Lisbon holidays

Petiscos are small bites that can enjoyed over a glass of wine with friends – think Portuguese tapas. Top dishes to try include salade de polvo, (octopus salad) pasteis de bacalhau (cod fritters) and peixinhos de horta (green beans in tempura batter). When it comes to lunch on the go, look no further than bifana. Lisbon’s most popular sandwich consists of tender, marinated pork served in a classic Portuguese bread roll. It’s a tasty way to fill up when you’re seeing the sights. If you’re prone to a sweet tooth (and who isn’t?) pasteis de nata area must-try on your Lisbon city break. These mouth-watering custard tarts can be found in cafes and bakeries all over town, and go perfectly with an espresso. The best place to try one is at Pasteis de Belem – this is where they were invented in the early 1800s.

Being on the coast, there’s no shortage of beautiful beaches within easy reach of Portugal’s capital. One of our favourites is Praia do Guincho, a stunning stretch of golden sand and emerald-green water backed by the Serra de Sintra hills. The gentle waves make it a top spot for surfing and windsurfing lessons. Another beach popular with newbie wave riders is Praia de Carcavelos, just 25 minutes from Lisbon. This Blue Flag beauty comes with soft sand, changing huts with showers, and plenty of cafes and bars behind the beach. There’s a train station nearby too, making it convenient for day trips from the capital. Tamariz beach in the resort town of Estoril is your best bet if you’re holidaying with kids who love the water. This pretty bay is protected, so the waves here are much gentler than many beaches nearby – plus you’ll find lots of places to eat withing walking distance of the sand.

The first thing you should in Lisbon is hop on a tram – number 28 to be exact. This popular line will take you to most of the city’s must-see attractions, including Lisbon Cathedral, Castelo de Sao Jorge, and Graca, Lisbon’s hippest hilltop neighbourhood.

Visit a monastery: For a true step back in time, spend a morning at Jeronimos Monastery by the River Tagus. Taking nearly a century to complete, this magnificent religious building stands out for its ornate carvings, and extreme size – at 300m long, you’ll want to put on your comfy shoes for this one!

Explore a historic neighbourhood: A visit to the Alfama district is a must on any Lisbon city break. The oldest of Lisbon’s neighbourhoods, Alfama is famous for its maze of narrow, cobbled streets and traditional houses. Nearby, a short walk takes you to Castelo de Sao Jorge, a powerful symbol of the city with a history stretching back to the 1st century BC.

Nowhere in Lisbon says ‘nightlife’ quite like Bairro Alto. With over 100 bars to choose from, there’s a lively atmosphere in this well-known neighbourhood where bars don’t close until 2am. For an authentic experience, take your favourite tipple outside and socialise – street drinking is all part of the fun here. If you prefer to party with the cool kids, then don’t miss a night out in Cais do Sodre. This trendy neighbourhood comes with a slightly younger crowd than Bairro Alto, and you can expect cheaper prices to match. You’ll also find clubs, rather than just bars, so it’s your best bet if you feel like showing off your favourite moves on the dancefloor.

In Principe Real, there’s an upmarket, bohemian vibe, where Lisbon’s fashionistas gather to celebrate the weekend. You’ll find an excellent selection of traditional and modern eateries, along with a scattering of cool cocktail lounges and rooftop bars.