Last Updated on March 19, 2021 by Candy Wafford

Lisbon won me over pretty much as soon as we arrived. Even in my jet-lagged state, I could tell this was a special place. I fell in love with Lisbon top to bottom and everything in between. Here are 10 reasons I love Lisbon and think you will too.

1) Lisbon Architecture

There is a rustic beauty to this city of colorful buildings and steep hills that feels different than any other place I’ve visited. One of my favorite things to do in Lisbon was to take my time admiring the beautiful buildings as we walked through the city.

Known as the City of Seven Hills (but there are actually eight), Lisbon’s architecture includes Pombaline and Manueline styles and Baroque interiors. A devastating earthquake in 1755 damaged most of the city’s buildings but led to a new building style that includes Lisbon’s famous tile-covered buildings. The colorful buildings are not only a unique architectural feature but also add to the overall charm of Lisbon.

The Carmo Ruins is one of the few examples of Gothic architecture in Lisbon. The church couldn’t afford to rebuild after suffering heavy damage in the 1755 earthquake. The remaining structure is a gorgeous, sun-filled attraction that is a must-see in Lisbon.

2) Affordability

Traveling is expensive! Especially when traveling to Europe from the United States. The exchange rate is rarely in our favor and our family has become pretty good at stretching our travel budget and still do the things we enjoy.

Lisbon is relatively affordable for a European capital. While I love Paris, Barcelona, and Rome, I found my Euros went much further in Lisbon. From our short-term rental to food, to transportation costs where less in Lisbon than other trips we’ve taken.

Food is an huge part of any trip I take and the ability to enjoy affordable meals was one of the many reasons I fell in love with Lisbon. The meals we had in Lisbon ranged from super cheap pastries for breakfast to simple family-run restaurants to fancier meals. All delicious and affordable.

3) Day Trips From Lisbon

When traveling I love to find a base to stay at and then have lots of easy options to see more of the country I’m visiting. Lisbon is perfect for this type of travel because there are so many day trips. When visiting Lisbon you have the option to see more of Portugal by hopping on a bus or a train and not having to haul your luggage from one spot to another.

Some of my favorite day trips in Lisbon:

• Sintra – The teeny city of Sintra has ten national monuments! The most famous and one of the most stunning places I’ve ever visited is the Pena National Palace. It’s a must-see-to-believe destination. The Castle of the Moors is nearby and stunning as well.

• Belem – The Belem area is actually in Lisbon but is worth a full day of exploring. It’s most famous attractions are the Tower of Belem and the Jeronimos Monastery. We enjoyed simply walking along the waterfront and visiting a flea market the day we visited.
• Cascais – Cascais is a sun-filled beach-side town a short train ride from Lisbon. Toss on a swimsuit, hop on the train, and then spend the day lazing on the beach.

Check out this comprehensive list of Best Day Trips from Lisbon.

4) Lisbon Food

The food in Lisbon is pretty damn awesome. From the incredible pastries available from bakeries on every block to the fresh seafood that is the cornerstone of the Portuguese diet, you will find the food is enough reason to fall in love with Lisbon.

You can’t discuss food in Lisbon without mentioning pasteis de nata. These custard filled tarts are addictive. You won’t find a cheaper, more delicious food in all of Lisbon, or maybe anywhere. When the scent of baking bread lures you into bakery after baker, make sure you try a variety of pastries. Everything I tried was amazing.

A food tour is a great way to get an introduction to food in Lisbon. We did a tour of the Downtown-Mouraria neighborhoods and found it a great introduction to traditional foods and the neighborhoods. On our tour, we discovered codfish cakes, bifana sandwiches, and the very drinkable green wine found in Portugal.

5) The Weather in Lisbon

The Mediterranean climate in Lisbon means that the weather is typically mild year-round. It’s one of those destinations where it feels like the sun shines more than not. The best months to visit are April through October.

6) It’s Not Picture Perfect

Lisbon isn’t as classically beautiful as many other European cities. But this is one of the things I love about it the most. It has history, culture, natural beauty, landmarks, and great food just like other great cities. Just with a slightly rough-around-the-edges feel to it.

There’s no pretension, no airs, just a comfortable well-worn patina that will make you feel comfortable as soon as you get there.

7) Great Mass Transit

I find that using mass transit when traveling is not only a great way to save money, but also a peek into the inner workings of a city. We used regional trains, buses, metro, and the famous trams to get around Lisbon. All of these options are easily accessible, reliable, and affordable.

Make sure you take at least one tram ride while exploring Lisbon’s city center. The old yellow trams, once known as americanos because they were imported from the US, are part transportation and part amusement ride. Grab a window seat and hold on as the tram careens up and down and around the narrow streets of the city.

8) Friendly People

People in Lisbon are friendly and helpful. The greeting and service we received everywhere we went was warm. You get a sense that Lisboans are happy to have you there but not in an overbearing or overly gratuitous way. Just simple hospitality.

We also found that English was widely spoken in the tourist areas of the city. I fell in love with the Portuguese language while we were there and practiced greetings and thank yous as much as possible.

9) Character

Can a city have character? I think so and Lisbon has it in spades. It’s the super cool chick that doesn’t realize she’s the cool chick. Check out this list of the best photo spots in Lisbon!

I’ve never been anywhere else that has the same vibe as Lisbon. From its casual elegance, to the well-worn beauty of the colorful tiles, to the scenic overlooks throughout the city you’ll just feel relaxed and comfortable. And that’s what a vacation is all about, right?

10) Lisbon’s History

Sitting on the Atlantic Ocean and on the mouth of the Tagus River, Lisbon’s relationship to the water is seen everywhere. It is one of the oldest cities in western Europe and has been conquered and settled by just about everywhere. This storied history contributes to the unique feel of the city.

Portugal was neutral during World War II which meant its cities, including Lisbon, were not involved in fighting and left the city intact. As the capital, Lisbon became a haven for refugees and a symbol of hope. Lisbon’s history of tolerance is in part due to a massacre that occurred on the square of the Igreja Sao Domingos church in 1506. Hundreds of people were tortured and killed as suspected Jews. Today, a monument sits in the square in memory of those killed.

You’ll find interesting history and stories throughout your visit to Lisbon from how pasteis de Nata came to be to the stories of many of the landmarks throughout the area. Just another one of the many reasons to love Lisbon!

Fall in Love With Lisbon

Whether you’re spending a month in Lisbon or just one perfect day, this is a city unlike any other. Have you visited Lisbon? Leave a comment about your favorite things to do in Lisbon!

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