I went with my program to Lisbon in the middle of March.  The first thing I noticed driving into the city were the various series of hills, which provide a great view from different angles.  Getting into the city, you cross the modern "25 de Abril" bridge, which is very reminiscent of San Francisco.  The city is also reminiscent of Rio de Janeiro because of the Christ the Redeemer.  The different neighborhoods of Lisbon are picturesque and charming from the Alfama to the Barrio Alto.  On our first day of arrival, we had a walking tour up the hill to the Sao Jorge Castle, which provided a view from the top that was breathtaking.  The next day we visited the Belem neighborhood where the Jerónimos Monastery and Belem Tower are located.  On the way home , we stopped in a small town called Évora, which is a great city to take a day trip too.  Another day trip, that I regrettably didn't go on, is to Sintra where you can see many fairytale villas.  If you go to Lisbon, make sure to go there!

Accommodations 

  • My program had us stay at the Embaixador

Restaurants

  • Casa de Alentejo is a hidden restaurant that my ISA director recommended.  It is a little pricey but totally worth it
  • You must eat Pasteis de Natas, which is a custard tart with cinnamon and powdered sugar.  Get as many as you can at Pastéis de Belem
  • My friends and I stumbled on a small restaurant  near our hotel.  A famous dish is Bachalau con Natas, which the couple that owned the restaurant made for us

Cultural Activities 

  • Visit the Sao Jorge Castle for a great overlook of the city
  • The Alfama district has a great flea market, which is close to the Sao Jorge Castle
  • The Jerónimos Monastery and Tower of Belém are close to each other so make sure you see both of these
  • Oceanarium is the largest aquarium in Europe
  • If you go to Évora, then stop by the Capela de Ossos, which is a chapel made of bone
  • Take a day trip to Sintra 
  • Ride the cable cars

Clubs/Bars

  • A huge bar place is Barrio Alto, where the locals drink outside in the square

Sneak Peek