Lisbon gets more than 300 days of sunshine a year, making it easy to spend time outside—whether that’s wandering quiet gardens, spotting street art, or settling into a tasca for a long meal. There’s plenty to see beyond the well-known sights, and this guide covers everything you need for a Lisbon city break: practical travel tips, neighborhood recommendations, and places that don’t always make the usual lists. Whether you’re here for a few days or starting a longer trip through Portugal, this will help you plan your time.
Lisbon is Portugal’s sunny capital, where the Tagus River meets the Atlantic Ocean. The city uses the Euro (€), and while Portuguese is the official language, many people in tourist areas speak English, and many menus are available in English. Keep in mind that Lisbon is spread over seven hills, so be ready to be walking up and down hills a lot.
Thebest time to visit Portugal is spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these times, temperatures usually hover between 59-77°F (15-25°C), and there are generally fewer crowds than in the busy summer months. This makes it easier to do some sightseeing without dealing with too much heat. Rain is more common from November through February. Though it comes in short bursts, it does make tiled sidewalks extremely slippery.
Aerial view of Praca do comercio in Lisbon, Portugal © Shutterstock
Lisbon is one of Europe’s more accessible capitals, with travel options by air, rail, or road. Its location on the western edge of Europe makes it a practical choice whether you're planning a short city break or a longer trip through Portugal or Europe. There are several ways to get there.
Lisbon Airport, officially Humberto Delgado Airport but commonly called Portela, is about 4.3 miles (7km) from downtown. It handles flights from all over Europe and has direct routes from North America, South America, Africa, and the Middle East. TAP Air Portugal connects many destinations, and budget airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air also fly in. Traveling during shoulder seasons or midweek and booking a few months ahead can help you find better deals (for more tips, see our guide to getting to Portugal). Once you land, you can reach the city center by metro (roughly 30 minutes), shuttle buses, or taxis with fixed rates.
You can also take the Aerobus, a convenient shuttle service running every 20 minutes between the airport and key city locations, including Sete Rios, Entrecampos, and the Cais do Sodré transport hub.
Portugal’s rail network has improved in recent years, connecting Lisbon with both local and international destinations. The main train stations here are Santa Apolónia and Oriente. The high-speed Alfa Pendular links Lisbon with Porto in about 3 hours and Faro in roughly 3.5 hours. Regional and intercity trains work well for trips to smaller towns, and there’s even an overnight train to Madrid .
The Portuguese rail company, CP, sometimes has discounted fares if you book in advance through their website or app.
Driving to Lisbon means you have the freedom to explore different parts of Portugal and even neighboring Spain. The highway network includes the A1 from Porto to Lisbon, the A2 from the Algarve, and the A6 from Spain.
Keep in mind that Portuguese highways use electronic toll systems, so you may need a temporary electronic device from your rental agency or be prepared for manual payment.
Within Lisbon, the narrow streets, limited parking, and one-way systems can make driving a bit tricky, so it might be easier to park outside the historic center and use public transportation. Portugal drives on the right-hand side.
Alfama's extraordinary skyline is one of the main highlights of Lisbon city break /CC0
Choosing where to stay in Lisbon will change your trip. The city's distinct neighborhoods each offer their own flavor of Lisbon life. For a better look, see our guide to where to stay in Lisbon.
Alfama is the oldest part of Lisbon and a great spot to experience the city’s character. Its narrow, cobbled streets date back to before the 1755 earthquake and wind up the hill beneath São Jorge Castle. Wandering the alleys can lead you to simple viewpoints (miradouros) with views of the Tagus River.
By day, Bairro Alto is quiet and relaxed with its narrow streets, traditional buildings, small shops, and cafés. In the evening, it becomes livelier with bars, clubs, and fado houses. This unpretentious district is frequented by many:university students, artists, tourists, and locals. The restaurants serve everything from classic Portuguese dishes to more modern takes on food. It works well for visitors who enjoy a mix of calm daytime and busy evenings.
Pastel de Nata © Shutterstock
Chiado is a central area known for its cultural history and easygoing charm. Once a popular spot for writers and intellectuals, the neighborhood still has a gentle atmosphere with its beautiful buildings, boutique shops, and historic cafés like Café A Brasileira, where Fernando Pessoa once spent time. There’s a mix of high-end brands and local stores along with small bookshops and street performers
Baixa is Lisbon’s downtown area, rebuilt with a neat neoclassical grid after the 1755 earthquake. The district features wide boulevards, large squares such as Praça do Comércio with its view of the Tagus River, and Rua Augusta, a busy street with shops, cafés, and street performers. Its flat layout is a nice change from Lisbon’s usual hills, making it easier to get around. With a central location and close access to public transportation like historic trams and the Santa Justa Elevator, Baixa is a sensible base for exploring the main sights.
Located along the Tagus River just outside central Lisbon, Belém has a quieter pace. This area is steeped in the history of Portugal’s Age of Discovery and is home to landmarks like the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. Alongside its historical sites, you can take a gentle stroll on the green promenades by the river. Be sure to try the pastéis de Belém—the original custard tarts that have been made using a secret recipe since 1837. The area tends to be calm in the evenings, which can be a nice contrast after busy days of sightseeing.
Nightlife starts late and ends later in Lisbon © OFFFSTOCK/Shutterstock
The 16th-century Belém Tower, a UNESCO site, once guarded the harbor and is a classic example of Manueline architecture from the Age of Discoveries. Just down the road, the Jerónimos Monastery is an architectural masterpiece and the resting place of Vasco da Gama.
In the heart of the city, Praça do Comércio stands out with its yellow buildings and grand riverfront entrance—once the ceremonial gateway for visiting royalty. For the best views, head to São Jorge Castle, perched high above the city. It’s a mix of Moorish history, medieval ruins, and unbeatable views. And no visit to Lisbon is complete without stepping inside the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé), a fortress-like church that has withstood earthquakes since 1147, packed with artifacts from Roman, Arabic, and medieval times.
For something more nature-oriented, the Oceanário de Lisboa in the modern Parque das Nações district is one of Europe's largest aquariums, and has a central tank that recreates the global ocean ecosystem with sharks, rays, and tropical fish swimming among artificial coral reefs. If you're looking for more ideas, don't miss our itinerary ideas for Portugal.
Lisbon has a mix of historic and contemporary museums. Sitting right on the river, the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) focuses on modern art and design, housed in a building that’s as much a statement as the exhibits inside. The Museu Nacional do Azulejo takes a deep dive into Portugal’s famous tilework, showcasing pieces from different centuries inside a former convent.
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum brings together art and artifacts collected by a single oil magnate, ranging from ancient Egyptian pieces to works by Rembrandt. The Museu do Fado highlights the city’s signature music, with exhibits on its origins, legendary performers, and its influence over the years. Those interested in design should check out MUDE (Design and Fashion Museum), which looks at how everyday objects have shaped modern life.
The Museu Nacional dos Coches (National Coach Museum) houses one of the world's most impressive collections of historical carriages, showcasing ornate vehicles used by European royalty and aristocracy from the 16th to 19th centuries.
Lisbon tram © Shutterstock
Some of Lisbon’s most interesting spots are away from the usual tourist routes. The LX Factory, a former textile complex, has been turned into a creative hub with independent shops, cafés, and a bookstore inside an old printing press. For a quieter, panoramic view of the city, head to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, which has a full view of Lisbon’s hills and rooftops without the usual crowds.
Twice a week, Feira da Ladra, Lisbon’s long-running flea market, spreads across Campo de Santa Clara, with vendors selling everything from antique tiles to vintage clothing and old vinyl records.
Anjos70, a community arts space, regularly hosts exhibitions, performances, and pop-up markets, drawing a mix of locals and visitors looking for something different.
For a day trip just outside the city, Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra has a surreal mix of gardens, underground tunnels, and an initiation well with spiraling stone steps. It's easily one of the best places to visit in Portugal.
Lisbon has some great areas for shopping. Rua Augusta, the city’s main pedestrian street, cuts through the historic center with a mix of local shops, international brands, and street performers. For designer stores, Avenida da Liberdade runs beneath wide tree-lined sidewalks, with luxury boutiques and cafés along the way.
A Vida Portuguesa specializes in products tied to Portugal’s past, from handcrafted ceramics to tins of sardines with vintage designs. Embaixada, set inside a 19th-century mansion, houses independent Portuguese designers selling cork accessories, handmade jewelry, and other unique finds.
Street and cobblestone floor in the old neighborhood of Alfama, Lisbon © David Evora Marquez/Shutterstock
Portugal’s food is straightforward but full of depth, whether you are in Lisbon or Porto. Beyond pastéis de nata, there’s a lot worth trying. Bacalhau (salt cod) is a staple, with a different preparation for every day of the year, or so they say. If you like seafood, cataplana is a rich, garlicky stew that comes straight to the table in a copper pot. For meat lovers, leitão—slow-roasted suckling pig—has a crisp, crackling skin that shatters like glass. Don't skip ginjinha (sour cherry liqueur) served in chocolate cups. You’ll sometimes find it sold at small street setups, especially in touristy areas, where people have tables set up with bottles ready to pour.
Meals are often built around petiscos, small plates meant for sharing, best paired with vinho verde (a light, slightly fizzy white) or a deep red from Alentejo.
Cafés in Lisbon are more than places to grab coffee—they’re part of daily life. Café Nicola on Rossio Square has been around since the 1700s. It’s known for its bica (Portuguese espresso), served in an Art Deco setting that still feels like a meeting place for writers and thinkers. The pastry case is stacked with classic sweets, including almond tarts.
The most famous stop for pastéis de nata is Pastéis de Belém. These custard tarts have been made here since 1837, using a recipe that’s still a secret. They come out warm, with a flaky crust and caramelized top. Sprinkle on some cinnamon and powdered sugar, and grab a galão (milky coffee). Getting there early helps avoid the long lines.
Seafood is a big deal in Lisbon, and Ramiro is a go-to spot. The menu is straightforward: giant prawns grilled with garlic, plates of percebes (goose barnacles), and bright red carabineros shrimp, best eaten whole. It’s common to wrap up the meal with a prego—a thin steak sandwich on soft, garlicky bread, oddly something of a tradition at the end of a seafood feast.
For a mix of history and comfort food, Cervejaria Trindade is set in a former monastery where blue-and-white azulejo tiles line the walls. The menu sticks to Portuguese classics—steamed clams, bacalhau prepared in different styles, and feijoada (a bean and meat stew). The house beer, brewed since the 1800s, is a good match for whatever you’re eating.
Making Portuguese the codfish cake in Lisbon © Shutterstock
Lisbon’s Time Out Market is packed with food stalls from some of the city’s best chefs. The central seating area fills up fast, but the stalls around the edges are the ones to check out. Henrique Sá Pessoa’s bifana (a garlicky pork sandwich) and croquetes de alheira (smoky game sausage croquettes) are good places to start. Fresh oysters and a glass of vinho verde make for a simple but solid meal.
For something less touristy, Mercado de Campo de Ourique feels more like a neighborhood market. Locals come here to shop and snack, making it a great place to piece together a meal. Grab some presunto (Portuguese ham), peixinhos da horta (tempura green beans), and a shot of ginjinha (cherry liqueur) in a chocolate cup—small but satisfying.
Lisbon’s bar scene has a mix of laid-back spots and places with a bit more character. Pink Street (Rua Nova do Carvalho), once the city’s red-light district, is now packed with bars and clubs. Pensão Amor, a former brothel, leans into its history with dim lighting, vintage art, and strong cocktails. If you’d rather keep things simple, there are tiny hole-in-the-wall bars along the street serving ginjinha and small plates late into the night.
For something with a view, Park Bar sits on top of a parking garage, tucked away behind an unmarked elevator. It’s a good spot for a sunset drink, with a mix of locals and travelers sipping white port tonics and picking at grilled chorizo and piri-piri chicken skewers. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the view over Lisbon’s rooftops is hard to beat.
Elevador da Bica tram: can be helpful during your Lisbon city break © Shutterstock
Lisbon’s public transportation is easy to use and takes you through some of the city’s most scenic areas. The steep hills can be a challenge, but they come with great views. The historic center is compact, so you can walk to plenty of places, but public transport makes getting between neighborhoods much easier. If you are going beyond Lisbon, don't miss our guide to getting around Portugal.
The metro is the fastest way to get around, with four color-coded lines connecting the main neighborhoods. If you’ll be using public transport more than a couple of times in a day, get a Viva Viagem card—it covers unlimited rides on the metro, trams, buses, and funiculars for 24 hours and is much cheaper than buying single tickets.
Tram 28 is one of Lisbon’s classic experiences, winding through historic districts like Alfama and Graça. It’s also packed most of the day, so if you want a seat, try catching it early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Sitting on the right side gives you the best views heading uphill. If you start at the main stop in Martim Moniz, expect long waits—Campo Ourique or Graça are better spots to hop on. Keep an eye on your bag, as pickpockets take advantage of the crowds.
Lisbon's historic elevators and funiculars aren't just tourist attractions; they're practical solutions to the city's very steep terrain. The Gothic-inspired Santa Justa Elevator connects downtown Baixa with the Chiado district, while three funiculars—Glória, Bica, and Lavra—help navigate particularly steep hills. These are covered by the Viva Viagem card.
Terrace restaurant in Lisbon, Portugal © Shutterstock
Taxis are easy to find in Lisbon and generally more affordable than in other European capitals. You can hail one on the street, find them at taxi stands, or book through an app like Free Now. Drivers use meters, but it’s always good to double-check that it’s running when your ride starts. Tipping isn’t expected, but rounding up to the nearest euro is common.
Ride-sharing apps like Uber, Bolt, and Kapten are often cheaper than taxis, especially for longer trips or rides to the airport.
Cycling and scootering around Lisbon can be fun, though be prepared for the city's famous seven hills! Gira, the city’s bike-share system, has stations in central neighborhoods, and their app shows real-time availability. E-bikes are the best choice if you’re planning to ride anywhere with an incline.
For scooters, Lime and Bird are the main options. They’re handy for short trips, especially in flatter areas. A great route for cycling or scootering is the path along the waterfront from Cais do Sodré to Belém. Avoid Alfama’s narrow streets, especially during busy times.
Walking is one of the best ways to take in the city. Baixa has wide, flat streets that make for an easy stroll between plazas. If you’re up for a bit of a climb, walk through Alfama and stop at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte for a great view.
Príncipe Real and Chiado connect well on foot, with plenty of cafés and shops along the way if you need a break. Lisbon’s cobblestones can be slippery, especially after rain, so good shoes with grip are a must. Pink Street gets busy at night, while the Tagus riverfront is a nice place to walk when it’s hot out, with a breeze coming off the water.
The Bairro Alto neighbourhood in Lisbon © Shutterstock
How many days do you need in Lisbon?? Three to four days is enough to get a good feel for it. In three days, you’ll cover the core areas—steep streets lined with tiled buildings, Moorish and Manueline architecture, and plenty of local cafés. A fourth day gives you time to see the palaces of Sintra or take a break along the Atlantic coast.
Start at Praça do Comércio, Lisbon’s grand waterfront square. This was once the entrance to the city, where ships arrived from faraway trade routes, and rebuilt after the devastating 1755 earthquake that destroyed 85% of the city. From there, walk into Baixa, Lisbon’s downtown district, with its straight streets, neoclassical buildings, and lots of fun shops.
Make your way to Rossio Square, where the wave-patterned cobblestones create an optical illusion underfoot. This has been Lisbon’s main gathering place for centuries—public executions happened here, and later, bullfights. Now, it’s mostly locals grabbing coffee and chatting on benches.
From Rossio, head uphill into Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district. This area survived the earthquake, so the streets are still a maze of Moorish-era alleyways. These winding paths were designed to confuse invaders, but today, they make for some of the city’s best wandering. Stop at Miradouro de Santa Luzia, a viewpoint overlooking the red rooftops and the Tagus River.
Nearby is Lisbon Cathedral, built in 1147 after Portugal’s first king took the city back from the Moors. It has a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements—each layer of history visible in the stone.
In the evening, find a Fado venue in Alfama. This style of music, full of longing and nostalgia, started in the 19th century among sailors and dockworkers. The performances are intimate—just a singer and a guitarist, often by candlelight—capturing the Portuguese idea of saudade, a feeling of deep, bittersweet nostalgia.
Rossio in Lisbon © Shutterstock
Start the morning at São Jorge Castle, which has stood on this hill for over a thousand years. The Romans, Visigoths, and Moors all fortified it before Portugal’s first king turned it into a royal palace. The views stretch across the city, and peacocks roam the grounds—descendants of birds gifted to Portuguese kings centuries ago.
From the castle, head down to Chiado, the historic shopping and literary district. This is where Portugal’s writers and thinkers debated politics and poetry over coffee. Stop by Livraria Bertrand, officially the world’s oldest bookstore (established in 1732).
For lunch, check out Time Out Market in Cais do Sodré, a food hall where some of Lisbon’s best chefs serve everything from fresh seafood to traditional bacalhau (salt cod).
In the afternoon, take tram 15E west to LX Factory, a former industrial complex now filled with restaurants, indie shops, and street art. This was once a textile factory that supplied Lisbon for over a century, but today, it’s one of the city’s most creative hubs. End the day on a rooftop bar, looking out at the 25 de Abril Bridge, Lisbon’s version of the Golden Gate.
Lisbon LX Factory © Shutterstock
Head to Belém, the district tied to Portugal’s maritime history. This is where explorers like Vasco da Gama set sail during the Age of Discovery, when Portugal controlled key trade routes across the world.
Start at Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO-listed site covered in detailed stone carvings of ropes, sea creatures, and ships. This architectural style, known as Manueline, is unique to Portugal. Inside, you’ll find Vasco da Gama’s tomb.
Next door, grab a pastel de nata at Pastéis de Belém, the bakery that still uses the original secret recipe created by monks in the 1800s. The custard tarts are found all over Portugal, but this is where they started.
Walk along the river to Belém Tower, which once guarded the entrance to the city’s harbor, and the Monument to the Discoveries, built in the shape of a ship’s prow to commemorate Portugal’s explorers.
Back in the city center, spend the afternoon in Príncipe Real, a neighborhood known for its historic mansions, tree-shaded gardens, and small, independent shops. If you’re looking for something locally made, you’ll find hand-painted azulejo tiles, Portuguese ceramics, and cork accessories here—much better than generic souvenirs.
Torre de Belém, Lisbon @ Shutterstock
If you have an extra day, take a 40-minute train ride to Sintra, a town filled with misty forests and extravagant palaces.
Start at Pena Palace, a brightly colored castle that looks like something out of a fairytale. Built in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II, it was inspired by castles in Germany and combines Gothic towers, Moorish arches, and Renaissance domes. The bold colors were chosen so the palace could be spotted from Lisbon on clear days.
From there, head to Quinta da Regaleira, an estate filled with hidden tunnels and symbolic gardens. The most famous feature is the Initiation Well, a deep spiral staircase leading underground, designed to represent a mystical journey through different levels of existence.
The whole estate is full of secret passages, designed by an opera set designer for an eccentric millionaire.
If there’s time, visit the National Palace of Sintra, one of Portugal’s best-preserved medieval royal palaces. It’s instantly recognizable by its two giant conical chimneys, which were actually built to vent the enormous kitchen ovens.
Head back to Lisbon in the late afternoon and end your trip with a relaxed seafood meal at a tasca—a small, family-run restaurant.
Colourful Sintra, Portugal palace Palácio da Pena © Shutterstock
Most tourists head to Belém for pastéis de nata, but locals tend to go to Manteigaria in Chiado. A bell rings every time a fresh batch comes out of the oven, so you know they're just out of the oven. If you want the Santa Justa Elevator views without the wait (or the ticket price), go through the back entrance of the Carmo Convent instead. For a quieter sunset spot, check out miradouros like Monte Agudo or Nossa Senhora do Monte.
Free Wi-Fi is widely available in cafés, restaurants, and many public spaces including Praça do Comércio and Parque das Nações. There are a ton of great tips in our guide to how to plan a trip to Portugal.
A Viva Viagem card is the cheapest way to get around Lisbon. It's reloadable and much better value than buying single tickets. When it comes to eating out, skip the tourist restaurants on Rua Augusta and look for places with a "menu do dia" (daily menu)—you'll get a full meal at a reasonable price.
Big attractions are busiest in the middle of the day, so going early or later helps avoid the crowds. If you plan to visit multiple museums, the Lisboa Card might be worth it since it includes unlimited public transport. You can also catch live Fado in Mouraria or Alfama without committing to an expensive dinner package. Tuk-tuks are everywhere, but they’re not the cheapest way to get around.
And if a restaurant brings bread and appetizers to your table, just know they’re not free—you can say no if you don’t want them.
Big attractions are busiest in the middle of the day © Shutterstock
English is widely spoken in Lisbon, especially in restaurants and tourist areas, but knowing a few key phrases helps. "Olá" (hello), "Obrigado" (thank you, if you’re a man) or "Obrigada" (if you’re a woman), "Por favor" (please), and "Fala inglês?" (Do you speak English?) are good ones to start with.
Lisbon is generally safe, but pickpocketing happens on crowded trams like the 15 and 28, so keep an eye on your stuff, especially in Baixa and Alfama. The city’s steep, cobbled streets make comfortable shoes a better choice than anything too fancy. Summers can get hot—90°F (32°C) or more—so carrying water and sunscreen is a good idea.
written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 17.03.2025
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