If you’ve ever contemplated a romantic break to Lisbon, but just haven’t met the right travel companion, here’s how that can easily be remedied. Firstly, sign up for a dating site. These online services generally offer free registration, making it super-convenient to set up a profile. And if you’re a member of LGBTQ community and looking for a gay partner, online dating got you covered as well. After uploading a suitably alluring photograph, outline your hobbies and interests, including your preferences and desire to visit Lisbon. As soon as another gay singles drops by who shares this aspiration (and assuming you are attracted to each another) you can start planning your itinerary. With that being said, check out our five most recommended romantic places to visit in the Portuguese capital.
Cruise along the River Tagus
Regardless of the setting, one of the most romantic activities for any couple to indulge in is a cruise. There is something mystical about relaxing on a boat, watching the world glide by. The waterway waiting to be explored here is the River Tagus, meandering for 1,000-kilometers from the Montes Universales to the Atlantic Ocean. Luckily, one of its most scenic stretches is the point where it cleaves between the Portuguese capital and the beautiful Almada beaches. There are cruises available by day from Lisbon’s museum district of Belém, but the best time to indulge is when the sun is setting over the ocean. Lasting two hours, this is a captivating way to observe the city’s landmarks from an unusual angle. Keep an eye out for the 16th-century Belém Tower, and the mighty span of the 25 de Abril suspension bridge straddling the bay.
Sample the finest Portuguese wines
What better way to get into a romantic frame of mind than sampling some of the finest locally produced wines? Portugal is renowned for its wonderful vineyards, and one of the prime locations for indulging in a tasting experience is to head over to Venha Vinho. You can book a tour for two, discovering the centuries-old techniques involved in creating these mouth-watering vintages, culminating in a sampling event, all under the tutelage of local wine experts. There are over 250 indigenous Portuguese wines to choose from, so you will have many exciting examples to savor.
Book a candlelit dinner in a palace
Portugal has a rich heritage, going back to the days when this small European country was the apex of a vast global empire, stretching from Brazil to Africa to the Far East. There are numerous medieval castles and palaces dotted around the landscape, and while a lot of these can be explored for their history, many have been renovated into charming restaurants. One that would be perfect for a secluded dining experience would be the Alverca Palace, dating from the 1600s, once the home of one of Lisbon’s elite families. Here you can enjoy cuisine from the Alentejo region, stretching from the south of the Tagus to the Algarve bordering the Mediterranean. The surroundings are highly decorative, and the food wonderful.
Visit the Sporting Lisbon stadium
Football might not be everyone’s preference, but visiting the magnificent José Alvalade Stadium, and checking out the abundance of dutifully polished cups and medals in the club trophy room would make for an unusual but exciting date activity. Formed in 1906, the green-and-white hoops of Sporting Lisbon have welcomed many wonderful players, including the world’s most famous footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Dine like a Lisbon local
Your final date suggestion is to explore the city’s nooks and crannies and seek out more traditional restaurants. Not the ones that will be crowded with other visitors, but locations where Lisbon natives enjoy succulent Morrocan dishes, as well as traditional Alentejo cuisine. Enjoy mouth-watering farinheira (pork sausages) and freshly-caught clams.
