Attractions: Stroll through Praça do Comércio, the iconic waterfront square; take in panoramic city views from the Santa Justa Lift; shop along Rua Augusta, Lisbon’s main shopping street; and relax at Rossio Square, a historic hub with charming cafes and theaters.
2. Chiado: Chiado is a sophisticated and artistic district known for its cultural attractions, historic buildings, and high-end shopping. The area is more upscale compared to Baixa. Perfect for those interested in culture, shopping, and a more refined atmosphere, with close proximity to both historic and modern Lisbon.
- Price Range: €150-€300 per night for mid-range to luxury hotels.
- Nearby Attractions:Visit Carmo Convent, with its historic ruins and museum; explore Rua Garrett, a trendy shopping street filled with cafes and theaters
3. Alfama: The oldest district in Lisbon, known for its narrow, winding streets, Fado music, traditional Portuguese architecture and local eateries.This area provides a more authentic Lisbon experience. Ideal for those who want to experience Lisbon’s historical, traditional culture, and narrow, picturesque streets.
- Price Range: €80-€200 per night for budget to mid-range hotels.
- Nearby Attractions: São Jorge Castle offers panoramic views of the city, while Lisbon Cathedral (Sé) exudes an ancient vibe. Enjoy scenic viewpoints from Miradouros like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.
4. Avenida da Liberdade: A broad, tree-lined avenue, Lisbon’s equivalent of the Champs-Élysées, with a mix of high-end shopping, luxurious accommodations, and elegant architecture. It’s less touristy than Baixa and Chiado. Great for those looking for a modern, upscale experience with easy access to shopping, dining, and green spaces.
- Price Range: €150-€350 per night for mid-range to luxury hotels.
- Nearby Attractions: Avenida da Liberdade features designer stores and charming cafes, while Eduardo VII Park boasts expansive gardens and lush greenery. Marquês de Pombal Square serves as a major traffic hub with its striking monument.
5. Parque das Nações: This district contrasts sharply with Lisbon’s historic areas, featuring wide-open spaces, modern buildings, and attractions related to the 1998 Expo. ideal for those looking for a more relaxed, modern environment.
- Price Range: €100-€200 per night for mid-range hotels.
- Nearby Attractions: Oceanário de Lisboa is one of Europe’s largest aquariums, while Vasco da Gama Shopping Center offers a range of shopping and dining options. Gare do Oriente is a strikingly modern train station with an adjoining shopping complex.
6. Bairro Alto: Famous for its nightlife, narrow streets, and bohemian atmosphere. It offers a more relaxed, artistic vibe during the day and transforms into one of Lisbon’s main nightlife hubs after dark. Ideal for those who want to experience Lisbon’s nightlife and artistic side while enjoying a more laid-back daytime atmosphere.
- Price Range: €80-€180 per night for budget to mid-range hotels.
- Nearby Attractions: Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara offers stunning city views, while the historic Bica Funicular provides a charming ride through the city. Admire the baroque splendor of São Roque Church and for a vibrant nightlife experience, explore the many bars and Fado houses in the area.
Lisbon, famously built on seven hills, offers spectacular views over the city and the shimmering Tagus River. These hills are home to quaint neighborhoods like Bairro Alto, where we chose to stay for our trip.
Bairro Alto is a charming and eclectic district, where you can experience authentic local life. It transforms from a peaceful neighborhood by day to a lively hub of activity at night. Its narrow, cobblestone streets are lined with traditional Portuguese houses adorned with vibrant street art, creating a perfect blend of old and new.
Our apartment hotel was conveniently located close to the famous Church of São Roque. This church is renowned for its simple exterior that belies the stunning baroque interior within. There is no fee to enter the Church of São Roque. However, there may be a small fee if you wish to visit the adjacent Museum of São Roque, which houses religious artifacts and artworks. More info
Strolling through Bairro Alto, we found the streets gradually coming to life. The area is lush with greenery, and the houses feature typical Portuguese brick patterns, making every corner picturesque. Despite the many stairs to climb, which can be strenuous with luggage, the experience is rewarding. As you ascend, the stairs often surprise you with glimpses of São Jorge Castle, standing majestically against the skyline.
For those less inclined to tackle the hills, taxis are a convenient and affordable option. Alternatively, the historic cable car offers a charming way to navigate the steep streets for a small fare.
Walking through sunny squares adorned with blooming purple flowers, we often found ourselves gazing up at the old ruins of the Carmo Convent, each step revealing breathtaking views of the castle.
Breakfasts were easy to procure from small stores nearby, offering abundant and affordable options for around €10 for two people. For us, it was best enjoyed in second floor of our apartment, where we were treated to a vast open view overlooking the city’s orange rooftops, white houses, and the iconic red bridge stretching across the Tagus River. The gentle tide of the ocean in the distance added a meditative rhythm to our mornings, accompanied by the lively singing of seagulls as the day grew brighter.
The residential neighborhood is a verdant oasis, with flowers and greenery spilling over the old houses and street art adding a modern touch. Bairro Alto perfectly encapsulates the nostalgic charm of old Lisbon while embracing the vibrant creativity that defines the city today.
On the hilly path back to our hotel, we encountered one of the highlights of our trip – the Tapas Plate at Taberna do Bairro Alto. Artfully presented, this dish features an array of delicious Portuguese specialties, perfectly portioned for two to share.
The plate includes a variety of chouriços (sausages), both roasted and smoked, offering a savory and slightly spicy kick. This goes well with the selection of queijos (cheeses): mild, milky Mozzarella, creamy and subtly sweet Ricotta, firm and nutty Aged Curado that crumbles beautifully, and tangy, smooth Sheep Cheese.
Accompanying these are slices of presunto (bacon) for a deliciously salty note and crunchy toasted bread, ideal for layering with the rich cheeses, savory sausages, and smoked salmon.
For a refreshing burst, azeitonas (olives), tomate cereja (cherry tomatoes), and crisp alface (lettuce) deliver juicy, vibrant flavors. There are also nozes (nuts) for a crunchy nuttiness, chips de batata doce (sweet potato chips), and sardinhas (sardine fish) adding a traditional Portuguese flair.
This dish is like a playground for your creativity to bloom – with a bounty of fresh delicacies, you mix and match at your heart’s desire, each mouthful is a new experience, with the promise that the next will be just as unique and exciting.
The Dourada Grelhada at Taberna do Bairro Alto is simply unforgettable. This dish features a whole bream, expertly grilled and accompanied by a vibrant medley of vegetables—long beans, carrots, broccoli, and potatoes—and a zesty wedge of lemon.
The fish is astonishingly fresh. Each bite is so juicy and succulent that it felt like the meat is releasing a rich, flavorful fish broth with every chew. The tender flesh is nothing short of heavenly, while the skin, with its delicate crispness in places, intensified the savoriness.
Lisbon’s exceptional fish freshness is a direct result of its access to the pristine Atlantic waters and its strong maritime traditions. This incredible quality makes every bite both comforting and thrillingly delicious.
Bitoque de porco is a classic Portuguese comfort dish. This traditional meal features three savory pork steaks, crowned with a pan-fried egg, served alongside crispy fries and a fresh salad.
The pork is delicately browned and crisped in places, indicating careful pan-frying without charring. The meat is tender and flavorful, with just the right amount of fat to enhance its richness. The egg, with its slightly runny yolk, acts as a luscious dipping sauce for the meat, adding a decadent touch. Paired with crispy French fries and a refreshing salad, this dish offers a satisfying blend of hearty and fresh elements, making every mouthful deeply enjoyable.
As we wrap up our first chapter of Lisbon, just know this is only the beginning. Next time, we’ll dive into some of the city’s most iconic landmarks— Santa Justa Lift with its stunning panoramic views, the historic Carmo Convent with its evocative ruins, and the grand Praça do Comércio, a breathtaking waterfront square. Best of all, these landmarks are all within a walking distance from each other, making for a fun and easy city exploration. Stay tuned for more!
