or learn which food to try and souvenirs to buy on your next trip to Europe
Lisbon travel guide
Guide me through Lisbon
Spread across seven hills and overlooking the Targus River, Lisbon checks all the boxes when it comes to an exciting and diverse metropolis with postcard-perfect panoramas. Hop on one of Lisbon’s iconic yellow trams and explore its bustling waterfront and colorful maze of cobbled alleyways, its Moorish castle, ancient cathedrals, and historic buildings. Watch the world go by in laid-back cafés, dive into one of Europe’s finest nightlife, listen to eclectic music and try some fun food sold from street food trucks or funky restaurants. Lisbon has it all!
Not yet sure where to travel after Lisbon?
Lisbon Top 5
Take in the views from a miradouro
Hop on Lisbon’s iconic trams
Explore the waterfront
Visit Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
Dive into the city’s colorful nightlife
Best things to do in Lisbon
The Highlights
Top 5 • Specials • Museums • Other Activities • Neighborhoods • Delicacies • Travel Tips • Transportation
Like other vivid European capitals, Lisbon is jam-packed with things to see and do. Here are some highlights every first-time visitor has to see on their trip to the Portuguese capital:
If you just visit one of Lisbon’s main sights, let it be Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Back then an important monastery for monks involved in helping arriving sailors, today a UNESCO World Heritage site with abundant maritime decorations and one of Lisbon’s best attractions.
See the Sé Cathedral. This fortified cathedral was built above the ruins of a mosque and is due to the constant modulation of an interesting mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles. It counts as one of Lisbon’s icons you shouldn’t miss out on. Other churches well worth a visit are Igreja & Museu São Roque, Carmo Convent, and Igreja de São Vicente de Fora.
Visit Belém Tower. Accessible via a pedestrian bridge, the iconic tower is open for self-guided tours where you can visit the old prison and wander the halls.
Tour medieval Saint George’s castle and enjoy spectacular views of Lisbon. You will also find a garden and a small archeological museum inside.
Don’t leave Lisbon without taking a ride on its iconic trams and elevators. Ride the historic Elevador de Santa Justa for a fantastic view of the city. Or hop on one of the old-fashioned yellow trams which are a fun way to explore Lisbon’s old town. Tram 28 covers some of the city’s famous attractions.
Lisbon’s most popular square Praça do Comércio is home to a good selection of small shops and cafés, while Parque Eduardo VII & Jardim Botânico offer some peace. Lisbon’s two prime green spaces are perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city for a while.
Stroll the waterfront and find the Discoveries Monument. Shaped like a ship’s bow and overlooking the Targus River, this monument is in honor of Henry the Navigator along with other heroes of the Portuguese Empire. The monument also hosts a small museum.
While in Lisbon, try to visit a Fado show or the Museu do Fado. Fado is a local type of music that originated in Lisbon and integral part of the city’s culture.
Don’t miss out on a day trip to Sintra! With its enchanting character and full of palaces and mystical gardens, Sintra is just a short 40 minutes train ride from Lisbon and a must-see!
Special things to see in Lisbon
The VIEWPOINTS
Spread across seven hills, Lisbon offers its visitors fantastic views of the city and surroundings. Climb up its miradouros (viewpoints) for postcard-perfect panoramas.
Check out Miradouro da Graça and Miradouro Senhora do Monte which are amongst the favorites. Miradouro das Portas do Sol, Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara, Miradouro Santa Luzia and Miradouro Panorâmico de Monsanto offer great views as well.
Get a bica (espresso) or have a glass of chilled sangria while watching the sunset or bring a snack or drink yourself if there is no café around.
Best museums to visit in Lisbon
Museums
Lisbon is home to a variety of superb museums you can choose from. The listed museums are some of the most popular among tourists:
The Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: works by Picasso, Dali, Duchamp, Bacon, and other masters
Museu Calouste Gulbenkian: private collection of ancient art such as funerary masks, medallions, carpets, ceramics and much more
Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga: baroque palace harboring Lisbon’s most exquisite collection of ancient art
Museu Nacional do Azulejo: Lisbon is famous its artistic azulejos (tiles)
More fun activities to do in Lisbon
Other Activities
Top 5 • Highlights • Specials • Museums • Neighborhoods • Delicacies • Travel Tips • Transportation
If you have more time on your hands or it is not your first visit to the City of Lights, check out some of the following sights this vivid metropolis has to offer:
Museums:
- Museu da Marioneta
- Museu do Oriente
- Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia
- Museu Nacional dos Coches
- Museu do Aljube
- Museu do Artes Decorativas
- Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporanea do Chiado
- Museu de Marinha
- Museu Nacional de Arqueologia
- Lisboa Story Centre
Churches & Monasteries:
- Igreja de Santa Catarina
- Convento dos Cardaes
- Basílica da Estrela
- Igreja de São Domingos
- Panteão Nacional (Igreja de Santa Engrácia)
Others:
- Palácio dos Marqueses de Fronteira
- Oceanário de Lisboa
- Palácio Nacional da Ajuda
- Jardim da Cerca da Graça
- Santo Amaro Recreation Dock
- Casa dos Bicos / José Saramago Foundation
- Cemitério dos Prazeres & Miradouro
- Palácio Nacional de Belém
- Jardim Botânico Tropical
- Jardim do Príncipe Real
- Ponte 25 de Abril
Beaches:
- Guincho (best for swimming)
- Tamariz (easy to reach)
- Meco (tranquil)
- Morena (fun vibe)
Lisbon's Neighborhoods
The Neighborhoods
Top 5 • Highlights • Specials • Museums • Other Activities • Delicacies • Travel Tips • Transportation
Alfama: One of the city’s most photogenic neighborhoods, and that is no coincidence! Its medieval character and narrow cobblestone streets together with Saint George’s castle and spectacular views of the Tagus River make every hobby photographer’s heart beat faster. Hop on the historic 28 Tram and soak in the spirit of Lisbon.
Belém: Stroll along the spacious promenade and imagine how the grand 15th-century explores departed Lisbon to discover the world back in the day. Always in sight – Torre de Belém – Lisbon’s iconic tower waiting to be discovered. Home to the lavishly decorated Jerónimos Monastery, beautiful parks, multiple museums, and the famous Pastéis de Belém, you should plan a good amount of time to explore one of Lisbon’s best neighborhoods during the daytime.
Bairro Alto: Wander through the colorful alleys and feast your eyes on superb street art during daytime – but the real magic is happening at night in Bairro Alto. Dive into a wild nightlife, crawl the pubs, and dance to eclectic music. Do it like the locals, grab a drink, and find a free spot on the streets listening to live music and street artist.
Chiado: Close to Bairro Alto, this contemporary neighborhood is home to Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury retailers, chic shops, and exquisite theaters. Perfect for window shopping and getting a glimpse of what the fancy side of Lisbon looks like.
Best food to try in Lisbon
Local Delicacies
Top 5 • Highlights • Specials • Museums • Other Activities • Neighborhoods • Travel Tips • Transportation
Foodwise, there is much more to discover than Portugal’s beloved bacalhau (dried and salted cod fish in over 300 recipes!) Try bacalhau à Brás (a Bairro Alto original), fresh seafood, and the famous Pastéis de Belém along with a coffee.
Best travel tips for Lisbon
Useful travel tips
Top 5 • Highlights • Specials • Museums • Other Activities • Neighborhoods • Delicacies • Transportation
Due to Lisbon’s glorious past as a sailor nation, the capital of the Portuguese empire, and a tremendous earthquake, there is a lot to see and learn about the history of this remarkable city.
Join a free walking tour to hear about its past and present and visit Lisbon’s diverse neighborhoods while listening to the guide’s stories.
To rest your feet, take historic tram 28 through Alfama which ferries you to some of Lisbon’s main attractions while enjoying the views.
Do it like the locals and grab a drink in Bairro Alto during the night to listen to music, dance on the street, and see the magic happening in Lisbon’s exciting nightlife. Fancy wine bars, student joints, and established fado houses coexist cheerfully in Bairro Alto’s narrow streets.
Transportation tips for Lisbon
Transportation
Top 5 • Highlights • Specials • Museums • Other Activities • Neighborhoods • Delicacies • Travel Tips
Lisbon’s public transport system is user-friendly and affordable. Buses, trams, and 4 different metro lines will get you anywhere you want. Some combi-tickets might be interesting when using public transport frequently or staying several days. Trains are connecting Lisbon to Portugal’s major cities.
Having that said, try to squeeze in a day trip to Sintra, which is just a 40 minutes train ride away and makes a wonderful getaway.