Our guide to Lisbon: Is Lisbon Worth Visiting and why you should visit and why not to visit Lisbon.
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a vibrant city full of history, culture, and charm. It has become one of Europe’s hottest travel destinations in recent years, offering a mix of old-world charm and modern life.
However, like any destination, Lisbon may appeal to some travelers more than others. Here’s a balanced travel guide that covers both the reasons why you should visit Lisbon and why you might want to skip it.
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Reasons to Visit Lisbon
1. Rich History and Culture
Why Visit: Lisbon’s history spans over centuries, with influences from the Romans, Moors, and Age of Exploration. The city is filled with historical landmarks such as Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and São Jorge Castle. Walking through its narrow streets gives you a sense of its rich past, from medieval times to the golden era of the Portuguese empire.
Highlights: The Alfama district, Fado music performances, and iconic monuments like the Monument to the Discoveries and the 500-year-old Jerónimos Monastery (UNESCO site).
2. Affordable Destination
Why Visit: Compared to other European capitals like Paris or London, Lisbon is relatively affordable. You can enjoy high-quality food, accommodation, and experiences without breaking the bank.
Highlights: Budget-friendly restaurants offering traditional Portuguese cuisine like bacalhau (salted cod) and pastéis de nata (custard tarts). Affordable transportation and lower cost of living make it a great value for travelers.
3. Amazing Food and Wine
Why Visit: Lisbon is a haven for food lovers. Its cuisine features fresh seafood, traditional dishes, and Mediterranean influences. Whether you’re dining at a local tascas (tavern) or a Michelin-starred restaurant, Lisbon’s food scene is diverse and delicious.
Highlights: Seafood like grilled sardines, octopus, and cataplana. The famous pastéis de nata from the iconic Pastéis de Belém bakery. Don’t forget the wine; Portugal produces excellent varieties, including Vinho Verde and Port wine.
4. Beautiful Architecture
Why Visit: Lisbon’s architecture is a mix of various styles, including Gothic, Manueline, and Baroque. The city is also known for its vibrant azulejos (decorative tiles), which adorn buildings all over the city.
Highlights: The Baixa district with its grand squares, the intricate architecture of Jerónimos Monastery, and the colorful buildings of the Alfama district.
5. Stunning Views and Landscapes
Why Visit: Built on seven hills, Lisbon offers incredible panoramic views from various miradouros (viewpoints). The city’s rolling streets and hills provide beautiful vistas of the red rooftops, the Tagus River, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Highlights: The views from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, Miradouro de Santa Catarina, and the iconic Elevador de Santa Justa.
6. Vibrant Nightlife
Why Visit: Lisbon’s nightlife is lively, with a mix of laid-back bars, trendy clubs, and traditional Fado music venues. The city’s bar scene is diverse, with many cool spots offering rooftop views.
Highlights: The Bairro Alto district is the heart of Lisbon’s nightlife, with bustling streets full of bars and clubs. For a more traditional experience, visit a Fado house in Alfama.
7. Day Trips to Nearby Attractions
Why Visit: Lisbon is a great base for exploring nearby attractions. You can take day trips to stunning coastal towns and historical sites, many of which are just a short train ride away.
Highlights: Sintra, with its fairy-tale palaces like the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, the beach town of Cascais, and Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe.
Reasons Not to Visit Lisbon
1. Crowded Tourist Areas
Why Skip: As Lisbon has become a more popular destination, its major attractions and neighborhoods can become quite crowded, especially in peak travel seasons (spring and summer). This can detract from the charm and make it harder to explore without long lines or packed streets.
Downside: Popular spots like Belém, Baixa-Chiado, and Alfama can get very crowded, making it difficult to fully appreciate the sights.
2. Hilly Terrain
Why Skip: Lisbon is known as the “City of Seven Hills,” which means getting around involves a lot of walking up and down steep streets. This can be tiring, especially for travelers with mobility issues or those who prefer a more flat, easy-to-navigate city.
Downside: Steep streets can make sightseeing challenging, particularly in neighborhoods like Alfama. While trams and tuk-tuks can help, walking is a big part of the Lisbon experience, and it may not be suitable for everyone.
3. Uneven Infrastructure
Why Skip: Lisbon, while modern in some areas, still has sections where infrastructure is lacking. Cobblestone streets, old tram systems, and some outdated public transport options can be frustrating, especially for those used to more developed cities.
Downside: You might experience unreliable public transportation, and some areas may feel more rundown than other European capitals.
4. Weather Extremes in Summer
Why Skip: Lisbon can get very hot in the summer, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F) in July and August. The heat can be overwhelming, especially when combined with the city’s hilly terrain and crowded tourist areas.
Downside: If you’re not a fan of high temperatures, Lisbon in summer might be too hot for comfortable sightseeing.
5. Tourist Overdevelopment
Why Skip: As Lisbon has grown in popularity, some areas have become overly commercialized, with local businesses being replaced by tourist shops and Airbnb rentals. This can make the city feel less authentic in certain neighborhoods.
Downside: Some travelers may feel that the city’s authenticity is being diluted by the increasing number of tourists and gentrification.
6. Rising Prices
Why Skip: Lisbon is generally affordable compared to other Western European cities, but rising demand due to tourism has led to price increases, particularly in accommodation, dining, and tourist attractions.
Downside: While still relatively cheap, Lisbon is becoming more expensive, especially in central areas. This could be a downside for budget travelers.
7. Service Can Be Slow
Why Skip: In Lisbon, restaurant service can be slower compared to other parts of Europe, which might be frustrating for visitors who are used to fast service. Meals are meant to be leisurely, and it’s common to spend extended time at the table.
Downside: If you’re someone who prefers quick meals and fast service, Lisbon’s relaxed dining pace might not suit you.
Conclusion: Is Lisbon Worth Visiting?
Yes, Lisbon is worth visiting for most travelers, especially those who appreciate a mix of history, culture, and affordability. The city’s blend of ancient architecture, stunning views, and vibrant food and nightlife make it an exciting destination.
However, it might not appeal to travelers looking for a completely tourist-free experience, flat terrain, or quick meals and services.
Whether you decide to explore the narrow, cobblestone streets of Alfama, relax in a trendy café in Bairro Alto, or indulge in Lisbon’s incredible food, the city offers something for every type of traveler. Just be prepared for crowds, steep hills, and occasionally slow service!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.