The Ultimate Lisbon Travel Guide [The Only One You’ll Ever Need]
Lisbon, Portugal’s lively capital, is a city of historic charm, stunning views, delicious food, and a fun atmosphere. Whether you’re checking out its iconic yellow trams, discovering hidden gems in Alfama, or indulging in pastel de nata, Lisbon will enchant you. I fell in love with Lisbon the moment I stepped onto its cobbled streets. This Lisbon travel guide is packed with personal experiences and tips to help you make the most of your trip.
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How to Get to Lisbon
By Air
Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is the main international gateway, with direct flights to Lisbon from all the major cities worldwide.
By Train or Bus
If you’re coming from another Portuguese city or a nearby country, you can get to Lisbon by train (Alfa Pendular high-speed train) and long-distance buses like Rede Expressos.
Getting from Lisbon Airport to the City Center
It’s super easy to get to from the city center — just hop on the metro, bus, or taxi. When I landed in Lisbon in the morning, I took the metro. It was cheap and got me there in no time. In about 30 minutes, I was already sipping an espresso in Baixa, ready to start exploring.
- Metro: The Red Line takes you to the city center in around 20 minutes.
- Aerobus: A convenient airport shuttle with multiple stops.
- Taxi or Ride-Sharing: A taxi ride costs around €15-€20.
- Private Transfer: Best for hassle-free arrivals.
Where to Stay in Lisbon
Lisbon’s got all kinds of neighborhoods, and each one’s got its own thing going on.
• Baixa & Chiado – This is a good pick for first-timers ’cause it’s right in the middle of the action.
• Alfama – If you’re into history and traditional vibes, this is the spot.
• Bairro Alto & Cais do Sodré – If you’re into nightlife and restaurants, this is the place.
• Avenida da Liberdade – Here, you’ll find fancy hotels and cool, small shops.
• Belém – If you’re into peace and quiet, that’ll hit the spot.
I’ve stayed in both Baixa and Alfama, and I’m not sorry I did! I was woken up by the sound of fado music drifting through the narrow streets, which was magical. My hotel in Baixa had a breathtaking view of Figueira Square. I highly recommend it!
📖Read More: Where to Stay in Lisbon
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Getting Around Lisbon
- Metro: The fastest way to travel between districts.
- Trams: Iconic but often crowded.
- Buses, Elevadors & Funiculars: Great for reaching hilltop areas.
- Walking: The best way to explore neighborhoods.
- Taxis & Uber: Affordable but traffic can be an issue.
Top Things to Do in Lisbon
Explore Belém
Belém is a must-do in Lisbon, Portugal. It’s packed with historic landmarks and delicious treats. Visit the Jerónimos Monastery, an architectural masterpiece, then walk to the Belém Tower, one of the top things to see in Lisbon. Don’t leave without trying a Pastel de Belém, the city’s most famous custard tart. I had one… then three more! No regrets.
Ride Tram 28
Hop on Tram 28 for a classic Lisbon experience. This yellow tram winds through the city’s most picturesque neighborhoods, passing by Lisbon landmarks such as Alfama, Graça, and Bairro Alto. I learned the hard way to board at Martim Moniz early in the morning—otherwise, you’ll be crammed in like sardines.
Visit the Carmo Convent
You’ve got to check out the Carmo Convent—it’s one of the best spots in Lisbon, Portugal. It’s a gorgeous Gothic ruin that shows off the city’s history. It’s got this unique open roof, and if you’re into history, you’ll love it. I spent almost an hour just chilling and thinking about the earthquake that caused the roof to collapse.
Wander Through Alfama
Alfama is one of the most charming Lisbon places to visit. It’s home to some of the best things to do in Lisbon, including exploring its winding streets, listening to Fado music, and admiring breathtaking viewpoints.
Discover LX Factory
Check out LX Factory for a modern vibe. This creative hub has boutique shops, trendy cafés, and cool street art. I spent an entire afternoon here, flipping through books at Ler Devagar, a gorgeous bookstore inside an old printing press.
Discover Lisbon’s Miradouros
Lisbon is famous for its hilltop miradouros (viewpoints), and visiting them is one of the top things to do in Lisbon Portugal. Check out Miradouro de Santa Catarina, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, and Miradouro das Portas do Sol for jaw-dropping views. Sunset at Senhora do Monte is a must-see—grab a bottle of wine and enjoy the golden hues over the city.
📖Read More: Best Lisbon Photo Spots
Lisbon Food Guide: What to Eat & Where
- Bacalhau (Salted cod)
- Pastel de Nata (Custard tart)
- Bifana (Pork sandwich)
- Sardinhas Assadas (Grilled sardines)
- Caldo Verde (Portuguese soup)
I tried a bunch of different restaurants while I was in Lisbon, but my favorite meal was at Time Out Market, where I got to try food from all kinds of different chefs. And you’ve got to try the Bifana at O Trevo—Anthony Bourdain was right, and I can see why!
📖Read More: Lisbon Food Guide
Lisbon Itinerary: How to Spend Your Time
3-Day Lisbon Itinerary
If you’ve got three days in Lisbon, you’ll have plenty of time to check out all the best spots while also soaking up the unique charm of the city.
Day 1: Classic Lisbon & Must-See Landmarks
Morning: Start your day in Baixa and visit Praça do Comércio, one of the most famous Lisbon must-sees. Walk through Rua Augusta and take the Santa Justa Lift for some awesome panoramic city views. Then, hop on Tram 28 and explore Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, filled with charming alleys and stunning viewpoints.
Afternoon: Head to Belém, where you’ll find Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and of course, the best Pastéis de Belém. I stood in line for 15 minutes for these custard tarts, and they were absolutely worth it!
Evening: End your day in Bairro Alto, the best area to experience Lisbon’s nightlife. Enjoy a Fado performance for a true Lisbon must-do experience and sip on a glass of Ginja, the local cherry liqueur.
Day 2: Modern Lisbon & Hidden Gems
Morning: Visit the futuristic Parque das Nações, home to Lisbon’s Oceanário, one of the best aquariums in Europe. I spent hours mesmerized by the massive tanks filled with sharks, manta rays, and vibrant fish.
Afternoon: Discover LX Factory, one of the trendiest places to visit in Lisbon, with street art, boutique stores, and great food. I had an amazing burger at one of the local eateries and browsed unique bookshops.
Evening: Watch the sunset from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, a must-see in Lisbon for breathtaking views. Bring a bottle of wine and enjoy the golden hues over the city—pure magic!
Day 3: Day Trips & Relaxing Exploration
Morning: If you have three days in Lisbon, you can’t miss a day trip to Sintra, a UNESCO-listed fairytale town. You’ll get to visit the colorful Pena Palace, the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, and the historic Moorish Castle.
Afternoon: If you prefer to stay in Lisbon, check out the hip Cais do Sodré district and walk along the Tagus River to the MAAT Museum.
Evening: Finish your trip with a relaxing dinner at Time Out Market. You’ll get to try the best of Portuguese cuisine from a bunch of different chefs.
📖Read More: Lisbon Itinerary 3 Days
Best Lisbon Walking Routes
If you love exploring on foot, the best way to experience the city’s charm is to take a walk. With its hills, cobbled streets, and breathtaking sights, Lisbon is a great place to explore on foot. Here are my favorite walking routes in Lisbon:
• Historic Walk Through Alfama & Mouraria – This route takes you through some of the most popular neighborhoods in Lisbon. Start at Sé Cathedral, wander through Alfama’s labyrinthine streets, and finish at Miradouro das Portas do Sol, one of the best sights in Lisbon.
• Baixa to Bairro Alto Scenic Walk – Begin at Praça do Comércio, walk up Rua Augusta, stop at the Santa Justa Lift, and explore Chiado before ending in Bairro Alto.
•Hidden Views & Secret Spots – Walk from Jardim do Torel to Miradouro da Graça, and discover Lisbon’s quieter, lesser-known gems.
📖Read More: Best Walking Routes in Lisbon
Walking is the best way to explore, but beware of those hills! My legs were sore for days.
Best Souvenirs from Lisbon
You’ve got to get a piece of Lisbon home with you. Here are the best souvenirs from Lisbon that make for perfect keepsakes or gifts:
• Azulejos (Portuguese Tiles): These colorful ceramic tiles are a must-buy souvenir from Lisbon. You’ll find beautiful hand-painted designs in shops around Alfama and Baixa.
• Ginja (Cherry Liqueur): This sweet liqueur is an iconic Lisbon must-do. Try it at A Ginjinha near Rossio Square and bring home a bottle.
• Cork Products: Portugal is the world’s biggest cork producer, and you’ll find unique cork handbags, wallets, and hats in Lisbon’s markets.
• Portuguese Sardines: Not only are they delicious, but they also come in beautifully designed tins, making them an unusual yet traditional souvenir from Lisbon.
• Pastel de Nata Baking Kit: If you fell in love with Lisbon’s famous custard tarts, why not bring a baking kit home and try making them yourself? Here’s the perfect pastel de nata recipe.
📖Read More: Best Souvenirs from Lisbon
Essential Lisbon Travel Tips
• Wear comfy shoes — The hills in Lisbon are no joke! Cobblestone streets and steep inclines make good walking shoes a must.
• Use a Lisboa Card — This pass gets you around for free and gives you discounts on some of the top things to do in Lisbon, Portugal.
• Watch out for pickpockets — Especially in crowded areas like Tram 28 and tourist-heavy districts.
• Try public transport – The metro is efficient, but the funiculars and trams are also a great way to navigate Lisbon’s hills.
• Best time to visit – Spring and autumn are perfect as the weather is great, and there are fewer crowds.
📖Read More: Lisbon Travel Tips
Hidden Gems in Lisbon
If you’re looking for places off the beaten path, Lisbon has plenty of hidden gems.
One of my absolute favorites is Jardim do Torel, a peaceful garden perched on a hill with breathtaking views of the city. Unlike the more crowded miradouros, this spot is quiet, offering a great place to unwind. I remember sitting on a bench here with a coffee from a small kiosk, watching the city lights flicker as the sun set—it felt like my own secret hideaway.
Another must-visit place in Lisbon is Palácio dos Marqueses de Fronteira, a stunning 17th-century palace filled with intricate azulejos and surrounded by lush gardens.
If you want to get away from the crowds and find Lisbon’s best hidden gems, check out Mouraria, an authentic district with colorful street art, old-school Fado houses, and great local restaurants.I found a tiny café there where the owner proudly served me the best bifana I’ve ever had.
If you’re looking for a unique experience away from the tourist crowds, I’d highly recommend checking out Lisbon’s hidden corners.
📖Read More: Lisbon Hidden Gems
Carmo Convent & Other Must-Visit Historical Sites
If you’re into history, you’ve got to check out the Carmo Convent in Lisbon. It’s a hauntingly beautiful ruin that tells the story of the devastating 1755 earthquake that shaped the city. I stood under the open sky, surrounded by Gothic arches, and I couldn’t help but feel the weight of Lisbon’s past. It was an emotional experience—imagining the moment the roof collapsed, yet the walls remained standing, a reminder of the city’s resilience. This is one of the most fascinating historical sites in Lisbon, Portugal, and a must-see.
📖Read More: Carmo Convent Lisbon
Another must-visit place in Lisbon is the National Pantheon, where you can admire the grandeur of Portuguese history and get one of the best panoramic views of the city from the rooftop. I found this place incredibly peaceful—far from the tourist crowds, it felt like a hidden sanctuary of history.
Free Things to Do in Lisbon
Traveling Lisbon doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of free things to do in Lisbon that are just as exciting as paid attractions.
One of the best free things to do in Lisbon, Portugal, is to explore Miradouros—scenic viewpoints scattered across the city. My favorite is Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte, where you get an unbeatable panoramic view of Lisbon, perfect for catching the sunset. I remember sitting there one evening, sipping a glass of vinho verde, watching the sky turn shades of orange and pink. It’s moments like this that make visiting Lisbon so unforgettable.
Another fantastic Lisbon must-do is wandering through Alfama, getting lost in its charming alleys and listening to the soulful sounds of fado music drifting from traditional taverns.
If you’re into museums, visit Lisbon’s free museums on Sundays. Places like the Berardo Collection Museum and MUDE (Museum of Design & Fashion) offer fantastic exhibitions without a price tag.
You should also check out the Tagus River, the street art at LX Factory, and the local markets.
📖Read More: Free Things to Do in Lisbon
Best Photo Spots in Lisbon Travel Guide
If you’re looking for the most stunning photo spots in Lisbon, you won’t be disappointed. Lisbon is one of the most photogenic cities in Europe, with viewpoints, colorful streets, and historical architecture that make it a paradise for photographers.
One of the absolute must-see places in Lisbon, Portugal for photography is Miradouro de Santa Catarina. Whether you want to capture the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge or the golden hour over the Tagus River, this is a must for your photo itinerary. The first time I visited, I spent nearly an hour just waiting for the perfect lighting as the sky changed colors.
Another top Lisbon photo spot is the Elevador da Bica, where you can snap the iconic yellow tram descending the steep, narrow street lined with traditional Portuguese buildings.
If you love hidden gems in Lisbon, head to Palácio de Xabregas, a breathtaking palace often overlooked by tourists.
For azulejo lovers, the tiled façade of Casa do Ferreira das Tabuletas in Chiado is one of the best sights to see in Lisbon.
Whether you’re a professional photographer or just looking for the best places to capture your trip, Lisbon’s best photo spots are truly unforgettable.
📖Read More: Best Lisbon Photo Spots
Conclusion
Lisbon is a city that effortlessly blends history, culture, and modern vibrance. Whether you’re into hidden gems, stunning viewpoints, rich history, or incredible food, there’s plenty to do in Lisbon, Portugal. This Lisbon travel guide has you covered, from must-see attractions to off-the-beaten-path experiences.
If this guide helped you plan your trip, share it with fellow travelers so they can experience the magic of Lisbon too!
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