Redolent with charm and cosmopolitan style, the Portuguese capital of Lisbon is a kaleidoscope: pastel pink and purple buildings perch prettily from its seven hills; yolk-yellow trams rumble through the winding streets; the turquoise waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash against sandy beaches; and sun-kissed sandstone churches and castles reign from the green thickets of the mountains. Things to do in Lisbon are always infused with color, whether you’re admiring duck-egg blue azulejo tiles, visiting the fairytale palaces of Sintra, or feasting on pearlescent bacalao (salted cod) or golden pastel de nata (custard tarts).
Here, get your guide to Lisbon’s best attractions, tours, and more.
The best time to visit Portugal’s capital is from March to May or September through October when the weather is warm and pleasant, but the summertime crowds have either not yet arrived or recently left. Lisbon’s close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean means it sees bright but cold falls and winters permeated by a chilly sea breeze. That said, Lisbon’s large Brazilian community means that the city celebrates Carnival in February like its South American counterpart, so look out for parades and parties if you’re there then.
Lisbon is blessed with a metro network, which has four lines served by 55 stations across the eastern and northern parts of the city. However, Lisbon’s distinctive yolk-yellow trams are the most scenic way to navigate the capital. The two most famous routes are number 28, which starts in the historic center and passes through the Alfama district and down towards the river, and number 15, which goes to the Belém district.
Hailed as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world, Lisbon’s Cemitério dos Prazeres—which translates as the Cemetery of Pleasure—is often overlooked in favor of more central, medieval attractions. Inside, you’ll find grand graves, baroque tombstones, and the largest mausoleum in Europe. This pocket of peace offers a great way to escape the crowds that often congregate in the steep, narrow streets of the city center.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone WET (UTC +1) | Country Code +351 | Language(s) Portuguese | Attractions 110 | Tours 3,671 | Reviews 173,182 |
Originally from Coimbra, Sérgio has been based in Lisbon for years. When he's not exploring locally, he's trying to see as much of the world as possible with his family.
get a Lisboa Viva card—you’ll need it for all public transportation.
starts with getting the tram to Graça for the flea market, followed by brunch at the Decadente and a walking tour of Baixa and Chiado. Finish with dinner and drinks in the Príncipe Real neighborhood.
pasteis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts). Go to Pastéis de Belém for the best ones in the city.
go to Campo de Ourique, which is probably the best place to live in Lisbon and where you'll find amazing craft shops, parks, and restaurants.
head to the Miradouro Sao Pedro de Alcantara to see the skyline and the river, then take the elevator down to Avenida da Liberdade for a closer look.
is thinking that Fado is the only Portuguese music.
The Portuguese capital of Lisbon is best known for being the birthplace of fado music. The nostalgic, and often mournful, music genre can be traced back to the 1820s. It’s thought to have originated in the historic Alfama neighborhood, where you can still find fado bars today.
...MorePortuguese food is one of the standout features of Lisbon, especially due to the affordable price points. And you can’t walk through the City of Seven Hills without being charmed by the colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. Finally, the year-round sun makes this European capital a desirable place to be.
...MoreFor a comprehensive overview of Lisbon, spend about five days in the region. The first two should be spent exploring the main areas of the city—Bairro Alto, Baixa, Alfama, and Graça—followed by a day at the Park of Nations. Visit the Sintra and Cascais areas with your remaining time.
...MoreYes. Lisbon has a vibrant nightlife that is easily accessible to tourists. Visit some of the city’s clubs—notably LuxFragil—or enjoy a relaxed evening at a local bar. For those looking for a bit of Portuguese culture, a stop at a fado club in Aflama is a must-do.
...MoreMost locals attend gallery openings or wander the many city parks with their families. Food plays a huge part in Portuguese culture, so you can find many locals enjoying meals at tascas, or local taverns. Lisboetas are also very active, spending time exercising along the Tagus River.
...MoreNo. Relative to other European capitals, Lisbon is affordable. A meal at a local tavern usually costs less than €10 and often includes wine or beer. Activities tend to be reasonably priced, with most museums costing a few euros or completely free on certain days of the month.
...MoreLisbon isn’t called the City of Seven Hills for no reason. Most travelers are surprised to discover Portugal’s capital is one of Europe’s steepest cities, so get a guide to transport you by tuk-tuk or electric bike and cover the highlights without breaking a sweat—especially important in the sweltering summers.
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