I’ve mentioned in previous posts how much I enjoy being able to sit outside and eat and drink – a practice much more common in Europe than in the US. When you’re in a new place traveling or living, you can learn so much from observing while enjoying the local cuisine or street food.

People watching is one thing. But to savor the simplicity of everyone walking around on a beautiful day is its own kind of splendor. I know that as a frequent solo traveler, I prefer this option over a table for one in a crowded restaurant. Lisbon is no exception to this take on my time spent traveling.

Lisbon is a visually remarkable city. Old, detailed buildings of every color and pattern imaginable line the unusual streets and lively plazas, both of which buzz with interesting people laughing, rushing or, like me, eating and drinking. Enjoying a glass of wine outside overlooking the orange-y-red rooftops and buzzing crowds is a Lisbon special that can be done in at least one place of each unique district.

I made this post because these experiences encompassed my favorite things about Lisbon. The food, the drink, the visually stimulating scenery in every sense possible. I want to excite anyone going to Portugal about these little treasures which may not be emphasized in Fodor’s guides. This is my guide to enjoying the little things in the Lisbon sun.

So, when you’ve finished your obligatory sightseeing for the day, spend the rest of your time at one of these awesome kick-back spots.

1. Miradouro Santa Catarina

   

I came here every night I spent in Lisbon, as it was only a couple of blocks from my kickass AirBnB. The view from Santa Catarina is breathtaking, especially if you’re there at the perfect time and watching the sunset or a storm roll in over the Tagus river. A small booth sells wine – including vinho verde – beer and snacks. It had been relatively calm with only a few visitors my first couple of visits. However, my last visit on Sunday afternoon surprised me as the space was packed with locals and tourists alike. People in large groups shared wine, 32 oz bottles of local lagers and other herbal refreshments without a care in the world. People with boomboxes and guitars made the experience all the more uplifting. To top it off, I met a group of travelers from Texas, Spain, Argentina and England who I’m still in touch with.

Miradouro Santa Catarina: 401, R. de Santa Catarina, Lisboa, Portugal

2. Rossio Spring Market

I stumbled across this area accidentally one morning when I emerged from my long walk down Rua Augusta. Small vendors sell goods such as souveneirs as well as snacks in the form of sweets, dried fruits and ginja (So. Much. Ginja.). This is another central point where you can kill a bit of time before your visit to Castelo Sao Jorge or catching a train at Rossio Station. If you have a mega sweet-tooth, I’d recommend trying one of these chocolate dipped marshmallows!

Rossio Spring Market: Rua da Assunção, 42, 1º andar Sala 7

3. Sao Pedro Miradouro

One of the best views of the city, competing with Miradouro Santa Catalina, is Sao Pedro. Another great location I happened upon accidentally (I know what you’re thinking… “Did she even put more than five minutes of planning into this trip?”). But that’s what happens when you take the time and energy to wander up one of the many treacherous hills of Lisbon – you’ll find a beautiful reward at the top. Miradouro Sao Pedro had a more extensive selection of vendors for food and artisan items than Santa Catalina, Rossio Spring Market and Chiado Square. So I would recommend venturing up here with an outdoor lunch in mind if I were you.

Miradouro Sao Pedro: R. de São Pedro de Alcântara, 1200-470 Lisboa, Portugal

4. Mercado da Baixa

At Mercado da Baixa, you can find stalls selling pork sandwiches, cheeses, sausage hot wine drinks and other awesome treats. Everyone who buys here eats here. While there are some tables available, they seemed to be totally full both times I was visited Mercado da Baixa. However, the immediate neighboring plaza has plenty of space for circles of friends to sit down like an urban park. I’ll never forget spending a couple of hours here, returning to the main tent for another sample of traditional Portuguese menu items while overhearing the groups beside me speaking numerous foreign languages. It was a chilly day outside, but the sun shines upon this location perfectly, tricking you into thinking it was the middle of summer.

Mercado da Baixa: Praça da Figueira 6D, 1100-241 Lisboa, Portugal

Chiado Square

Located in Largo Chiado, a popular shoppping district near the Biaxa Chiado metro stop is Chiado Square. An array of little shed-like booths vend ginja, pastries, cheese and small jamone sandwiches. This was a particularly bustling area, likely due to the Tram28 stop at it’s edge. The historic square doesn’t permit any vantage-point views, but it is a great place to spend some time sampling local favorites, to kick your morning off with coffee or to begin your night as it is quite central and encapsulates the many colors and characters of Lisbon.

5. Waiting in Line for the Tram28

Oh you think I’m joking? That’s cute. If you have ‘ride the Tram 28’ on your list of Lisbon things to do, make sure you factor this in. Everyone has this on their list and the line is LONG. I’m talking an hour and a half long. Could be worse, but the main problem for me was a lack of payoff. The tram itself isn’t expensive at about 2.5 euros. However, the tram car gets so crowded that you’ll only be able to see out of the windows on one side – assuming you get a seat. If you’re standing, you’ll likely be more limited. I’m not trying to discourage you – just giving you a warning! I wish I had considered this when I started that lengthy adventure. I’m just saying. Bring a refreshment.

A few other places that come to mind are the plaza at the top of Castelo Sao Jorge, at Timeout Market and at one of the many restaurants along Rua Augusta. What are your favorite locations for relaxing outside in Lisbon? Comment below!