ALL GUIDES / EUROPE / PORTUGAL
Heading to Lisbon? There's so much to see that it can feel a bit overwhelming at first. We spent weeks planning our trip, wandering those charming streets, and climbing those famous hills (yes, all seven of them!). This way, you don't have to start from scratch. We rode every tram, found the best viewpoints, and discovered some incredible hidden spots along the way. This guide covers all our favorite places, when to visit them, and practical tips we wish we'd known before our trip.
Top Things To Do in Lisbon
1. Vintage Tram 28
Tram 28 isn't just a way to get around - it's basically a sightseeing tour on wheels and one of our favorite Lisbon experiences. These cute yellow trams rumble through the oldest parts of the city, squeezing through narrow streets that would be a real pain to tackle on foot (those hills are no joke!).
Winding through Lisbon on this vintage tram is truly an iconic experience, taking you to many of the city's top attractions. The route includes 32 stops and passes by numerous "miradouros" (viewpoints) along the way. Go first thing in the morning to avoid the large crowds, especially if you want a coveted window seat. Another good time is in the evening when tourist crowds thin out.
💡 Quick tip: grab a seat on the right side when heading uphill toward Graça for the best views of the city. Tickets purchased directly on the tram cost €3 per journey. However, we recommend purchasing the €6.60 ticket (2022 pricing) which allows unlimited rides on Lisbon's metro, buses, trams, and funiculars for 24 hours from first validation. These tickets can be purchased at any Lisbon metro station. And don't forget to validate your ticket right away - we saw a few tourists get fined for overlooking this!
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2. Miradouro da Graça
After riding Tram 28 to its highest point, we found ourselves at the Graça transit stop, just a short walk from what became our favorite viewpoint in Lisbon. Miradouro da Graça seriously delivered with its jaw-dropping panorama of Lisbon, the Tagus River, and the 25 de Abril Bridge stretching into the distance. The best part? It was way less crowded than some of the other lookout spots we visited.
Alternatively, arriving before 9am allowed us to have this viewpoint completely to ourselves. We sat on a nearby bench, ate a morning snack, and enjoyed the most spectacular view in the city.
More of our favorite Miradouro's are pinned to our Portugal Google Map!
🚃 J&L Tip: If you only plan to ride one journey on Tram 28, make it to the Graca transit stop. This is one of the highest points in Lisbon and many of the nearby attractions can easily be accessed by walking downhill rather than uphill - travel smarter not harder :)
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3. Alfama District
Alfama is Lisbon's oldest neighborhood, a captivating maze of narrow, winding streets that survived the devastating 1755 earthquake. As we wandered through this charming district, we felt like we'd stepped back in time. The authenticity of Alfama stands in stark contrast to the more modern parts of Lisbon - here, locals still hang laundry from windows, neighbors chat across balconies, and fado music drifts from tiny restaurants tucked into ancient buildings.
The heart of Alfama is home to Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral), which is one of Portugal's most significant religious monuments. Built in 1147 after Christians recaptured the city from the Moors, this fortress-like Romanesque cathedral serves as both a spiritual center and a symbol of Portugal's Christian reconquest. Despite numerous earthquakes throughout history, the cathedral has been lovingly restored each time, preserving its historical importance.
Hours: 10am - 6pm [Closed Sundays]
Admission: €5 / Adult
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4. Visit Miradouro de Santa Luzia in Alfama
While exploring Alfama, we stumbled upon the charming Miradouro de Santa Luzia. This romantic terrace completely wowed us with its breathtaking views over Alfama's terracotta rooftops down to the Tagus River. What really made this spot special was the beautiful pergola covered in wisteria that gave us some much-needed shade in the heat of the day.
We spent ages admiring the traditional Portuguese blue and white azulejo tiles that show scenes of old Lisbon before the great earthquake. Such incredible craftsmanship! The small garden with its cozy benches was the perfect spot to rest our tired legs after tackling Alfama's steep streets.
If you're planning your trip, try to visit in spring when the wisteria blooms. We caught it just as it was starting to flower, and the hints of purple created this magical canopy that made our photos look straight out of a fairy tale.
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5. Castel de S. Jorge
The Castelo de São Jorge is one of Lisbon's most iconic landmarks. This 11th century Moorish fortification, perched high on a hill, offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the city - perfect for unforgettable photos!
Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours here, exploring the ancient ramparts and eleven towers. The archaeological site provides fascinating insights into the fortress's history, allowing you to imagine what life must have been like when it was actively protecting the city centuries ago.
The castle grounds feature beautiful gardens where peacocks roam freely - a delightful surprise for many visitors. One important tip: wear comfortable walking shoes as the climb to and around the castle is quite steep.
For the best experience, arrive early when the castle opens to avoid crowds and intense midday sun. For the best photo spot at Castelo de São Jorge, head to the Ulysses Tower for incredible panoramic views. Don't miss the camera obscura in the Torre de Ulisses - this 360-degree projected view of the city provides a wonderful perspective of Lisbon's layout. Alternatively, consider visiting late afternoon for smaller crowds and the chance to watch the sunset from this picturesque viewpoint.
🎟️ Admission: €10 / Adult (2022 pricing)
Included in your admission price is a guided tour, which happens three times daily at 10:30am, 1pm, and 4pm. We highly recommend joining one of these tours to learn about the castle's rich history.
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6. Day Trip to Belem
Located just a 30-minute tram ride from central Lisbon on the 15E line, Belém is a former royal residence that offers a perfect half-day or full-day trip. This riverside district is packed with 16th century architecture and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery are both UNESCO sites, and now we totally get why. We spent ages admiring the intricate Manueline architecture of the monastery - all those stone carvings with maritime themes really bring Portugal's Age of Discovery to life in a way history books never could. Don't miss the Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument that commemorates Portugal's great explorers.
And let's talk about those famous custard tarts! The original Pastéis de Belém bakery has been using the same secret recipe since 1837, and after one bite, we understood the hype. The warm, flaky pastry with that perfectly caramelized custard inside... we may have gone back for seconds (and thirds, but who's counting?).
💡 Our top tip: get to the bakery before noon to avoid the worst of the lines. Though honestly, even when it looked crowded, the service moved surprisingly quickly. We grabbed our tarts and enjoyed them in the nearby garden watching the boats on the Tagus River - absolute perfection!
All of our top recommendations in Belém are pinned to our Portugal map!
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7. Museu Nacional do Azulejo
We almost skipped the National Tile Museum thinking it might be a bit boring - what a mistake that would have been! This hidden gem housed in a 16th century monastery completely will blow you away! The evolution of Portugal's famous azulejo tiles from the 15th century to modern designs tells you so much about the country's history and artistic traditions.
The peaceful cloister and ornate baroque church inside the museum gave us a perfect break from the hustle of the city. The chapel itself is worth a visit, with its stunning carved wood, paintings, and decorative tile panels adorning the Madre de Deus church. We ended up spending nearly 3 hours here when we'd planned for just a quick visit. If you go, definitely give yourself at least 2 hours to properly appreciate everything - and don't forget your camera for those incredible tilework closeups!
Hours: Tue - Sun from 10:00am - 6:00pm
Admission: €5 / Adult (2022 pricing)
Getting There: Take the 210 Carris Bus from Pç. Comércio to the Igreja Madre Deus stop
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8. Barrio Alto
Bairro Alto is filled with century-old houses covered in street art. During the day, we wandered the cobble-stoned streets discovering delicious eateries, beautiful 'miradouros' (lookouts), and historic churches. But as day turned to night, this sleepy neighborhood completely transformed before our eyes. After 10 PM, it suddenly burst into life, with every tiny bar spilling people onto the narrow streets until the whole area basically became one big outdoor party!
We loved how casual everything felt - we bar-hopped through doorways barely big enough to squeeze through, finding wildly different vibes in each spot. Justin convinced me to try ginjinha (this sweet cherry liqueur) from a hole-in-the-wall bar where they served it in little chocolate cups. It was so delicious and such a fun local tradition!
The highlight of our night was experiencing Portuguese traditional fado music, which filled the streets. We stumbled into a tiny Fado venue where we squeezed in for dinner and watched performers pour their souls into Portugal's haunting traditional music. Even though we couldn't understand the lyrics, the raw emotion gave us goosebumps.
J&L Tip: Tasca do Chico is your best bet for "free fado", meaning there is no cover charge or minimum order required. Make reservations at least a day in advance (it gets packed) and bring cash. Fado music starts at 9pm.
Our top tip? Have dinner around 9 PM, then just follow the crowds and see where the night takes you. Some of our favorite Lisbon memories came from this spontaneous night out.
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9. Santa Justa Lift
The Santa Justa Lift really is something special! We almost skipped it after hearing about the long lines, but we're so glad we didn't. We learned this Neo-Gothic elevator was designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel (you know, the Tower guy), which explains the similar vibe.
We discovered this great hack while we were there - instead of waiting in the huge line to ride up, we just walked up to Carmo Square behind the elevator and accessed the viewing platform directly (exact location pinned in our Portugal Google Map). Here, you can see the same views for free and even pay to enter the platform at a discounted price compared to taking the lift.
After checking it out during the day, we made sure to come back after dark. The elevator all lit up at night was honestly magical - those lights highlighting all that intricate metalwork created such a romantic atmosphere. We stood there for ages just admiring it from below. If you're planning your Lisbon trip, definitely try to see it both ways.
Hours: 7:00am - 10:45pm
Did you Know? Purchasing the €6.60 / Person 24-Hour Access (2022 pricing) public transportation card with CARRIS gets you free entry to Santa Justa Lift as well!
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10. Praca do Comercio
We couldn't get enough of Praça do Comércio during our trip! This massive square opens right onto the Tagus River and seriously impressed us with its grandeur. Before the big earthquake in 1755, this was actually where the Royal Palace stood. We found ourselves drawn back here several times, especially loving how the yellow buildings and that grand triumphal arch perfectly frame the whole space.
11. Day Trip to Sintra
Just 40 minutes by train from Lisbon lies the fairy-tale town of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels worlds away from the capital. We were absolutely blown away by this place - it's like stepping into a storybook! The misty forests and exotic gardens created this magical atmosphere that had us snapping photos non-stop.
Pena Palace was our absolute favorite with its wild candy-colored walls and eclectic architecture. We kept joking that it looked like someone built it out of a child's imagination - those bright yellows and reds against the blue sky made for the most incredible photos. The views from up there? Completely worth the uphill trek!
We also fell in love with Quinta da Regaleira and its mysterious initiation well. Justin dared me to walk down the spiral staircase to the bottom, and let me tell you, looking up from the bottom of that stone well was one of the most unique experiences of our trip. We spent hours exploring the underground tunnels and grottos, feeling like we were on some kind of mystical treasure hunt.
Our top tip? Catch the very first train from Rossio Station (we forced ourselves out of bed early for this and it was SO worth it). By midday, the crowds were intense. Also, buy your tickets online before you go - we watched people waiting in super long lines while we waltzed right in with our pre-purchased tickets.
📚 Read more about our day trip in Sintra here!
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12. Eat at Time Out Market
We became instant fans of the Time Out Market during our Lisbon trip! This foodie heaven at Mercado da Ribeira was like a gastronomic playground where we could sample so many Portuguese flavors without committing to full restaurant meals. The setup was perfect - dozens of food stalls from top local chefs all under one roof, with this buzzing, casual vibe that made us feel right at home.
Justin went crazy for the traditional bacalhau dishes while I couldn't get enough of the contemporary Portuguese-fusion options. We loved the communal seating arrangement - it made it super easy to grab different dishes from multiple vendors and create our own little food festival at the table.
Our timing hack saved us from the worst crowds - we noticed lunch gets absolutely packed, but showing up around 11:30 AM or waiting until after 2:30 PM gave us a much more relaxed experience. We were able to actually browse without feeling rushed and found some treasures at the fresh seafood stands.
The pastry shops became our daily weakness - we tried regional specialties we'd never even heard of before!
If you're heading to Lisbon, don't skip this place. Just plan your visit around the peak hours and come hungry!
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13. Visit LX Factory
We stumbled upon LX Factory during our trip to Belem and it quickly became one of our favorite spots! This old industrial complex has been totally reinvented as this amazing creative hub that just buzzes with energy. We spent hours wandering through all these quirky independent shops and art spaces that seemed to spill out of the old factory buildings.
The absolute highlight was Ler Devagar bookstore - we walked in and our jaws dropped! It's housed in this old printing press with flying bicycle installations hanging from the ceiling and these massive bookshelves that seem to go on forever.
We got hungry after all that exploring and tried one of the industrial-chic restaurants. The whole area has this perfect mix of traditional Portuguese food spots and more international options. Our favorite discovery was definitely the rooftop bars - we timed our visit to catch sunset with a glass of wine, watching the light change on the 25 de Abril Bridge. Pure magic!
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14. Explore the Oceanário de Lisboa
While we didn't make it to the Oceanário on this trip, several locals told us it's an amazing rainy day activity in Lisbon! Apparently, this isn't just an ordinary aquarium - it's one of Europe's largest, featuring a massive central tank surrounded by different oceanic habitats. 2022 ticket prices are around €25 for adults and €15 for children (ages 3-12), with family packages available.
Getting there from downtown Lisbon is super easy. You can take the 728 bus from Pç. Comércio directly to "Oceanário Lisboa" station, and the aquarium is just a short 7-minute walk from there. The journey takes about 25 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many days do I need in Lisbon?
A: We recommend spending at least 3-4 days in Lisbon to experience the city's highlights without rushing. If you plan to include day trips to Sintra, Cascais, or other nearby destinations, consider extending your stay to 5-7 days for a more relaxed pace.
Q: What's the best time of year to visit Lisbon?
A: Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) offer the most pleasant weather with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer (July-August) can be hot and crowded with tourists, while winter is mild but can be rainy. We found May and September to be perfect months for exploring the city comfortably.
Q: Is Lisbon expensive?
A: Compared to other Western European capitals, Lisbon remains relatively affordable. You'll find good value in accommodation, food, and transportation. However, popular tourist attractions and restaurants in prime locations can be pricier. Budget-conscious travelers can enjoy excellent meals at neighborhood tascas (traditional restaurants) and take advantage of the Lisboa Card for discounted attraction entry and free public transportation.
Q: How do I get around Lisbon?
A: Getting around Lisbon is quick and easy. You can purchase single-trip tickets on the tram/bus/metro for €1.5, however, we recommend purchasing a 24-Hour CARRIS/Metro ticket for €6.60 (2022 pricing), which will allow you unlimited journeys on all CARRIS public transportation throughout Lisbon within 24 hours from its first use. These 24-hour tickets can be purchased in any metro station throughout Lisbon.
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Q: Is it worth getting the Lisboa Card?
A: The Lisboa Card offers free entry to many attractions and free public transportation. Based on our experience, it's worth purchasing if you plan to visit several major attractions and use public transport frequently. Calculate the cost of your planned activities to determine if the card will save you money. The card also allows you to skip ticket lines at many attractions, which can be a significant time-saver during peak tourist season.
Q: Where is the best area to stay in Lisbon?
A: We lodged near Castelo de S. Jorge, which allowed for affordable lodging in a central location. The trade-off is stairs, as the Alfama neighborhood is an elevated part of the city. Should you prefer less elevation, the ideal neighborhood to stay in would be Baixa, although lodging may be more expensive in this central location.
Sandra's Apartment was in the perfect location to explore Lisbon while being tucked away off the main street enough to enjoy a peaceful night sleep. Her apartment was clean, filled with thoughtful touches, and overlooked a stunning view of Lisbon.
Q: How do you get to Lisbon from the Airport?
A: From the Lisbon airport [LIS], take the metro red line [Vm] towards São Sebastião and get off at the Alameda stop (9 stops). Switch metro lines to the green line [Vd] towards Cais do Sodré and get off at Martim Moniz (4 stops). Metro tickets can be purchased at the kiosks for €1.50 (2022 pricing) per journey. Study Lisbon's metro map here.
Q: What is the most affordable option for International Data?
A: Want to avoid roaming charges and $10/day international data fees? Airalo allows you to download an eSIM to your phone and activate while in Portugal for a very affordable price. We bought 3 GB of data which was valid for 30 days from activation for only $7 (2022 pricing). It worked great throughout our entire trip and was very easy to install. Airalo offers eSIMs all around the world and we can validate that it works with ease in multiple European countries.
Get $3 off with code NBV8668 by signing up here!
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Lisbon stole our hearts with its incredible mix of old-cobblestone charm and modern vibes. We absolutely loved wandering through those historic neighborhoods, checking out all the famous spots, stuffing ourselves with amazing food, and finding those jaw-dropping viewpoints. Justin and I spent days exploring every corner of Portugal's capital, and now we're sharing all our discoveries to help you plan your own trip.
Something we learned quickly - while those 14 top things to do are definitely worth your time, our favorite Lisbon moments actually happened when we just got a little lost, stumbled upon a hidden viewpoint, or ended up chatting with locals at some tiny neighborhood café.
Ready to start your own Lisbon adventure? Head over to our travel resources page for all the details on where to stay, how to get around, and which tours actually delivered. And don't forget to follow our Instagram @Noms.Brews.Views where we share daily travel inspo and behind-the-scenes peeks at our adventures around the world. Boa viagem!
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