The Ultimate Visiting Lisbon Travel Guide: Top Things To Do
Visiting Lisbon offers so much to see and do, it’s hard to know where to start! The colourful city of Lisbon is famous for it’s many panoramic viewpoints, traditional Fado music and the mouth-watering Pastéis de Nata. So it’s no wonder the sunny Portuguese capital attracts around 5.4 million visitors per year!
The city is built upon seven hills and home to several historic districts. Pack your walking shoes and prepare to use those leg muscles to explore the hilly cobbled streets! Of course you can always reward yourself with an invigorating local coffee and tasty pastry on the way. Alternatively, take a ride on the famous yellow Tram 28 as it’s winds through the narrow side streets.
There’s a list as long as your arm of things to do in Lisbon. You could easily spend a week roaming the network of streets and historic districts. We fell in love with the city after spending 3 days here in February 2024. We’ve detailed our favourite sights, favourite food recommendations and top tips on how to make the most of your time in the capital!
Fun Fact: Lisbon is said to be one of the oldest cities in the world and the second in Europe, after Athens. Found in 1200BC, that’s before Rome!
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Navigation Menu
- FAQ’s
- Is Lisbon a walkable city?
- Is Lisbon an expensive city?
- Why is Lisbon so popular?
- Does Lisbon have a beach?
How many days do you need in Lisbon?
3 days in Lisbon is the perfect amount of time to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and history of the city. This includes enough time to do a day trip to Sintra too!
Lisbon is an ideal destination if you’re looking for a bit of sun, good food and some history during a long weekend. It’s such an accessible city from most of the UK and Europe, only 2 hour 45 minutes from London to Lisbon direct.
If your budget and time stretches you could easily spend a week leisurely exploring the city and surrounding area.
Where is best to stay in Lisbon?
There are always so many hostels and hotels to choose from when booking a city break. It’s hard to know if you are booking a safe or unsafe neighbourhood, or if you’re too far from the main sights and restaurants.
Where We Stayed
We choose to stay slightly out of the main central district as we were able to get a better quality hotel for our budget. We were also only a stones throw from bus stops, train and metro stations.
££
Jupiter Hotel Lisboa – 4 star
- Great location for commuting into town, only a short metro ride from the central district.
- Two swimming pools
- Rooftop terrace.
- Great connections for public transport by metro, bus and trains.
- Free Wifi, Bar and lounge area, luggage storage.
- Optional add on breakfast buffet
How to get from Lisbon Airport to the City Centre?
Getting into the city centre from Lisbon Airport is easy and convenient., with many options depending on where you are travelling to.
Metro
Lisbon Airport has a subway station with a direct line into the city centre. The ‘Aeroporto – Saldanha’ line transports you to the city centre in approximately 20 minutes. As in many big cities, the metro provides you with the option to easily travel around the city and at reasonable costs.
Bonus: You will also get to see Lisbon’s undergrounds stations, each with its own theme and décor.
Bus
Several bus routes stop at the airport depending on which area of the city you are travelling to. This is the option we chose as there were three different bus options which stopped outside our hotel.
You will need the same ‘7 Colinas’ / ‘Viva Viagem’ electronic travel card as for the metro.
7 Colinas / Viva Viagem electronic card: €0.50
Single Fare Price: €1.50
24H Network Pass (1 day travel card): €6.40
Top Tip: Purchase the ‘7 Colinas’ / ‘Viva Viagem’ electronic travel card, which you can top up to use throughout your trip, and which can be used both for the Metro, and for Carris (buses).
What not to miss when visiting Lisbon: Top Things To Do
To kick off your trip planning, we’ve detailed our top things to do when visiting Lisbon! So in no particular order:
1. Explore the Alfama district.
Start your adventure by exploring the Alfama district, Lisbon’s oldest and most charming district. Start your adventure by spending a morning leisurely exploring the narrow side streets. Stop for a coffee and pastry in one of the many cafes nestled amongst the historical buildings.
The area is home to some of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks including Castelo de São Jorge, Se Cathedral, Panteão Nacional and the Igreja de Santo Antonio.
2. Castelo de São Jorge
Sat atop one of Lisbon’s seven hills is Castelo de Sao Jorge. The castle can be found near the famous Alfama district and was first founded by the Moors in the 11th century. Following the Great Earthquake in 1755, the castle underwent an extensive renovation in the 20th century.
The castle boasts incredible panoramic views of the city and tickets include the museum and archaeological site. However, at 15 euros per adult, we felt it was a bit pricey. If you’re lucky, you can still see the brightly coloured peacocks just beyond the castle walls by the main gate, without paying to go in.
3. Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Miradouro de Santa Luzia is one of Lisbon’s most popular locations and for good reason!
The vine covered terrace provides welcome respite from the blazing sun on a hot day. Whilst the famous blue tiles, frame the panoramic views in front. Buskers can often be found there playing traditional music against the picture postcard backdrop of Lisbon. It’s such a magical experience and the best thing is, it’s free!
The views over Lisbon and the Tagus Estuary are phenomenal from here. You can also see the Alfama district, the National Pantheon and the São Vicente de Fora Church!
Although a beautiful spot, it is popular with many travellers visiting Lisbon so do not expect to have it to yourself. You may have to fight your way to that perfect photo spot!
To avoid the crowds it may be best to visit either very early or very late in the day.
4. National Pantheon
The National Pantheon is an iconic part of the Lisbon skyline. The monumental white domed building, houses tombs from some of Portugal’s most famous figures. The 17th century baroque architecture is definitely worth a look!
Top Tip: Take a truly unique souvenir home from Lisbon! On a Tuesday and Saturday, just around the corner from the National Pantheon is a Flea Market called, Feira da Ladra. It’s an iconic market which is always filled with trinkets and treasures.
5. Miradouro das Portas do Sol
The Miradouro das Portas do Sol is another incredible viewpoint in Lisbon. It’s just around the corner from Miradouro de Santa Luzia and is also on the iconic Tram 28 route. It’s an ideal one for combining a few top sights in a short space of time!
The large terracotta tiled balcony is perched over the Alfama District and is often bustling with souvenir sellers.
6. Lisbon Cathedral
Lisbon Cathedral is the city’s oldest church, and it’s definitely worth a stop to learn about its history and take in the incredible architecture. Tickets cost around €7 to get in, and that includes access to the cloisters and the treasury— worth it if you’re into the history, but if you’re on a budget, like us, we just stopped by to look at the architecture.
7. Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora
The Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora is a bit of a hidden gem, with stunning white and blue tiles and rooftop views over the city. Tickets are about €8 to get in, and you can wander through cloisters, old royal tombs, and even climb up to the roof for one of the best photo spots in Lisbon.
8. Praça do Comércio
Praça do Comércio is one of Lisbon’s most iconic squares—right on the waterfront and perfect for grabbing a coffee, people-watching, or just soaking up the atmosphere. It’s free to stroll around, but if you’re up for a view, you can head up the Arco da Rua Augusta for around €4.50 and get a breath-taking panorama of the city and water.
9. Cais das Colunas
Cais das Colunas is a peaceful riverside spot where two stone columns rise out of the water. A great place for catching sunset or taking a break from exploring the city. It’s at the bottom of Praça do Comércio, so it’s an easy place to stop while exploring the area.
10. Praça do Rossio
Praça do Rossio is Lisbon’s lively central square—great for people-watching, grabbing a drink, or just taking in the patterned cobblestones and fountains. It’s free and if you’re nearby, pop into the beautiful Rossio Train Station or check out a show at the National Theatre right on the square.
11. Jerónimos Monastery and Iglesia de Santa María de Belén
The Jerónimos Monastery is a must-see in Belém—it’s very grand and filled with intricate stonework that’ll have you staring up for way too long. You can visit the Iglesia de Santa María de Belém (the church) for free, but the cloisters and museum inside the monastery are around €20—we felt it was worth it for the architecture alone. You can buy tickets from the booth across the road, but best to arrive early as it get’s busy and can sell out time slots quite quickly.
12. Rua Augusta Arch
The Rua Augusta Arch is that big, impressive gateway at the end of the main shopping street that leads into Praça do Comércio, you can actually go up it! For around €4.50, you can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the square, the water, and network of small side streets below.
13. Santa Justa Lift
The Santa Justa Lift is a 45m high, vintage style, iron elevator that takes you up from the Baixa district to the Bairro Alto, saving your legs and giving you awesome views along the way. Tickets cost about €6, it’s a fun and unique way to see the city from above if you have the time and money. The queues were quite lengthy and we decided not to pay the price and preferred to get our steps in instead!
14. Pink Street
Pink Street is home to Lisbon’s vibrant bar scene, famous for its bright pink pavement and buzzing bars. It’s free to wander during the day, but come nighttime, it’s the place to be if you want good music, great drinks, and a lively crowd.
15. Time Out Market
Time Out Market is a food lover’s dream spot, packed with lots of food vendors serving everything from traditional Portuguese bites to trendy eats. It’s free to wander around, and whether you want a quick snack or a full meal, you’ll find something delicious without breaking the bank. We tried a canned fish selection platter with fresh bread, which was unexpectedly delicious!
16. Try a Pastéis de Nata
You can’t visit Lisbon without trying a Pastel de Nata—the flaky, creamy custard tarts are the city’s sweet signature. Grab one fresh and warm from a local bakery for just a couple of euros, and trust me, it’s the perfect little treat while you explore. We tried a few Pastels de Nata while in Lisbon, including the famous ones at Pastéis de Belém, but honestly, we found it a bit overrated and way too crowded. The best way to enjoy these treats is at a cute little café like Confeitaria Nacional, where you can relax with a hot drink, people watch, and really savor the taste without the rush.
17. Tram 28
Tram 28 is a classic Lisbon experience, a charming vintage yellow tram that winds its way through some of the city’s most historic and picturesque neighbourhoods. It’s very popular (so expect crowds), but for around €3.10, it’s a fun and easy way to see a bunch of sights without too much walking. You can find a map of the route and it’s stops here.
18. Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is one of Lisbon’s best viewpoints, offering panoramic views of the city and the castle. We visited both during the day and at night, it’s a great viewpoint either way. Plus, you can take the funicular up to the top for a bit of extra fun! It’s the perfect place to chill, take photos, and soak up the city after a day of exploring.
19. Day trip to Sintra
A day trip to Sintra is a must if you’re in Lisbon, this fairy-tale town is packed with colourful palaces, lush gardens, and historic castles. It’s just a short train ride away (about 40 minutes), and totally worth spending the day wandering around, snapping photos, and soaking it all up. Just be prepared to do a lot of walking!
20. Try grilled Sardines
If you want to eat like a local in Lisbon, you’ve got to try grilled sardines, they’re a Portuguese staple, especially in the summer. Served fresh, smoky, and perfectly seasoned, these fish are simple but seriously tasty. Be prepared to for them to be bony as Eve discovered when she had them! We had some at A Provinciana, a small, budget friendly, family run restaurant, which had people queuing round the block!
21. Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Padrão dos Descobrimentos is a massive monument by the river in Belém, built to honor Portugal’s Age of Exploration. You can admire it from the outside for free, or pay around €10 to go up to the top for epic views over the river and nearby Jerónimos Monastery. (Tickets include exhibition and film).
22. Belém Tower
Belém Tower is one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks, right on the water with its fairytale turrets and stone balconies. Tickets cost around €15 to go inside, but even just walking around it and enjoying the views makes for a great stop while exploring Belém.
23. See some Fado
Catching a live Fado performance is a must while in Lisbon, this soulful, emotional music really gives you a feel for the heart of Portuguese culture. You’ll find cosy Fado bars in neighbourhoods like Alfama or Bairro Alto, often with dinner or drinks, and it’s such a memorable way to spend an evening.
24. Try Ginjinhal
Don’t leave Lisbon without trying Ginjinha—a sweet cherry liqueur that locals love and tourists quickly get hooked on. You can grab a little shot from tiny bars around the city for just €1–2, quick, fun, and surprisingly tasty (if you like cherry’s!)
Where to eat in Lisbon?
When it comes to eating out in Lisbon, keep in mind that many places don’t open for dinner until around 7pm, and some even close in the afternoon (usually from 3pm to 7pm), so plan accordingly.
For a classic local spot, check out Galeto 50, an old-school snack bar where we tried the “half and half”, a surprisingly good combo of spinach soufflé and fries. If you’re up for something different, try Feijoada à Brasileira, a hearty Brazilian black bean and meat stew. It was €28 total with drinks (beer and orange juice) and easily big enough to share.
Over at Time Out Market, we grabbed a Portuguese tasting dish that came with five small bites, two slices of bread, and a small beer – it cost about €17.78 and was perfect for a light lunch for two.
For something a bit more inventive, Tapa Bucho serves creative small plates, we loved the creamy buckwheat, oxtail croquet, octopus rice, pica-pau beef, and their alheira croquet.
Another great find was A Provinciana, a family run gem that’s super affordable (and super popular, get there early to beat the line!). We had grilled sardines with potatoes and a half bottle of house red for just €8, and a steak with egg, rice, and potatoes for the same price. Honestly, amazing value.
If you have more time check out some of these places…
- The National Tile Museum
- LX Factory
- Maritime Museum
- Carmo Convent
- MAAT
- Sanctuary of Christ the King
- Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
FAQ's
We hope our ultimate guide to visiting Lisbon has inspired you to book your trip to the Portuguese Capital. You might still have a few unanswered questions and that’s ok! We’ve got you covered, listed below are some of the most common FAQ’s.
Is Lisbon a walkable city?
Lisbon is really walkable, but be ready for hills, cobblestones, and the occasional steep climb! Most of the main sights are within walking distance, and wandering the narrow streets is part of the charm. Just wear comfy shoes and take your time, there’s always a café nearby if you need a break.
Is Lisbon an expensive city?
Lisbon is pretty budget-friendly compared to a lot of other European capitals. You can eat well, stay in great spots, and see tons without breaking the bank. That said, prices have crept up a bit in recent years, especially in touristy areas, so it pays to explore local cafés and off-the-beaten-path neighbourhoods for the best value.
Also, keep in mind that some of the popular viewpoints charge a small fee to go up, and if you’re doing several, those costs can start to add up, so pick your favorites or take it in from below!
Top Tip: Consider buying a Lisboa Card, you can buy online before hand to save you queuing at tourist desks. With this you get free subway transport and free admission to 39 museums, monuments and places of interest. So it’s worth working out it it’s financially beneficial to get a card rather than all the individual entry fees.
Why is Lisbon so popular?
Lisbon’s popularity comes down to its perfect mix of old world charm and modern vibes. With stunning views, colourful neighbourhoods, amazing food, and a laid-back yet lively atmosphere, it’s easy to see why people keep coming back. Plus, it’s one of the most affordable capitals in Europe, making it a top pick for travellers looking for something special without the price tag.
Does Lisbon have a beach?
While Lisbon itself isn’t right on the beach, there are plenty of beautiful sandy spots just a short trip away. Places like Cascais, Estoril, and Costa da Caparica are all easily reachable by train or car, perfect for a day of sun, surf, and sea when you want a break from city life.
Thanks for reading!
Now it’s your turn to start planning that Lisbon adventure! With so much to explore and experience, we hope our guide has made your trip planning a little smoother. Don’t forget to check out our other European travel guides for even more ideas!
We’d love to hear from you, if you’re heading to Lisbon, drop us a message and share what you’re up to while you’re there. For the latest travel tips and updates, follow us on Instagram and say hello!
Safe travels,
Eve and Nick