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ACTIVITIES ON OWN
Below are a few suggested attractions near/at the hotel, but they only begin to highlight the many free-time options available. We strongly recommend exploring activities that interest you and booking them in advance to secure availability. We recommend using https://www.viator.com/ to book online, or booking directly with the provider. Local staff at the Dexter Laundry Hospitality Desk will be available daily to assist with questions about Lisbon and provide recommendations on things to do.
It takes several days to explore this destination. If you have more time, then you can extend your time and include all the enjoyable day trips in the surrounding region (all of which can be visited using public transport).
Below are a few of the top things to do in Lisbon on your own.
Things to do based on how much time you have:
1 Day - https://lisbonlisboaportugal.com/lisbon-tour/24-hours-in-lisbon.html
2 Days - https://lisbonlisboaportugal.com/lisbon-tour/lisbon-2-day-itinerary-tour.html
3 Days - https://lisbonlisboaportugal.com/lisbon-tour/Lisbon-3-Day-Itinerary.html
1 Week - https://lisbonlisboaportugal.com/lisbon-tour/1-week-in-lisbon.html
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Tram 28
This is a highlight of a trip to Lisbon. Tram 28, which extends from Martim Moniz to Campo Ourique, in particular takes riders on a tourist-friendly route. Not only does it pass through some of the city's most notable neighborhoods including Graça, Baixa and Bairro Alto, but it also travels by popular attractions, such as St. George's Castle and Alfama. Along with a scenic route, the cars themselves are also considered to be part of the experience. Many of Lisbon's trams, including some used on the Tram 28 route, are the same that were used in World War II, so don't expect air conditioning, or a smooth trip up and around the area's hills. It is recommended that you take the tram up the steep Alfama hill and then walk back down to explore the neighborhood.
NOTE: Due to the tram's popularity, the tram cars tend to get crowded quickly, so make sure to arrive early or later in the day to avoid long lines. Also, because of the tram's popularity with tourists, it's a target for pickpockets. Remember to keep an eye on your belongings, especially cameras.
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Alfama
Some tourists choose to take Tram 28 through the Alfama neighborhood because it's so hilly, but whether you choose to burn some calories or contend with the tram crowds, a visit to the picturesque Alfama is a must. With a history that dates back to the Moors, Alfama is characterized by narrow, cobblestone streets that wind past dozens of quaint shops, cozy little restaurants and traditional Fado clubs, all of which are housed within historic yet well-preserved architecture. Popular city attractions like St. George's Castle, Sé Cathedral and Feira de Ladra are also located in Alfama.
Travelers come in droves to bear witness to the neighborhood's famed charm (and some street art), and say this is the best place to get to know Lisbon. Visitors also say this isn't an attraction to breeze through, but rather take your time with and get lost in. Ditch the map and let yourself wander the colorful streets, grab a drink alfresco in an alleyway, or seek out one of the neighborhood's many vantage points, including the popular Miradouro de Santa Luzia, or the Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen.
There are two metro stops near Alfama. Martim Moniz is located at the top of the hilly neighborhood while Lisboa Santa Apolonia is a little farther away but the closest stop to the bottom. The district is free to explore 24/7.
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St. George's Castle
Castelo de São Jorge, or St. George's Castle, is perched atop Lisbon's highest hill in Alfama, offering both excellent history and views of the city. The castle served as a fortification for the Romans, Visigoths and the Moors, who turned it into a royal palace before it was eventually taken by Portugal's first king, Afonso Henriques. The attraction has kept much of the building's relics intact, including canons, which are spread throughout, underground chambers and 18 towers, one of which houses a camera obscura. There is also a restaurant on-site, gardens where wildlife frequently make appearances and an archaeological museum.
For more information visit their website: https://castelodesaojorge.pt/en/
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Belém
The waterfront Belém is a historic neighborhood that houses some of Lisbon's most important monuments, museums and one very popular Portuguese tart place, the Pasteis de Belém. Here you'll find the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, the Discoveries Monument, the Belém Palace (the official residence of Portugal's president), the Coleção Berardo Museum as well as a number of scenic gardens. As the Discoveries Monument beautifully illustrates, Belém is important in that it was a popular departure point during the Age of Discoveries.
Keep in mind: If you've come to Belém to see its top attractions, including Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, these monuments are not open on Mondays.
Belem is located about 6 miles west of central Lisbon and is accessible via a metro stop of the same name. You can also reach the area via tram – nos. 15 or 127 make stops here.
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National Tile Museum
One of the most notable aspects of Lisbon's alluring architecture is its vibrant ceramic tiles. You might find these Portuguese tiles, or azulejos, adorned on buildings during a walk about town (especially in Alfama), in gift shops (or at the Feira da Ladra), or within the walls of other top city attractions, including some of the palaces or villas that dot Sintra.
The museum is filled to the brim with tiles of all colors and sizes, some of which date back to the 15th century. Some are simple, with individual tiles decorated with flowers or sailboats, while others are pieced together to create grand murals chronicling people or stories steeped with history. Not only that, but there is information spread throughout detailing how azulejos are made.
The National Tile Museum is located about a mile and a half northeast of Alfama. You can reach the museum by getting off the Santa Apolónia metro stop and walking a little less than a mile northeast. Several buses, including route Nos. 718, 742 and 794 stop in front of the museum.
For more information, visit their website:
https://www.museunacionaldoazulejo.pt/en
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Wines of Portugal Tasting Room
The Wines of Portugal Tasting Room in Lisbon offers the opportunity to taste wines from different regions of the country made from Portuguese grape varieties. Discover the Wines of Portugal!
At Wines of Portugal Tasting Room, located in the Terreiro do Paço ( Praça do Comércio ) , you can try a selection of 16 wines from different regions of the country . In addition to the usual tastings the Tasting Room offers wine events, thematic tastings among other activities. The room is open from Monday to Saturday from 11am to 7 pm.
For additional information, please visit their website:
https://www.viniportugal.pt/WinesOfPortugalTastingRoom
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Anantara Spa
Enjoy a paradise of healing indulgence that combines ancient Far-Eastern therapies with indigenous Portuguese rituals. Treatments include but are not limited to: various types of massages, reflexology, facial treatments, body wraps, etc.
Find the spa menu HERE.
Please note that appointments are required, and services are an additional cost.
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