Lisbon has that rare quality of feeling both ancient and completely alive. Trams clatter up steep hills past tiled facades, the Tagus River glitters below, and the food is so good you’ll be thinking about it weeks after you leave.
Here’s how to make the most of your time in the city.
Ride Tram 28 (But Know What You’re Getting Into)
Tram 28 is Lisbon’s most famous ride, and for good reason. It winds through some of the city’s oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods, including Alfama and Graca, offering views that feel almost cinematic.
The catch: it’s usually packed with tourists. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds, or just treat it as a scenic commute and hop off whenever something catches your eye.
Explore Alfama, Lisbon’s Oldest Neighborhood
Alfama is the kind of place that rewards wandering. It’s a maze of narrow streets, laundry lines, and old houses built into the hillside, and getting a little lost here is basically the point.
Head up to the Miradouro da Graca or the Miradouro de Santa Luzia for panoramic views over the city and the river. Bring your camera. You’ll use it constantly.
Visit the Castelo de Sao Jorge
The castle sits at the top of Alfama’s hill and gives you a bird’s-eye view of the entire city. It’s not the most elaborate castle you’ll ever visit, but the views from the towers are hard to beat.
Go in the late afternoon when the light turns golden and the crowds start thinning out.
Eat Pasteis de Nata Until You Can’t Anymore
Lisbon’s custard tarts are one of the great snacks of the world. The original recipe comes from Pasteis de Belem, a bakery near the Jeronimos Monastery that’s been open since 1837.
Yes, there will be a line. Yes, it’s worth it. Order them warm with cinnamon sugar dusted on top.
Walk Along Belem and See the Monuments
Belem sits west of the city center along the waterfront and packs a lot of history into a short stretch. The Tower of Belem, the Monument to the Discoveries, and the Jeronimos Monastery are all within easy walking distance of each other.
Budget at least half a day here, especially if you plan to go inside the monastery, which has some of the most intricate stone carvings you’ll see anywhere in Europe.
Spend a Day in LX Factory
LX Factory is a converted industrial complex in the Alcantara neighborhood that now hosts independent shops, restaurants, and a weekend market. It’s one of those places that sounds like a hipster cliche but turns out to be genuinely good fun.
The Sunday market is particularly worth visiting if your trip overlaps with a weekend.
Things to Do in Porto: A Side Trip You Shouldn’t Skip
If you’re spending more than a few days in Portugal, Porto deserves a visit. It’s only three hours from Lisbon by train and it’s a completely different vibe.
Porto is grittier and more compact, with a stunning riverside district (the Ribeira) that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tile-covered churches, the iron bridge designed by Eiffel’s firm, and the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia all make for a packed and rewarding day or two.
Things to do in Porto that should be on your list: visit the Livraria Lello bookshop (yes, it’s as beautiful as the photos), cross the Dom Luis I Bridge on foot, and taste through the port wine lodges across the river in Gaia.
If you only have one day in Porto, start in the Ribeira in the morning, walk up to the Se Cathedral, then cross to Gaia for wine tastings in the afternoon. That itinerary doesn’t miss much.
Practical Tips for Lisbon
Lisbon is hilly. Comfortable shoes are not optional. The hills are steep and the old cobblestones are uneven, so save your dress shoes for dinner.
Most of the city’s main sights are walkable or accessible by tram and metro. A Viva Viagem card covers both, and you can top it up as you go.
The best time to visit is spring (March to May) or autumn (September to October). Summers are hot, dry, and increasingly crowded. Winters are mild but rainy.
Both Lisbon and Porto punch well above their weight for food, scenery, and sheer atmosphere. Plan your Portugal trip right, and you’ll be back before you know it.