Best Activities for Plus Size Travelers in Lisbon

Chantel Loura

Lisbon is the glistening gem of Portugal. The capital city will tease you with bright, unique architecture, sprawling views and scents that make your nose dance. Get lost in its twisted alleyways and discover the heartbeat of the city. The hills that surround Lisbon are not for the faint of heart and steep inclines can sometimes seem daunting. However, rest assured, there are still ways to enjoy the city at any accessibility level and all activities listed are located near public transportation or can be driven to.

R. da Silva 40, Mercado de Santa Clara, Alameda, 壁畫：法朵, Trumps, Ler Devagar, Água no Bico, LxFactory, Fauna & Flora, A Tentadora, Lisbon Zoo, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, A Outra Face da Lua (Baixa), Cervejaria Trindade, Observation Deck Park Eduardo VII, Manteigaria (Portuguese custard pies factory), Miradouro da Graça, Padaria Estrela da Graça, the mill, Pensão Amor

  • R. da Silva 40, Portugal

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      A symbol of the country. These tiled facades add a definitive character to Portuguese exteriors. You can find them all over the city and each is as unique as the last.

  • Mercado de Santa Clara, Portugal

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      Only open on Tuesdays and Saturdays this flea market is a hodgepodge of goods. From furniture, home goods, historic memorabilia, vintage pieces, and souvenirs it’s easy to find a bit of everything. Spend the morning searching for inexpensive treasure.

  • Alameda in Lisbon, Portugal

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      A sprawling park with a large fountain overlooking the space is an ideal place to sit down and take in some sun. Enjoy a drink at the traditional quiosque or stroll through the local vendors selling handmade goods.

  • 壁畫：法朵, Portugal

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      Easily the most iconic graffiti tribute in Lisbon. Created by a small group of locals that live in the area. The painting is full of symbols and references connected not only to Fado music but also to the city and the neighborhood, like the image of São Cristóvão, patron of the travelers and famous performers. There are song lyrics, the popular decorations of the city festivities and, traditional meals painted colorfully on the walls.

  • Trumps, Portugal

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      If you want to dance until the morning with some of the fiercest drag queens you’ve ever set your eyes on then this is the place to do it. An inclusive, welcoming LGBTQ+ Discoteca where the music plays loudly and the confetti never stops raining.

  • Ler Devagar, Portugal

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      It’s not often that a bookstore will take your breath away but here there’s no denying it here. The grand display of books and unique set up makes this place a must-see for those in the city.

  • Água no Bico, Portugal

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      A local favorite! At any time you’ll find locals enjoying the sun in this watering hole’s open courtyard. Serving fresh and tasty vegetarian options along with random saxophone concerts courtesy of the barman, Luis.

  • LxFactory, Portugal

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      A giant complex covered with unique instillations of outdoor art. Here you can shop various small businesses, try some beloved dishes, go to a concert and countless other activities this one of a kind space provides.

  • Fauna & Flora, Portugal

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      Take a break from the city and step into a jungle oasis. The plants that cover this brunch spot add a cozy feeling and the various food options will leave you wondering if you can just order one of everything.

  • A Tentadora, Portugal

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      Taking a coffee break is a way of life in Lisbon. Whether it be morning, afternoon or night. This corner side cafe is ideal to get your caffeine fix with local street art tucked away in the adjoining neighborhood.

  • Lisbon Zoo, Portugal

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      You don’t need to pay admission to stroll a portion of the grounds of this famous zoo. The flat and wide walking paths are jam-packed with gardens filled with birds of paradise, cafes and sneak peeks of some of the zoo inhabitants.

  • Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Portugal

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      One of the most popular miradouros and with reason. The pergola covered in bright green ivy provides shade for the seats adorned with azulejos overlooking a scenic view of the city. During the summer months, you can find performers providing light bossa nova music in the background and fuschia bougainvillea flowers growing in abundance.

  • A Outra Face da Lua (Baixa), Portugal

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      Lisbon loves its vintage shopping and with the city full of stylish inhabitants, you can really find some gems. This beautifully curated store promoting sustainable fashion has rotating items of all sizes.

  • Cervejaria Trindade, Portugal

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      If you want to experience traditional Portuguese food then look no farther. Ornate tiles, frescos, arches & courtyard decorate this former monastery. Here the helpings offer a taste of Portuguese flavors and portions overflow the plates they come on.

  • Observation Deck Park Eduardo VII, Portugal

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      Its geometric hedges and downward slope provides an open view of Lisbon all the way down to the water. A spectacular vantage point to see all that the city has to offer.

  • Manteigaria (Portuguese custard pies factory), Portugal

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      If you didn’t eat a pastel de nata did you even visit Portugal? Locals and vacationers swear by this place to grab the iconic egg custard treats and locations are sprinkled throughout the city.

  • Miradouro da Graça, Portugal

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      The city is full of miradouros which are viewpoints in Portuguese. However, this particular one lends the best view of the city and a perfect spot to take in the cotton candy sunsets that Lisbon provides with a glass of wine from the cafe located there.

  • Padaria Estrela da Graça, Portugal

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      You’ll be able to smell this bakery before you get to it which makes you realize you’re going the right way. Queue up behind the old Portuguese woman waiting to buy their daily fresh bread and try to keep your mouth from watering from the scents overflowing outside.

  • the mill, Portugal

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      The Mill is known for their blueberry pancakes and with good reason because they’re absolutely divine. Buttery, filled with blueberries and delightfully fluffy, don’t plan on sharing these.

  • Pensão Amor, Portugal

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      Dance the night away at this unassuming, unmarked building tucked in the middle of Pink Street. A multi-level, casual Discoteca filled with different themed rooms each as fun as the last.