Best of Lisbon: The Ultimate Travel Guide and Tips

Bom dia Lisboa! This city is easily one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. With its tiled facades and maze of narrow, winding streets, the hilly charm of Lisbon is truly unique.

You’ll find yourself completely enchanted by Lisbon. Which is why we can wholeheartedly recommend a city trip to Portugal’s capital.

In this travel guide, we’re excited to share our personal tips for your trip: What are the must-see attractions? What highlights can’t you miss? Which viewpoints have the best scenery? Lisbon is a dream destination, and we’re confident you’ll adore it just as much as we do.

1. Lisbon Travel Guide: The Most Beautiful Attractions

Alfama: The Oldest District in Lisbon

Our tip: Kick off your Lisbon adventure right in Alfama. This area is the oldest and most original district in Lisbon, brimming with the charm of its numerous narrow and winding streets. The neighborhood is quite hilly, so be ready for some climbing.

However, we have be honest: Lisbon has become very touristy, and unfortunately, much of the original charm that one might expect has somewhat diminished. This is particularly noticeable on the main streets of Alfama, which can get quite crowded.

It’s definitely worth it to venture off the beaten path and explore the authentic side alleys. Here, you’ll discover the maze of lanes that probably comes to mind when you think of Lisbon.

Highlights & Attractions in Alfama

• Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa): This cathedral stands out as one of the most significant attractions and a top photo opportunity not just in Alfama, but throughout Lisbon. It looks more impressive from the outside than the inside, but it’s still worth a brief visit.
• Viewpoints: Alfama is home to some of Lisbon’s most famous viewpoints, including the stunning Miradouro de Santa Luzia. More details on this are further down in our travel guide.
• Our insider tip: For a break, we highly recommend the rooftop terrace of the design hotel Memmo Alfama. When the street-level bustle gets overwhelming, this spot offers a serene escape with some of the best views around.

Castelo de São Jorge

Situated directly above Alfama on a steep hill, you’ll find the medieval fortress known as Castelo de São Jorge. Due to its proximity, it makes sense to combine a visit to the fortress with a stroll through Alfama.

The Castelo de São Jorge and its fortress walls are accessible for walking. From there, you have a spectacular view over Lisbon and the Tagus River. A visit to this fortress should definitely be on your itinerary when city tripping in Lisbon. In our opinion, the Castelo is one of the most impressive places in the city.

Information for Visiting Castelo de São Jorge

Admission: 15 Euros
Tickets: You can buy them at the gate or, if it’s really busy, it’s better to book in advance online via the official website.
Getting There: By foot or take bus No. 737 from Praça da Figueira to the “Castelo” stop (right in front), or by tram 28 to the “Miradouro Sta. Luzia” stop (5 minutes walk).

Tram Line No. 28E

A tram line as an attraction? Yep, that’s what you’ll find in Lisbon! You might have already seen a photo of the historic tram struggling up one of Lisbon’s steep hills. A ride on tram No. 28E is almost a must-do on a city trip to Lisbon.

Riding the tram can be a bit of a jostle and push affair. It’s not exactly comfortable – but it’s definitely an experience.

The tram travels right across Lisbon, passing numerous attractions along the way. You can, for instance, take the tram near Castelo de São Jorge or from there to the western side of the city, into the Bairro Alto district.

Important to know: The trams on line 28E are now so packed with travellers that long queues often form at the terminus at Praça Martim Moniz. As an alternative, you could opt for line 12E, which takes about 20 minutes to make a circuit of Lisbon from Praça Martim Moniz.

Price: A single trip costs 3 euros (you can buy your ticket from the driver), or it’s free with the Lisboa Card.

Praça do Comércio

Praça do Comércio is one of the most important and impressive squares in Lisbon. The size of this square is massive. What’s great about the square is that it’s open on one side to the river (Tagus). In the middle of the square, there’s a massive equestrian statue. We find the arcades around the edge of the square particularly worth seeing.

On the north side of Praça do Comércio, one feature stands out: the grand Arco da Rua Augusta. Passing through this arch, you’ll find yourself on the famous Rua Augusta, Lisbon’s most well-known promenade, leading directly into the city center, known as Baixa.

We were fortunate to witness a truly breathtaking sunset at Praça do Comércio. If you ask us, this is the best time to visit the square (although, truth be told, that’s pretty much the case for all spots in Lisbon).

Baixa District with Elevador de Santa Justa

Baixa is essentially the centre of Lisbon and also the area where quite a lot of tourists are found. Nonetheless, a stroll through the pedestrian zone is an absolute must during a city trip to Lisbon.

This district was completely destroyed and rebuilt after the great earthquake in the 18th century, which is why you’ll find streets laid out symmetrically here.

Highlights & Attractions in Baixa

• Elevador de Santa Justa: One of the key attractions in Baixa, this lift is probably the most famous in all of Lisbon. With its unusual steel structure, it’s quite an eye-catcher. It connects Baixa (Lower Town) with the higher Chiado (Upper Town) neighbourhood. Our tip: If you want to avoid the paid ride and especially the queue at the bottom of the lift, visit the Elevador de Santa Justa from the upper side (near the entrance to Convento do Carmo). You can easily reach the viewing platform via a bridge and enjoy the view for free.
• Shopping Streets: Baixa is home to the main shopping streets with branches of international brands, especially the previously mentioned Rua Augusta. While architecturally beautiful, it is paved with souvenir shops.
• Northern Baixa: Here, you’ll reach two more of Lisbon’s famous squares: Praça da Figueira and Rossio (also known as Praça Dom Pedro IV). The latter, in particular, we find especially worth seeing with its intricate floor patterns.

Convento do Carmo

At the top of the Elevador de Santa Justa, you’ll discover a unique sight in Lisbon: the monastery ruins known as Convento do Carmo. This site was once home to an impressive cathedral, which was reduced to ruins by the 18th-century earthquake. Although some restoration efforts were started, they were never completed. Today, what remains is a striking, roofless nave.

The ruins are quite photogenic and, while not the biggest highlight in Lisbon, they are certainly worth a visit.

Admission: 5 Euros

Bairro Alto District

Bairro Alto is essentially the vibrant cultural hub of Lisbon. If you’re looking to have a drink in the evening, the narrow lanes of this neighbourhood are the place to be.

During the day, Bairro Alto is relatively quiet and laid-back. The streets aren’t very crowded, allowing you to admire the colourful street art on the walls. Plus, there are a few cool shops worth checking out. In the evening, the area transforms: the restaurants, bars, and clubs become lively spots.

Notable Attractions in the Bairro Alto District

On the edge of the district, there are two attractions you shouldn’t miss when you’re in the area.

• Praça Luís de Camões: This rather small, but very pretty square is definitely worth a stop. Our tip: Just around the corner is a Manteigaria shop where you can get delicious, oven-fresh Pastéis de Nata.
• Ascensor da Bica: One of the most popular photo spots in all of Lisbon is this yellow funicular that makes its way through a narrow, extremely steep alley. In the background, you can even see the ocean. It’s no wonder that there’s almost always a crowd gathered here.

Belém District

Belém is a district located just outside the old town, on the western side of Lisbon. Allocate half to a full day for a visit to Belém, as it hosts some of Lisbon’s most significant attractions.

Highlights & Attractions in Belém

• Mosteiro dos Jerónimos: The Jerónimos Monastery is a must-see. We honestly didn’t have much expectation at all… and we were left utterly speechless (in the best way possible!). This UNESCO World Heritage site is an architectural marvel, with the cloister alone being a breathtaking sight. Trust us, you’ll be amazed too. Tip: Arrive early to avoid the long queues that typically form at the entrance.
• Torre de Belém: Another standout attraction in the Belém district, about a 15-minute walk from the monastery along the waterfront, is the Belém Tower. Originally used as a lighthouse, it now houses a viewing platform with stunning views over the Tagus River.
• Padrão dos Descobrimentos: Also on the waterfront, the Monument to the Discoveries stands as another impressive sight in Belém. It’s not only a fantastic photo spot but also features a viewing platform that offers expansive views of the Tagus.
• A must-visit for all foodies: Don’t miss the world-famous Pastéis de Nata from the bakery “Pastéis de Belém”, located just around the corner from the Jerónimos Monastery. It’s the perfect spot for a quick snack. More details on this later in the travel guide.

Visiting Belém

Getting there: Tram 15 (e.g., to the stop at the monastery
Admission: 12 Euros for the Jerónimos Monastery (free with the Lisboa Card)

2. Viewpoints in Lisbon

Lisbon is unquestionably the city of viewpoints! Due to its hilly landscape, you can enjoy magnificent views from countless spots around the city. In this chapter of our travel guide, we introduce what we consider to be the most beautiful viewpoints in Lisbon.

Miradouro de Santa Luzia & Miradouro das Portas do Sol

Two absolute classics that are just a short walk from each other – which is why we’re discussing them together. Located in the heart of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, both offer stunning views.

Miradouro de Santa Luzia is known for its beautifully tiled terrace, while the more expansive Miradouro das Portas do Sol offers a livelier vibe. Here, you can enjoy a drink from a small stand, listen to street musicians, and soak in the scenery.

Miradouro da Graça

For a truly breathtaking panoramic view over Lisbon, make your way to Miradouro da Graça. Positioned at a higher elevation, it’s about 10 minutes from the previously mentioned viewpoints.

What sets Miradouro da Graça apart is its view of the Castelo de São Jorge. Additionally, facing west, it’s the perfect spot for experiencing stunning sunsets.

Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara

Last but not least, Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara is located on the opposite side of the old town at the top of the Bairro Alto district. This spot offers a fresh perspective on Lisbon.

We particularly enjoyed the atmosphere here: it’s set in a spacious, beautifully landscaped park. Like the others, this viewpoint also offers refreshments to enjoy along with the view.

3. Lisbon Culinary Travel Guide: Our Tips

Pastéis de Nata in Lisbon

One thing you can’t escape in Lisbon (or in Portugal in general) are the delicious custard tarts known as Pastéis de Nata. We could practically bury ourselves in them and end up having a Pastéis de Nata eating contest every time we’re in Portugal. You can find Pastéis de Nata almost everywhere. Here are our top three favourites in Lisbon:

Pastéis de Belém: Probably the most famous spot is this traditional bakery in Lisbon’s Belém district. The bakery is far from a hidden gem these days. Although there are plenty of seats, you might still have to wait. If it’s too crowded, just grab some tarts to take away and enjoy them with a view of the river.

Manteigaria: The Manteigaria outlets are our number one go-to for delicious, oven-fresh Pastéis de Nata. Since our first visit to Porto, Manteigaria has topped our list for the best Pastéis de Nata.

Castro – Atelier de Pastéis de Nata: An excellent choice! In this chic, modern bakery, the tarts are also made right before your eyes – and they taste fantastic!

Our Tips for Cafés and Restaurants in Lisbon

Seagull Method: In the pretty, cosy residential area of Príncipe Real, there are several great cafés. One of these is Seagull Method, where you’ll find very good breakfast and brunch options.

Marquise: Also located in Príncipe Real. Next door, you’ll find a (hipster) bakery and its associated coffee house. Here, you sit surrounded by clay pots – hello, Boho flair!

Fable: All good things come in threes. This little gem in the Príncipe Real district is both a café and a bookstore. The ambiance is very pleasant, the food delicious and creative, and the coffee excellent.

Bistrô Gato Pardo: This small, cosy bistro serves excellent Portuguese-Mediterranean cuisine. The mushroom ravioli were particularly good. The restaurant is run by a Swiss man who takes incredible care and dedication in looking after his guests.

O Trigueirinho: A small, family-run, authentic spot that serves very good Portuguese cuisine, focusing mainly on meat and fish dishes. Our verdict: Superb value for money and a great choice for those who like traditional fare.

Time Out Market: This huge food hall has become a hotspot in Lisbon. It houses about 40 different food stands offering everything from burgers, pizza, to Asian cuisine and more. We personally found the atmosphere a bit hectic, but for a quick and easy meal, this is definitely a place to check out.

4. Our Hotel Tips for Lisbon

Option 1: Memmo Alfama

Our favorite hotel in Lisbon is the Memmo Alfama. During our first visit, we stayed here and can’t recommend it enough! This design hotel is nestled right in the heart of Alfama and truly is a hidden gem.

From the moment you walk in, the hotel feels like a second home. It’s decorated in a Scandinavian style, with rooms that are minimalist yet incredibly cozy — exactly our style!

The standout feature of the hotel is its rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy a spectacular view over Lisbon and the river. On a clear day, you can even have breakfast on the terrace — an absolute dream, right?

The only downside: unfortunately, children are not allowed. Otherwise, we would definitely stay here again. Also, the prices are on the higher side. But for those who can, it’s well worth the splurge for a truly exceptional stay.

Option 2: Patio do Tijolo

The boutique hotel Patio do Tijolo is a great choice for those looking for a chic accommodation at fair prices. Located in the northern part of the Bairro Alto district, it’s not far from the Príncipe Real district, known for its great pubs and restaurants, and just a short walk from the famous viewpoint, Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara.

The rooms are rather small, but very comfortably furnished with really comfortable beds. Some rooms offer a very nice view over Lisbon. We personally found the room scent a bit too overpowering, but that’s a matter of taste.

The breakfast offers a wide variety, satisfying all cravings. The breakfast room is small, but we didn’t find it to be a problem during the off-season. Our verdict: A stylish city hotel in a tranquil location.

5. Lisbon Travel Guide: Additional Travel Tips for Lisbon

How many days should I stay in Lisbon?

Lisbon is a city rich in sights, and we also highly recommend a day trip to nearby Sintra and Cabo da Roca. Therefore, we suggest staying at least four nights. That was our duration on our first visit, and it felt just right.

Of course, you can see a lot in just a weekend (two to three nights), so don’t worry. However, a city trip is much more relaxed if you can afford a bit more time.

Which attractions in Lisbon should I not miss?

• Take a walking tour through the historic Alfama district.
• Enjoy the views from one of the many Miradouros.
• Marvel at the scale of the huge Praça do Comércio.
• Visit the Belém district with the magnificent Mosteiro dos Jerónimos.
• Try the heavenly Pastéis de Nata custard tarts.
• Ride or at least snap a photo of the legendary Tram 28E as it winds through Lisbon.

Is Lisbon very touristy?

In short: YES! Lisbon has become an absolute hotspot in Europe in recent years. The sights, even in the supposed off-season, are incredibly busy. On our last trip, we were especially surprised by the number of Tuk-Tuks zooming tourists around.

Our tip: For the most important attractions, it’s best to book your ticket online in advance. You can do this on the official website or through GetYourGuide, depending on the attraction.

How do I get around in Lisbon?

Many of Lisbon’s attractions can be explored on foot. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes! Lisbon is, as mentioned, very hilly. For longer distances (e.g., to Belém), it’s best to use public transportation (trams, buses, and metro).

Is Lisbon suitable for a trip with a baby/child?

We also traveled to Lisbon with a baby and found it to be a great destination for families with children. However, there’s a catch: the city is very hilly and cobblestones are everywhere. We therefore carried our baby exclusively in a baby carrier.

It’s theoretically possible to use a stroller, but you should be prepared for some restrictions and occasionally have to take detours or push the stroller up steep, bumpy slopes, or even carry it over stairs if necessary.

Travel Guides for Lisbon: Our Tips

Planning a tour around Portugal? The Lonely Planet guide is friendly, clear, and beautifully designed, making it an excellent resource.

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links

This travel guide includes our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, we receive a small commission. This doesn’t change the price for you at all. A massive thank you from us both!

Have you ever been to Lisbon? Do you have any more tips or recommendations for attractions? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below this travel guide!