Lisbon for Indian Travellers: Trams, Tiles and Sintra
Description
Hills, trams and tiled facades, a day in fairy-tale Sintra and mild weather in spring and autumn: a relaxed, good-value end to a Spain and Portugal trip.
Lisbon is a softer, cheaper alternative to the big western capitals and usually pairs with Spain on a ten-night trip. Plan three nights: the Alfama and São Jorge Castle, the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, the Baixa and Chiado districts, and a full day in Sintra for the colourful Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. Hindi film fans may know the city from Jab Harry Met Sejal, which filmed scenes in Lisbon.
Portuguese food leans on fish and pork, so vegetarians should read menus carefully: the popular green soup, caldo verde, usually has sausage in it. Vegetable soups, cheeses, grilled vegetables and pastéis de nata are safe bets, and Lisbon has a large Indian and Goan community with many Indian restaurants and grocery shops.
The city is very hilly, with steep cobbled lanes, so older travellers and families with prams should plan around trams, funiculars and taxis. Lisbon is one of the best-value capitals in Western Europe, and spring and autumn are pleasant without the summer heat.
Activities
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Tower of BelémHistoric 16th-century fortification considered the gateway into Lisbon.Book
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Jerónimos MonasteryManueline monastery in Belém and UNESCO site, home to Vasco da Gama's tomb and a famously long queue.Book
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Monument to the DiscoveriesWaterfront monument shaped like a caravel, honouring Portugal's explorers.Free
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São Jorge CastleHilltop Moorish castle with ramparts and the best sweeping views over Lisbon's rooftops and the Tagus.Book
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Lisbon Cathedral (Sé)Romanesque cathedral at the foot of Alfama, where the Tram 28 tracks pass its doors.Free
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Top things to do in Lisbon
Gallery
What others say
“Why not take the metro from the airport to the city? It's cheap, safe and convenient.”
“Have you been to Belém for the pastel de natas? The cafe there does other food too”
“The tap water in Portugal is extremely high quality everywhere.”
Where to eat
Mid-range Organi Chiado
A daily-changing menu of plant-based eats with wine, served in nature-inspired digs with terraces.
Fully vegetarian- 200 m from Santa Justa Lift
- 330 m from Rua Augusta Arch
Mid-range 26 Vegan Food Project
Vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Lisbon, rated 4.6 on Google by 3,757 guests.
Fully vegetarian- 330 m from Pink Street
- 450 m from Santa Justa Lift
Luxury Oven
An Indian and Nepalese restaurant with a traditional tandoor and several vegetarian dishes, including a Goan veggie curry.
Vegetarian options- 260 m from Santa Justa Lift
- 310 m from Rossio Square
Mid-range PSI
One of the oldest and most popular vegetarian restaurants in Lisbon, in a garden, with dishes from North Africa, the Middle East, India and Asia.
Fully vegetarian- 870 m from Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
- 1.1 km from Rossio Square
Mid-range Plant Base
Vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Lisbon, rated 4.7 on Google by 1,451 guests.
Fully vegetarian- 190 m from Santa Justa Lift
- 240 m from Rossio Square
Mid-range Shree Ram
A vegan-friendly restaurant with a long, mostly vegetarian Indian menu, including vegetable biryani.
Fully vegetarian
Luxury Encanto
José Avillez's vegetarian restaurant, grown from his work with vegetable-based dishes.
Fully vegetarian- 300 m from Santa Justa Lift
- 350 m from Pink Street
Mid-range Tentações de Goa
Goan food in Lisbon, with half the menu vegetarian.
Vegetarian options- 230 m from São Jorge Castle
- 300 m from Rossio Square
Budget Manteigaria
Bakery known for pastéis de nata served fresh from the oven through a window onto the kitchen.
Mid-range Cervejaria Ramiro
Legendary seafood beer hall famous for tiger prawns, barnacles and the prego steak sandwich to finish.
Mid-range Mercado de Campo de Ourique
Neighbourhood food market with a local crowd, a quieter alternative to Time Out Market.
Where to stay
Home Lisbon Hostel
Lisboa Central Hostel
Simple private rooms & dorms in a laid-back property with free breakfast, a shared kitchen & a bar.
The One Palácio da Anunciada
Plush rooms in a formal hotel offering a hip restaurant & 2 posh bars, plus a luxe spa & 2 pools.
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
Grand five-star hotel overlooking Parque Eduardo VII.