Step into a real-life storybook as you arrive at this charming capital of Portugal. As the oldest capital in Europe, Lisbon fascinates everyone who visits with its remarkable structures. Magnificent centuries-old buildings and outstanding medieval masterpieces scatter all over the city. Thus, we might have heard about Sal Jorge Castle and Lisbon’s iconic bright-colored trams. However, Lisbon keeps a lot of secret spots that will blow our minds. In this blog, we will show you the ten best Lisbon hidden gems to add to your itinerary. Note this down: They are all extraordinary and unforgettable!
Lisbon Hidden Gems – Summary
- Campo Pequeno
- Museo Nacional do Azulejo
- Jardim do Torel
- Monastery Sao Vicente de Fora
- Estufa Fria
- Museo Fado
- Mercado de Campo de Ourique
- Cafe de Sao Bento
- Carvoria Jacto
- Arkhe
Campo Pequeno
The flaming brick-red building looks stunning from the outside. However, get ready to be surprised by the real thing it keeps inside. Dating back as old as 1892, Campo Pequeno is the first bullfighting ring in Portugal. Thus, due to its dazzling Neo-Arabic architecture, it is also considered the most beautiful bullfighting ring in the world.
Campo Pequeno is one of the best Lisbon hidden gems. Most tourists have not heard about this unique place in Lisbon. On the other hand, locals call this secret spot a perfect place to chill and drink. Today, Campo Pequeno is more than a bullfighting ring. You can find restaurants, bars, and an underground market in this elegant building.
Museo Nacional do Azulejo
If you are crazy about art, this Lisbon hidden gem will be your happy place! Museo Nacional do Azulejo, or the Museum of Tiles, is an ornate, less-known museum adorned with thousands of intricate tiles. As its name suggests, the museum boasts an opulent collection of azulejo or Portuguese tiles. You can admire thousands of blue-white tiles on the walls of the museum.
The history of Museo Nacional do Azulejo is also interesting to discover. Moreover, the museum was originally a covenant built by Queen D. Leonor in 1509. For that reason, you can find a lot of religious tiles and structures in the museum. Moreover, the carvings, paintings, and gold-tinted cloisters make Museo Nacional do Azulejo looks more amazing.
Jardim do Torel
Tucked away on the sandy shores of Lisbon, Jardim do Torel tells us what a perfect place to relax looks like. The 19th-century garden offers a timeless beauty. It is full of fairytale-like buildings, vintage viewpoints, and a series of shady trees. Besides that, the park has a lot of park benches for visitors to sit and chill.
Jardim do Torel is one of the loveliest Lisbon hidden gems. For example, it has the best out of Lisbon’s natural beauty and manmade wonders. Moreover, you need a unique way to reach the spot. As the park is tucked on the higher grounds of Lisbon, you can reach it by taking the Lavra lift. Interestingly, it is the oldest lift in Lisbon.
Monastery Sao Vicente de Fora
Lisbon never ceases to amaze us with its ravishing churches and beautiful historical buildings. Thus, Monastery Sao Vicente de Fora is one of them. Additionally, it is also a landmark that you shouldn’t miss visiting in Lisbon. The 17th-century monastery is undeniably stunning. It is designed in an iconic Renaissance style and adorned with eye-catching azulejos.
Although considered a Lisbon hidden gem, visiting Monastery Sao Vicente de Fora is far from difficult. Also, the monastery lies in the historical center of Lisbon, close to the famous San Jorge Castle. Moreover, you can also easily access more information about the secret spot on the official website.
Estufa Fria
If you are looking for a cool and quiet place to flee from the hot and bustling day in Lisbon, you can head to Estufa Fria. Moreover, translated as the “Cold Greenhouse” from Portuguese, Estufa Fria is a lovely botanical garden in Lisbon. It is located in Parque Eduardo VII and was built in 1933. Thus, the history and the collection of Estufa Fria will captivate anyone who visits.
Estufa Fria consists of three distinctive gardens, which are Estufa Fria (Cold Greenhouse), Estufa Quente (Hot Greenhouse), and Estufa Doce (Sweet Greenhouse). Each of the gardens keeps a different kind of plant species from all across the world. Moreover, there are quaint pools, pretty fishponds, and intricate statues in this place. Therefore, it is a lovely Lisbon hidden gem to visit.
Museo do Fado
Discover the history of renowned Portuguese fado music in Museo do Fado. The laidback museum is located in the heart of Alfama, which is a popular tourist spot in Lisbon. However, the museum is a hidden gem in Lisbon and stays off the radar. For that reason, you can visit Museo Fado if you are looking for a place to escape the flocking crowds.
Museo do Fado is a haven for anyone who loves culture and history. The humble museum features a permanent collection of Fado music, such as guitars and paintings. Thus, it also has an enormous auditorium where local fado musicians hold mini-concerts and musical performances.
Mercado de Campo de Ourique
Get ready for a culinary hunt in this awesome local market in Lisbon! Mercado de Campo de Ourique is lined with tons of stalls selling top-notch delicacies. You can find traditional Portuguese food such as petiscos and pastel. Besides that, you can also find international dishes such as sushi and pizza. Moreover, Mercado de Campo de Ourique also sells fresh products, ranging from vegetables to meat products.
Mercado de Campo de Ourique is a more quaint and cozier version of the famous Mercado da Ribera. Thus, the fact that it is not full of tourists makes this market an authentic place to visit. Dating back to 1934, Mercado de Campo de Ourique is more than just a local market. It is one of the most interesting Lisbon hidden gems to visit.
Cafe de Sao Bento
Are you looking for a nice place to dine in Lisbon? Then, head to Cafe de Sao Bento! Not many people know about this lavish, Victorian-inspired restaurant. Those who have visited Cafe de Sao Bento immediately fall in love with its old-fashioned steak. Moreover, people think that the restaurant has the best steak in town.
Finding Cafe de Sao Bento is far from challenging. It takes place in a small classic building on the streets of the national parliament. Moreover, this hidden restaurant in Lisbon put bright-red banners to make people easily find it. Furthermore, as you enter the restaurant, the fancy setting and sumptuous ambiance will make your jaw drop.
Carvoaria Jacto
Find the perfect Portuguese dish in Carvoaria Jacto. The restaurant is the local’s favorite, as it serves authentic Portuguese food that tastes like home. The modern-styled restaurant is actually a steakhouse. It specializes in Portuguese-styled steaks, seafood, and traditional food.
Carvoaria Jacto is one of the best Lisbon hidden gems for food. The flavors served by this restaurant are amazing. It is a nice place to get a taste of authentic Portuguese food. Moreover, the atmosphere of the restaurant is also perfect for chilling and having a good time with your travel buddies.
Arkhe
If you are a vegan, you will love this Lisbon hidden gem. Sophisticated and creative are the two words that describe Arkhe. It is one of the best plant-based restaurants in Lisbon. Arkhe offers a wide range of vegetarian and vegan dishes that you can find nowhere else. Thus, the dishes are artistically crafted into a fine dining-like course. Moreover, the restaurant also offers a great selection of wines. Furthermore, this hidden restaurant in Lisbon has also made it to Michelin. So, you can expect star quality.
Those Lisbon hidden gems look amazing, right? Then, do you know what the best way to discover them is? Yes, by going on group trips and traveling with locals!
JoinMyTrip has hundreds of amazing trips with unique itineraries that you can find nowhere else. Besides that, our trips are hosted by experienced travelers and locals that know the destination like the back of their hand. Traveling to Portugal? Then, we will connect you with local travelers that will happily lead you to beautiful hidden gems, awesome secret restaurants, and other secret spots around their country. Guaranteed – you will get an awesome experience that is hard to forget!
