Our Lisbon Summer Guide

Lisbon in summer feels like the city is constantly smiling at you. The light is golden, the tiles shine a little brighter, and every street seems to end in the sparkle of the Tagus or the blue of the Atlantic. 

Swimming into the Atlantic

One of the best things about Lisbon is how close the ocean is. A twenty-minute train ride and suddenly you’re barefoot on the sand. Locals love Carcavelos for surfing and beach days that somehow stretch into the evening, while Costa da Caparica offers endless strips of sand dotted with beach bars serving cold beers and grilled fish. If you’re in the mood for something wild, head out to Guincho—windy, dramatic, and breathtaking. And if you’re the adventurous type, take the hike down to Praia da Ribeira do Cavalo, where the water is so clear it feels like a secret Mediterranean cove.

Eating Like a Lisboeta

Summer in Lisbon has its own flavor: sardines sizzling on the grill, the scent drifting from tiny neighborhood taverns where locals gather outside with a glass of wine in hand. A proper summer evening isn’t complete without sitting down at a simple tasca for a plate of grilled fish, or grabbing a bifana sandwich on the go. And then, of course, there are the sweet moments—literally. A pastel de nata from Belém, still warm, with cinnamon sprinkled on top, is the taste of Lisbon in one bite. Don’t be surprised if you end up eating more than one. Everyone does.

• O velho Eurico - Portuguese food
• A valenciana - Portuguese food 
• Solar dos presuntos - Portuguese food
• Ramiro - Seafood - a bit touristic
• Time out markets - mix of restaurants

Living the Lisbon Life

But Lisbon isn’t just about where you swim or eat—it’s about how you let the city slow you down. Take the tram that rattles up and down the hills, or better yet, wander on foot until you stumble onto a viewpoint where the rooftops roll down toward the river. Find a miradouro at sunset, join the locals sitting on the wall with a bottle of vinho verde, and watch as the city blushes into pink.

If you want to understand Lisbon’s heart, spend a night in Alfama listening to fado—Portugal’s soul poured into song. Or spend a lazy afternoon in a market, tasting, chatting, and watching life unfold at an unhurried pace. Because that’s really the secret of Lisbon: it teaches you to slow down, to linger, to enjoy.

• Jncquoi - fancy restaurants & bar
• Imprensa - cocktails bar
• Java - rooftop bar

The Summer Spell

In Lisbon, summer isn’t just a season—it’s a way of life. It’s swimming in salty waves by day, eating with your hands by night, and always finding time to pause, look around, and smile. Once the city gets under your skin, it’s hard to imagine being anywhere else.

Take a car & go to:

• Sintra - visit the palaces & the town
• Parque da arrabida - praia dos coelhos, praia ribeiro do cavalo
• Comporta - Sublime or Jncquoi beach club, diner at Dona Bia