13 Romantic Things to do in Lisbon (+ The Best Romantic Viewpoints)
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When it comes to Europe, this destination is a hidden gem for couples with plenty of romantic things to do in Lisbon.
When you think about planning a romantic vacation in Europe, your mind often goes to Paris and Rome especially. However, whilst these destinations are beautiful, we actually think that they are somewhat overrated for couples.
We found that Lisbon is a much more romantic spot to visit within Europe and is a goldmine for couples looking to spend quality time, enjoy beautiful viewpoints and sightsee.
In this travel guide, you will find reasons why you should visit Lisbon as a couple, romantic hotels and romantic things to do in Lisbon as well as some travel tips.
Whether you’re planning to visit somewhere in Europe for Valentine’s Day or just looking to spend some additional quality time together, this blog post will have all the information you need to plan a perfect romantic getaway.
Reasons Why Lisbon is the Ultimate Romantic Getaway
1. Stunning Viewpoints
One of the best reasons to visit Lisbon as a couple is that there are a plethora of stunning viewpoints for you to share moments and capture memories together.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy some great views from a rooftop bar over cocktails together or you visit some of the miradouros together and watch the sunset.
No matter what you like to do together, Lisbon is one of the ultimate destinations to visit for couples to enjoy some gorgeous viewpoints together. This also makes it one of the best places to plan a proposal in Europe too.
2. Beautiful backstreets to get lost together
After Amy travelled to Lisbon both solo and with Liam, it is a completely different feeling getting lost in the stunning backstreets together.
In particular, wandering around the Barrio Alto gothic quarter as a couple is one of the most blissful backdrops for a romantic getaway.
The only downside to wandering around Lisbon as a couple is that you never know what corner you’re going to turn will end up in an uphill struggle.
Lisbon is renowned for its large hills and this can put a slight dampener on a romantic stroll around the streets. However, the cons of the hills in Lisbon do not outweigh the pros of the gorgeous cobbled streets by any means.
3. Choice between beach & city break
For any couples that enjoy different styles of travelling, Lisbon is the perfect destination so that you can have the best of both worlds.
If one of you really enjoys lounging on the beach but the other appreciates sightseeing around different cities then this is a great place for you to visit.
You will get to relax on the beach as much as you want before wandering around the gorgeous streets of Lisbon and get to see some of the incredible sights.
4. Delicious food
When you’re travelling to Lisbon as a couple, it is very likely that you will want to have a few meals out at some gorgeous restaurants. This is a great way to enjoy each other’s company, savour the culture (literally) and eat to your heart’s content.
Lisbon is known to be one of the best places for foodies to visit in Portugal and the Time Out Market here alone comes with a reputation.
You will find small restaurants hiding in plain sight and half of the fun is exploring these new restaurants together and sampling new dishes.
Divulge in the delicious Pastel de Natas together complete with a view alongside tasting some fresh fish and wash it all down with the local beer Sagres or liquor Ginja.
5. Romantic atmosphere
We can’t quite put our finger on it but there is something in the atmosphere when you’re wandering around Lisbon that you can just feel the romance in the air.
Whether it’s the shots of Ginja, the waft of Portuguese food or the beaming sun complete with a stunning view, there is just something in the air.
Romantic Hotels in Lisbon for Couples
If you’re planning a romantic break away to Lisbon then your trip is not complete without a stunning romantic hotel to match.
Below we’ve provided 3 different hotels that are set to complete your time in Lisbon and give you the perfect place to come back to and rest (if you wish) at the end of the day.
If these recommendations are not taking your fancy then there is also a small map underneath that shows all the accommodation in Lisbon so that you can choose what suits you best as a couple.
Monte Belvedere Boutique Hotel
For couples travelling to Lisbon, this is a great hotel to stay especially with the beautiful views of the city for you to soak in.
Staying at the Monte Belvedere Boutique Hotel, you will get to enjoy a basic room with incredible facilities throughout the hotel. This hotel is so beautiful that you may not want to leave which can be dangerous when you’re there for sightseeing.
The Lumiares Hotel & Spa
This hotel screams luxury and is the ultimate place to stay as a couple in Lisbon. If you’re exhausted from all the sightseeing together then you will be able to unwind together by taking advantage of the spa facilities within the hotel.
You will find this hotel in the Barrio Alto area of Lisbon which is honestly our favourite area of the city so we would highly recommend it.
Take advantage of a romantic evening together by heading up to the rooftop with some wine and watch the sunset together.
Lisboa Pessoa Hotel
Located in the Baixa, Chiado area of Lisbon, this is a great location to stay so that you can make the most of exploring the city.
If you’re planning to stay here then we recommend considering upgrading to a room with a terrace as it offers unmatched views of Lisbon that you just can’t beat.
There are lots of restaurants close to Lisboa Pessoa Hotel so if you’re not planning on doing too much exploring one day then you won’t have far to go!
Find Other Accommodation in Lisbon Here!
Romantic Things to do in Lisbon
As we’ve mentioned, Lisbon is easily one of the most romantic places to visit in Portugal. It will come as no surprise that there are plenty of great activities for you to enjoy as a couple.
Below, you will find 13 amazing activities that are perfect to enjoy together. The one rule of Lisbon is that nearly everything is even better at sunset or sunrise. There are very few experiences like the Portuguese sun beaming down and lighting up the sky with the deepest hues.
1. Wander around Barrio Alto
Barrio Alto is easily one of our favourite districts to explore within Lisbon. This could be because it is simply pretty to look at or that it is one of the most vibrant areas of the city.
Otherwise known as the Gothic Quarter, this is the perfect backdrop for enjoying a romantic stroll, admiring the baroque architecture and finding small spots to eat.
Take some time to wander around and appreciate some stunning street art in Barrio Alto as well as other areas of Lisbon. There are plenty of murals across the city and this is one of the most romantic activities to do together.
You can also explore some of the smaller restaurants around Barrio Alto. You will find plenty of small cosy spots to enjoy a delicious meal together and watch the world go by.
2. Beach Horseback Riding
Wandering along the beach when you’re travelling is undeniably an amazing romantic thing to do together but exploring it by going horseback riding is even better.
Trot along the stunning golden sand on horseback with your loved one by your side and watch the sunset across the water. This is a fairytale ending to a hallmark movie for sure and one that you can make a reality.
This tour will take you 1 hour outside of Lisbon to the town of Melides where you will embark on your horse riding adventure to the white sands of Comporta Beach.
3. Visit One or Many of the Miradouros
One of the main highlights of visiting Lisbon is that there are so many stunning Miradouros for you and your love to admire the view.
There are around 30 different Miradouros so you will be spoilt for choice on which view you want to see with a cocktail or even a romantic picnic.
We’ve included a section underneath with some of the most romantic viewpoints so that you can choose which ones you want to go to the most.
4. Dolphin Watching
Head out on a beautiful boat trip watching the waves lap around the boat as you spot dolphins in their natural habitat.
There are quite a few different destinations in Portugal that you can go dolphin watching and it is also one of our recommended things to do in Faro too.
However, this is also a great romantic option from Lisbon too and the perfect way to share a unique experience together.
Dolphins are not the only animals that you can see on these tours, you can also watch out for sea turtles and birds too. This really does make for an amazing few hours spending time with your partner and appreciating the beauty of nature.
5. Stroll Around Castelo de Sao Jorge
The Castelo de Sao Jorge is one of Amy’s favourite sights when visiting Lisbon because it is truly so beautiful that you could spend hours wandering around here.
If you’re lucky, you may also get to see some of the peacocks wandering around the castle. When Amy last went, there were around 7 of them all in one area and it was an incredible sight.
The Castelo de Sao Jorge also offers an incredible view of the city where you can sit and enjoy a couple of drinks with your partner appreciating each other and the city.
There is an entrance fee to get into the castle itself but in our opinion, it is well worth the cost. You will get to learn more about the significance of the castle, enjoy a lovely walk around the grounds with your loved one and breathe in the sights.
6. Parque das Nações
Spend some time wandering around Paque das Nações feeling the warmth of the Portuguese sun on your face and taking in the sights.
This is a beautiful walk down the marina and one that you will not miss if you’re planning on taking a trip to the aquarium. When we last visited, we took some time to enjoy some street hot dogs together watching the world go by.
You will get to see different monuments, statues and the horizon as you wander hand in hand around the park. There is not a massive amount to do here but it is still a lovely walk where you can enjoy some street food or even take a picnic.
7. See the Belem Tower at Sunrise
The Belem area is beautiful to wander around and there are lots of different things to do including visiting the monastery. One of the main highlights of Belem is seeing the Belem Tower in all it’s glory.
The tower is a beautiful sight to see especially at sunset with the reflection casting off the water. You can pay to enter the tower also where you can learn more about it and admire the beauty of the interior as well as the views of the sea.
No matter what you decide to do, it is an attraction that is well worth visiting whether you’re travelling as a couple or not. If you’re planning on going inside the tower, there are also some combination tickets so that you can enter inside the Jeronimos Monastery too.
Both sites are well worth a visit and as we mentioned at the start of this post, everything is made even better in Lisbon at sunrise or sunset.
8. Helicopter Tour Across Lisbon
Whilst we didn’t have the time nor the funds to go on the helicopter tour ourselves, it comes highly recommended from other travel bloggers so we knew that we had to include it in this list. Just because we missed out, doesn’t mean you should have to!
Experience some incredibly unique views of this beautiful city by soaring above it and making unforgettable memories with your loved one.
There is one tour in particular that combines a helicopter ride, boat trip and walking tour so that you can experience Lisbon by land, sea and air.
This is a truly memorable experience that you and your partner will never forget and also a great way to experience Lisbon in a unique way.
9. Explore the Magic of Sintra
One of the best parts about visiting Lisbon is taking a day trip to the small town of Sintra where you will get to see the Instagrammable Pena Palace.
This is one of the most romantic things to do from Lisbon because Sintra feels like you’ve been transported into a fairytale. If you have limited time in the city then this is a day trip from Lisbon that can’t be missed.
We recommend heading to Sintra quite early in the morning because it can get very busy. There are also quite a few different sights to see other than the Pena Palace so you will want to spend all day here if you can.
Other than Pena Palace, you will want to visit the Castelo Dos Moros, the park and palace of Montserrat and Torre da Regaleira.
To save yourself some money, there are combination tickets that you can purchase which will include your access to Sintra, Pena Palace and other attractions within Lisbon including discounts.
We used these Lisboa passes ourselves and found that they were a great way to save money on sights that we were going to visit anyway!
10. Food Tasting Tour
It may come as no surprise but Lisbon is renowned for its incredible food and there are plenty of different food tasting tours that you and your partner can do together.
If you’re looking for a more intimate tour then you will find that a private tour may suit you better where you have one-to-one access with the guide and it’s all about the two of you!
There is a plethora of different tours that you can join and there are some that are exclusive to certain areas of Lisbon. You can also join food tours that pair with wine tasting which is always a great way to learn more about the wine that is produced in Portugal.
If you decide to join a wine tour alongside the food tour then not only will you get to devour delicious dishes but also sample tasty wines and potentially see a vineyard depending on the tour that you choose.
All of which are incredibly romantic ways to spend time with your partner whilst you’re in Lisbon.
BEST FOOD TOURS IN LISBON
- Lisbon Small-Group Portuguese Food and Wine Tour
- Lisbon Private Food Walking Tour with Locals: 6 or 10 Tastings
- Portuguese Pastry Workshop in Lisbon
- Lisbon Cultural Food and Wine Walking Tour
11. Sailing Tours
Set sail on a boat tour from Lisbon and see the city from a different perspective. These tours are incredible especially when you’re heading out for sunrise or sunset.
If you’re looking for a really unique experience then you may want to book a private tour so that it is a lot more intimate. These tours often include snacks and wine too so it really is a perfect way to spend a few hours together and appreciate the beautiful city of Lisbon.
BEST LISBON SAILING TOURS
- 2-Hour Lisbon Traditional Boats Sunset Cruise with White Wine
- Lisbon Traditional Boats Express Cruise
- Sunset Experience: Lisbon Boat Cruise with Music and a Drink
12. Oceanario de Lisboa
This aquarium is a really fun place to visit and is in particular great if you have children but it is equally a romantic place to spend some time together in Lisbon too.
One of the highlights of this aquarium is wandering through the tunnel with sharks swimming above your head.
Stroll through the aquarium together hand in hand and admire the beautiful marine life. This is a great way to appreciate the world that we live in and each other at the same time.
Visiting the aquarium is not the cheapest activity to do and one of the things that make Lisbon expensive to visit. However, it is a really great way to spend a few hours together especially if you happen to be in Lisbon during some rainfall.
13. Enjoy an evening of Fado
Lastly, Lisbon is popular for its Fado evenings and incredibly romantic evening to spend together.
Find a cosy, small spot to cuddle up together, enjoy some Portuguese tapas and listen to the beautiful sounds of Fado music.
You will commonly find a lot of spots in the Alfama district for Fado music. One of the best experiences we had was sitting on a rooftop and looking below to see an outdoor Fado show. There really is no better way to spend a romantic evening together in Lisbon.
BEST FADO EVENINGS IN LISBON
- Skip-the-Line Live Fado Show in Lisbon – ‘Fado in Chiado’ Ticket
- Intimate Live Fado Show in Lisbon with Port Wine
- Lisbon Fado Experience: Walking Tour, Dinner and Live Music Show
- Lisbon: Authentic Fado Show, Dinner and Night Tour
Romantic Viewpoints in Lisbon
As we mentioned, there are around 30 miradouros in Lisbon but they’re not the only viewpoints in Lisbon. Below, you will find a list of some of the most romantic viewpoints in Lisbon for you to share some beautiful moments together. Of course, you will need some incredible Lisbon captions to go with your amazing photos too!
- Castelo Sao Jorge
- Miradouro da Rocha de Conde de Óbidos
- Miradouro de Santa Luzia
- Rooftop Bar – Hotel Mundial
- Miradouro de Santo Estêvão
- Elevador de Santa Justa
- Torre de Belém
- Cristo Rei Monument
- Sky Bar
- Ferroviário
Exploring Lisbon as a Couple
No matter what way you look at it, Lisbon is an extremely romantic city to visit in Europe and in our opinion far outweighs the typical romantic destinations such as Rome or Paris even if they are still some of the best locations to spend Valentine’s Day in Europe.
There are plenty of stunning viewpoints for you to enjoy together over a couple drinks or even to take a picnic with you. Not to mention that there are plenty of amazing activities in Lisbon for you to enjoy together.
Lisbon is a beautiful destination to visit whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or not and one that absolutely should not be missed when visiting Europe.
If you’re planning a trip to Portugal then don’t forget to check out our other Portugal resources below.
Lisbon Resources
- Amazing Landmarks in Lisbon
- Is Lisbon Expensive to Visit?
- 123 Incredible Lisbon Captions That Will Stop the Scroll!
- Romantic Places to Visit in Lisbon
