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Summer in Lisbon — What to Do, Eat & Experience

Summer in Lisbon

What to Do, Eat & Experience

Start early. It's cooler, quieter, and the city is at its best before noon.

Start the day right — pastéis, coffee or a proper brunch

, warm from the oven and dusted with cinnamon. 

in the Belém neighbourhood is the classic stop for first-timers, but if you want to skip the queue, 

 on Rua do Loreto does them just as well with far fewer tourists. Pair it with a 

, Lisbon's short espresso, and you're set for the morning. If you're after a fuller start to the day, see our guide to 

 Go before 9am. The pastéis are freshest and the queues are manageable. After 10am, Manteigaria can have a 20-minute wait.

Culture - Explore Alfama before the crowds arrive

Alfama is Lisbon's oldest neighbourhood and best explored in the morning before the tour groups arrive and the heat picks up. Walk up toward the 

, take the smaller side streets, and allow some time to get turned around. The views from the top are among the best in the city.

 Wear shoes you can actually walk in. Alfama's streets are steep, uneven, and merciless to sandals.

Lisbon has several good spots to slow down and get out of the sun for a bit. 

 is one of the most pleasant, with a large canopy of trees and a relaxed crowd. 

 offers a formal garden with a great view down to the river at the top. For a more complete guide, see our article on 

📍 Jardim do Príncipe Real — Príncipe Real | Free

Garden of the Calouste Gulbenkian and Buna Coffee & People

The hottest part of the day. Best spent at a pool, in a cool restaurant, or exploring indoors.

Resist the urge to eat somewhere obvious. Instead, find a 

, a small, family-run restaurant with a handwritten menu and no photos on the wall. 

 in the Mouraria neighbourhood serves generous portions of grilled fish and 

 (duck rice) to a mix of locals and those who know. Order the house wine. For more recommendations, see our guide to 

Traditional Portuguese Restaurants in Lisbon

, and if you want to know what to order, our article on 

Cool off at a rooftop pool or head to the beach

When temperatures hit 35°C in July and August, you'll want a plan for the hottest part of the day. The rooftop pool at 

 is one of the best in the city, with views across the rooftops to the river. 

 is a smaller option above the old town. Both allow non-guests to use the pool and restaurant, but book in advance. If you'd rather go to the coast, the Cascais line from Cais do Sodré gets you to 

 in under 40 minutes. For a full overview of the best options, see our guide to 

Afternoon Treat - Ginjinha or a cold imperial

, sour cherry liqueur served in a small chocolate cup, from 

 near Rossio is a classic Lisbon stop. Otherwise, pull up a chair at a shaded terrace in Príncipe Real with a cold 

Evening - Golden Hour, Fado & the Long Night

Lisbon evenings are long and social. Dinner starts late, and the bars fill up later still.

Before dinner, head to one of Lisbon's viewpoints for sunset. 

 is the most popular among locals, less crowded than Portas do Sol, with a kiosk selling wine and a wide view across the city down to the river. 

 (Adamastor) is a good alternative with a younger, more relaxed crowd. Both are best between 7:30 and 9pm in summer.

 are the best neighbourhoods for dinner in summer, with a good mix of Portuguese cooking and outdoor seating. 

 in Mouraria is a small, seasonal wine bar with natural wines and small plates. For something more substantial, 

 in Chiado does traditional Portuguese dishes with real precision. The cured meats and the bacalhau are the reasons to go.

📍 Taberna da Rua das Flores, Rua das Flores 103 — Chiado | $$$

If you're going to see fado, do it properly. 

 in Alfama is a converted chapel with fewer than 30 seats. The format is dinner first, then live fado, and the quality is consistently high. 

 in Bairro Alto is another solid option, well-regarded by locals. At both, the music doesn't start until around 10pm.

 Book at least a week in advance for Mesa de Frades in summer. It fills up immediately.

For a drink before the night gets going, 

 on Calçada do Combro is a rooftop above a car park with good views and a relaxed crowd. The rooftop at 

 is where most people end up. The Pink Street (Rua Nova do Carvalho) has a high density of bars, most with tables on the pavement in summer. 

 is the most interesting of the lot, housed in a former brothel with a well-stocked bar. For a broader selection, see our guide to 

Lisbon has a strong club scene, particularly in the 

 neighbourhoods. Things don't get going until midnight at the earliest, and most venues stay open until 6am or later. The crowd is mixed and the music ranges from house and techno to more commercial sounds depending on the venue. For a full rundown of the best options, see our guide to 

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Content

Related Articles

Top 20 Things To Do in Lisbon The Complete Guide

Traditional Portuguese Restaurants in Lisbon Historic & Authentic Dining

Best Luxury Hotels in Lisbon Where to Stay in Style

Best Nightclubs in Lisbon Where the City Comes Alive