Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital, is a city where history, culture, and breathtaking views come together! From the iconic yellow trams to the stunning Miradouros (viewpoints), Lisbon offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re a foodie, history lover, or adventure seeker, this guide will provide must-know travel tips and top attractions to help you plan an unforgettable trip to Lisbon.
Getting to & Around Lisbon
Lisbon Airports & Transportation
There are many options to and from Lisbon airport:
- Metro: There is a metro line that goes to the airport. From central Lisbon, it is about a 20-minute ride. Depending on where you are staying, this might take longer. One ticket is €1.85
- Buses: Many city and intercity buses stop at the airport. Depending on your hotel’s location, this option might be faster than the metro. City buses cost €1.85 one way, and intercity buses depend on the destination.
- Taxi: The airport is close to the city, so taxis are an affordable option. They usually wait in queues at the departure and arrival terminals. Depending on traffic, a taxi should cost anywhere from €10 to €20.
Public Transport Options
You can get pretty much anywhere by metro, tram, or bus. Get a Navegante card at one of the machines in the metro for €0.50 and pay as you go (this card is rechargeable so don’t lose it!). The card can be used on metro, buses, trams, ferries, funiculars, and suburban trains. There are maps in all metro stations to help you navigate the city. Also, be mindful of rush hour when the trains can get pretty crowded. If possible, avoid between 8 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM.
If you are planning on visiting many tourist places and getting around using public transport, the Lisboa card might be the right fit for you. This card gives you unlimited public transportation and includes entries to many attractions and museums (Torre de Belem, Jeronimos Monastery, Elevador Santa Justa, and many more). You can choose between 24h, 48h, or 72h cards for prices from €25.65 to €51.30.
Walking & Electric scooter
Lisbon is a very walkable city. Once you get to the center, you are likely to walk to most of the attractions, restaurants, and shops. Plus this is how you discover the most unique places! I personally love walking around the streets of Lisbon and stopping for coffee or snacks at the places found exploring.
For attractions further away, you can also use electric scooters which is an activity in itself. There are many providers of electric scooters like Lime, Bolt, Bird, and Frog. Download the app, add a payment card and you are set! The apps are generally user-friendly – you can find maps with available scooters, no-ride zones, and parking spots. I recommend downloading the app and creating your account before leaving for Lisbon since you will need to confirm via text or email – I had to pay a full day of internet to receive the code and activate my account!
Getting To & From Other Cities
Lisbon is well-connected to other major destinations in Portugal, making it easy to extend your trip beyond the capital. The main options for transportation are the train, bus, and car.
- Train: The Alfa Pendular high-speed train is the fastest way to reach cities like Porto (around 2.5 hours) and the Algarve (Faro in about 3 hours), offering a comfortable and scenic ride.
- Bus: For budget-friendly options, Rede Expressos and FlixBus provide frequent long-distance bus services to various cities. Trips are usually longer than trains but are cheaper.
- Car: If you’re looking for more flexibility, renting a car is a great option! This option offers the possibility to explore smaller cities between your destinations without adding extra nights. Small cities can usually be explored in a day by having lunch and walking to the main attractions. We found it very easy to travel in Portugal by car.
Top Attractions in Lisbon
Iconic Landmarks & Historic Sites
These sites are probably the most known and visited places in Lisbon, and for good reason! Can you even say you’ve been to Lisbon without seeing the castle or the Belém Tower? I personally love seeing the main attractions as a first-time traveler!
Belém Tower
Located on the city’s southwest side, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a medieval fortified tower on the river, and it is beautiful with the reflection on the water! You can buy tickets for €15 to access the tower or simply admire it from outside for free. Around the tower is a beautiful park where you can relax, enjoy the view, and maybe even the sunset! Other nearby activities are: Jerónimos Monastery (see below), Pastéis de Belém (they are truly delicious), and Popular Art Museum.
Jerónimos Monastery
The Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Belém (known as Jerónimos Monastery) is a must-see in Lisbon! This impressive gothic-style masterpiece was classified as a National monument and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. The entry tickets are €18, and worth every penny! Other activities nearby are: Empire Square Garden, Museum of Contemporary Art – MAC/CCB, and Museu de Marinha.
Pro tip: Plan a full day in this part of Lisbon – take your time to visit the Monastery and Belém Tower, and maybe add a museum that fits your style. You can bring food and have a picnic in the Belém Tower park. You can easily access this part by bus or by bike via the Tejo Promenade (bonus: cycling with a river view).
São Jorge Castle
Located on a hilltop near the Alfama district, this Moorish castle offers amazing panoramic city views! In the castle, you will discover towers, courtyards, and ramparts offering a unique setting in the heart of the city. If you are lucky, you might see peacocks wandering in and around the castle. Entry tickets are €15 for adults, €7.5 for youth (13 to 25 years old), and free for children of 12 or under. There is an extra €4 fee for a guided tour which can be well worth it if you want to learn more about the history of this city.
Alfama District
Alfama is the heart and soul of old Lisbon! As the city’s oldest district, you will find winding streets, colorful tiled buildings, and courtyards. The main activity here is to stroll around the streets and discover charming cafes, traditional houses and breathtaking viewpoints like Miradouro de Santa Luzia or Miradouro do Recolhimento. The São Jorge Castle can also be found in this district. So take the time to walk around and get lost in the beautiful streets of Alfama for an authentic and unforgettable Lisbon experience.
Cultural & Artistic Highlights
LX Factory
LX Factory is a former industrial complex that is now a mini village of independent boutiques, restaurants, and trendy cafés installed in what used to be warehouses. You don’t want to miss this if you are looking for unique jewelry, vintage clothing, local crafts, and more. You can easily wander here for 3 to 4 hours. They also often host art exhibitions, artistic events, and shows, so you might get a chance to assist at a unique experience!
MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology)
This museum stands out with its futuristic design by the river. Many people pass by this museum or watch the sunset near the bridge but it is also totally worth it to visit its captivating exhibits that explore the intersection of these three disciplines. Check out the website to learn more about the current exhibition. Entry tickets are €11.
National Tile Museum
If you are fascinated by Portugal’s iconic azulejos (ceramic tiles), this museum is a must-see! You’ll learn about centuries of tile-making history and see it come to life in stunning displays. This museum has a very unique setting in beautifully decorated rooms. You can even assist in a tile painting workshop and create your own souvenir from Portugal!
Best Viewpoints (Miradouros)
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
In the Alfama district, this terrace offers scenic views over the red rooftops of Alfama, the Tagus River, and the white domes of the National Pantheon. This miradouro has a very fun vibe and often live music. While the views are better at Miradouro Da Senhora do Monte in my opinion, Santa Luzia offers more than a viewpoint: traditional azulejo tile panels, and a lovely pergola, making it a perfect spot for photos and hanging out.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
One of the highest viewpoints in the city is Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. It offers a spectacular view, where you can take in a 360-degree view of Lisbon’s rooftops, churches, and historic landmarks. You even see the river and the bridge. It can get pretty windy up there and climbing the stairs is a good workout, but it is totally worth it!
Elevador de Santa Justa
This neo-Gothic iron lift not only serves as public transportation but also leads to a stunning viewpoint overlooking Baixa and Rossio Square. The only downside is that there is a 6 € entry fee.
Tips: If you want to save pennies and waiting time, there is a free way to get a very similar view. Pass the people waiting in line for Santa Justa elevator and turn left on Rua Do Camo. Just before getting to the end of that street, look on the left for stairs and a “Left Luggage” sign. Climb the stairs and turn right. Keep walking and climb to stairs to get to the Convento Do Carmo. You should find a church and on the right another set of stairs. Voilà! (there are plenty of videos on TikTok to get to that point if my writing indications are not clear)
Lisbon Food & Drink Guide
Café culture and markets
Lisbon is also home to a thriving café culture, where locals enjoy a bica (Portuguese espresso) alongside a sweet treat. The historic cafés A Brasileira is a must-stop if you enjoy an aesthetic and emblematic coffee shop. It is also well located near many tourist places for a well-deserved break. If you are looking for a more modern look offering delicious coffees and food, COMOBÅ, and doBecco are other great options in Lisbon.
For meal options, Lisbon’s local markets, like Time Out Market and Mercado de Campo de Ourique, are also great places to sample a variety of flavors in one spot. Try out a bifana (pork sandwich) for classic Portuguese food.
Sunsets & Rooftop Bars
As the sun sets, Lisbon’s rooftop bars and wine scene come to life. Enjoy a drink with breathtaking views at SEEN Sky Bar, Lost in, or Topo Martim Moniz, where you can sip on Vinho Verde (green wine) or a craft cocktail. All the Miradouros are also great spots to catch the sunset but my personal favorite is Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. This park has many benches and places to sit as well as kiosks where you can grab a glass of wine to enjoy the sunset.
Best Day Trips from Lisbon
Sintra
One of the most popular day trips from Lisbon is to Sintra, a fairytale town filled with stunning palaces and gardens. It takes around 45 minutes by train from Lisbon (Rossio Station), costing around €2.50 one way. There is so many things to see in Sintra, but I would suggest choosing only two to have the time to enjoy. Here are the most popular places:
- Palácio da Pena – a colorful palace with beautiful surrounding gardens (plan 2 to 3 hours here)
- Quinta da Regaleira – a palace and beautiful garden and waterfall with intriguing features like the upsidedown well and underground passages (plan 1.5 to 2 hours here)
- Moorish Castle – a castle built in the 10th century. Many stairs to climb and the best view of Sintra and the Palácio da Pena (plan 1 to 1.5 hours here)
Keep in mind that entrance fees to these sites range from €12 to €20 per site. To get around, you will either need to pay for a bolt or take the local bus (€11.50 for a day pass). Save some time to also explore the alleys, shops, and restaurants in the old town of Sintra.
Cascais
For those craving a coastal escape, Cascais is the perfect destination. This charming seaside town is known for its golden beaches, fresh seafood, and laid-back atmosphere. You can get there in about 40 minutes by train from Cais do Sodré Station for around €2.30 one way. Stroll along the scenic Boca do Inferno cliffs, relax on Praia da Rainha, or indulge in some of the best seafood at a waterfront restaurant. Cascais is also known for its numerous art galleries so art lovers, plan some time to wander around the city. Most attractions in Cascais are free, though dining and activities can range from €10 to €50, depending on your preferences.
Évora
For a historical and cultural experience, Évora is an excellent choice. A UNESCO World Heritage city, Évora is famous for its Roman Temple, the eerie Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos), and its well-preserved medieval walls. You can reach Évora in about 1.5 hours by train or bus from Lisbon’s Sete Rios Station, costing around €12 to €15 one way. Once there, you can explore the Évora Cathedral, wander through charming streets lined with whitewashed houses, and enjoy Alentejo’s renowned cuisine, including regional wines and hearty dishes like açorda (bread stew) and migas. Wine lovers can also visit nearby Alentejo vineyards, where tastings typically cost between €10 and €25 per person.
Conclusion
Lisbon is a city that captivates visitors with its mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re wandering the charming streets of Alfama, indulging in delicious Portuguese cuisine, or taking in the views from one of Lisbon’s stunning Miradouros, this guide ensures you’ll have the best experience. Ready to explore Lisbon? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Staying longer in Portugal? Check out the Portugal overview travel guide to plan your trip!
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