As one of the oldest cities in Europe, Lisbon encapsulates a multitude of history, art, cuisine and landscapes. Over one million visitors pound the pavements each year exploring landmarks like the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. However, there’s much to be said for the less-popular sights, too! These are some underrated places to visit in Lisbon.
Alfama Quarter
Don’t miss exploring the maze of streets and alleyways in Lisbon’s oldest quarter! As the birthplace of Portuguese Fado music, you can often hear its haunting tunes enticing you along the streets of the Alfama Quarter. Fado music features a two-piece unit of a singer and guitarist and are often found at many restaurants and bars in this neighbourhood.
Time Out Market
This market is owned and operated by magazine giant, Time Out. Food and local produce vendors are reviewed by an independent panel of experts before being approved to sell their delicious wares at the Time Out Market. Leases may be short- (only one week) to long-term (several years) so there is a revolving host of cuisine extraordinaires for you to peruse.
Fronteira Palace
The Fronteira Palace was built in the 17th century as a hunting lodge and secondary home for the famous Mascarenhas family. With its mix of traditional azulejos (Portuguese tiles) and Italian Baroque architecture, we guarantee a fascinating visit. Nowadays, the palace is the official home of the Marqueses de Fronteira but you can still explore some of the palace rooms and gardens. Don’t miss the small chapel with its unique exterior of stones, seashells and broken porcelain and glass.
Estufa Fria Botanical Garden
If you need a break from the city streets, the Estufa Fria Botanical Garden is a tranquil escape. In the early 1900’s, an avid green thumb created what is now one of the largest cold greenhouses in the world. The 3.7-acre space was originally a basalt quarry, providing perfect conditions to nurture an oasis of 300+ plant species.
National Tile Museum
Could an azulejo museum housed in an ancient monastery be any cooler? We think not. The Museu Nacional do Azulejo began in 1960, showing the world azulejos that range from the 15th century to present day. Once you’ve finished learning about some of Portugal’s beloved history, check out the Mosteiro da Madre de Deus. The interiors of this church feature elaborate gold decorations and azulejo tiles that tell stories of biblical times.
Mercado de Campo de Ourique
The Ourique neighbourhood is located a little out of the city centre, however this means its market is less touristy. Setting up roots in the 1930’s, it is one of Lisbon’s oldest covered markets that is full of fresh produce, fish, meat and cosy restaurants. We love perusing all the food that’s on offer before sitting at the counter of a tapas bar. Lisbon’s famous number 28 tram also starts here, making for a fun ride back to the city centre.
Berardo Collection Museum
Not only does the Berardo Collection Museum house an impressive variety of modern art, but it is free! Lose yourself amongst the likes of Warhol, Dali, Mondriaan, Picasso and more.
Bordalo II street art
This isn’t just one place, but several that are dotted around Lisbon. Bordalo II is a Portuguese artist and activist who creates inspiring murals out of recycled rubbish. This is to remind people of the world’s over-consumption problem. His murals are often animals and 3D, so Google Map a few locations when in Lisbon.
Panorâmico de Monsanto
We love it when an abandoned building can turn into something usable. The site that the Panorâmico de Monsanto is on was originally a high-end restaurant. After a few iterations and eventually becoming abandoned, the city decided to have regular upkeep since people were continuously visiting thanks to its Instagrammable location. There is a balcony with panoramic views across Lisbon, as well as various street art murals and art installations.
Rua Verde
You may have heard of Lisbon’s Pink Street, but have you heard of Green Street? Lush plants and greenery line this street, hence its name. We like to take our time wandering along Green Street to peruse its shops, cafes and restaurants that have a range of cuisines on offer.
If you’re planning a holiday to Lisbon, make sure you check out some of these underrated places. Take a look at a Portugal tour with Globus or Cosmos, or an Avalon Waterways river cruise on the Douro River.
