Lisbon, the capital of Portugal has recently won my heart. It is right by the coast, it has amazing hill top views, and all the food you can eat. In no particular order, here are 6 reasons to love Lisbon and to add to your bucket list.
1 | The Gorgeous Tiles
Door frames, walls, stairwells, exterior of buildings, souvenir shops – tiles are everywhere! And they’re so pretty and colourful that I was totally tempted to bring some home with me!
2 | All the Seafood
Being near the coast has its perks. This clam dish was one of my favourites!
3 | Cheap food
If you find the right places (aka local places) you can get some cheap food! I got a sandwich, drink, and fries for under 5 euros near the Belem Tower. I got a bifana literally a few cents more than the McDonald price at a Casa das Bifanas for around 2 euros whereas the MD version cost 1.95!
I mean look at this bill! For FULL SERVINGS of seafood rice, prawn curry, cod, and sausage. Also, $2.50 euro for two sodas. That’s usually the price of one!
4 | Everything is so colourful
I mean look at how colourful these buildings I walked by are! If I could have this in Toronto, that’d be fantastic!
5 | You get a mix of city life and beach life
You could easily spend the entire day just hanging out at the beach or you can spend the entire day in the city. You don’t have to pick either because they’re close enough that you can do both in one day!
6 | (Rooftop) Patios
It’s practically patio season year round and I am soooooo jealous of that. It was nice to sit at a patio and just people watch/soaking in the vibe. Then combining patios with rooftops? Yes please! Just look at the view!
QOTD: What’s your favourite city to visit? Have you visited Lisbon?
More from around the web: Heading to Lisbon on your own? Check out this post on solo travel in Lisbon from Blond Wayfarer!
[Tweet “6 Reasons to Love Lisbon @VisitPortugal #Wanderlust “]
pin it
Other places to connect with me
Instagram: @runcarmyrun @curiouslychasing @carmyshungry
Twitter: https://twitter.com/runcarmyrun
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/carmyycom
Email: [email protected]
Vlogs/Recipe Videos: Youtube
hilary says
We loved Lisbon! Especially all the beautiful street art! Great photos! #citytripping
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) says
I love Lisbon too:) #citytripping
Kat @anaussieinsf says
That bread looks delicious.
Meanwhile, did you plan your outfit based on that doorway? Because if not, that’s an excellent coincidence ;)
#citytripping
Carmy says
It was such a coincidence! We went by the doorway and I didn’t even realize I matched until I went to upload it! ha!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
I loved seeing all the photos of your trip on IG looks like you really got a taste of of Lisbon. I have not been there yet!
Lolo says
Those are some pretty damn awesome reasons to love Lisbon! Hoping to make it there soon! #CityTripping
Ruth says
Lisbon is one of those places I dream of visiting and I do not think I need a lot of convincing to go. But, your photos are a good reminder of how bad I want to go. I like all the things you have presented in here. All I can say is wow, wow and wow! #citytripping
Megan Jerrard says
Love the tiles! I’d heard Lisbon was a fantastic hub for seafood, though hadn’t realized the architecture and interior design was so stunning too! Hopefully can hit up Portugal soon :)
Vicky @ A Backpack Full of Adventures says
Lisbon really is gorgeous! I went there on my first ever solo trip and absolutely loved it. I’m not a massive fan of seafood but I completely agree about all the colours and rooftop views :) I’ll definitely need to go back at some point!
Jen Morrow says
I have not been to Lisbon, it is on my travel wish list! The local food looks delicious. I never eat at MD, local is better.
Michelle D. says
I absolutely love that you added a cheap food section to this post. Us broke college students (me haha) really need some cheap options! Lisbon looks amazing and I hope to visit here soon! xx
Carmy says
Girl I feel the same way haha. Just graduated so hello university debt ;)
Nicki says
I’ve been dreaming of visiting. You have capture all the things I love about Lisbon. I fear I would never be able to leave <3
Kristine says
Lisbon looks amazing and I really want to go there. I love those tiles. They really look fantastic in photos. Same with the colorful buildings :)
Erin N Scherer says
STUNNING photos! Dying to visit Lisbon, hopefully within the next year. Great post :)
Jo says
loving these pics and they def make me wanna head to Lisbon. I want to do another Euro trip next year so this comes at the right time when I am shortlisting options. I see those fancy tiles in so many Ig posts on Lisbon, are they like everywhere?? So cool!
Meg Cale says
oh wow that architecture is so gorgeous! I love the tiles and the roof decks and the use of outdoor space. The art nerd in me is geeking out a bit.
Brianna says
I’ve been hearing more and more good things about Lisbon. But I didn’t know about the cheap food! The beaches and the colorful buildings are pretty enticing too! I guess I better move Lisbon up on my list!
Philip says
You know the tiles kinda show how globalization took place years ago as well. Many of those designs are very asian. The place looks really colorful and warm. Hopefully their winters are just as warm! :)
Stephanie says
I’m sold. I have heard nothing but good things about Lisbon. My friends all went this year, and I need to get it lined up for next summer. I am sure I will love the tiles, the seafood, and all of th beautiful colors. I also really want to visit the beaches and nearby castles.
Hallie says
Gorgeous! I love a good tile backdrop and some colorful buildings. Who doesn’t? The city and beach life is ideal as well. Guess I’ll have to get to Lisbon to check it out sometime.
Paige Wunder says
Fun! I love been dying to get to Lisbon, but I just can’t seem to get there. Other opportunities keep presenting themselves. Lisbon will be soon, though. I love all the tiles and colors so much, and cheap food is always an amazing plus!
Samantha Elisabeth says
Ahh I loved Lisbon so much! I think I have a photo of that same purple building (albeit a heavily, badly filtered iPhone3 from 2012 version haha). It’s such a surprising city, and it’s so pretty. I remember I just came from rainy London in late October, and was so pleasantly surprised by the pastel buildings and sunny weather of Portugal.
Christina says
They all sound like pretty good reasons to love Lisbon, Carmy. I do like the colourful buildings, low cost and rich history.
Kate Carter Hickey says
Bright architecture, stellar rooftops, cheap food? I’m packing my bags! I love all the bright colours you’ve captured. I wouldn’t be there for the seafood, but everything else looks exceptional. Wicked post!
Suanlee says
As if I did not have enough reasons to love Lisbon… From the food to the beautiful architecture, You have captured and perfectly summarised the best reasons to visit. I’ll just have to experience all of this myself now!
Cathy (Mummytravels) says
I do love Lisbon, one of my favourite cities and I completely agree with your reasons- the colours are wonderful and it definitely feels cheaper than a lot of Europe. #citytripping
Karolina says
What a great post! I’ve landed in Portugal yesterday & I’m heading to Lisbon next week. I am sure I will love this city as much as you did :)
Claire says
Ooh I haven’t been to Portugal yet, despite living in Spain for several years! I really would like to go, and these points make me want to go even more! :) Especially for the seafood!!!
Punita Malhotra says
Yellow trams, red bridge, narrow lanes, Alfama, laid-back charm, gold churches, belem pasteis de nata, patterned floors, run-down buildings….Lisbon I love you!
JM says
Lisbon is surely lovable. I am fascinated with those tiles and the colorful houses and buildings. Lisbon is surely a must visit place and it is in my planned Europe trip itinerary.
Katie from What's Katie Doing? Blog says
I do love Lisbon – the food is something special! Did you try the custard tarts? They are amazing!!
GiGi Eats says
WAHHHH! I WANNA GO! I have to go book a flight to go to SAN FRAN next week. But I would much rather book a flight to Lisbon! ha!
Claire at Tin Box Traveller says
Lisbon is on my bucket list. I keep reading such wonderful blog posts about it. No wonder it has your heart! #MondayEscapes
Indrani says
I visited Lisbon last year. Loved it very much for these very reasons. The pavements, did you notice? They had such amazing patterns. I have to go back there again.
Nicki says
I can’t take the beauty of Lisbon! I feel like I would never leave. All the charming tiles and doors, the colorful streets and cheap food? I am there
beatravelling says
Loved the tiles as well :) #mondayescapes
Tom says
Fortunately, having lots of seafood and being very affordable is a perfect combination. I was there a year ago–it’s great to be in such a place where you don’t have to worry so much about a restaurant bill.
Miriam Ernst says
I love the colorful houses and tiles! And the food!! Looks so yummy! You took great pictures
Sarah Harvey says
I’ve never been but you’re really tempting me to make a trip soon! I love the colours, tiles and rooftops. In a way, your pictures remind me of where I’m currently living, in San Sebastian De La Gomera, Spain. We don’t have hardly enough tiles though!
Davide uTravelShare.com says
ON MY BUCKET LIST!! after this post I really want to visit this city; I have been told that is a pretty town, great food and cheap, many things to do and see; well, I have to go there! thanks for sharing it
Elizabeth (Wander Mum) says
I haven’t been to Lisbon (yet) but we recently went to the Algarve and it too has the most magnificent tiles on the houses, great beaches and delicious seafood too. Portugal was a wonderful surprise. Glad you enjoyed it as well! #citytripping
blair villanueva says
Hello Carmy,
Lisbon is very much alive based on your post! Yes I can’t help but admire even those tiles in every cities that I visited. Lisbon is another new place I would love yo visit soon!
Kusum says
Such a cute place, love all the colorful buildings! Portugal has always been on my list, hopefully will be able to go soon.
Alberto C. says
I’ve been to Lisbon 2 or 3 times and I absolutely love it! I do agree that the food is incredible and so cheap, not to mention that the portions are massive! I would also add Pasteis de Belem, my favourite pastry ever! :)
Isabel says
Omg, you nailed it <3 Lisbon is so beautiful!!
Joanna says
I would love to visit Lisbon, it looks like such a colorful city. The mosaic of the tiles is gorgeous! I love the fact that the food is so cheap and that you can eat so much seafood. The advantages of being next to the ocean :)
Laveena Sengar says
This is a great list. It made me fall in love with the place. The purpose taken are very pretty. I personally love the tile texture.
Ami says
Good enough reasons. The colored tiles, the doorways, the fantastic views and clean beaches….definitely Lisbon is a city that can charm you. I will have to take up my cousin on that invite he has been extending for sometime now. :)
Priyanka Singh says
I didn’t have an idea about the colorful angle of Lisbon. All bright pictures are so appealing especially texture of tiles that are correlating to blue pottery of Rajasthan, India
Mini Travellers says
Oh I am really hoping for a February trip out to Lisbon with my kids. Now I am looking forward to it even more. Cheap you say! and Seafood! Thanks for linking up to #MondayEscapes
Jo - Mother of Teenagers says
We are yet to visit Lisbon. I do love a city with a beach it just makes it getting the balance between relaxing and sight-seeing so much easier. #MondayEscapes