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Lisbon isn’t just a Spring or Summer destination, visiting in winter turned out to be an excellent decision. The city still retains all its charm, with its pastel-hued buildings, historic trams, and vibrant culinary scene, but without the overwhelming crowds. If you’re looking for a winter getaway that blends history, culture, and incredible food, Lisbon should be at the top of your list.
Lisbon is a city made for walking, but be prepared it is incredibly hilly, with steep inclines, winding streets, and plenty of cobblestone paths. The effort is worth it, though, as every turn reveals beautiful views, hidden cafés, and charming neighborhoods.
When it comes to packing, Lisbon is on the more casual side. Comfortable flats are a must for daytime exploring, and for evenings, chic flats are the way to go. I wore heels for Jncquoi, but for all other restaurants, we walked, and I was grateful for practical footwear.
Lisbon airport is very convenient and One thing that really surprised us? Uber is ridiculously cheap here. It made getting to and from the airport very easy.
Where to Stay
We stayed at Palacio Ludovice Hotel, and it was an excellent choice. The architecture, spacious rooms, and prime location made it a standout.
Lisbon has plenty of hotels to suit different tastes and budgets, and we checked out a few others:
Four Seasons Ritz Hotel Stopped by for drinks, but the hotel itself didn’t impress us.
Hotel Tivoli The rooftop bar was nice, and the location on Avenida da Liberdade (Lisbons luxury shopping street) is fantastic, but the hotel wasn’t to our taste.
If we were to return in the warmer months of the year we would more than likely pick one of the hotels that has a nice outdoor pool to enjoy the weather.
The Food Scene
Lisbon’s food scene is truly impressive, we never had a bad meal. Everyone we spoke to in Lisbon shared the same sentiment,this is a foodies paradise!
Our Favorite Restaurants
A lively bar and restaurant with stunning decor making it one of my favorite dining spaces in the city.
More of a local spot, but the food was absolutely incredible.
Felt like a truly authentic Lisbon experience with interesting dishes. I would recommend booking it for lunch.
A must-visit for a fun night out. The energy, food, and bold interior design made it one of the best dining experiences we had. Fantastic service, and we would absolutely return.
Michelin-Starred Dining
For something extra special, Belcanto delivered on every level. From a warm welcome and a tour of the kitchen to the expertly crafted dishes, it was a meal to remember. They were also incredibly accommodating of my dairy allergy, which can sometimes be tricky at Michelin-starred restaurants.
Best Breakfast Spots
For a great start to the day, Dear Breakfast is a solid choice. They have multiple locations across the city, but it’s worth reserving a table, especially on weekends, as it gets very busy.
The coffee scene is very good in Lisbon with lots of options as you walk around.
Lisbon’s Cocktail Scene
Lisbon is home to some great bars, including spots that have made the prestigious Worlds 50 Best Bars list. If you love cocktails, the city does not disappoint.
This speakeasy-style bar is consistently ranked among the worlds best. Expect expertly crafted drinks and a moody, intimate atmosphere.
A stylish rooftop bar offering panoramic views of the city and delicious cocktails.
A hidden gem, this local bar feels authentic and unpretentious.
A well-regarded cocktail bar with a relaxed vibe and an impressive drinks menu. Good for relaxed post dinner drink.
Don’t Leave Lisbon Without Trying These
No trip to Lisbon is complete without indulging in two of Portugals most iconic treats: Pastel de Nata and Port wine.
This famous Portuguese custard tart, with its flaky crust and creamy, slightly caramelized filling, is a staple in Lisbon. You will find them everywhere, from local bakeries to upscale cafes, but for an authentic experience, head to Pastéis de Belem, where they have been baking them since 1837 using a secret recipe. Enjoy one (or a few) warm, with a sprinkle of cinnamon and powdered sugar.
While Port wine originates from the Douro Valley, you don’ have to travel far to enjoy it in Lisbon. Many wine bars and restaurants offer a fantastic selection of aged tawnies, rubies, and whites. Trying both of these local delicacies will give you an even greater appreciation for Lisbons rich culinary culture.
Day Trips: Beyond Lisbon
If you have three days, we recommend fully immersing yourself in Lisbon. There is so much to explore, from historic neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto to waterfront strolls along the Tagus River but honestly what we enjoyed most was just walking everywhere and trying to cover as much of the city by foot to get a feel for all the different areas. If you have a few extra days, renting a car and visiting nearby areas is a fantastic idea.
Cascais A charming coastal town with beautiful beaches, a relaxed vibe, and great seafood. We really like the feel of Caiscais and would like to return.
Famous for its fairytale-like palaces, including Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, this UNESCO world site is an interesting one but we wouldn’t loose a day of exploring Lisbon to go and visit.
Alternatively if you are there in the summer months there is a lot of beach clubs in Costa da Caparica which is very close by, one of the ones we stopped by was Casa Reía.
Lisbon in winter is an incredible experience milder temperatures, exceptional food, stylish bars, and fewer crowds make it the perfect time to visit. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, authentic local flavors, world-class cocktails, or just a beautiful relaxed city to explore, Lisbon has it all.
Keva xxx
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