Lisbon: Portugal's Colorful Capital

From the Coast to the City

After five unforgettable days exploring the Algarve, it was time to trade dramatic sea cliffs and quiet beaches for colorful streets, historic neighborhoods, and one of Europe's most vibrant capital cities.

The drive from Albufeira to Lisbon took just under three hours and was an easy journey along Portugal's well-maintained highways. As we approached the city, the scenery gradually shifted from rolling countryside to the iconic red rooftops, tiled buildings, and bustling streets that make Lisbon instantly recognizable.

I loved that this itinerary gave us two completely different experiences in one vacation. The Algarve was peaceful, laid-back, and centered around nature, while Lisbon offered incredible history, architecture, museums, restaurants, and lively neighborhoods filled with energy. Together, they created the perfect introduction to Portugal.

A Brief History of Lisbon

Few cities in Europe have a history as fascinating as Lisbon's.

One of the oldest cities in Western Europe, Lisbon has been shaped by Romans, Moors, explorers, merchants, and kings for more than 2,000 years. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal entered what is now known as the Age of Discovery, when explorers such as Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan helped chart new trade routes around the world. Lisbon became one of the wealthiest and most influential ports on Earth, serving as the gateway between Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Today, that incredible history can still be seen throughout the city—from its grand monasteries and castles to its colorful tiled buildings, winding medieval streets, and bustling waterfront. Around every corner, Lisbon tells another chapter of Portugal's remarkable story.

February Weather in Lisbon

While the Algarve spoiled us with sunshine and temperatures in the 70s, Lisbon reminded us that it was still technically winter.

Daytime temperatures hovered around the mid-50s, and we experienced a few light rain showers during our stay. Thankfully, they never lasted very long and certainly didn't stop us from exploring.

One thing I've learned after visiting several European cities in the winter is that a lightweight rain jacket is worth packing. It's much easier to throw on a waterproof layer for twenty minutes than carry around a heavy winter coat all day.

Even with the occasional drizzle, we spent nearly all of our time outside wandering Lisbon's neighborhoods.

Driving in Lisbon

Driving through the Portuguese countryside was wonderfully relaxing.

Driving in Lisbon...

That's a different story.

The city is built across seven steep hills, with narrow streets, sharp turns, one-way roads, historic tram lines, and plenty of drivers who seem to know exactly where they're going while you're still trying to figure out which lane you need.

Thankfully, we rented a compact car, and I wouldn't recommend anything larger. Many of Lisbon's streets were never designed for modern vehicles, and finding parking becomes much less stressful when you're driving something small.

If you're planning to spend most of your time within Lisbon itself, I'd actually consider skipping the rental car altogether. The city is incredibly walkable, and public transportation—including the famous yellow trams—is excellent. Since we were continuing our road trip from the Algarve, keeping the car made sense for us, but once we parked it at the hotel, we rarely needed it again.

The Ivens

For our stay in Lisbon, we checked into The Ivens, part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, and it quickly became one of my favorite city hotels.

Named after the Portuguese explorers Roberto Ivens and Hermenegildo Capelo, the hotel embraces the spirit of exploration from the moment you walk through the doors. Rich greens, warm woods, vintage maps, botanical details, and carefully curated artwork create an atmosphere that feels more like an elegant explorer's club than a traditional hotel.

The location couldn't have been better.

Situated in Lisbon's Chiado neighborhood, we were within walking distance of Rossio Square, Praça do Comércio, the famous Santa Justa Lift, the waterfront, countless cafés, and many of Lisbon's best restaurants. We spent most of our days simply walking everywhere.

Our room was beautifully designed and incredibly comfortable after long days of exploring the city. Every detail felt intentional, from the luxurious bedding to the thoughtful décor that celebrated Portugal's Age of Discovery.

One of the things I appreciated most, though, was the staff. Everyone we interacted with was warm, welcoming, and genuinely excited to share recommendations for their city. That level of hospitality became a recurring theme throughout our time in Portugal.

Even better, we booked the entire stay using Marriott Bonvoy points.

Using points to stay at a luxury hotel in one of Europe's most beautiful cities made the experience feel even sweeter. If you collect Marriott points, The Ivens is an outstanding redemption and one I wouldn't hesitate to book again.

The staff were all absolutely wonderful and helpful. We were given a map of the city at the front desk. One of the staff members showed us where all of his favorite restaurants, shops, and monuments are located.

We loved the room and were surprised with a bottle of Prosecco and chocolate cake!

Rocco

One of the highlights of staying at The Ivens was dining at Rocco, the hotel's signature restaurant and bar.

The space transforms throughout the day. Each morning, it serves as an elegant breakfast venue, while in the evening it comes alive as one of Lisbon's most stylish restaurants and cocktail bars. The atmosphere is sophisticated without ever feeling stuffy, and it's easy to see why both hotel guests and locals gather here. The wine list is extensive, showcasing excellent Portuguese wines alongside selections from around the world, and on several evenings there was live music that made the space feel even more special.

Breakfast quickly became one of my favorite parts of the day.

The experience combines a beautifully presented buffet with a made-to-order breakfast menu, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds. I started each morning with fresh fruit from the buffet before ordering a hot entrée from the menu. Every breakfast was accompanied by freshly brewed coffee and some of the best freshly squeezed orange juice we had during our time in Portugal.

One thing I especially appreciated was the variety of options available. Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or simply looking for a traditional breakfast, the menu offered something for everyone without anyone feeling like an afterthought.

It was the perfect way to fuel up before spending a full day wandering Lisbon's hills, historic neighborhoods, and waterfront.

Later that evening, after spending the day wandering Lisbon's hills and historic neighborhoods, we found ourselves back at Rocco for one last glass of Portuguese wine. We ordered a crisp Vinho Verde, settled into the lively atmosphere, and reflected on another incredible day exploring the city.

Between the beautifully crafted cocktails, extensive wine collection, elegant setting, and occasional live music, Rocco became one of our favorite places to unwind each evening. It was the kind of spot where you could easily lose track of time.

This might sound like an odd travel recommendation...but trust me on this one: go check out the restroom.

I'm serious.

It is hands down the most beautifully designed and over-the-top restroom I have ever seen. From the dramatic lighting to the intricate décor and luxurious finishes, it felt more like stepping into an art installation than a hotel bathroom. Reza and I actually laughed because neither of us had ever been so impressed by a restroom before.

Only in a place like Rocco could a bathroom become one of the most memorable parts of the dining experience.

A glass of Portuguese Vinho Verde Wine at the Rocco

Things To Do

Lisbon’s iconic yellow Tram 28 is one of the most recognizable sights in the city, but it can also become one of its biggest tourist traps.

When we visited, the line stretched for more than an hour, and the tram itself was packed like sardines, which felt fitting considering how popular sardines are in Portugal. While the route is a fun way to see some of Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods, the crowds made the experience feel more stressful than scenic.

Honestly, we found Lisbon much more enjoyable on foot. Walking allowed us to slow down, admire the tiled buildings, wander through hidden alleyways, and stop whenever we discovered a café, shop, or viewpoint that caught our attention. Just be prepared for the hills and wear comfortable shoes!

You can also take one of the city’s less crowded trams if you still want the experience without committing to the long Tram 28 line.

Before purchasing a public transportation pass, consider how often you will actually use it. A single tram ride cost around €6 during our visit, while the 24-hour option was closer to €30 and required purchasing a refillable card. Since we spent most of our time walking, buying the full-day pass would not have been worth it for us.

My biggest recommendation is not to feel pressured to ride Tram 28 simply because it appears on every Lisbon itinerary. The city is full of beautiful streets, scenic overlooks, historic neighborhoods, and quieter transportation options that often make for a much more relaxed and memorable experience.

Castles, Monasteries, and Sardines

If you only have a few days in Lisbon, make sure you set aside time to visit São Jorge Castle and Jerónimos Monastery. Both are absolutely worth it.

Perched high above the city, São Jorge Castle offers some of the best panoramic views in Lisbon. Beyond the castle walls, I actually loved wandering the surrounding Alfama neighborhood even more. The narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, hidden courtyards, local cafés, and artisan shops make it one of the most charming areas in the city. It's the perfect place to slow down, grab a coffee, and simply get lost for a few hours.

Jerónimos Monastery was equally impressive. Built in the early 1500s during Portugal's Age of Discovery, it stands as one of the country's greatest architectural masterpieces and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through the intricate cloisters and soaring stone arches, it's easy to appreciate the wealth and ambition that flowed through Lisbon during the height of Portugal's maritime empire.

Sardines

You simply can't visit Portugal without noticing its love affair with sardines.

They're everywhere.

Sardines appear on menus throughout the country, especially grilled fresh during the summer months, and you'll also find entire shops dedicated to beautifully decorated tins of sardines in every imaginable flavor and design. Some of the stores are almost works of art themselves and make for fun souvenirs, even if you don't plan on taking any home.

Since I follow a plant-based diet, I didn't have the opportunity to try them myself. Reza, however, assured me that if you're a seafood lover, Portugal is one of the best places in the world to experience fresh sardines.

Even if you don't eat them, be sure to pop into one of the famous sardine shops. They're colorful, quirky, and uniquely Portuguese—one of those little experiences that makes wandering Lisbon so much fun.

Time Out Market

Time Out Market is one of those places that is absolutely worth experiencing at least once while you are in Lisbon.

The atmosphere is energetic, busy, and a little overwhelming in the best possible way. Long communal tables fill the center of the market, people move from stall to stall deciding what to try next, and the smell of freshly prepared food seems to come from every direction. If you love food, it feels like stepping into one enormous tasting menu.

The original Time Out Market opened in Lisbon in 2014 inside the historic Mercado da Ribeira and brought together some of the city’s most celebrated chefs, restaurants, and local producers under one roof. Since then, the concept has expanded to other cities, but Lisbon is where it all began.

Inside, you will find dozens of food stalls serving everything from traditional Portuguese dishes and fresh seafood to pastries, wine, cocktails, and more modern interpretations of local favorites. There are also shops selling flowers, artisan products, and gourmet goods, so it is easy to spend far more time here than you originally planned.

We had so much fun walking around, comparing menus, and choosing a few different things to share. Reza tried bacalhau à Brás, a classic Portuguese dish made with cod, potatoes, onions, and egg, while I focused on the vegetarian options and, of course, made room for another pastel de nata.

One of the best things about the market is that everyone can order something different while still eating together. It is perfect for groups, couples with very different tastes, or anyone who wants to sample several dishes without committing to one restaurant.

The prices were more reasonable than I expected for such a popular attraction, although it is still easy to spend quite a bit once you start adding extra plates, drinks, and desserts.

My biggest tip is to visit outside the busiest lunch and dinner hours. The market can become extremely crowded, and finding seats at the communal tables may take some patience. Going a little earlier or later gives you more space to explore and makes the entire experience far more enjoyable.

Time Out Market is definitely busy and touristy, but it is also fun, delicious, and a great introduction to Lisbon’s food scene. Come hungry and plan to try more than one thing.

Da Prata 52

Da Prata 52 quickly became our favorite restaurant in Lisbon! Its prime location makes it easy to explore—just a short stroll from Rua Augusta, a charming cobblestone pedestrian area, and close to Praça do Comércio, the grand square that overlooks the Tagus River.

This tapas restaurant offers an incredible selection of small plates and an excellent wine list. Every dish we tried was a delight, bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. I have to mention that the portions are surprisingly generous, allowing us to sample a wide variety of offerings without feeling overwhelmed.

What impressed us even more was the fantastic selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Although I completely forgot to take photos of those, I can assure you that they were equally delicious and creatively prepared.

The ambiance of Da Prata 52 is warm and inviting, making it a wonderful spot for a relaxed meal. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to recommend the perfect wine pairing for your meal. Whether you're looking for a cozy dinner or a lively evening with friends, this restaurant is a must-visit during your time in Lisbon!

Until Next Time

Portugal completely exceeded every expectation I had.

Originally, this was simply meant to be a warm winter getaway using points. Instead, it became one of our favorite trips we've ever taken together.

From the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Algarve and the laid-back charm of Sagres to the colorful streets, incredible history, and vibrant food scene of Lisbon, every part of the journey felt different while still feeling unmistakably Portuguese. We were welcomed everywhere we went with genuine kindness, enjoyed some of the best meals we've had in Europe, and discovered a country that somehow manages to balance rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and an incredibly relaxed way of life.

Looking back, I think what impressed me most was how easy Portugal was to explore. The roads were excellent, the cities felt safe and walkable, English was widely spoken, and whether we were sipping local wine, watching the sunset over the Atlantic, or wandering through centuries-old neighborhoods, we always felt completely at home.

Would I return?

Without hesitation.

In fact, I can already think of so many places we'd love to explore next—from Porto and the Douro Valley to Madeira and the Azores. Portugal has a way of making you feel like you've only scratched the surface, no matter how much you've seen.

If you've been thinking about visiting Portugal, let this be your sign to book the trip. Whether you're looking for world-class beaches, incredible food and wine, fascinating history, outdoor adventure, or simply a destination where you can slow down and enjoy life, Portugal truly offers a little bit of everything.

For us, what started as a points-paid vacation became an unforgettable adventure—and one we'll be talking about for many years to come.

Adventure is out there!