Lisbon – Tips for the Portuguese Capital

Historical buildings, colorful and partly decayed house facades, streets lined with rails, neighborhoods spread across the city's seven hills, as well as plenty of art and a mild climate year-round, make the Portuguese capital Lisbon a unique city.

In this article, we'll reveal which sights you shouldn't miss in Portugal's largest metropolis, along with numerous insider tips for your stay.

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SIGHTS IN LISBON

1. ALFAMA - THE OLDEST DISTRICT IN LISBON

The oldest and most original district of Lisbon was also our highlight of the city. Start your sightseeing tour here and be enchanted by the charming colorful house facades with the typical Portuguese Azulejos (wall tiles), the many different restaurants and cafes, as well as the narrow alleys that resemble a labyrinth.

Lisbon is spread over seven hills. You'll feel this in Alfama too, as it's not uncommon to have to go uphill or downhill here and climb up and down stairs.
We recommend exploring the neighborhood on foot, as this is the only way to reach the narrow, winding alleys.
Of course, you can also take the famous Tram 28E through here, but this will only give you a superficial glimpse of Alfama.

One of the most famous sights in Alfama is the Sé Cathedral. It stands right on the hill and was built directly by the street.
The cathedral looks really impressive from the outside and blends perfectly into the cityscape.

‍Our café tip: By chance, we discovered the slightly hidden Augusto Lissabon café in one of the narrow streets.
Here you can enjoy a delicious breakfast or brunch in a lovingly decorated ambiance.

ALFAMA ACCOMMODATION TIP

We stayed in the very central and modern Casa Santa Marinha apartment, which we would book again anytime.

For those who are also stopping in Lisbon during a car road trip, it's helpful to know that there are virtually no parking spaces in Alfama.
So we recommend leaving your rental car parked during your stay or finding a parking spot outside the center.
Just for a short stop in front of our accommodation, we had significant trouble finding a parking spot.
Additionally, it's hardly possible to stop briefly on the street, as the tram can’t pass by. During our rounds through the neighborhood, we saw parked vehicles being grazed or hit.

2. THE FAMOUS TRAM OF LISBON

The yellow Tram 28E is the symbol of Lisbon. A ride on the historic tram is an absolute must during your Lisbon stay!

Some of the well-known sights in the center are served by Tram 28E, but the really special part, in our opinion, is the ride itself.
The tram travels on some very steep and narrow streets.Often, there are only a few centimeters between the moving tram and the house facades.

A round trip takes about 50 minutes. If you want to do the full loop, you must get off at the terminus and board the next tram waiting there.
Unfortunately, you can't stay seated in the tram as it takes a longer break at the end stations.

The single fare costs around $3 (as of 2024) and can be purchased directly from the driver. For the entire round trip, you need to buy two single tickets, as there are two routes.

Since Tram 28E is a major attraction in Lisbon, it's quite difficult to get a seat. Therefore, we recommend riding the tram as early as possible.
We set off at 7 am and actually had the tram all to ourselves for a few stations. If you're not an early riser, we recommend boarding at the end stations.
Here you might still have a chance at a seat. Standing makes the ride only half as fun, as you're more occupied with holding onto something to avoid falling during the frequent abrupt stops.

‍Attention: There are often pickpockets on Tram 28E, so keep an eye on your valuables despite the beautiful view.

3. BAIXA DISTRICT

The center of Lisbon is the Baixa district, whose streets were completely destroyed by a major earthquake in the 18th century and then rebuilt in a grid pattern.

Here you'll find many sights close together.Among other things, you'll find the very famous Elevador de Santa Justa here.
With its striking steel structure, the elevator in the middle of Baixa is a real eye-catcher.
The Elevador de Santa Justa connects the lower district of Baixa with the upper district of Chiado. The queue for the elevator is usually quite long. So, once again, it’s best to get there early.

For those with a Lisboa Card, the elevator ride is free. Otherwise, it costs $6.

A few streets away from the Elevador de Santa Justa is Lisbon's most famous shopping street – Rua Augusta.
Alongside international shops, there are also several small regional stores and boutiques. If you're not in Lisbon for shopping, you can take a seat at one of the café tables in the middle of the street, relax, and watch the hustle and bustle on Rua Augusta over coffee and Pastéis de Nata.

At the northern end of Rua Augusta, you'll find two more well-known squares in Lisbon: Rossio, officially Praça de D. Pedro IV, and Praça da Figueira.

At the other end of Rua Augusta, towards the Tagus River, is the third and most important square in the Baixa district – Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square).

‍Our tip: Visit Praça do Comércio at sunset. Here you'll find the 170-meter-long, u-shaped square bathed in a unique light.
At sunset, countless tourists and street artists gather here. It's the perfect backdrop to wrap up a successful day of sightseeing in Lisbon.

4. THE DISTRICTS CAIS DO SODRÉ, CHIADO & BAIRRO ALTO

Cais do Sodré, Chiado, and Bairro Alto are three small, adjoining neighborhoods in Lisbon.

‍Bairro Alto&Cais do Sodré are also known as Lisbon's nightlife districts.
In addition to numerous bars and restaurants, you'll find Rua Nova do Carvalho, better known as the Pink Street.
This was the former red-light district.In 2011, the city invested a lot of money to give the former impoverished and red-light district a new look.
The main street, Rua Nova do Carvalho, for instance, received a pink coating, making it a tourist attraction. During the day, it's very quiet there, but that changes drastically at nightfall.

The Mercado da Ribeira, or better known as the Time Out Market, is also located in Cais do Sodré, directly opposite the neighborhood’s main train station.

The once classic market hall with its usual stalls underwent an elaborate makeover in 2014.

The entire west wing was renovated, and there are now about 30 food stalls with a noble design. The price level for food and drinks is relatively high throughout the Time Out Market.
In our opinion, you can skip this stop on your sightseeing tour. Lisbon has better places to enjoy delicious food.

The Time Out Market is open Thursday to Saturday from 10 am to 2 am and Sunday to Wednesday from 10 am to midnight. Entry is free.

5. ELEVADOR DA BICA & ELEVADOR DA GLÓRIA FUNICULARS

The Elevador da Bica funicular, located on Rua da Bica de Duarte Belcio, connects the upper part of Bairro Alto with the lower part of the neighborhood.

After Tram 28E, Elevador da Bica is probably the second symbol of the city and one of the most popular photo spots.

Covering a length of 260 meters, the funicular overcomes an altitude difference of 45 meters several times an hour.
With Tram 28E, you can go directly to the upper station of Elevador da Bica (stop: Calhariz).From the upper station, you not only have a great view of the funicular but also of the steep street with beautiful, colorful house facades and the Tagus River in the background.

Another funicular, the Elevador da Glória, can also be found in the Barrio Alto district. It connects the upper part, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, with the lower Baixa district.
The funicular, which opened in 1885, covers a length of 265 meters, overcoming an altitude difference of 48 meters and is also a very popular photo spot.

6. CEMITÉRIO DOS PRAZERES - LISBON'S CEMETERY

The Cemitério dos Prazeres (Pleasures Cemetery) is a municipal cemetery in the Estrela district.

A really unusual name for a cemetery, and it may seem an extraordinary "tip" to suggest visiting a cemetery during your sightseeing tour.

The name "Cemetery of Pleasures" comes from its history. Before the cemetery was established, there was a park here that the surrounding residents used for leisure, i.e., for pleasure.

Cemitério dos Prazeres is not comparable to a cemetery as we know it. The coffins lie in small, sometimes lovingly decorated, above-ground stone houses.
The doors to the tombs are often open, giving you a clear view of the 19th-century coffins. Some of these graves are well-maintained, while others are very dilapidated.

Since a ride on the legendary Tram 28E is probably already on your to-do list, you’ll inevitably pass by the Cemitério as it's right at the end station "Prazeres".

‍Good to know: From the western cemetery wall, you have a beautiful view of the large bridge Ponte 25 de Abril and the 110 m high Christo Rei statue.
The peaceful place is open from October to April from 9 am to 5 pm and from May to September from 9 am to 6 pm.

7. LX FACTORY - THE HIP MEETING POINT

Located in the Alcântara district, LX Factory is an old textile factory site that today serves as a hip meeting point for both locals and tourists.

On the upper floors of the old factory buildings, there are several start-ups and office spaces.
On the ground floor, you'll find many hip shops, interesting art galleries, and lots of restaurants, bars, and cafes behind the street art-decorated facades.
Live music from various artists and trendy tunes from the restaurants and bars create a chill atmosphere, making this area one of the coolest spots in Lisbon.

Every Sunday, there’s a small open-air flea market on the main street of LX Factory.From 11 am to 7 pm, you’ll find a variety of stalls selling second-hand items, handicrafts, vintage products, and handmade items.

8. BELÉM DISTRICT

It's only a few minutes by tram from the LX Factory to the Belém district, where more highlights await you.

If you get off at the Mosteiro Jerónimos stop, you'll see the first highlight directly, the gigantic Mosteiro dos Jerónimosmonastery.
The monastery, over 300 meters long, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
From October to April, the monastery can be visited daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm, and from May to September from 10 am to 6:30 pm.

For those with a Lisboa Card, entry is free. Otherwise, a ticket costs $22 per person (as of 2024).
‍A little note here: There is a long queue in front of the monastery shortly after opening, every day.

Just around the corner, you'll find what is probably the world's best traditional Pastéis de Nata!
Since the 18th century, these small custard pastries have been freshly made and sold daily at the small bakery Pastéis de Belém.
The delicious sweet treat has since become famous far beyond the city limits. As a result, you almost always have to join the queue with other hungry tourists.
The wait in the takeaway line usually doesn’t exceed 10–20 minutes.

The next highlight, the Torre de Belém, is only a few minutes' walk from the bakery.
The stone tower, built in 1521 as a lighthouse and protection tower, stands on a small island on the bank of the Tagus River.
Today, you’ll find a viewing platform in the Torre de Belém, offering a good view over the Tagus River.

If you want to visit the tower, make sure to go early, especially during the summer months, as the queue is often very long during this time of year.

We believe that the view of Torre de Belém from the outside is sufficient. If you come here at sunset, the tower is beautifully reflected on the smooth surface of the Tagus River.

It's only a few meters along the riverside promenade to the famous Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument of the Discoveries).
The Portuguese are immensely proud of their seafaring past and the associated 56-meter-high monument.

9. PARQUE DAS NAÇÕES

In the eastern part of Lisbon lies the district of Freguesia with the Parque das Nações (Park of Nations), which was established for Expo 98 on the former port area along the Tagus River.

Even though the Parque das Nações has aged in some parts, there’s still plenty to do here, and you can easily spend half or even a whole day in the area.

This district is home to one of the largest indoor seawater aquariums in the world – the Oceanário de Lisboa.
It houses over 12,000 marine animals from all oceans and waters around the world. If Lisbon’s skies aren’t at their best, Oceanário de Lisboa is an ideal destination for young and old.
But even in nice weather, this attraction should definitely be on your list. Admission for adults is $25.

Tip: The ticket queue is already long by morning, so buy your ticket online in advance or arrive right at opening time.

Behind the Oceanário, directly on the banks of the Tagus River, you’ll find the Teleférico do Parque das Nações, also known as the Teleférico da Expo.
This is a cable car that runs 1,230 meters from the Oceanarium to the Torre Vasco da Gama. A round trip along the Tagus River and Parque das Nações costs $6.50 per person.
Alternatively, you can stroll the entire route along the riverfront beneath the cable car.

An underground access takes you from the Vasco da Gama to the Gare do Oriente, one of the city's four main train stations.It serves as the center of Parque das Nações.
Of course, you can also reach the station from above ground, which we highly recommend. Here you’ll find Lisbon’s two 110-meter-high twin towers – the Torres São Rafael e São Gabriel.

If you walk back to the river and along the promenade toward the longest bridge in Europe, the Ponte Vasco da Gama, you’ll pass a culinary strip.
When we visited on a Sunday, most places were packed with locals and their families enjoying a relaxed weekend together.

Following the row of restaurants are countless ultra-modern residential blocks.
At this point, we felt like we were discovering the Portuguese capital from a completely different perspective.
The district offers a stark contrast to the city’s historic center: Modern buildings and residences, abundant green spaces, lots of families with playing children, as well as young and older people gathering at various sports grounds to pursue their hobbies or simply enjoy outdoor time.

At the very end of the park, you get a fantastic view of the impressive, over 17-kilometer-long bridge Ponte Vasco da Gama, the longest bridge in Europe.

10. A TRIP TO SINTRA

If you have enough time during your stay in Lisbon, we highly recommend taking a day trip to Sintra, which is about a 40-minute drive away.

Behind the city lies the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Amidst Sintra’s green hills, you’ll find numerous castles, palaces, and villas from bygone eras nestled among many inhabited estates.

We opted for a visit to the Palácio de Monserrate and its adjacent garden.

The Palácio de Monserrate is a magnificent villa set within a beautiful garden.Compared to other attractions in Sintra, this one is much quieter.
The palace was built between 1793 and 1794 by a British merchant and got its name due to the chapel that once stood here, which was destroyed by an earthquake.
Subsequent renovations added Indian and Moorish influences to the villa. We found the garden surrounding the palace, home to plants from around the world, particularly beautiful.
The entrance fee for the palace and its splendid garden is $12 per person.

At the top of a hill is the colorful Palácio da Pena, undoubtedly the most famous palace in Sintra.
This was our next stop, but due to its popularity, we quickly noticed we weren’t alone, and the queue for tickets seemed endless.
Therefore, we reluctantly decided not to visit the fairytale castle.

If you plan to visit Palácio da Pena, we recommend arriving early to avoid the large crowds or, better yet, buying an online ticket in advance. Admission is about $10 per person.

If you want to visit several of Sintra’s attractions, it’s best to look up information online about a combo ticket.
Comprehensive information on the other palaces and castles can be found on the official Parques de Sintra website.

11. BEACHES IN & AROUND LISBON

The Portuguese capital lies very close to the Atlantic. This gives you the option to reach one of Lisbon’s beaches in about 30 minutes by car or public transport.
Our top 4 beaches in the area are:

• ‍Praia da Conceição – approximately 26 km from the center
• Praia de Carcavelos – approximately 24 km from the center
• ‍Praia de São Pedro do Estoril – approximately 21 km from the center
• ‍Praia da Morena – approximately 17 km from the center

Keep in mind that Lisbon’s beaches are very busy during the summer months. Both locals and tourists enjoy spending relaxing days or hours on the beach.

‍Our tip: Be sure to bring a beach tent! For us, it’s an absolute must-have on any trip to Portugal.
The very handy, lightweight beach tent not only protects against the sun but also against the sometimes-cool breeze.
Moreover, umbrellas and sunbeds are scarce on Portugal’s beaches. You can find our beach tent here.

OUR TOP 5 VIEWPOINTS IN LISBON

MIRADOURO DE SANTA LUZIA, ALFAMA

MIRADOURO DA GRAÇA, ALFAMA

MIRADOURO DA SENHORA DO MONTE, ALFAMA

MIRADOURO DE SÃO PEDRO DE ALCÂNTARA, BAIRRO ALTO

PONTE 25 DE ABRIL, ALCÂNTARA

ADDITIONAL NOTES & MISCELLANEOUS ABOUT LISBON

FOOD & DRINK IN LISBON

If you want to experience authentic, traditional Lisbon, you should visit one of the many fado houses in the city.
There, you’ll be served traditional Portuguese food and, of course, plenty of beer and wine in a fantastic atmosphere with traditional music.
The music usually starts around 10 pm, so it’s best to stroll through the streets of Alfama or Bairro Alto at that time and listen for the sounds of a fado house.

Something you simply can’t avoid in Lisbon is the delicious sweet custard tarts known as Pastéis de Nata. You can find Pastéis de Nata at almost every corner of the city.
Since our trip, we’ve become huge fans of these sweet treats. The tastiest Pastéis de Nata are, as mentioned above, at the traditional bakery Pastéis de Belém.

In the center of Lisbon, there are many mini-supermarkets, called Minipreço.
However, locals mainly buy their groceries from numerous greengrocers, as the prices are often lower, the products fresher and more regional, and it helps support the local community.

In the Mercado de Campo de Ourique market hall in the neighborhood of the same name, you’ll find, along with traditional market stalls, some food stalls where you can enjoy culinary delicacies. We discovered this market hall by chance on a Saturday morning and mostly saw locals doing their weekly shopping and enjoying lunch afterward.

Lastly, here’s a restaurant tip: If you want to combine delicious food, good wine, and a fantastic view, reserve a window table at Chapitô à Mesa.

THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO LISBON

You can visit Lisbon year-round, so the best time depends on your personal preferences.

We visited Lisbon at different times of the year and can personally recommend traveling in spring or autumn for the best experience.
While it’s often cool and rainy in some parts of Europe during this time of year, the climate in Portugal’s capital is milder.
The temperatures are pleasant, and the sun adds its warmth. Additionally, it rarely rains compared to winter.
A nice side effect is that during these seasons, it’s off-peak season in this Atlantic city, so the number of tourists is manageable.

From mid-June to mid-September, it’s peak season in the city, as in the rest of Portugal.
In August, temperatures in Lisbon can occasionally soar to around 40°C.Additionally, accommodation prices are higher during this time, and the city is packed with tourists.
This means you often have to wait a long time to visit the sights, and the truly beautiful parks and hotspots are crowded with other tourists.

In winter, it’s foggy and rainy. If you don’t mind wet and gloomy weather, this could also be a suitable travel time. Temperatures rarely fall below 0°C, even in winter.
Snow is a rare occurrence here, with only a few incidents over the past 30 years, and it doesn’t stick when it does fall.

GETTING AROUND IN LISBON

In Lisbon, you have several options for getting around.Of course, you can reach a lot on foot – especially the sights directly in the old town.

But you’ll quickly notice that in the city of seven hills, you’ll reach your limit fast. Good footwear is a must to spare your feet.

Furthermore, the districts located a bit farther from the center, such as Belém and Freguesia or the surrounding beaches, are too far to walk.
That’s why we advise using one of the public transport options.

If you use public transport, you can buy a ticket at the machines in the metro station or at the train station.
For less than $1, you can get the Andante Card, a reloadable ticket card for single tickets or day tickets, sufficient for tourists.
Each person needs their own card.It’s not possible to load two tickets for two people onto one card. Then you can decide how many trips to load onto your card.
A single fare costs about $2.The ticket is valid for one hour after validation. The Andante 24 day ticket costs $8 and is valid for metro and bus for 24 hours from the first validation.

The funiculars can also be used with these tickets. To validate your ticket, hold the Andante Card up to the yellow card reader before boarding a bus, tram, or metro.

‍Our tip: Definitely get the Lisboa Card! The card is available for 24, 48, or 72 hours and offers, in addition to free rides on all public transportation, plenty of discounted or free admissions to the city’s attractions.
We’ve already introduced you to some of them. Another option, which we also used, is to take an Uber.
Uber vehicles have become a part of the cityscape in Lisbon, much like public transportation.

GETTING TO LISBON

You can fly into Lisbon from many destinations worldwide, with frequent connections offered by airlines such as Ryanair, TAP Air Portugal, and other major carriers.
Use platforms like skyscanner.com to compare and find the best flight options for your trip.

Flight times to Portugal vary depending on your starting point—flights from many European cities typically take around 2–3 hours, while longer-haul flights from other continents may require layovers and take 8–12 hours.

While last-minute deals are sometimes available, booking in advance is highly recommended to save money and secure your seats, especially during the busy peak season.

From the airport, located just 10 kilometers away, you have various ways to reach Lisbon’s center.
The red metro line towards São Sebastião takes you to the center in about 20 minutes for around $2.

The Aerobus also takes you to the city center for around $5 on lines 1 and 2. Another option, which we chose due to time constraints, is Uber or a taxi.
Depending on your route, you’ll pay between $10 and $20 and be driven directly to your destination.

HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS IN LISBON

Admittedly, it’s often not easy to find the right accommodation in cities. But with our Casa Santa Marinha apartment in the heart of Alfama, we got everything right regarding location and our needs.In this accommodation, you’re right in the heart of the historic old town, providing the ideal base for exploring Lisbon’s center on foot.

The good news is that there are plenty of excellent hotels, apartments, guesthouses, and Airbnbs in the city center at a great price-performance ratio.
You’re sure to find something on well-known platforms like booking.com or Airbnb.

Since Lisbon is quite manageable, you can explore all major sights in three to four days.

Are you planning a road trip through Portugal? Then our following articles might be of interest to you:

• From Porto to Lisbon – A Road Trip Along the Portuguese Coast
• A Road Trip from Lisbon to Faro – Along the Algarve Coast
• Porto – Tips for Your Trip

Enjoy browsing and planning!

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Discover the best accommodations
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• The best Travel Guides for Lisbon
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Lisbon

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Note: This blog post contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, we earn a small commission. There is absolutely no change to the price for you.