Lisbon Travel Guide
When I think of Lisbon, Portugal, I think of colorful tiled buildings, yellow trams, and delicious food. Lisbon is like no other city. The cobblestone streets along with the hills in the city is one of its most charming attributes. I spent two days there and could have definitely stayed longer, so I think 3 days minimum if you really want to capture all Lisbon has to offer. This post gives you an overview of top things to do and see while you’re in Lisbon.
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Alfama neighborhood
Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood. Centered in the heart of Lisbon, it has narrow streets that twist and turn, making street walking easy to get lost in. Start with the Lisbon Cathedral, the city’s oldest church which dates back to the 12th century.
Don’t miss the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, a stunning viewpoint over Alfama’s rooftops and the Tagus River. The view goes over the entire city and you can see all the terracotta colored roof tops.
While in Alfama I saw a Fado show, the traditional music of Portugal. The music sounds very melancholy or even sad at times, but full of emotion and soul. It’s played on a Portuguese guitar, which looks like an old folklore guitar. It is unique to Portugal so if you’re looking for some culture, this is a good option. I wasn’t able to take video or photos during the show, so you’ll have to go experience it!
Tram 28
The classic yellow tram in Lisbon has scenic routes that wind through many of Lisbon’s most famous districts including Graca, Alfama, and Baixa. It’s a great way to see the city if it’s your first time. I rode it, not only to say I rode on Tram 28 but it’s extremely practical as well since it stops at so many places in the city. I did like a hop on, hop off with the trams, making it an easy way to get around. It was pretty crowded during the day, but seemed to have less people in the evening.
Belém
A short tram ride from the city center will take you to Belém. There you can visit the grand Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and see the Belém Tower along the river. The tower is one of the most photographed landmarks in Lisbon.
Before you leave you have to stop at Pastéis de Belém for the most famous Portuguese dessert, pastel de nata. It’s a little tart filled with custard and has been around since 1837. It was amazing and now when I see any little custard filled tarts, I always think of Portugal. It makes me smile.
Climb to Castelo de São Jorge
Sitting on one of Lisbon’s seven hills is São Jorge Castle. It’s one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks. The walk to the top is hard, but the views of the city and the Tagus River are amazing. You can stop and take a break in the gardens while admiring the castle.
LX Factory
At LX Factory which was a former industrial complex is now a hip, little cultural spot. There is a lot of beautiful street art in the area along with many shops and restaurants. The famous Ler Devagar bookstore is like a work of art inside.
Praça do Comércio and Baixa
Praça do Comércio is Lisbon’s grand square with bright yellow buildings surrounding it as it opens to the Tagus River. Next to it is the Baixa district, which was once the place of the city’s Royal Palace and rebuilt after an earthquake in 1755. It is filled with shops, cafes, and a number of restaurants. This is the perfect place to people watch.
Miradouros
Since Lisbon is a city of hills, so there are many viewpoints along the city to see, all with their own perspectives of the city. In addition to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia in Alfama, you can check out the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte por Miradouro de Graca.
The Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is one of Lisbon’s highest and most panoramic spots. The Miradouro de Graça is a popular place to watch the sunset on a terrace café while drinking coffee or wine.
Elevador de Santa Justa
This 19th-century iron elevator connects the streets of Baixa with Carmo Square. The design of the elevator has to be seen up close and it has a viewing platform that offers unique city views.
Bairro Alto and Chiado
Bairro Alto is where the Lisbon night life is. The area is packed with bars, restaurants, and live fado music. If you’re looking for an endless evening, you should end your day here. The neighborhood of Chiado is known for chic cafes, bookstores, and boutique shopping. More elegance and luxury in this cute little neighborhood.
The National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo)
As most of you know, Portugal is famous for its decorative tiles and any time I see one, it brings back a vision of Lisbon. The museum explains the history from the 15th century to the present. The tile panels and displays explain how azulejos became such an important part of Portuguese culture. I bought a tile to add to my collection of souvenirs.
Day Trips – Sintra and Cascais
Lisbon is perfectly located for easy day trips. Sintra is just 40 minutes by train. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage town with castles, palaces, and gardens. Cascais is known as a charming little town, with beaches and fresh seafood.
I didn’t have time during my short stay in Lisbon for a day trip, but as I always say, places you miss give you a reason to return. When I get to Portugal again, these cities along with Algarve are at the top of the list.
Portuguese Food
Lisbon has rich, flavorful, and delicious food. Local specialties you can’t miss include:
- Bacalhau à Brás – a classic fish dish
- Grilled sardines – especially popular in summer
- Caldo Verde – a traditional kale and potato soup
If you know me by now, I try gelato in every city I visit and the gelato in Portugal did not disappoint. It was delicious and looked very pretty too!
Final Thoughts
When I think of Lisbon, images immediately flash through my mind. The trams, viewpoints, pastel de nata, colorful tiles, and bright yellow buildings. It was a perfect, quick 2 day getaway, although I recommend 3, so you can take those day trips I talked about. It’s a short trip from Spain, so it was easy for me. Public transport was good and I discovered that most people in Portugal speak 3 languages, Portuguese, Spanish, and English.
It’s very safe and the local people are lovely. All these things make it a great solo traveler destination as well. Check out my post on Belgium if you’re looking for another great solo destination.
Since Lisbon is full of hills and cobblestone streets, I would say skip the luggage and take a backpack. Hopefully this post helped and gave you some idea of things to do and see during your trip to Lisbon!
Travel Tips for Lisbon
Best Time to Visit Lisbon
- Spring (March–May) and fall (September–October): Pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Summer (June–August): Hot and busy, especially during festivals.
- Winter (November–February): Mild temperatures and quieter streets.
I went in early December, it was a little chilly and windy, but a lot less tourists. Perfect time if you don’t mind cooler temperatures. They already had Christmas decorations up so the streets at night they were full of lights.
How to Get Around Lisbon
- Walking: The best way to explore, though expect hills!
- Trams: Fun and scenic ways to get around.
- Metro: Fast and affordable for longer distances.
- Taxis or Uber: Cheap and convenient options compared to many European cities.
