In about two weeks we're going to Lisbon for 5 nights before moving on to the Milan, Italy area. It's our first trip to Portugal and our waterfront hotel is located near the major sites in Belém. I just finished reading the Rick Steves' Portugal guidebook and wanted to ask Travel Forum members for recommendations regarding your favorite things about the Lisbon area - sites, food, shopping, transit, Sintra, Cascais, bars, entertainment, etc. Thanks for any suggestions you may have for us!
Posted by
Chicago
3177 posts
My favorites from my March trip were the peacocks at St. George castle and walking around the Alfama district.
I liked the Time Out Market for a quick meal. I ate there once and another time I got a pizza to go and ate by the water.
You might find my trip report helpful. I was in Lisbon for 8 night.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/solo-in-lisbon-portugal-my-trip-report
Have a great trip!!
Posted by
247 posts
I also enjoyed St. George Castle as well as the Coach Museum right in Belem. If you want to do the Monastery go later in the day like 3:30pm to avoid crowds from the cruise ships. The Maritime Museum was also really good.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1423 posts
My second trip to Lisbon last year I enjoyed:
Museo Azulejo (tile museum)
Water taxi trip to Cacilhas (fishing village)
Tour de Belém and monument to the Discoverers
MAAT - Museum of Art and Architecture
Quick train trip for the day to Cascais
Edit to add my TR (its long)
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/portugal-for-the-second-time-oct-2-18-2023
Posted by
Chicago
15 posts
Good Day,
Your question hit quite close to home as I recently traveled to Lisbon. I was all booked to stay at the Hyatt Regency in Belem. I booked months in advance. 10 days before the trip I listened to a podcast about staying in the right district for your personal preferences. I’m so glad I canceled that booking and ultimately stayed in Chiado. The trip would have a completely different vibe if I stayed in Belem. There are beautiful sites to see in Belem but it’s essentially a dull suburb. The dining, cafes drinking and other entertainment you will be partaking in will mostly not occur in Belem. So you’re traveling to and from unnecessarily just about everywhere. Bottom line for me, Belem is pretty a must see for certain touristic sites, however it’s quite dull and not an ideal base to see such an alive and wonderful city Lisbon.
Posted by
OP
Noblesville, Indiana, USA
1412 posts
Thanks for the feedback everyone - it was helpful and we're looking forward to our trip!