Portugal’s capital city of Lisbon is made up of several neighbourhoods that all have their own distinct feel. As a result, walking around the city can feel like you’re exploring and experiencing several smaller places, all in one day. From Baixa, the lively central neighbourhood, to Bairro Alto, the bohemian neighbourhood, you’re sure to find plenty to do.

For exploring Lisbon in Europe like a local, read this post.

How to see Lisbon like a local | Exploring Lisbon

Lisbon attracts millions of tourists per year, so plenty of the city is geared towards helping people enjoy their holiday. But the best way to explore any city is to swap the tourist traps for authentic experiences and try to copy the locals. Especially if you’re a solo traveller or in a small group, this can mean that you get a deeper demonstration of what a city is really like, rather than just a commercialised version.

But how do you blend into your surroundings? We take a look.

Exploring Lisbon – Start your day with a coffee

Coffee in Portugal is an art form in itself. Lisboetas prefer theirs small and strong, opting for a shot of espresso (called a bica) rather than a long black coffee. If you prefer yours with milk, then it’s worth learning the Portuguese terminology for ordering your favourite cup, so that you get the perfect cup to start your morning off as you relax in the sun.

Exploring Lisbon – Dig into traditional cuisine

One of the must-try treats of Lisbon is the pastéis de nata, a custard tart that comes with a dusting of cinnamon. These delicious treats were first created in the early 19th century, and you’ll find plenty of places to grab one (or three) in every neighbourhood.

Each shop has a slightly different recipe and the title of the best one in Lisbon is hotly debated, so it’s worth trying out a different one each day and enjoying the beautiful decor that plenty of the spots have to offer at the same time.

In the evening, walk around a little before choosing a restaurant. Go down the side streets and take a look – are there plenty of locals sitting at the tables? Take a look at the daily menu, as that is the food that will be their speciality based on the seasonal ingredients.

Don’t be afraid to try places that haven’t made the review lists, and if you enjoy your meal, ask the staff for recommendations for your next evening.

Exploring Lisbon – Travel by public transport

There are plenty of tourist buses that will guide you around Lisbon, but the real way to get into the heart of the city is to travel by public transport or on foot. Doing so will allow you to explore some of the off-the-beaten-track locations and discover little shops and tiny squares that the locals truly frequent. Make sure to be patient and don’t cut the queue – true Lisboetas wait their turn!

Exploring Lisbon – Listen to some fado

It’s recommended that you enjoy this traditional music alongside a plate of delicacies, so make sure to leave the room after your dinner. Prepare to be whisked away and listen to lyrics that talk about life’s encounters, as the genre swings between melancholy and enthusiasm.

There are three different types of fado: a cappella, where the performer sings unaccompanied, fado corrido, where the lyrics are sung and there is dancing, and fado castiço, where the lyrics focus on humorous stories. Visit Mesa de Frades if you want an intimate, simple venue – the performers walk around during their set, giving you a front-row seat.

We hope you liked this post about exploring Lisbon. Have you been to Lisbon in Portugal?

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