In this guide to summer in Lisbon, we’ll take you from one end of the abecedary to the other of things to do in the city during this season.
We hope you have as much fun as we did when we created this itinerary full of plans to keep you entertained during the hottest season in town. Because summer isn’t all about beaches and terraces, right?
Alfama
Alfama is one of our favorite neighborhoods and, in the summer, it takes on a whole new life. Its colorful streets are perfect for a walk, and why not stop at a tavern for a good sardine lunch?
Bairro Alto
Bairro Alto is a good plan all year round, but at this time of year what we really want to do is grab a mojito (or several) and chat in the street, meet new people and enjoy the warm Lisbon night .
Conchanata
One of lisbon’s best ice creams whole. We look forward to the Conchanata half the year, and summer becomes one of our favorite seasons for this reason: the Conchanata opens its doors. This fabulous ice cream is part of our diet, try it too!
Dominoes
As well as a game, in Lisbon it’s a phenomenon. As soon as the rain stops and the sun comes out, you can see in any garden in the city (but in any garden, really) all the elderly people practicing their favorite sport: playing dominoes, accompanied by their compatriots, at the little tables in the garden .
Esplanades
Being Portuguese is synonymous with “café life”; having a drink, chatting and enjoying life. And where is the best place for this? Esplanades, of course! Fortunately, we have plenty to choose from! Take that our essential guide.
Fado
It feels really good on warm evenings, listening to the stray fado and feel all the emotions it gives us. Or watch a session of Fado in the garden of Casa da Amália.
Sour cherry
Even in summer, ginjinha is always a drink of choice. Ideal after dinner (or in the middle of the day!), and if it’s too hot there’s always a little ice to put in the glass! And here you’ll find some of the best in Lisbon.
Hostel
If you don’t have a home in Lisbon, you can make use of the city’s incredible hostels. There’s something for everyone: classic, modern, young, cool, and above all, with a swimming pool!
Independent
We couldn’t fail to include Casa Independente in our list of Lisbon’s summer. It has a garden, it has concerts, has snacks, there are glasses, everything. For a day (and night!) well spent.
Gardens
Our city is very well equipped with gardens full of trees and shade to rest and survive a hot day. Our suggestions are varied: from Cold Greenhouse up to Gulbenkian Gardens, passing through Quinta das Conchas (which is dog friendly and you can take your four-legged friend for a walk on the lawn).
Literature
In Lisbon there are many places to find the best literature in the world. It’s always good to have a book to accompany you, so explores the booksellers of the city, to find great summer reading!
Music
This summer is all about festivals, which means you’ll be listening to music non-stop. Tickets for the last big festival of the summer, MEO Kalorama, can now be purchased at Fever.
Nata
The crème de la crème of the sweets, the pastel de nata! Between the Pastéis de Belém and the pastéis da Manteigaria, we don’t know which is better, but we’ll definitely eat both. Or we follow our guide to custard tarts in the city.
Oceanarium
An original day out, ideal for children, but also for adults! What better solution for a hot day than to be surrounded by the 7 seas? We know 10 reasons who confirm that they don’t!
Beaches
A train ride away, Lisbon is surrounded by beaches. If you don’t mind sharing the beach with other people, head to the beaches along the Cascais coastline, such as Carcavelos, Avencas in Parede, or Guincho in Cascais. If you prefer it quieter and less crowded, there’s immense beaches a little further away from the city that you’ll love to discover!
Kiosk
The kiosks are open all year round, but it tastes so much better ask for one mazagran when it’s hot!
Rio
Our tagus River it bathes the whole city, and although we can’t “bathe” in it, we can enjoy the view and the fresh air on these terraces, such as Ribeira das Naus or no Cais do Sodré.
Sangria
If you’re a fan of wine, but in the summer you don’t like red wine as much, it’ s time to drink sangria to your heart’s content! Whether it’s white, green or red wine, what matters is the feeling of freshness that this drink from Spain’s nuestros hermanos brings! Gracias Spain, for the daily sangria!
Torel
It’s one of our favorite viewpoints, with a very privileged view over the city. It’s a great place to organize a picnic with friends.
Urban art
Both walking in the street as in galleries, we find urban art in every corner of Lisbon. Why not have a day dedicated to and find out new graffiti or other artistic experiences in the city?
Village Underground
There in Alcântara, next to the Tagus, there is this super creative space that always has special programs, from after-hours carnival to parties with the best of Lisbon’s music. In summer, everyone goes to the Village!
Xabregas
It ‘s becoming one of the trendiest areas of the city and is full of things to do. The Marítima de Xabregas to eat some good fish, and why not a cultural program afterwards at the Teatro Ibérico ?
Zé dos Bois
A Zé dos Bois Gallery never disappoints in Lisbon’s summer. It has an impeccable program of concerts and performances, and if you ask in Bairro Alto “Where is ZDB?” everyone can tell you!
22 experiências em Portugal para desfrutar de um verão inesquecível