Lisbon

🎭 Activities

Carnaval de Lisboa – February: Lisbon’s vibrant Carnaval brings colorful parades, dazzling costumes, and lively street performances across the city. Music, samba dancers, and themed floats create a festive atmosphere, with parties lasting late into the night. It’s a fantastic winter celebration that fills Lisbon with energy and joy. 

Book Fair – May to June: This annual fair takes place in Eduardo VII Park, attracting book lovers with countless stalls, author signings, and literary events. Visitors can browse a wide selection of books, from Portuguese classics to international bestsellers, all in an outdoor setting. It’s a great place to experience Lisbon’s literary culture and meet local writers. 

Festa de Santo António – June: Celebrating Lisbon’s patron saint, this festival features lively street parties, traditional fado music, and delicious grilled sardines. Alfama’s winding streets fill with decorations, dancing, and processions, while locals participate in mass weddings known as “casamentos de Santo António.” It’s Lisbon’s most iconic summer celebration, blending history, food, and fun. 

Jazz em Agosto – August: This summer jazz event takes place at the Gulbenkian Foundation, hosting contemporary jazz musicians from around the world. Concerts range from experimental performances to traditional jazz styles, attracting music lovers to one of Lisbon’s most prestigious venues. It’s a perfect way to enjoy warm August nights with incredible live music. 

Oceanarium – Year-round: One of the largest aquariums in Europe, the Oceanarium offers a fascinating look at marine life from around the world. Visitors can explore giant tanks filled with sharks, rays, and colorful fish, as well as exhibits on conservation and biodiversity. It’s an immersive experience for families and nature enthusiasts any time of the year. 

Pastéis de Nata Baking Workshop – Year-round: Learn the art of making Portugal’s famous custard tarts in a hands-on baking workshop. Expert chefs guide participants through the process, from preparing the flaky pastry to achieving the perfect creamy filling. It’s a delicious way to connect with Lisbon’s culinary heritage and enjoy freshly made treats. 

Rooftop Film Sessions – July to September: During the summer months, rooftop venues across the city transform into open-air cinemas. Visitors can watch classic films and new releases while enjoying panoramic views of Lisbon’s skyline. The combination of fresh air, great movies, and scenic settings makes for an unforgettable evening. 

Wine Tasting – September to October: Autumn is the perfect time to explore Portugal’s wine culture through guided tastings and vineyard tours. Local sommeliers introduce visitors to a variety of regional wines, including famous Portuguese reds and refreshing vinho verde. It’s an excellent way to discover the rich flavors of Lisbon’s wine scene. 

Doclisboa International Film Festival – October: This documentary film event showcases thought-provoking films from around the world, covering a range of cultural and social topics. Screenings take place in different theaters across Lisbon, attracting filmmakers, critics, and cinephiles. It’s a must-visit for film lovers seeking powerful storytelling and unique perspectives. 

Natalis Christmas Market – December: Lisbon’s largest Christmas market offers festive shopping, seasonal treats, and a magical winter atmosphere. Visitors can browse handmade gifts, sample Portuguese holiday specialties, and enjoy entertainment like carol singing and ice skating. It’s the perfect way to experience the holiday spirit in Portugal’s capital. 

Sintra Day Trip – March to November: A short train ride from Lisbon, Sintra’s fairy-tale palaces, lush gardens, and historic castles make for an unforgettable excursion. Visitors can explore the colorful Pena Palace, mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, and scenic Moorish Castle while enjoying breathtaking mountain views. It’s a must-do experience for history and nature lovers alike. 

Half Marathon – March: This famous running event takes athletes across the 25 de Abril Bridge, offering spectacular views of the Tagus River. Participants from around the world compete in this well-organized race, which also includes a shorter fun run for casual runners. Whether running or cheering from the sidelines, it’s an exciting way to experience Lisbon’s sports culture. 

🔹 Small Facts

• Lisbon’s Great Earthquake (1755): In 1755, a devastating earthquake hit Lisbon, causing widespread destruction, followed by a tsunami and raging fires. The disaster nearly wiped out the city, but it was rebuilt using a pioneering seismic-resistant design. This reconstruction influenced modern urban planning techniques across Europe. 

• The World’s Oldest Bookstore: Lisbon is home to Bertrand Bookstore, the world’s oldest operating bookstore, founded in 1732. The store has survived wars, revolutions, and even the catastrophic 1755 earthquake. It remains a cultural icon in Lisbon and continues to serve book lovers from around the world. 

• Lisbon’s Seven Hills: Lisbon is built on seven steep hills, giving the city dramatic views of the surrounding areas. The hills created challenges for transportation, leading to the introduction of iconic yellow trams and funiculars to navigate the slopes. These hills make Lisbon’s landscape one of the most unique in Europe. 

• The Carnation Revolution (1974): The Carnation Revolution took place on April 25, 1974, when the Portuguese dictatorship was peacefully overthrown. Soldiers and civilians placed carnations in their rifles, symbolizing a non-violent transition to democracy. This revolution also marked the end of Portugal’s colonial rule in Africa. 

• The Age of Discoveries: In the 15th and 16th centuries, Lisbon became the heart of Portugal’s maritime empire during the Age of Discoveries. Explorers like Vasco da Gama sailed from Lisbon’s shores, opening new trade routes and bringing immense wealth to the city. This era changed global trade forever. 

• Alfama – The Oldest District: Alfama, the oldest district in Lisbon, was once home to the Moors and retains much of its medieval charm. Its narrow, winding streets survived the 1755 earthquake due to their compact design and solid foundations. Today, Alfama is known for traditional Fado music and its historic buildings. 

• The Tower of Belém: The Tower of Belém, built in the early 1500s, was originally constructed as a defense mechanism for Lisbon’s harbor. It became a symbol of Portugal’s maritime power and exploration during the Age of Discoveries. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

• Lisbon’s Unique Tile Art – Azulejos: Lisbon is famous for its colorful azulejos, decorative ceramic tiles used throughout the city. Introduced by the Moors, these tiles adorn buildings, metro stations, and even public walls, telling stories of Lisbon’s history. They are a key feature of the city’s cultural identity. 

• Lisbon Was Once Europe’s Richest City: In the 16th century, Lisbon was one of Europe’s wealthiest cities, thanks to its control of key trade routes to Africa, Asia, and Brazil. The wealth from spices, gold, and other commodities financed Lisbon’s grand palaces, churches, and public squares, many of which still stand today. 

• Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge: Lisbon’s Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, completed in 1966, is often compared to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. It was built by the same American company that designed the Bay Bridge. The bridge spans the Tagus River and remains one of Europe’s longest suspension bridges. 

• The Oldest University in Lisbon: The University of Lisbon, founded in 1290, is one of the oldest universities in Europe. The university moved several times before settling in Lisbon, where it remains one of Portugal’s top academic institutions today. It has produced numerous influential figures in science, literature, and politics. 

• Europe’s Longest Bridge – Vasco da Gama: The Vasco da Gama Bridge, completed in 1998, stretches an impressive 17.2 kilometers across the Tagus River, making it Europe’s longest bridge. It was built to reduce traffic congestion and improve connections between Lisbon and southern Portugal. The bridge was named after the famous explorer Vasco da Gama. 

• Lisbon’s Connection to Japan: In the 16th century, Lisbon was the first European city to establish trade relations with Japan. Portuguese merchants introduced goods, including tempura and firearms, to Japan. This early connection helped shape Japan’s global trade and cultural exchanges with Europe. 

• Lisbon’s Trams Were Inspired by the U.S.: Lisbon’s iconic yellow trams were inspired by those in the United States and first arrived in the city in the early 20th century. The first electric tram system was introduced in 1901, and today, these trams remain an essential part of the city’s transport system. 

• The Treaty of Lisbon (2007): The Treaty of Lisbon, signed in 2007, was a major EU reform that aimed to streamline decision-making and increase the European Parliament’s influence. The treaty consolidated previous agreements and set out a new framework for governance within the European Union.