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Lisbon is one of Europe's most rewarding cities for first-time visitors from the US. It is sunny, walkable (if hilly), full of tiled facades and yellow trams, and it is often more affordable than Paris, London or Rome. Add easy day trips to fairy-tale palaces and beach towns, and it is no surprise that Lisbon has become a favorite.
Lisbon's neighborhoods
Lisbon is a city of distinct neighborhoods, many of them on hills. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip: the famous patterned stone sidewalks get slippery, especially when wet.
1. Alfama
The oldest neighborhood in Lisbon survived the great earthquake of 1755 better than most, so it still has a tangle of steep lanes, staircases and tiny squares. Get lost on purpose. Climb to São Jorge Castle at the top of the hill for views over the rooftops and the river, and visit the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé) on the way. In the evening, Alfama is the classic place to hear fado, Portugal's soulful traditional music, in a small restaurant.
2. Baixa and Chiado
The Baixa (downtown) was rebuilt on a grid after the 1755 earthquake, and it is the elegant, flat heart of the city. Walk from the Rossio square down Rua Augusta, through the triumphal arch, to the huge riverside Praça do Comércio. Then head uphill to Chiado, with its historic cafes, bookstores and theaters. Bertrand in Chiado is often called the oldest operating bookstore in the world.
3. Bairro Alto
By day, a quiet grid of narrow streets. At night, the bars spill out onto the sidewalks and the whole neighborhood turns into one big street party, especially on weekends.
4. Belém
A short tram, bus or train ride west of the center, Belém is where Portugal's Age of Discovery is celebrated. Do not miss:
- Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of the ornate Manueline style and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Belém Tower, the fortified tower on the riverbank, also on the UNESCO list.
- The Monument to the Discoveries, a giant riverside sculpture of explorers.
- Pastéis de Belém, the bakery that has been making its famous custard tarts since the 1830s. The line moves fast, or grab a table inside.
- MAAT, a modern museum of art, architecture and technology with a wave-shaped roof you can walk on.
5. Príncipe Real, LX Factory and Cais do Sodré
Príncipe Real is a leafy area of concept stores, gardens and cafes. LX Factory, a converted industrial complex under the April 25th Bridge, is full of shops, restaurants and one of the city's most photographed bookstores. Cais do Sodré has the famous Pink Street, lively nightlife and the Time Out Market.
Trams and funiculars
6. Ride tram 28
The vintage yellow tram 28 rattles through Graça, Alfama, Baixa and Estrela, squeezing through streets barely wider than the tram itself. It is wonderful, and it is also very crowded. Board early in the morning or at the end of the line at Martim Moniz to get a seat, and keep an eye on your phone and wallet, because pickpockets love crowded trams.
7. The funiculars and Santa Justa Lift
Lisbon's hills are so steep that the city has historic funiculars, like the Glória and the Bica, plus the iron Santa Justa Lift, which links the Baixa to the Carmo area above. They are fun, though walking up is often faster than waiting in line.
Viewpoints (miradouros)
Lisbon is built on seven hills, and its free viewpoints are some of the best things to do in the city, especially at sunset:
- Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, one of the highest, with a sweeping view of the castle and the city.
- Miradouro da Graça, a relaxed terrace with a cafe, great at golden hour.
- Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol, tiled terraces over the rooftops of Alfama.
- Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, a garden terrace in Bairro Alto looking across to the castle.
Food and drink
Lisbon is a great food city, and eating well does not have to be expensive.
8. Pastéis de nata
The flaky custard tart is Portugal's national treat. Try the originals in Belém, then compare at bakeries all over town. Many locals have their own favorite.
9. Seafood and tascas
Grilled sardines (especially during the June festivals), salt cod (bacalhau) in its many forms, clams in garlic and white wine, and the famous bifana pork sandwich. Small family-run tascas serve simple, hearty lunches, often at better prices than restaurants on the main tourist streets. Note that bread, olives and other starters placed on your table are usually not free; you can send them back if you do not want them.
10. Time Out Market
The old Mercado da Ribeira in Cais do Sodré now hosts stalls from well-known Lisbon chefs and restaurants under one roof. It is busy, but a convenient way to try many dishes.
11. Ginjinha and Port
Ginjinha is a sour cherry liqueur sold by the shot at tiny bars near Rossio. Lisbon is also a fine place to taste Port and wines from all over Portugal.
More things to do
12. National Tile Museum
Portugal's love of azulejos, the painted ceramic tiles you see everywhere, gets its own museum in a former convent, including a huge panorama of pre-earthquake Lisbon.
13. Oceanário de Lisboa
One of the largest aquariums in Europe, in the modern Parque das Nações district. Great with kids.
14. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
A superb private art collection, from ancient Egypt to the 20th century, set in peaceful gardens.
For tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities in one place, see Klook or our things to do in Lisbon page.
Day trips from Lisbon
15. Sintra
A hilltop town of palaces and forested hills, and a UNESCO World Heritage site, about 40 minutes by train from Rossio station. Highlights include the colorful Pena Palace, the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira with its initiation well, and the Moorish Castle. Sintra gets extremely busy, so go early, on a weekday if possible, book timed tickets ahead, and pick two or three sights rather than trying to see everything. Avoid driving into the historic center: parking is very limited.
16. Cascais and Estoril
A pretty seaside town at the end of the coastal train line from Cais do Sodré. Beaches, a marina, a charming old center and the dramatic Boca do Inferno cliffs nearby. Easy to combine with Sintra if you have a car or join a tour.
17. Cabo da Roca
The westernmost point of mainland Europe, with windswept cliffs above the Atlantic. Usually visited between Sintra and Cascais.
18. Évora, Óbidos and beyond
The Roman temple and old walled center of Évora, in the Alentejo region, and the medieval walled village of Óbidos are both popular longer day trips.
Best time to visit Lisbon
- Spring (April to June) brings pleasant temperatures and flowers. In June, the city celebrates the Santo António festivals, with street parties and grilled sardines everywhere.
- Summer (July and August) is hot, sunny and the busiest and most expensive time to visit.
- Fall (September and October) is still warm, the sea is at its warmest, and crowds thin out after the summer holidays.
- Winter (November to March) is mild but rainier, with the lowest hotel prices and fewest crowds.
For more on fares across the Atlantic, see our guide to the cheapest time to fly to Europe.
Where to stay
Baixa and Chiado are central and flat, a good choice for first-timers. Alfama is atmospheric but steep. Príncipe Real and Avenida da Liberdade are quieter and more upscale. Compare prices and locations on our Lisbon hotels page.
Getting there and getting around
Lisbon's airport is close to the city center, and the metro connects it to downtown. For a door-to-door ride, especially after a long overnight flight with luggage, you can book an airport transfer in advance with Kiwitaxi.
There are nonstop flights to Lisbon from several US cities, and many more connections. Popular routes: New York to Lisbon, Boston to Lisbon, Miami to Lisbon, Chicago to Lisbon, Washington, D.C. to Lisbon and San Francisco to Lisbon.
Lisbon also works well as part of a bigger trip. Pair it with Madrid, Barcelona or Paris using our 10-day Europe itinerary, and search the whole route at once with multi-city flight search.
Frequently asked questions
- How many days do you need in Lisbon?
- Three days is enough for the main neighborhoods, Belém and the viewpoints. Add a fourth or fifth day for day trips to Sintra and Cascais.
- What is Lisbon best known for?
- Its hills and viewpoints, yellow trams, tiled buildings, fado music, the Alfama quarter, Belém's monuments and pastéis de nata custard tarts.
- Is Sintra worth a day trip from Lisbon?
- Yes. Sintra's palaces and gardens are among the highlights of Portugal and it is about 40 minutes by train. Go early, book timed tickets and choose two or three sights.
- When is the best time to visit Lisbon?
- Spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October) offer warm weather and smaller crowds than July and August. Winter is mild and cheapest, but rainier.