Top Quality City Break and Ideal Base for Day Trips
Lisbon is now one of Europe’s top city-break destinations, and it can easily be combined with a beach stopover or day trips to places such as Sintra. Its setting on the River Tagus, impressive high-level bridges, and proximity to the sea at Estoril and Cascais make it a highly desirable place to visit.
On this occasion, we explored areas to the south of the city, including the beach town of Vila Nova de Milfontes. This was our fourth visit to Lisbon, and there is still much left to discover.
Getting Around
For longer stays and trips outside the city, a car can be useful. However, public transport within Lisbon is excellent and, in our view, more efficient than Dublin’s. Trams, metro lines, buses, ferries, and trains make it easy to move around without the hassle of driving.
We stayed near the river at Vila Galé Ópera, close to Santos and the main transport hub at Cais do Sodré, with metro, train, and tram connections.
Historic Areas and Landmarks
Many visitors head straight to Belém to see the famous riverside monuments, museums, and walkways. Highlights include:
Belém Tower, dating back to the 1600s
The Discoveries Monument, marking the voyages of explorers such as Vasco da Gama
Jerónimos Monastery, where Vasco da Gama’s remains are interred
Portugal’s colonial past is strongly reflected here, with historic links to Asia, South Africa, and South America. There are also Irish connections, as some Irish officers served in the Portuguese Navy after leaving Ireland post-1690.
We also enjoyed exploring the older districts of Alfama and Graça, where Lisbon’s character remains largely unchanged. Narrow streets, small cafés, local grocery shops, and residents watching street life from doorways give these areas a timeless feel.
Bridges and Modern Lisbon
The striking red bridge near the Vila Galé Ópera resembles San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. Built in the 1960s, it is now known as the 25th of April Bridge, commemorating the peaceful 1974 revolution that ended the Salazar dictatorship.
Nearby, the MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology is a must-visit, with engaging exhibitions. The Berardo Collection Museum offers an impressive modern art collection featuring Picasso, Miró, Warhol, Damien Hirst, and more. The former Royal Coach Museum is also worth a visit.
Art, Culture, and Museums
Lisbon excels in art and culture. The Gulbenkian Foundation museums are exceptional, housing collections ranging from Egyptian artefacts and Ming porcelain to Flemish masters, Rembrandt, Turner, Monet, and Manet. The foundation also supports contemporary artists and study programmes.
We also discovered the MNAC – National Museum of Contemporary Art, which featured an exhibition on Irish-born architect and designer Eileen Gray, whose work later gained international recognition. Some of her designs have since sold for record prices and can be seen in collections such as Collins Barracks in Dublin.
The Model Gallery, city museum on the Mall, and Yeats-related exhibitions further enhance Lisbon’s cultural appeal.
Day Trips and Boat Tours
A harbour boat tour or a ferry crossing using a travel card is a great way to experience the river. We recommend a short ferry trip to Cacilhas for lunch and views back across the Tagus.
Sintra is another popular day trip, while coastal areas such as Cascais and Estoril offer easy beach escapes.
Food, Drink, and Markets
Lisbon’s food scene is vibrant and varied:
The Mercado da Ribeira / Time Out Market is lively and social, with stalls run by well-known chefs
Traditional cafés such as A Brasileira are ideal for a break
The Rossio area is great for shopping, books, and maps
Alfama and Graça offer excellent local fish dishes and desserts
For something special, Michelin-recommended restaurants are available, but booking ahead is advised.
Music, History, and Nightlife
Fado music is deeply rooted in Lisbon’s culture and is best experienced live. Music venues across the city also feature Brazilian, Cape Verdean, and international performances.
For 20th-century history, the Aljube Museum provides powerful insight into Portugal’s dictatorship, censorship, and colonial wars. This former political police headquarters offers archive film and exhibitions that are both educational and moving.
Practical Tips
Lisbon is best explored on foot and by public transport
Avoid driving in the city centre due to narrow streets and heavy traffic
Watch for pickpockets in busy tourist areas
Tram 28 offers a scenic route through historic districts
The Lisbon Card provides transport and attraction discounts
Getting There
We flew from Dublin with TAP Air Portugal, offering convenient daytime flights and efficient airport handling. Lisbon Airport has excellent metro, bus, and train connections for onward travel.
Where to Stay
Vila Galé Ópera, Santos area – good value off-season
Hotel Eden, near Restauradores
Apartments and B&Bs in Graça or Alfama for a more local experience
Lisbon combines history, culture, food, and coastal access in a way few European cities can match. Friendly locals, a relaxed atmosphere, and excellent value make it a destination well worth returning to.