The El Camino Travel Guide to Lisbon
Written by Katherine Harrison
Perched on the Iberian Peninsula in western Portugal, Lisbon overlooks the Tagus River and Atlantic Ocean. Built on seven hills, this coastal city has iconic viewpoints of Lisbon’s pastel-colored buildings and surrounding waterways. As one of the sunniest places in southern Europe, and the second oldest European capital city, you are bound to catch breathtaking views when visiting this radiant, historic haven. In between soaking in the beautiful sights, stop to enjoy Lisbon’s cuisine. Fresh seafood, natural wine, and plenty of live music to accompany it, dining in Lisbon is a real treat.
Lisbon is brimming with culture from its history to its gastronomy. We aren’t the only ones to notice—this picturesque city is catching the attention of tourists from all over the world. With a rapid increase in visitors over the last several years, overtourism is contributing to rising prices for locals, which is why it’s more important than ever to eat, drink, explore, shop, and stay local when visiting Lisbon. We collaborated with Lisbon travel experts, Rani Cheema and Danny Adler, and tapped into The ECT Clubhouse, to bring you the best recommendations to do just that.
Eat
You don’t want to miss A Cevicheria, a favorite amongst ECT Clubhouse members, located on an unassuming street in one of the busiest areas of Libson—Principe Real. Focused on creating the traditional Peruvian dish of ceviche with Portuguese, Asian, and tropical flavors, you will enjoy the familiar dish with a twist. Come for the ceviche and stay for the atmosphere—from their unique cutout window to the giant octopus hanging from the ceiling, the ambiance of the restaurant complements the delicious flavors they are serving. Be prepared to be welcomed with Pisco, a Peruvian brandy, or a Pisco Sour, a traditional Peruvian cocktail combining brandy with a squeeze of lime.
Also included in the guide:
A Lisbon seafood institution that will remind you why you love the classics—no crazy seasoning or sauce needed
A farm-to-table venue that features ferns, ivy and natural light pouring in through large windows to create an industrial-chic aesthetic
Stay
If you are interested in seeing the sprawling grounds of Portugal’s wine region, look no further. Stay outside of the city at São Lourenço Do Barrocal in Alentejo. This gorgeous 200-year-old estate is about a two-hour and 15-minute drive from Lisbon, and well-worth the trek. The rooms were once farm workers' homes and have been renovated to still maintain that character. Or you can opt for the cottages that offer a spacious escape but still feel right in the center of the “Monte.” Wherever you stay on this farm, you will relish the rural life.
Also included in the guide:
A refurbished 19th-century building and Design Hotel nestled in one of Lisbon’s most picturesque neighborhoods
An elegant boutique hotel that was built on the basis of environmental sustainability and social responsibility
Join the ECT Clubhouse—our digital community of well-traveled experts and women—to access the full guide. Get a two-week free trial to get inside and start exploring right away.
Drink
Head to Topo, Danny's favorite rooftop bar, perched near Chiado. “They have fantastic cocktails, petiscos, and views over the old town and São Jorge Castle,” Danny notes. Sitting on top of a shopping center, this trendy rooftop bar is easy to miss—but trust us, you don’t want to miss it. In addition to the incredible views, they serve international bites and premium cocktails. “They have DJs that go into the night,” so Danny recommends starting a fun night out here.
Also included in the guide:
A cozy bar that has one of the best collections of Portuguese wine
One of the oldest bars in Lisbon hidden on a small, steep street where you must ring a bell to get into the hole-in-the-wall spot
