Lisbon is a romantic city through and through. It offers a blend of modern vibrancy and old-world charm that seems taken straight out of a fairytale book. A Lisbon honeymoon is for couples who enjoy exploring charming neighborhoods and centuries-old tourist attractions.
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Is Lisbon a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
Europe offers many romantic honeymoon destinations, from Italy to Spain to Portugal. Each of these countries boasts idyllic cities that couples can visit post-wedding. Portugal has the likes of Porto, Sintra, Algarve, and of course, the capital city of Lisbon (called Lisboa in Portuguese).
Lisbon gives vacationers a lifetime trip: It offers rich culture, stunning architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, easy access to charming cafes and shops, and groovy rhythms. If you want to enjoy a romantic European honeymoon in its truest sense, this place should easily sit atop your list.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in Lisbon?
- Do a walking tour to admire the city’s gorgeous architecture. A walking tour (or a tuk-tuk tour) is an incredible way to go sightseeing and marvel at Lisbon’s beautiful buildings. Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery are two of the most popular sites. Praça do Comércio, a harbor-facing plaza, is also an excellent spot to wander around.
- Cruise the Tagus River. Stunning views will greet you as you relax on a sailboat and cruise Lisbon’s iconic Tagus River. From the river, you can admire remarkable inland structures.
- Explore cafes and restaurants, and listen to fado music. Alfama and Bairro Alto boast a lively fado music scene. Fado is the Portuguese equivalent of blues music. Apart from visiting hip bars, you can also search for a Michelin-starred restaurant for a more upscale experience.
- Enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife. Head to Pink Street — officially named Rua Nova do Carvalho in Cais do Sodre — to experience Lisbon’s nighttime glory. The street is lined with hubs that come alive after sundown.
- Reward yourself with shopping galore. Avenida da Liberdade is to Lisbon as Champs Elysees is to Paris. This opulent boulevard in central Lisbon is a haven for avid shoppers and high-end brand aficionados.
- Allocate time for a day trip. After exploring the best gems Lisbon has, you can take the time to visit nearby areas. Sintra is a must-see, and it’s home to Pena Palace and Moorish Castle (also called the Castle of the Moors). Visit Algarve for its magnificent beaches and Óbidos for its medieval charm.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Lisbon?
You and your loved one can visit Lisbon anytime, but the best travel period is from March to May or September to October. During these months, you will still experience mild temperatures — ideal for beach days and walking tours — while enjoying thinner crowds and cheaper overall travel expenses.
Is a Honeymoon in Lisbon Expensive?
If you’re considering Lisbon for your post-nuptials trip, expect to spend about $2,000 to $3,000 for a one-week vacation. The figure will ultimately depend on your preferences and the activities you want to try.
How To Plan a Budget Honeymoon in Lisbon
- Take a trip to the city during its shoulder seasons to get lower prices on lodging and airfare.
- Opt for public transport and do a lot of walking (wandering around Lisbon is rewarding since every turn will let you see charming spots).
- Find free entertainment and activities such as picnic dates and visiting viewpoints.
- Invest in a Lisboa Card, which gives you cost-effective access to the best museums and attractions in the city.
- Eat where the locals eat. Most restaurants in touristy areas have expensive menus.
6 Best Neighborhoods to Stay In Lisbon
Baixa
Also called downtown Lisbon, Baixa is considered the heart of the city. From grand squares to wide boulevards laced with all things touristy, it’s where the action takes place in Lisbon.
Stroll around Rossio Square, shop at Rua Augusta, and ride the popular Santa Justa Lift to see breathtaking city views.
Alfama
Alfama is considered the oldest neighborhood in the city. As you can expect, you’ll get access to some of Lisbon’s most beautiful historic buildings, including Praça do Comércio and Castelo de São Jorge.
Get lost in its winding streets and stumble upon a gem of a shop or cafe. If you want to take home a unique souvenir, head to the Feira da Ladra, a flea market that dates back to the 13th century.
Cais de Sodre
For the best nightlife experience, Cais de Sodre is the place to be. Apart from the tourist magnet Pink Street, you can enjoy the area’s urban beach Ribeira das Naus, or dine at the Mercado da Ribeira food market.
From the Cais de Sodre train station, you can book a 40-minute ride to Sintra, an enchanting town known for its fairytale vibes.
Bairro Alto
The neighborhood for the cool couple, Bairro Alto, is a bohemian area where you can find narrow cobblestone streets, vibrant buildings, and a thriving party scene.
If you prefer a history-leaning itinerary, this place also has something to offer. Visit Carmo Convent Ruins or ride the city’s historical network of funiculars or cable railways.
Chiado
Chiado is another bohemian neighborhood in Lisbon. It’s a lively area punctuated by chic cafes, shops, and entertainment hubs.
Beyond treating yourselves to such places, you can also visit the São Roque Church (which survived the infamous 1755 earthquake) or the oldest bookstore in the world, Livraria Bertrand, which first opened in 1732.
Belem
Although located on the outskirts of Lisbon — perched on the edge of Tejo Estuary — Belem remains one of the famous neighborhoods in the city.
Here you can find the most important historical attractions in Lisbon. To stroll back in time, visit Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. This is also the best area to try pastel de nata.
What Is the Best Way to Travel to Lisbon?
For a Lisbon honeymoon, the best way to travel is by air. Fly into the Lisbon International Airport, the main gateway to Portugal. From the airport, you can ride the subway station to the city center or rent a private vehicle for convenience.
Traveling Within Lisbon
To get around Lisbon, take advantage of the city’s public transportation system (composed of metro, trams, buses, and commuter trains) or go on foot. There are also taxis and Uber vehicles available.
What Types of Accommodations Are Available in Lisbon?
In Lisbon, you will find many luxury and boutique hotels. Choose a relaxed accommodation with beautiful pools or a more energetic vibe with a rooftop bar.
When searching, you will also encounter the word “pousadas,” which means a hostel or an inn. You will find pousadas on the more inexpensive side and ones that exude opulence (case in point: Pousada De Lisboa).
If you want to reduce lodging expenses, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals are available. If you prefer to stay somewhere unique, you can stay at places like AlmaLusa, which dates back to the 18th century.
What Type of Food Should You Try in Lisbon?
- Pastel de nata. Budget-friendly and tasty, this creamy egg tart pastry is something you will find along many street eateries in Lisbon.
- Bacalhau. This is Portuguese for codfish, a staple ingredient in Lisbon. Some of the best recipes that feature this seafood are baked codfish with cream and shredded codfish with scrambled eggs.
- Sardinhas assadas. Grilled sardines are a popular street food in the city. You can enjoy them with a salad or a slice of bread.
- Cozido à Portuguesa. It’s a hearty stew that includes not just one type of meat — it has chicken, beef, and pork. It also has several sausages and vegetables, ranging from cabbage and turnips to carrots and potatoes.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include in a Lisbon Honeymoon?
Lisbon takes pride in its rich and colorful heritage. If you want to soak up their culture, a walking tour of historic neighborhoods such as Alfama and Bairro Alto is a must. Visiting a UNESCO world heritage site should also be on your to-do list, with 16th-century structures Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower, Carmo Convent Ruins and Museum, and Castelo de São Jorge as the most popular spots.
Portugal, a renowned wine-producing country, is an excellent place for oenophiles. In Lisbon, you can book a wine-focused tour and learn more about the city’s wine industry and its importance in its culture.
A simple visit to restaurants with fado performances is also a fantastic way to understand Portuguese culture better.
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in Lisbon
With a remarkably laid-back atmosphere, Lisbon is a place where you can feel comfortable in casual clothes. As mentioned, you’ll do a lot of walking in the city, so pair your attire with comfortable walking shoes. Wearing sunscreen and applying insect repellant will protect you while exploring the city.
You should also bring light layers as Lisbon evenings can get quite chilly. If you plan to hit the beach or your accommodation has a pool, swimwear is a must-pack. Don’t forget to bring dressier fits if you’re doing more formal activities such as wine-tasting tours.
Is Lisbon Safe to Visit?
If you dream of a Portuguese getaway with your new spouse, Lisbon is one of the safest and most peaceful destinations. However, following these tips is still necessary to keep you safe:
- Keep it low-key when exploring the city and avoid looking like a tourist (e.g., wearing big backpacks, taking out maps).
- Beware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and public vehicles.
- Never accept already-open drinks.
- When using cash machines, only use those located in well-lit and busy areas.
- When hailing a taxi, don’t ride in one whose driver says the meter is broken.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Portugal?
Tourists from the US can visit Portugal (and Lisbon) visa-free for a maximum of 90 days. However, you must ensure that your passports are valid for at least three months before you go on your dream honeymoon.
Bonus Lisbon Honeymoon Travel Tips
- You can safely drink tap water in Lisbon and the rest of Portugal.
- If you plan to pay with cash, having euros on hand is advisable. As of writing, $1 is equivalent to €0.92.
- If you pay with your credit card, note that American Express isn’t as widely accepted as Visa and Mastercard.
- Portugal is not big on tipping. But if you want to extend gratuities to staff members, you’re always free to do so.
- Note that bread as an appetizer in restaurants isn’t free — you’ll have to pay for it. And speaking of eateries, avoid dining in a place with a menu with no prices.
- Portuguese is the official language. Locals in Lisbon, especially those in the tourism industry and in urban centers, can speak English.