Lisbon attractions

Boasting 2 million hungry visitors a year, this crowded food hall will have you swimming in gourmet food. It only opened in 2014 but the Time Out Market has fast become a top tourist attraction (and the place locals like to come when they feel like splashing out). With top offerings from 24 restaurants, 8 bars, 12 shops and high-end musical acts, you can get a taste of anything you fancy, from steak, to burgers, to sushi, risotto and seafood. For the creamiest, most delectable Pasteis de nata on earth (custard tarts to you and I) head to the bakery at the far end and ask for a whole bag, then sit at one of the long communal tables and tuck in. No one will judge you. They’re all doing the same thing.

Want to feel the sand between your toes instead of all those slippery Lisbon cobblestones? Families head to the Estoril-Cascais coastline, easily reachable by train from the city center. The Praia de Carcavelos is the biggest and best beach in the region, while the historic fishing port of Cascais makes a great place to stop for fresh seafood. The Atlantic-facing Serra de Sintra coastline has a number of excellent surfing beaches and wild, rugged scenery. Try a daytrip to the charming resort town of Praia das Maçãs. You’ll need to rent a car to explore the picturesque Serra da Arrábida coastline, while the Costa da Caparica coast has a mix of surfing and family-friendly beaches and a trendy bar scene.

You can’t come to Lisbon and not spend a day in the stunning fairytale town of Sintra. On a sunny day you’ll feel like a character in the Enchanted Forest as you make your way through this longtime royal sanctuary. Explore dewy forests and hidden tunnels leading to gushing waterfalls. Pose in exotic gardens with mesmerizing views, skip across paving stones on lily ponds and make your way through secret caves using just a flashlight! Skip the line to the Pena Palace with our Tiqets day trip to Sintra and the surfing beaches of Cascais, which will also take you right to the magnificent Roca Cape Cliffs - Europe’s westernmost point. Get ready to take more photos than you’ve ever taken in your life!

It not only rhymes, it’s also a cultural highlight! Fado in Chiado is an hour-long live show that’s regularly ranked a #1 activity on TripAdvisor. It’s also a great end-of-the-day activity for the whole family. If you don’t know what Fado is, think melodious guitar music and beautiful old ladies singing songs about local life and lost loves. There’s Fado all over Lisbon and many play while you’re eating dinner in local restaurants. This one comes with moving images of the city, adding to the musical spectacular. You’ll not only be captivated by the talent, you’ll also find a new appreciation for an art form that is so special it’s considered part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO!