Looking for things to do with your lover in Lisbon? Portugal’s capital is one of the most romantic cities in Europe, and there are plenty of fun, interesting, and yes, romantic, sights and activities to choose from.
Before you set out to conquer the city, you’ll need to book a romantic hotel. There are plenty of hotels with the right amount of romance, you can find out more online. Lisbon is quite easy to get around, with a reliable public transportation system. To be close to most of the activities listed here, though, you might look for accommodation in the Alfama, the oldest district. Check out 10 Most Romantic Things for Couples to Do in Portugal’s Capital.
10 – Tagus River Cruise
During the Age of Exploration, the Portuguese led the world in knowledge of seafaring and in brave discovery of new routes to Asia. Tap in to this history with a short cruise on the Tagus. Tour operators have several options going to Belém, or, if you’re short of time, you can also opt for a ferry crossing from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas.
09 – Take a Hike
Walking around Lisbon is a great way to get a feel for the city while you chat with your companion. A great destination (and one that involves the ferry across the Tagus) is Cristo Rei, the replica of Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer statue. It’s smaller than the original, but still 100 meters tall. To get here, cross the river to Calcilhas, then take a bus.
08 – Visit Tower of Belém
Another Lisbon icon is the Tower of Belém. Visitors can enter the tower for a brief tour and stroll along the river to some of the other attractions like the inspiring Monument to the Discoveries.
07 – Dinner and Fado
Spending an evening listening to live performances in Portugal’s signature music genre, fado, is a sure bet for romance. The word “fado,” means destiny or fate, and that’s what the melancholy, aching tunes sung by fado artists bring to mind, that and a sense of longing. Many restaurants and bars feature fado performances in the city; try the casas do fado in Bairro Alto or Alfama.
06 – Visit the District of Alfama
Alfama is home to some of the city’s best look-out points. One of these is located at St George’s Castle, a medieval moorish citadel that sits on top of Lisbon’s highest hill.
05 – Take a Wine Tour
Wine and love often go hand in hand and for many couples wine tours and wine tastings are great activities for two. Portugal’s wine traditions date back to the Phoenicians, Carthaginians and other ancient seafaring civilizations that made commerce with the Portuguese. Ask at your hotel about a day trip touring some of the wineries closest to Lisbon. Can’t fit it into your schedule? Make sure you at least try a vinho verde (green wine) with fish for dinner one of the nights you’re in town.
04 – Sip Port and People-watch
If you enjoy port, test your and your honey’s tastebuds at one of the port wine bars in Lisbon. Port is one of the ultimate sipping drinks, so it makes sense to take your after-dinner samples of the nation’s treasured liquor on a terrace or at a bar where you have a view of passers-by. The Solar do Vinho do Porto, on the Rua de Sao Pedro de Alcantara, has an impressive listing of ports to try, as do many other wine bars in Alfama and Bairro Alto.
03 – Seek Offbeat Souvenirs to Remind You of Your Trip
Looking for some symbol of your trip to Portugal, one that will remind you of the romantic time you had here? The most unique souvenirs might be found at the Thieves’ Market, a gigantic flea market, held every Tuesday and Saturday at the Campo de Santa Clara in Alfama.
02 – Ride a Tram Up to the Fort
If you aren’t from a city that still uses trams—or streetcars, as most Americans call them—you’ll love the novelty of taking a ride on Lisbon’s most romantic form of pubic transportation. There are three tram lines still running in Lisbon, and Line 28 is the most fun because it zigzags uphill, offering you great views of the city.
01 – Devour an Egg Tart at Belém
Just the right mix of creamy and flaky, the signature egg tarts sold at the convent in Belém (in Portugese, ask for Pasteis de Belém) are a satisfying sugar fix on your wanderings through Lisbon. For the ultimate romantic gesture, offer to share your tart with your lover. However, it’s best to purchase enough for two to begin with.
About the Author: Louise Vinciguerra has a million and one hobbies, and enjoys matching her fonts with her moods. When she’s not on Facebook, WordPress or Twitter, she’s traveling in search of fun food, dabbling in urban farming or planning nature trips from her resident city of Rome.