Choosing between Lisbon and Porto can feel like choosing between pastel de nata or francesinha. Both cities are full of character, deeply rooted in history, and incredibly welcoming to backpackers. Travelers often compare their vibes, food, nightlife, walkability, and overall backpacker scene, but the real difference comes down to how you experience each city. Lisbon…
Category: Lisbon
Unmissable Day Trips From Lisbon For Travelers In 2025
Lisbon is a city of captivating charm, with its historic neighborhoods, vibrant Fado music, and delicious cuisine. While the Portuguese capital offers endless exploration, some of Portugal’s most enchanting experiences lie just a short journey away. Taking day trips from Lisbon allows you to discover diverse landscapes, ancient history, stunning coastlines, and unique cultural gems,…
A backpacker’s guide to Portugal – a haven for foodies, adventurers and culture vultures
From tanning on the golden beaches of the Algarve to swimming in lakes in the Serra de Estrela National Park to exploring the cobblestone streets of Lisbon and the canals of Aveiro, Portugal’s got something to suit everyone. Culture nerds, history buffs, explorers and sunseekers will all feel at home when backpacking Portugal. Often overlooked…
The Best Hostels in Lisbon: A Mecca for Luxury Hostel Worshippers
This article was last updated Apr 23 How to find the best hostels in Lisbon for your trip Want to find the best hostels in Lisbon? We’ve put together a list of the best places to stay in the city where you can explore and soak up the Portuguese sun. Whether you’re looking for…
12 reasons why everybody is obsessed with Lisbon right now
Lisbon, we wish we knew how to quit you. It started with a cheeky city break, nothing serious. We came back with a tan and some of those little custard tarts. Next thing we know we’re spending hours on Instagram stalking #lisbon, and begging our boss to relocate Hostelworld HQ. And it seems we’re not…
A visual guide to the history of azulejo tiles in Portugal
Tiles are something you probably associate with your kitchen or bathroom but take a walk around Lisbon or Porto and you’ll see that tiles, or “azulejos” as they are called in Portugal, are works of art, turning dull apartment blocks into outdoor galleries. In fact, “azulejaria”, the art of tiles, tells us a lot about…
The best restaurants in Lisbon to eat like a local
Portugal’s capital lives up to its reputation as an ‘it’ place in Europe, with elegant Pombaline architecture, more historical attractions than you can poke a stick at, and a magical glow come sundown. Oh yeah and food – it has mighty fine food. Whether you want to save or splurge (because let’s face it, if…
10 Best Places To Visit In Portugal If You’re Young And Broke
Oh HELLO land of stunning beaches, fairy-tale castles, buzzing cities and devilish little custard tarts! Portugal is an absolute gem of a country, a vibrant mix of old and new. If you’re broke AF, but still want to hit up Europe this summer, then Portugal has everything you need. Not only is the food incredible and…
Where to stay in Lisbon: a local’s guide to the coolest neighbourhoods
When I first visited Lisbon almost three years ago, the city still felt relatively under the radar. And even though its popularity has grown in leaps and bounds over the last few years, when you wander through the maze of streets in neighbourhoods like the Alfama and Graça, it stills feels like there is so much…
How to get off the beaten track in Lisbon – parkour style!
As you know, we’re totally obsessed with Lisbon here at Hostelworld HQ. But did you know that the city is also a parkour lover’s dream? We asked free-runner Luis Alkmim, the superhero behind our hair-raising Lisbon video, to share some of his secrets on how to get a unique perspective on Lisbon… Find a local…
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