Lisbon: A City of Hills, Tiles, Trams & Ocean Views

Lisbon is one of Europe's most atmospheric city-break destinations, combining historic neighbourhoods, colourful architecture, viewpoints, traditional food and the River Tagus. From the narrow streets of Alfama to the grand Praça do Comércio and the historic district of Belém, Lisbon is a city made for exploring on foot — although its famous yellow trams make getting around part of the experience too. The official Lisbon tourism organisation highlights the city's historic heritage, viewpoints, beaches, food, public transport and famous trams as some of the experiences that make Lisbon distinctive.

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Why Visit Lisbon?

Lisbon is a great choice if you want a holiday that combines:

✨ History and culture
🚋 Iconic yellow trams
🏰 Historic castles
🌊 River and ocean views
🍮 Portuguese food
🎶 Fado music
🌅 Beautiful viewpoints
🏖️ Easy access to beaches
🍷 Wine and food experiences
✈️ Convenient European city-break travel

Lisbon also makes a useful base for exploring nearby destinations such as Sintra, Cascais and the Costa da Caparica. The official tourism site groups these areas within the wider Lisbon destination.

Best Things to Do in Lisbon:

1. Ride Tram 28 🚋

One of Lisbon's most recognisable experiences is travelling through the historic streets on Tram 28.

The route takes you through some of the city's traditional neighbourhoods and gives visitors a very different way of seeing Lisbon.

Travel tip: Go early if you want a better chance of avoiding the busiest period.

2. Explore Alfama 🏘️

Alfama is one of Lisbon's oldest and most atmospheric areas.

Get lost among its narrow streets, colourful buildings, tiled façades and steep stairways.

Don't miss:

  • Miradouro de Santa Luzia

  • Portas do Sol

  • Lisbon Cathedral

  • São Jorge Castle

  • Traditional Fado venues

Miradouro de Santa Luzia is one of the area's well-known viewpoints, while Miradouro das Portas do Sol offers another classic view over Alfama and the Tagus.

🏰 3. Visit São Jorge Castle

Castelo de São Jorge sits above Lisbon and is one of the city's major historic attractions.

The castle is particularly interesting for travellers who enjoy:

  • History

  • Architecture

  • Photography

  • City views

  • Exploring Lisbon's old quarters

📸 Don't forget your camera — the views are one of the highlights.

🏛️ 4. Discover Praça do Comércio

Lisbon's magnificent Praça do Comércio sits beside the Tagus River.

The huge square is surrounded by elegant yellow buildings and is one of the city's most recognisable places.

From here you can walk towards:

Rua Augusta → Baixa → Rossio → Chiado

Praça do Comércio is also an excellent starting point for exploring central Lisbon.

🌊 5. Explore Belém

Belém is one of the most important sightseeing areas in Lisbon.

Don't miss:

🏰 Belém Tower

Belém Tower is one of Lisbon's best-known landmarks.

⛪ Jerónimos Monastery

Jerónimos Monastery is another major attraction in Belém and is associated with Portugal's maritime history.

🍮 Pastéis de Belém

A visit to Belém isn't complete without trying the famous Portuguese custard tart.

Pastéis de Belém is one of the best-known places associated with this Portuguese speciality.

🌉 6. See the 25 de Abril Bridge

The huge red suspension bridge across the Tagus is one of Lisbon's most recognisable landmarks.

For great views, combine it with a walk along the riverfront or a boat trip on the Tagus.

🌅 7. Watch the Sunset from a Miradouro

Lisbon is famous for its viewpoints.

Some to add to your itinerary include:

  • Miradouro da Graça

  • Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

  • Miradouro de Santa Luzia

  • Portas do Sol

Miradouro da Graça and Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara are particularly useful additions to a Lisbon sightseeing itinerary.

Travel tip: Sunset is a popular time, so arrive early if you want a good viewpoint.

🍮 8. Eat Your Way Around Lisbon

Lisbon is a fantastic destination for food lovers.

Try:

🇵🇹 Pastel de Nata

Portugal's famous custard tart.

🐟 Bacalhau

Salt cod prepared in many different ways.

🥪 Bifana

A traditional Portuguese pork sandwich.

🐟 Grilled Sardines

Particularly popular during the warmer months and traditional festivals.

🍷 Portuguese Wine

Try wines from different Portuguese regions.

For a simple food stop, Manteigaria is another Lisbon pastry destination.

🎶 9. Experience Fado

Fado is one of the cultural experiences most closely associated with Lisbon.

Spend an evening in Alfama or another traditional neighbourhood listening to live Fado while enjoying Portuguese food.

🛍️ 10. Explore Chiado & Baixa

For shopping, cafés, restaurants and architecture, head towards:

Baixa → Rua Augusta → Chiado

You'll find a mixture of traditional Portuguese shops, international brands, cafés and historic buildings.

How Many Days Do You Need in Lisbon?

2 Days

Good for the major central sights.

3 Days ⭐

Ideal for a first city break.

4–5 Days

Allows time for Lisbon plus a day trip.

7 Days

Perfect if you want a slower holiday including Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais and nearby beaches.

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