2. Enjoy The View From A ‘Miradouro’ – Best Free Thing To Do In Lisbon
Because of its many hills Lisbon, and especially Alfama, has many miradouros, or viewpoints, each offering breathtaking panoramas of the city and the glistening Tagus River. In Alfama you have two especially scenic viewpoints, Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol. Miradouro de Santa Luzia is my personal favorite, with a gorgeous lush garden and walls adorned with traditional blue azulejos (Portuguese tiles). ➳ Tips! Visit Miradouro de Santa Luzia early in the morning to enjoy some privacy, and that beautiful morning light over Lisbon and Tagus River. In the heart of Alfama, the cathedral rises like a fortress with its two impressive bell towers. The cathedral is open from 9.30 am to 7.00 pm during summer months (10.00 am to 6.00 pm during winter) and costs €5 to enter. ➳ Tips! Dear Breakfast is a great place for lunch in the area. See all restaurant recommendations in Lisbon. This historic tram line connects Martim Moniz with Alfama, Baixa, and up the hill to Chiado, Graca and Estrela. A single ticket costs €3, so this is definitely one of the cheapest ways you can explore the city. Taking Tram 28 through Alfama is a must, but if you have time it can be worth going the whole way through Lisbon. ➳ Tips! Want to take an iconic photograph of the old tram rolling through Alfama’s narrow streets? Head to this location! Fama d’Alfama is a great choice. They’re open Tuesday to Saturday. During the summer season (March to October) Castelo de S. Jorge is open from 9 am to 9 pm, with the last entry at 8.30 pm. ➳ Plan your visit to Caselo de Sao Jorge
7. Santa Justa Lift
The Santa Justa Lift, also known as the Elevador de Santa Justa, is not only a functional piece of urban infrastructure but also a popular tourist attraction in the heart of Lisbon. It’s located in Baixa-Chiado and connects the lower part of town to Carmo Square in Bairro Alto. The Santa Justa Lift was inaugurated in 1902, and with its 45 meter height it’s an impressive part of Lisbon’s cityscape. ➳ Fun fact! The Santa Justa Lift was designed by Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard, an apprentice of the famous Gustave Eiffel. ➳ Interesting fact! Praça do Comércio was built on the site where the old Royal Palace used to exist before it was destroyed by the earthquake of 1755. Rua Augusta is the absolute center of Lisbon, with shops, restaurants, street artists, and lots of vendors selling souvenirs. Even though I wouldn’t recommend spending too much time in this very touristy part of Lisbon, it can be nice to pay a quick visit. ➳ Tips! In need of a coffee? Copenhagen Coffee Lab, one of my favorite coffee shops in Lisbon, is located around the corner from Pink Street. Elevador da Bica’s beauty and unique character have made it one of the most popular things to do in Lisbon. If you’d like to ride it to the top, consider going early to avoid the crowds. But whether you take the ride or simply admire it from the street, a visit to the Elevador da Bica is a must when in Lisbon. Opinions are divided as to who makes the best Pastel de Nata. Some say it’s the world-famous bakery in Belém, Pastéis de Belém, who have been baking original Pastéis de Belém from an ancient recipe since 1837. If you have time, you can go to Belém to try them (just be prepared for the long queue!) I tried a lot of different Pastel de Natas during my month in Lisbon, and my favorites are the ones from Manteigaria. Time Out Market is open daily from 10 am to 10.30 pm. To experience this tradition firsthand, visit D’Olival and Luza, two shops that beautifully capture the spirit of Portuguese ceramics. Both are excellent places to find unique pieces that reflect Lisbon’s ceramic heritage and support local artisans. A visit to either shop provides an authentic connection to Portugal’s rich tradition of craftsmanship and design. The National Tile Museum is located in the Xabregas district, a bit outside of the city center. Bus 759 from Alfama, or 781 from Case do Sodre, will take you there.
17. Visit the Belém Tower
Belém Tower, or Torre de Belém, is one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks. It’s located by the Tagus River and was initially built to protect the city’s harbor. After the Lisbon invasion by the Spanish in 1580, the tower was used as a prison. Belém Tower dates back to 1519 and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. You can go inside the tower and climb to the terrace on top. However, I don’t recommend it as the queues are usually huge. If you still want to climb to the top, get your Belém Tower tickets in advance here. The Jerónimos Monastery is a Gothic and Baroque architectural masterpiece built in the 16th in honor of the explorer Vasco da Gama. This impressive building is one of the most popular things to do in Lisbon, so expect big crowds. Get your tickets in advance. This is one of the coolest things to do in Lisbon, and even though the visitors are probably tourists rather than locals, it’s well worth a visit! We booked our boat tour via AirBnb, but there are a lot of great options! See more of your boat tour options here. ➳ Tips! My absolute favorite wine bar in Lisbon is Holy Wine in Chiado. It’s pretty much just a hole in the wall, but it’s super cozy and offers great Portuguese wines. See all wine bar recommendations. If you’re interested in a more relaxed, trendy vibe, consider Príncipe Real. This up-and-coming neighborhood is a bit further from the main hustle but has a quieter, residential feel with beautiful gardens, boutique shops, and cafes. Each of these areas brings its own unique character to a Lisbon stay, so you’re sure to find the perfect fit! However, if you’re interested in venturing beyond Lisbon for a day trip, four days would be even better. With an extra day, you can explore charming nearby towns such as Sintra.
Sintra
Sintra is a charming town located just outside of Lisbon that is known for its beautiful palaces and gardens. The most famous palace in Sintra is the Pena Palace, which is a stunning 19th-century palace that is known for its colorful architecture and beautiful views. ➳ Read more: Sintra Travel Guide By Plane: Lisbon is served by Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), located just a short drive from the city center. It’s well-connected to major European and international cities, making it convenient for travelers from around the world. Check out plane tickets here. By Train: Portugal’s train network, managed by Comboios de Portugal (cp.pt), offers direct routes to Lisbon from cities like Porto, Coimbra, and Faro. Lisbon’s main stations, Santa Apolónia and Oriente, provide quick access to various parts of the city and beyond. I took the train from Faro to Lisbon and it was super smooth. By Bus: Buses are a popular way to reach Lisbon and other destinations across Portugal. For planning, CheckMyBus is a helpful tool that summarizes all bus routes. For example, you can easily find routes like Évora to Faro or Porto to Lisbon. Rede Expressos is another major provider, with frequent routes to Lisbon and other parts of the country.
Getting around in Lisbon
Once you’re in Lisbon, the city’s compact layout and extensive transportation options make it easy to explore. By Foot: Lisbon’s neighborhoods, especially areas like Baixa, Chiado, and Alfama, are ideal for exploring on foot. Walking lets you soak in the city’s charm, narrow streets, and scenic viewpoints. Just be prepared for some hilly terrain! By Public Transportation: Lisbon’s public transport network includes trams, buses, and metro lines. The metro is efficient for reaching major areas, while the famous yellow trams are a great way to see historic neighborhoods. On bus, tram and funicular, you can either use a navegante occasional card (an electronic smart card used for public transport in Lisbon) or, if you don’t have one, buy a ticket from the driver in cash only. If you have one, you can also use your Lisbon Card to get around in Lisbon. By Taxi: Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are widely available and affordable. They’re a convenient option for late-night trips, airport transfers, or getting to destinations less accessible by public transport.
Summary
Lisbon is a city that offers something for everyone. From its charming neighborhoods and historical landmarks to its delicious cuisine and nightlife, there is always something to see and do in this vibrant city. Whether you are interested in exploring the city’s history, enjoying its natural beauty, or simply relaxing and enjoying the local culture, Lisbon has something to offer. So book your trip to Lisbon today and start exploring this beautiful city for yourself.
