Let me give you the ultimate tips of things you cannot miss out when visiting Lisbon. Lisbon has a charm that’s hard to resist, a city full of colourful tiles, rolling hills, and stunning views in every corner. During the day, travellers from around the world come for a taste of Portuguese culture, the famous pastel de nata, stroll around in the different neighbourhoods and have a ride on the city’s iconic yellow trams. By night, Bairro Alto comes alive with music, dance, laughter, and the city’s buzzing nightlife. And despite all the energy, there’s always a quiet café or hidden alley waiting to offer a peaceful escape.
Baixa & Chiado
If it’s your first time in Lisbon, start in Baixa and Chiado. These neighbourhoods are right in the heart of the city, filled with historical buildings, squares, and some of Lisbon’s best shopping streets, like the street of Rua Augusta. It’s busy, no doubt about it, but it’s also where you really start to feel the rhythm of the city. Start at Rossio square and then take your time- the street lasts all the way to the riverside. This street has it all, whether you feel like shopping, coffee or grabbing a drink at happy hour. Most of the restaurants on this street are a bit more “touristic” and offer a range of different food from all around the world. But if you are interested in trying more local food, then just walk 10 minutes to the Alfama neighbourhood and you will find a cheaper and more local vibe and real Portuguese food.
If you keep walking towards the river, you’ll eventually reach Praça do Comércio, which is one of Lisbon’s most famous squares. It’s huge, open, and right by the river. Back in 1755, a massive earthquake destroyed most of the city, including this area, but it was beautifully rebuilt and now stands as a symbol of Lisbon’s strength. Here you will also have the perfect opportunity to get that real Lisbon picture with the Arco da Rua Augusta in the background of a tram passing by.
One thing about Lisbon is that it’s built on seven hills, which means the city has endless viewpoints to discover. Locals call them miradouros, and they are everywhere in the city; each one offers a different view, and most of them also have a little quiosque where you can grab a drink and just enjoy. A personal favorite is the Miradouro do Graça, the perfect panoramic view over the city, it is absolutely magical, both during daytime but also for watching the sunset.
Explore the Alfama neighbourhood
Another neighbourhood that you cannot miss is the neighbourhood of Alfama, which also is the oldest in Lisbon. Here you truly get lost among the narrow, cobbled streets. Don’t rush! Just walk around with your camera and see where the city takes you. If you really want to learn the history behind this neighbourhood, I would recommend joining a walking tour. It’s a great way to learn about history and get all those hidden gems most visitors miss.
You’ll probably meet a few locals along the way selling the Portuguese homemade cherry liqueur – ginjinha, right from their doorways for a euro, definitely worth a try!
Alfama is one of the few areas that survived the 1755 earthquake, and it really does feel like stepping back in time. Make sure to visit the oldest church in Lisbon, sé de Lisboa and also to climb up to Castelo de São Jorge for another amazing view.
You can’t leave Lisbon without getting that fado experience. Fado is Portuguese traditional music, and it’s something that is hard to describe until you hear it live. Fado is full of emotion, often sung about love, loss, and longing, something the Portuguese call saudade. Find a small restaurant in Alfama, order a glass of Portuguese wine, and just let yourself get swept away.
The Neighbourhood of Belém
If you want to escape the busy city life of Lisbon’s city center, then head to Belém, a peaceful riverside neighbourhood filled with history, culture, charm and of course pasties de natas.
Take a walk along the tagus river and explore landmarks like the Belém tower, Jerónimo’s Monasteryand the monument of discoveries. Across the river, you can spot the Cristo Rei statue, looking over Lisbon. It’s a symbol of peace and one of the best viewpoints in the city. And of course, you can’t leave without trying the original pastel de nata from Pastéis de Belém.
Another location to not miss when in Belem is the LX Factory which is like an outdoor galleria with various restaurants, cafes and stores. My personal favorite is definitely the library that has a very cool interior and of course lots of books!! Here you can easily spend a few hours just strolling around and if you go on Sundays, there is also a small market inside with jewellery, vintage clothes and even a tattoo van.
Best day trips in the Lisbon area
If you’re up for something outside the city, Cascais is the perfect seaside escape, full of charming streets, seafood and beaches. When in Cascais you can also head to Cabo da Roca, which is the most western point of Europe. Here the cliffs drop straight into the atlantic ocean, it’s absolutely breathtaking. End your day trip at Boca do Inferno for the most beautiful sunset, you wont regret it!
Maybe you want to experience something totally unreal? Then don’t forget to plan a trip to Sintra– this place is straight out of a fairytale. Sintra is filled with colorful palaces, green gardens and hidden pathways. Wander through the magical Pena Palace, explore the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, and enjoy breathtaking views.
Best restaurants in Lisbon
Lisboetas (as the locals are known) love going out for meals, and they know exactly where to get the best food for breakfast, lunch and dinner (and of course dessert). A Portuguese snack that you can’t leave without trying is the bifana, it’s simply a sandwich made with thin slices of pork cooked in a garlicky white wine marinade, usually tucked into a crusty white roll. In O Trevo you will find the best ones!
For breakfast or brunch, Lisbon has endless opportunities, but make your way to Nicolau, a cozy and popular cafe serving classic breakfast favorites (all day!!) in a relaxed and trendy interior.
If you’re craving traditional Portuguese dishes, or maybe want to explore it for the first time, then Tu e Eu is the perfect spot. This home-style cooking, hearty and welcoming atmosphere gives you the feeling like you’ve stopped into a local’s kitchen (here you can also write your name on the walls!!)
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, Honest Greens is a great choice. Their menu focuses on fresh, locally surrounded ingredients with plenty of options for everybody. It’s the perfect spot for a healthy lunch. You should also try the piri piri chicken at Bonjardim, it’s a Portuguese classic that never disappoints.
No trip to Lisbon is complete without tasting the famous pastel de nata, the city’s beloved custard tart. The best ones are found at Manteigaria, where they’re served warm, freshly baked and irresistibly good. Be sure to sprinkle a little cinnamon on top to eat it like a true local!
Best places for watching the sunset
Let’s let the sunsets in Lisbon speak for themselves! The city is full of incredible places to watch the sunset, each of them offering its own unique view of the city and sea. To enjoy it as a local, pack a picnic, bring some snacks and drinks and then head to Jardim do Rio, it gives you the best sunset in the city.
In the heart of the city there are, Miradouro de Santa Catarina, Miradouro da Graça, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Miradouro de Santa Luzia, each of them giving stunning panoramic views over the city and river. But if you like to explore beyond the city centre, don’t miss the riverside, by the Belem neighbourhood, close to theMAAT Museum. For something truly unforgettable, take a short trip to Cascais and visit the Boca do Inferno, arguably the very best sunset view of them all.
If you want the best combination of sunset, new friends, party and being on the sea, then there is only one thing to do and that’s the Lisbon boat party. Even if you travel alone or with your group of friends, this is a moment that you shouldn’t miss out on. I mean the sunsets look even more nice when you’re on a boat, right???
Best beaches for a sunny day
One of the best things about Lisbon is how close it is to the ocean. The coast is full of nicebeaches, all just a short trip from the city. Cascais is a charming seaside town and the full journey takes around 40 minutes and runs along the coast with coastline views and stopping at various beaches along the way. Praia do Ursa is for sure a hidden gem surrounded by cliffs. The hike down can be a bit challenging, but once you reach the sand, it feels like your own secret paradise.
On the other side of the river, Costa da Caparicaoffers plenty of beaches, perfect for surfing, swimming, or relaxing at one of the many beach bars. A little further south, Praia da Figueirinha, is a calm and great beach for a peaceful day by the ocean. No matter which one you choose, the Lisbon coastline never disappoints.
Save the best for last – Hidden Gems
Saving the best for last, Lisbon is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Start your day at Neighbourhood cafe, a cozy spot with delicious food and friendly atmosphere. For a local experience, explore Feira da Ladra, one of Lisbon’s famous flea markets held every tuesday and saturday. Take a peaceful stroll through Parque Eduardo VII, or spend the afternoon in 8 Marvila, a creative district filled with trendy thriftshops, food trucks, and a relaxed urban vibe. Down by the river near Cais do Sodre, you will find nice bars and restaurants with that riverside view. End your day at Cafe da Garagem, a hidden charmy cafe that gives you an unforgettable view, either for breakfast (try the banana bread!!) or while sharing a piece of food and Portuguese wine during sunset time. For a more quiet moment, escape to Oerias, Jardins do Marquês or the Botanical Garden, two green beautiful areas in the city.
Here is one hidden gem for the book lovers! Did you know that the oldest bookstore in the world was located in Lisbon. It opened in 1732, the Livraria Bertrand is officially the oldest operating bookstore in the world, recorded on the Guinness World Record. A secret tip is that every book purchased here gets a stamp that reads “This book was purchased at Livraria Bertrand, the oldest bookstore still in operation in the world established in 1732”, so cool!
So now you know what’s waiting for you: the views, the food, the sunsets, the late nights and the slow mornings. Don’t stress about seeing everything, half of the magic is just walking around and seeing where the day takes you and let this be your guide! Soon you’ll get why so many people fall for this city.