Lisbon and its environs has something for everyone. A rich culinary and wine tradition for foodies, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, religious sites for many faiths, beaches, fishing villages, and a deep musical heritage to name a few things. These are but a few options while you are in Lisbon.
Discover Lisbon's Jewish Heritage
The Jewish community has had a significant influence on the history and culture of Lisbon for centuries. Lisbon has historically been both a place of refuge and a place of persecution. When Ferdinand & Isabella expelled the Jewish from Spain in 1492, many naturally fled to Lisbon, and they were welcomed for a while. But drought and plague hit in the early 1500's and the Jewish were a scapegoat, and it culminated in the Easter Massacre of 1506, where as many as 4,000 Jewish settlers were killed.
Spend an Evening at a Fado Restaurant
Fado is a musical genre that grew out of the port districts of Lisbon in the early 19th century. The lyrics and melodies are usually mournful, not unlike the blues in America, and fado is on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. There are numerous restaurants where one can listen to fado, particularly in the Alfama neighborhood.
Portugal may not have the reputation of Australia, California, or Oahu's North Shore, but there's some fine surfing to be had off of Lisbon's coast. Surfing in Portugal dates back to the 1920's and Lisbon has its own distinct surfing culture. If you are new to surfing, lessons are readily available with guides who can show you the best spots for surfing. With white sand beaches and relatively small crowds, Lisbon may be the perfect spot to ride the waves.
Do a Wine Tasting Tour
There are many wine regions scattered throughout Portugal, and many are adjacent to Lisbon. The Tejo region along the Tagus River is a rich fertile region producing many of Portugal's finest wines. The Setubal region just south of Lisbon is known for the Muscat grape, or Moscatel de Setubal, producing a variety if fortified and sweet wines.
Sintra is a town 30 kilometers west of Lisbon that historically served as a summer residence for Portugese royalty. The town center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town has many royal historical artifacts but the centerpiece is undoubtedly the 19th-century Palácio da Pena. A mix of different architectural styles, its yellow façade generates strong opinions one way or another. Sintra is not just a historical site however. Sintra Natural Park is a protected mountainside sloping into the sea that offers many hiking trails, caves, and bluffs of Roca Cape. A guided day trip may also feature a venture into the nearby fishing village of Cascais.
Take a Day Trip to Fatima and Batalha
Religious edifices of all faiths abound in Portugal. Cathedrals, monasteries, mosques, and temples are all abundant. Fatima, where children were said to have seen an apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1917, is a major pilgrimage destination. Nearby is the Batalha Monastery. Built in 1385 by King John I to thank the Virgin Mary for a military victory over Castile, the monastery is built in the Gothic style and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cruise on the Tagus River
There are many cruises available on the Tagus River and what better way to see the beauty of Lisbon than on a cruise. Cruises generally feature food and drink so you can sip Portugese wine and enjoy Portugese cheese, fish, and sausages while taking in the sites.
Explore the Alfama District
Sprawling down the southern slopes of Lisbon, Alfama is the capital’s oldest and most picturesque district with steep cobblestone lanes and a sea of terracotta roofs. Head there in the day to take in the sights, browse the flea market, and ride the historic tram, then come back after dark to soak up the atmosphere at the many fado bars.
Visit Belém Tower
Belém Tower is one of Lisbon's most visited landmarks. A medieval fortress perched on the banks of the Tagus River, Belem Tower, along with nearby Jeronimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jeronimos), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site,. It’s a lasting symbol of Portugal’s maritime heritage, dating back to the early 16th century.
Take a Portuguese Cooking Class
Portuguese cuisine has many different influences and what better way to take a piece of Portugal back home with you than with learning how to make Portuguese dishes. One of the more popular and easy things to make is the pastry, pastel de nata, an egg custard tart usually dusted with cinnamon. The pastries are ubiquitous throughout Portugal and can also be found in other parts of the globe, particularly former Portuguese colonies.
