Flights
Country: Portugal
City: Lisbon
Lisbon Airport code: LIS
The Lisbon airport is 10 minutes away from downtown Lisbon. A cab ride from the airport to the city center should cost no more than 10 Euros, with luggage fees.
Flights TAP Air Portugal has direct flights into Lisbon from both JFK and Newark daily. If you’re looking to fly direct, TAP maybe your best bet. However, this route tend to be the pricier route.
If you have time and would love to explore other parts of Europe, we suggest you fly into one of the major city hubs (ie: Paris, London, Madrid, etc.) as they usually have cheap flights from NYC. From there you can find a cheap inter-continental flight into Lisbon.
Other carriers that fly non-stop from NYC are Air France, KLM, Delta, Lufthansa, United and Brussels Airlines.
Ground Transportation
UBER/CABS is an easy and great way to get around in Lisbon. It’s also cheap! Portuguese people are extremely friendly and will try to speak in English. City's taxi drivers tend to be cheaper than Uber and ride-hailing apps. Other apps that are widely used are Taxify, Cabify, MyTaxi and Chauffeur Prive.
RENTAL CARS prices are fairly priced. It’s a good idea for a car rental if you want to drive to Estoril, Cascais, Sintra, Palmela, Sesimbra, etc.. Be warned, if you decide to do rental cars it is hard to find parking in downtown Lisbon and the roads can get really tight and narrow! Although, there are plenty of parking lots. Tips on driving in Lisbon
LISBON METRO and Tram is an inexpensive, safe and fastest method to travel around the capital. It is also very easy! But beware of pick-pockets on the 28 Tram! Lisbon Metro Guide
ELECTRIC SCOOTER is another good way to zip around the city is the electric scooters! They have these guys everywhere in Lisbon. But please be extra careful riding on the tight cobbled streets.
Click here for 3 Lime Ride coupons. Or use the code: RNRPSAU
Accommodations
AIRBNB
Airbnb maybe the inexpensive alternative to hotels. It also allows you to experience living in the heart of Lisbon like a local. Below is the neighborhood breakdown. The first three are the ones we highly recommend.
Neighborhood Breakdown:
* Recommended areas to stay in.
Baixa and Rossio* - Most tourist-friendly neighborhood, liveliest and most central area where you can find Lisbon’s main landmarks, shopping, and dining opportunities. This is the real Lisbon downtown area.
Alfama* - Old town, the authentic fishing neighborhood the most charming and oldest part of Lisbon. The place to go if you want to eat traditional meals accompanied by Fado music. Narrow winding medieval alleys are common in this area.
Chiado & Barrio Alto* - Lisbon’s bohemian and alternative neighborhood and the most central location. Filled with bars, restaurants, cafes, and hostels. This is where everyone hangs out on Saturdays.
Alcantara - Situated between downtown and Belem, this neighborhood has bars and restaurants is along the river on the docks and LX Factory - a renovated factory building complex with shops, restaurants and more.
Principe Real - Trendy neighborhood north of Bairro Alto. The building here is grander with a pricey vibe.
Parque das Nacoes - Modern area where Oriente train station and the OCeanario de Lisboa are located. There are a number of restaurants and bars along the strip along the river as well as clubs, office building and apartments.
Avenida da Liberdade - Designer row, Magnificent hotels, and banks are found here with lots of high-end stores for shopping.
Graca and Sao Vicente - Also older part of the city with tiny streets and pavement. Offer a wonderful view of the Tejo River from above and wrap around jaw-dropping landmarks. You can also find the outdoor flea market that takes place every Saturday near the National Pantheon.
Mourariia - Another secret area in the middle of the tourist spot. An old Moorish district, which stretches from Alfama in the south, below the caste and toward Martim Moniz in the north with stone streets.
Cais do Sodre - Like Barrio Alto, this area is a cool neighborhood to go for a beer and catch up with friends. The Time Out Market is in this area. It is one of the city’s main food courts that offer everything from traditional meals to trendy treats and bakeries. It is also home to the colorful Pink street, full of bars and restaurants and artistic personalities.
HOTEL INFO
Pestana CR7, the lifestyle hotel born out of a collaboration between famous Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo and the Pestana Hotel Group. This hotel is located in the heart of downtown Lisbon with nearby shopping area, nightlife, and main tram lines.
In order to get a discount please click here. Keep in min rooms are first come first serve basis, therefore, we have no control if it runs out.
Room Rates:
- CR Room: €155/Night
- CR Superior Room: €165/Night
Rooms include: Breakfast and legal taxes included, except the City tax (payable at the hotel). One night stay will be charged to your credit card for booking confirmation. Non-refundable in case of cancellation. Cancellation up to 45 days prior arrival date: 50% of total stay will be charged to your credit card. Cancellation up to 15 days prior arrival date: 75% of total stay will be charged to your credit card. Cancellation less than 14 days prior arrival: 100% of total stay will be charged to your credit card.
This hotel is nestled in the countryside with beautiful rolling hills. It is 30 minutes north of Lisbon, 20 minutes from beaches of the west coast, 30 minutes from the medieval town of Obidos and also 30 minutes west of Quinta da Bichinha (wedding venue). If you like quiet and tranquility this is the best place for you to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.
In order to get a discount for this hotel. Please make your reservation directly through Liliana Juliao via email [email protected] stating you're with the “Dominic & Jennifer’s Wedding”.
Room rates:
- Run of the House: €115/night double occupancy*
- Superior Deluxe Room: €140/night double occupancy*
- Suite: €300/night double occupancy*
Children:
- 0-3 years old are free of charge w/cot
- 4-12 years old are free of charge with extra bed
- 13 years and older charged as a triple room.(*buffet breakfast included)
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION INFO BY THE WEDDING VENUE
Cambeiros Guesthouse, 5 km with 8 bedrooms. Click here for more info
Quinta de Santo António, 5 km with 9 bedrooms Click here for more info
Moinho do Lebre, 7km with 1 bedroom fits 4 guests https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1309533?s=51
Quinta de Palhacana, 10km with 4 bedrooms Click here for more info
Things to do
Things to do in Lison:
Museu Nacional do Azulejo (Tile Museum) - National Tile Museum allows you a journey through the history of tiles from the 15th century until present day.
Santa Justa Lift - Also called the Carmo Life, an elevator in the heart of Lisbon. It connects the lower streets of Baixa to Bairro Alto. Top attraction and great viewpoints.
Carmo Archaeological Museum - Former Catholic convent located in the heart of Lisbon, today it is the Carmo Archaeological Museum. Besides the exhibits, the monastery itself is a tourist sight with living proof of the damages left by the 1755 earthquake of Lisbon. Definitely a must see!
Praça do Comercio (Commerical Square) - The largest of Lison’s mighty plaza, traditionally where traders would sell their foreign ware and financiers would fund perilous expeditions to the far reaches of the world. With nearby shopping areas and nightlife.
Alfama (old town) - One of the oldest district of Lisbon with narrow cobbled streets and ancient houses. Great to wander the narrow streets, seek street art, ride the #28 tram, climb to the top of National Pantheon for a panoramic view over the Lisbon waterfront.
Castelo de S. Jorge - This is the famous castle in Lisbon. You can take a cab or walk - the walk is so nice and there are a ton of shops to go to on the way. There are gardens to walk through (with wild peacocks) and there are great vantage point views of the city.
National Pantheon - Originally a church, it was converted in the National Pantheon in the 20th century in which important Portuguese personalities are buried. The terrace at the top has one of Lisbon’s most beautiful viewpoints and views of the waterfront.
Belem - Belem is the delightful district to the west of central Lisbon and is the setting for many of the capital’s most iconic and important tourist attractions. The district makes for an enjoyable half day excursion, and combines historic monuments, fascinating museums and carefully maintained parks, all of which line the cooling waters of the Tejo estuary.
Belem Tower - The Tower of St. Vincent, is a fortified tower located on the civil parish of Santa Maria de Belem, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Jeronimos Monastery - Former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome near the Tagus river.
Pastei de Belem - Famous and the best Portuguese egg tarts (pastel de nata) found here! It’s crazy busy there, but the line moves quickly. You can either ask to be seated or take them to go, we suggest you do both!
Padrão dos Descobrimentos - is a monument on the northern bank of the Tagus River near Belem Tower.
MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology, also situated along the banks of Tagus River. It’s beautifully designed and great for sunset views.
LxFactory - Historical industry complex which houses an array of artsy retailers and unique restaurants. Think DUMBO meets Williamsburg!
Time Out Market - Food hall located in the Mercado da Riberia at Cais do Sodre. This is where you can find the best of Lisbon under one roof. Be sure to try Pasteis de Nata From Manteigaria, it is €1 each! (Let us know how it compares to Pastei de Belem.)
For free walking tours - https://www.neweuropetours.eu/
For additional things to do - click here.
Things to do Outside of Lisbon (Day Trips Worthy):
Cabo da Roca - Cabo da Roca is a cape at the west coast of Portugal in the Lisbon Region. It is the westernmost point of the European continent, which is the main reason for visiting it. The views from the cape are quite spectacular, and if you wish you can use Cabo da Roca as the starting point for walking trails along the coast.
Boca do Inferno - The Boca do Inferno is an interesting cliff formation close to Cascais, which has been given an overly dramatic name of Hell’s Mouth. The ceaseless pounding of the Atlantic Ocean on the cliffs chiseled out a small cave, which subsequently collapsed forming a small bay and natural arch.
Cascais - Coastal fishing/ resort town west of Lisbon with the charming center and close to the finest beaches of the Lisbon region. It’s known for its sandy Beach and busy marina. It’s also just 40 minutes from Lisbon by car. It is easily accessible by train and local tours!
Estoril to Cascais Praomendae and Walk - Here you can enjoy a nice 3 km walk. The route lines the beaches. The promenade is flat and is suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. The promenade passes many of the region’s best beaches and there are many interesting sights, historical buildings, and outdoor cafes. Think Bondi Beach walk in Sydney!
Sintra - A resort town in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains, 45 minutes from Lisbon. Also easily accessible by local tours. A longtime royal sanctuary with pastel colored villas and palaces. The Pena National Palace is best known in Sintra for its whimsical design and sweeping views.
- Pena National Palace - best known in Sintra for its whimsical design and sweeping views.
- Castle of the Moors - Hilltop fortress with panoramic views of Sintra.
- Sintra National Palace - Moorish palace with notable tile collection and ornate courtyard and rooms.
Obidos - The trip might be a bit far but well worth it. Castle of Óbidos is a well-preserved medieval castle. The walls of Castle Obidos completely encircle the town and it is possible to walk the entire perimeter. From the walls, there are wonderful views over the terracotta tiled roofs and white painted houses of the town. The entire walk takes around an hour but is only for the confident as the castle walls are thin with almost no safety railings. Within the town, there are cute shops, bars, and cafes to explore. This is very close to Dolce Campo Real.
Serra da Arribida National Park - A scenic drive with breath-taking views of azure water, rich golden beaches, and impressive green mountains.
Of course, there is also Porto, the coastal city in the northwest, known for port wine production. Similar to Lisbon, Porto has its own narrow cobbled streets filled with tons of history, cafes, restaurants, and nightlife. Port is about 3 hours from Lisbon, therefore, this makes a great road trip!
Check this site to book tours: https://www.viator.com/
LIST OF REFERENCE SITES FROM BLOGGERS WORTH READING
https://roadsandkingdoms.com/travel-guide/lisbon/
http://witanddelight.com/2019/01/the-wit-delight-travel-guide-to-portugal/
Places to eat
Click here For a great article regarding popular cuisines, which highlights the history of Lisbon in 10 dishes.
Time Out Market - Food hall located in the Mercado da Riberia at Cais do Sodre. This is where you can find the best of Lisbon under one roof. Be sure to try Pasteis de Nata From Manteigaria, it is €1 each! (Let us know how it compares to Pastei de Belem.)
Cervejaria Ramiro - Popular eatery, well known for seafood specialties like oysters, lobsters, clams, and crabs. Our favorite was the garlic shrimp and the crab. Unfortunately, this place is closed for holiday in the month of August.
Darwin's Cafe - Contemporary decor, modern European food on the waterfront terrace.
Pastei de Belem - Famous and the best Portuguese egg tarts (pastel de nata) found here! It’s crazy busy there, but the line moves quickly. You can either ask to be seated or take them to go, we suggest you do both!
Pastelaria Aloma - Two-time award winner of the best pastel de nata in Lisbon (contest ran by the festival Peixe em Lisboa in the neighborhood of Campo Ourique).
Claras em Castelo - Steps from Castelo de Sao Jorge's entrance, a tiny restaurant with warm service and home cooking.
Leopold - Exquisite high-end gastronomy experience, everything is very innovative in this experimental kitchen. Everything is delicious! It's a great place to eat at for its price.
Cantina LX - Open kitchen concept that services hearty Portuguese standards, oven baked octopus or salted-cod along with steak in red-wine sauce and herby lamp chops. This space has an edgy, industrial feel with bare brick walls and original wood tables and brightly painted iron chairs dating back to when they served as a canteen for works in the neighborhood printing plant.
Restaurante Geographia - This restaurant pays tribute to the gastronomy that speaks Portuguese, with influences from Brazil, East-Timor, Cape Verde, Angola, Mozambique, São Tomé e Príncipe, Macao and Goa since Portuguese cuisine was one of the first fusion cuisines in the world.
A Cevicheria - A cute tapas bar & restaurant with plenty of seafood dishes and a giant octopus hanging from the ceiling.
Naked - Vegan Restaurant! This new, friendly cafe-restaurant makes a great pitstop any time of day. One of the founders is Miguel Júdice, entrepreneur and author of The 500 Hidden Secrets of Lisbon, who wanted to create a place to show that healthy eating “can be delicious”. There are lots of wholesome breakfast options, plus bright salads and mains such as tomato shakshouka (poached eggs in spicy sauce, €8) heart of palm and mushroom stroganoff (€13) at lunch and dinner. For non-veggies, ceviche and codfish make it onto the menu, too.