One of the most beautiful cities in the world and one that every visitor falls in love with. The historic streets, old neighbourhoods and lookout points with stunning views are an invitation to discover every nook and cranny of the capital. The River Tagus reflects Lisbon's splendid light, while fado echoes through the squares with lyrics of love and longing. This is also the ideal place to sample some of the best flavours of Portuguese cuisine.
The sun shines for most of the year, so you can visit Lisbon at any time. In spring, the streets turn shades of blue and purple with the countless jacaranda trees in bloom. In summer, when the days are warmer, you can relax on one of the riverside terraces or take a dip in the sea at the many beaches close to the capital. At this time of year, make sure you don´t miss the popular festivities in honour of the city’s patron saints that bring so much excitement during the month of June. If you prefer cooler temperatures and more peace and quiet, autumn and winter are the best times to get to know the city.
Travelling to Lisbon is easy and convenient, either by plane, arriving at Humberto Delgado Airport; by train, arriving at either Oriente, Santa Apolonia, Sete Rios or Entrecampos stations which connect the city to the rest of the country; or by car, via the A1 (travelling from the north) or the A2 (travelling from the south) motorways which provide easy access to the capital.
Every meal in Lisbon is a celebration of authentic flavours and centuries-old traditions with rich combinations of fish, seafood, meat and much more. Try typical local dishes such as Brás-style cod, grilled sardines or bitoque (fried steak), accompanied by a glass of one of the region´s wines.
When visiting the city, make sure you try local snacks such as peixinhos da horta (green beans fried in batter) and cod cakes at Lisbon´s traditional taverns. For dessert, treat yourself to sweets such as the famous pastel de Belém (egg custard tart), cheesecake and travesseiros de Sintra (egg puff pastries).
Visiting Lisbon is like travelling back in time. Discover São Jorge Castle with its wonderful panoramic views and take a trip back in time to the city's medieval past. From the castle, walk down steep streets, past buildings decorated with traditional Portuguese azulejo tiles, leading to the magnificent Praça do Comércio by the river.
In Belém, visit the impressive Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Belém Tower, grandiose reminders of the Age of the Discoveries and stunning examples of Manueline architecture.
The Serra de Sintra mountains are a magical haven of natural beauty with their densely-vegetated slopes and remarkable ancient palaces. Located near Lisbon, this mountainous region offers an idyllic and mysterious setting of dense forests, lush gardens, caves and historic monuments such as the Pena Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira. Walking the trails of this mountainous region is a magical experience, where nature and architecture come together in perfect harmony.
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What is there to do in Lisbon near Pestana hotels?
Activity | What to expect | Location in relation to Pestana hotels |
Castelo de São Jorge (Saint George’s Castle) | 11th-century fortress atop Lisbon’s highest hill. Panoramic views over the city, the Tagus River and the 25 de Abril Bridge. Visitors can explore the walls, towers and archaeological site. Open every day. Tickets: approximately €15 for adults. | 800 metres from Pestana Rua Augusta Lisboa and Pestana CR7 Lisboa (a 20-minute uphill walk). Adjacent to Pousada Alfama. |
Jerónimos Monastery (UNESCO) | A masterpiece of 16th-century Manueline architecture, it was commissioned to celebrate the discoveries of Vasco da Gama. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cloisters with unique sculptural details. Tombs of Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões. A visit of one to two hours is recommended. | 2 km from Pestana Palace Lisboa (10 minutes by car or 30 minutes on foot along the river). |
Belém Tower (UNESCO) | 16th-century fortress on the banks of the Tagus River, a former defensive tower and lighthouse. UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of Lisbon’s most photographed monuments. The interior can be visited and includes a terrace with panoramic views. | 2 km from Pestana Palace Lisboa (10 minutes by car). Accessible via tram 15 from Praça do Comércio (next to Pestana Rua Augusta). |
Praça do Comércio and Rua Augusta Arch | One of Europe’s largest squares, on the banks of the Tagus River. The Rua Augusta Arch has a viewing platform at the top with 360° views over the historic Baixa district. Equestrian statue of King José I at the centre of the square. Terraces and historic cafés (Martinho da Arcada, frequented by Fernando Pessoa). | Adjacent to Pestana Rua Augusta Lisboa (1 minute on foot), Pestana CR7 Lisboa (2 minutes) and Pousada Lisboa (located within Terreiro do Paço itself). |
Tram 28 | Lisbon’s iconic yellow tram that runs through the following historic neighbourhoods: Martim Moniz, Alfama, Baixa, Chiado and Estrela. The journey takes around 40 minutes. Used by both tourists and residents. Tip: set off from Martim Moniz early in the morning to avoid queues. | Stop near Pousada Alfama. Accessible on foot from all Pestana hotels in the Baixa district (5 minutes). |
Alfama neighbourhood and fado houses | Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood: narrow medieval streets, balconies with clothes drying, azulejos, fado houses with live shows. Feira da Ladra (antiques market) on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Fado Museum. Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol viewpoints. | 800 metres from Pousada Lisboa and Pestana Rua Augusta Lisboa (12 minutes on foot). Pousada Alfama is located within the neighbourhood. |
Santa Justa Lift | 45-metre-high iron lift designed by Raoul Mesnier (a disciple of Gustave Eiffel), inaugurated in 1902. Connects Baixa to Largo do Carmo. Viewpoint at the top with views over São Jorge Castle and the whole of the Baixa district. | 500 metres from Pestana Rua Augusta and Pousada Lisboa (5 minutes on foot). |
Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira) | Food market with stalls from Lisbon’s best chefs and restaurants. Open every day. Ideal for sampling a range of Portuguese specialities in one place: pastéis de nata, fish preserves, cod, seafood and wines. | 850 metres from Pestana Rua Augusta and Pousada Lisboa (12 minutes on foot). Next to the Cais do Sodré train station. |
Lisbon Oceanarium | One of Europe’s largest aquariums, located in Parque das Nações. Four tanks representing the world’s oceans, with a central tank featuring sharks and rays. Allow approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to visit. Tickets: €25 for adults and €15 for children (3–12 years). A cable car also operates within the park. | 10 km from Baixa (20 minutes by metro, Oriente station). Excellent excursion for families with children. |
Pastéis de Belém | Historic pastry shop dating from 1837, where the original pastéis de nata are made according to the secret recipe of the Jerónimos monks. There is usually a queue, although it moves quickly. Pastel: €1.50. Interior decorated with traditional azulejo panels. | 2 km from Pestana Palace Lisboa (10 minutes by car). In front of the Jerónimos Monastery. |
MAAT — Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology | Contemporary museum in an iconic building by the Tagus River, designed by architect Amanda Levete. Art and technology exhibitions. Accessible rooftop with panoramic views. Open from Wednesday to Monday. | 1.5 km from Pestana Palace Lisboa (5 minutes by car or 20 minutes on foot along the river). |
Trip to Sintra (UNESCO) | Romantic town 30 km from Lisbon with palaces and gardens: The Pena Palace (colourful and located high in the Sintra hills), Quinta da Regaleira (with its initiation well), Sintra National Palace and the Castle of the Moors. UNESCO World Heritage Site. A full day is recommended. | Direct train from Rossio station (a 10-minute walk from both Pestana Rua Augusta and Pousada Lisboa). 40-minute trip. Alternative: organised tours departing from Lisbon. |
Trip to Cascais and Estoril | Elegant coastal towns 30 km from Lisbon. Beaches, marina, pedestrianised centre with seafood restaurants, the Boca do Inferno rock formation. Pestana Cidadela Cascais (5 stars) is located within the historic citadel itself. | Trains from Cais do Sodré station (35 minutes). Pestana Cidadela Cascais is located in Cascais itself. |
