{"id":22063,"date":"2019-05-28T09:47:56","date_gmt":"2019-05-28T09:47:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?p=22063"},"modified":"2019-05-28T09:47:56","modified_gmt":"2019-05-28T09:47:56","slug":"12-reasons-everybody-obsessed-lisbon-right-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/12-reasons-everybody-obsessed-lisbon-right-now\/","title":{"rendered":"12 reasons why everybody is obsessed with Lisbon right now"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u2019re spending hours on Instagram stalking #lisbon, and begging our boss to relocate Hostelworld HQ.<\/p>\n

And it seems we\u2019re not the only ones; everybody\u2019s obsessed with Lisbon right now. It\u2019s a city that will steal your heart, and leave you hungry for more. Here\u2019s why you should make a beeline there this summer…<\/p>\n

\u2728\u00a0<\/strong>The nightlife looks like something out of a fairy tale<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Lisbon<\/p>\n

The charmingly ramshackle Village Underground Lisboa<\/a> is built from old shipping containers and buses. This co-working space and arts hub also throws a mean party, attracting an arty, hipster crowd. If you\u2019re looking for something a little less high-brow, why not follow the pink brick road<\/a> to the city\u2019s former red light district, Cais do Sodr\u00e9, which is now home to some of the city\u2019s coolest bars and clubs. There\u2019s no place like Lisbon. There\u2019s no place like Lisbon. There\u2019s no place like Lisbon\u2026<\/p>\n

Finally, make sure you finish your night out like the locals do \u2013 in the most civilised way imaginable \u2013 with homemade soup and chorizo bread fresh out of the oven. Our favourite place to enjoy this little tradition is A Merendeira<\/a>. (Photo: Jorge Matreno)<\/p>\n

If you are looking for a social vibe, head to Bairro Alto for one euro pints and streets full of people willing to have a chat. It’s the perfect place to meet other travellers and arrange an adventure for the next day.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcf7\u00a0<\/strong>The tiles will make your Instagram feed pop<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Lisbon<\/p>\n

These gorgeous little works of art can be found on buildings and pavements across the city. And once you start noticing them, you won\u2019t stop. For true tile addicts, there\u2019s even a dedicated museum, with tiles dating back as far as the 15th<\/sup> century. Or you can get your hands on your very own slice of vintage tile goodness over at Corti\u00e7o & Netos<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udd76\u00a0T<\/strong>he hostels have their own ball pits and rooftop pools<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"hostel<\/p>\n

This is the dream, people. Excuse us while we dive head first into our very own PIT OF BALLS at Hub New Lisbon Hostel.<\/a> But wait, Sunset Destination Hostel<\/a> has its own rooftop pool and massage parlour complete with amazing views over the River Tagus. Then there\u2019s Lisbon Destination Hostel<\/a>, located INSIDE a train station and featuring a gorgeous winter garden complete with hammocks and fake grass.<\/p>\n

With the highest concentration of HOSCAR<\/a> award-winning hostels in the world, Lisbon will give you serious hostel FOMO. The solution? Try a different hostel in Lisbon<\/a> every time you visit!<\/p>\n

\u2600\u00a0<\/strong>The weather\u2019s nice ALL THE TIME<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcf7@hooddarla<\/a><\/p>\n

Okay, so maybe that\u2019s a slight exaggeration but when you live in London, five consecutive days of sunshine feels like witchcraft. Let\u2019s just say you\u2019ll probably get more sun on a long weekend here than you will in the whole of August in England. And dammit, Lisbon, even when you\u2019re rainy we can\u2019t help but love you.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\ude31\u00a0<\/strong>The views are unreal <\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcf7@lovelyforliving<\/a><\/p>\n

A sea of terracotta rooftops baking in the sun. Panoramic views of the River Tagus and Lisbon\u2019s very own Golden Gate Bridge. This is one beautiful city, and there are a million and one viewing points (known as \u201cmiradouro\u201d) from which to appreciate it.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfa8\u00a0<\/strong>The city is one big open-air gallery<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Graffiti<\/p>\n

Colourful, fantastical, political \u2013 the city is covered in amazing graffiti from visiting street art celebs to home grown talent. The city\u2019s most famous resident sprayer is Vhils: If you\u2019ve never seen one of his 3D murals up close, you\u2019re in for a treat.<\/p>\n

To see what life as a street artist in Lisbon is all about, follow Kruella<\/a> on Instagram, the lady behind the above masterpiece.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcaa\u00a0<\/strong>It\u2019s socially acceptable to eat little custard tarts for breakfast<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"best<\/p>\n

If we had to pinpoint the start of our obsession with Lisbon to one moment in time, it would probably be biting into a freshly baked \u201cPastel de Nata\u201d from the legendary Manteigaria<\/a> bakery (The Past\u00e9is de Belem<\/a> is good too, though a little more touristy). We pretty much filled our suitcase with these on the last day of our trip. Mmmm custardy mess\u2026<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfad\u00a0The city is full of culture and you get to live awesome authentic experiences\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcf7@ligeirissima<\/a><\/p>\n

Stroll the city to see amazing street musicians sharing African,\u00a0Brazilian and Portuguese music. Spend time in local jaunts like\u00a0Anjos 70<\/a>, a super cafe\/bar that hosts lots of community events like art fairs and flee markets.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\ude0e\u00a0<\/strong>Even the bridges are cool!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Skate<\/p>\n

The Vasco da Gama Bridge and is 17km of pure perfection. Not only is this the longest bridge in Europe, it\u2019s also quite possibly the coolest thanks to the awesome skate park built at its base on the Lisbon side of the river.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfdb\u00a0<\/strong>The architecture looks like THIS<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Lisbon<\/p>\n

You don\u2019t really need a plan in Lisbon if you want to see stunning architecture \u2013 it\u2019s all around you. But here are a few of our favs, including the whimsical B\u00e9lem Tower, which looks like it\u2019s floating in the Tagus River; the perfectly proportioned Pra\u00e7a do Com\u00e9rcio (pictured); the ornate, leg-saving Santa Justa Lift; and the eerily beautiful ruined gothic Carmo Convent. (Photo: Tom Hafner<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfd6\u00a0Oh h<\/strong>ello, ocean breeze and stunning coastline!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Cascais<\/p>\n

Barcelona, Rio, Sydney, Cape Town, San Francisco\u2026 being by the sea is a sure-fire way for a city to capture our heart. And the coastline around Lisbon is in a league of its own: rugged cliffs,\u00a0spectacular sandy beaches\u00a0and even the odd dolphin. Head 30km west to the buzzing coastal town of Cascais (pictured) or\u00a0carry on a little further and you’ll reach the stunning Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.\u00a0If you\u00a0want something a little more chilled, head\u00a0south to the Troia Peninsula.\u00a0(Photo: Lovelyforliving<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf1e\u00a0<\/strong>The sunsets are ridiculous<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Lisbon<\/p>\n

After a long, hard day eating custard tarts and jumping in ball pits, it\u2019s time to grab a beer and some mates and head to a roof somewhere to watch the whole city bathe in a warm glow as you plot the next day\u2019s adventures. Sa\u00fade! (Photo: Kruella<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Hungry for more? Check out our Parkour video tour of Lisbon<\/a> – which will give you a perspective on the city you can’t find anywhere else.<\/p>\n

Hostels in Lisbon<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

Want more inspiration for Portugal? Check out these articles:<\/p>\n