25 Incredible Things to Do in Lisbon: A Complete Guide

What to Do in Lisbon: A Complete Guide for First Timers

Not sure what to do in Lisbon? The country’s exciting capital has so many fantastic things to see and experience that it can be difficult to decide exactly how to spend your trip. Particularly if you have limited time in the city.

If you haven’t already, make sure to read our guide to planning a perfect trip to Lisbon, where we talk through exactly how we’d put this all together to create an unforgettable visit to Lisbon. We discuss a 3 day Lisbon itinerary.

According to our own experience over multiple visits to Lisbon, below are the top things we believe you should do in the city.

Go Deeper with a Lisbon Walking Tour

Exploring any city – including Lisbon – with a guided walking tour is one of our favorite activities if wanting to learn more about the fascinating history and see as much as possible with limited time in the capital.

We found Lisbon to be so fascinating that we elected to participate in separate walking excursions on each of our two visits to experience more of what the city had to offer.

Not only will a walking tour take you to a couple of the top sights to see in Lisbon in a brief time, from the most famous landmarks to the city’s hidden gems, but you’ll also have access to a knowledgeable local guide who can answer any questions you have and provide some insider tips for visiting the city.

For example, where to find the best pastel de nata in Lisbon (more on that in a second).

We nearly always initiate our travel to an unfamiliar city with a guided excursion, and believe you should as well.

Decide on Your Favorite Pastéis de Nata in Lisbon

Trying a delectable pastel de nata – the traditional Portuguese egg custard tart – is essential when visiting Portugal. And Lisbon houses some of the finest pastelarias (pastry shops) and most tasty pastéis (plural of pastel de nata) in the entire country.

We got three recommendations from locals when we asked about their favorite place to get pastéis de nata in Lisbon. These were:

We tried all three to see which version we liked best and Manteigaria was the CLEAR winner.

Manteigaria has perfected the crispy outer shell and warm, gooey interior with that ideal texture contrast within their pastéis. Their pastries are best when served hot and dusted with cinnamon.

Yet, don’t simply acknowledge our perspective. What do you say, attempt all three and choose without anyone else`s help which is best!

Visit São Vicente de Fora Monastery and Church

The São Vicente de Fora monastery and connecting church are two remarkably significant and majestic historical buildings in Lisbon.

The huge monastery was constructed in the 17th century on the site of an earlier place of worship.

Revolver remains my preferred coffee location, but Nemesis is an extremely close second spot (and conveniently located just around the corner from Revolver). Their iced coffee is what brought them fame just a few years ago. Give it a try.

Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora translates as the “Monastery of St. Vincent Outside the Walls”, referring to how the historic church was initially constructed outside Lisbon’s formerly enclosing walls.

Presently, it is situated in the core of the Alfama district, looking out over the remainder of the city from its hilltop site.

Access to the church is free, but you need to pay €5 to tour the beautifully decorated monastic buildings. The monastery is now home to a sizable museum housing an extensive collection of artworks, sculptures, garments, and more spanning hundreds of years of Lisbon’s history.

It’s definitely worth paying the entrance fee to explore the exquisite building. Don’t miss the world’s most extensive collection of baroque azulejo tiles in the monastery’s cloisters or the amazing views over Lisbon from its towers.

See the Impact of the Earthquake at Convento do Carmo

Built in the fourteenth century, the Gothic Convento do Carmo was once among Lisbon’s most striking churches. However, the 1755 earthquake caused serious harm and nearly entirely destroyed the historic building.

Reconstruction of the church was initiated but never finished, and it was decided to leave the roofless chapel as it was. The hauntingly beautiful church remains now sit as a symbol of the devastation caused to the city by the frightening natural disaster.

Today you can tour the ruins in the Chiado district to witness the impact of the infamous earthquake. The building now also houses an interesting archaeological museum, containing a diverse collection of artifacts, tombs, and mummies.

We finally made it out to the Enchanted Valley, and it did not disappoint.

Learn at One of Lisbon’s Museums

Speaking of museums, Lisbon has plenty of other fascinating museums to explore too. The city’s museums and galleries are great for learning about Portugal’s cultural heritage and seeing some of Lisbon’s most beautiful architectural structures.

Head Out to Belém for an Afternoon

Situated west of the city center, making a trip out to Belém is one of the most popular activities in the city. There’s plenty to do in Belém to fill a full day – or an afternoon if time is limited.

Once separate from Lisbon, Belém dates back to the 1500s – during Portugal’s Age of Discoveries – and is home to many noteworthy historical sites and landmarks. The Age of Discoveries was a pivotal historical period of maritime exploration and colonization for Portugal and the rest of Europe.

As the capital expanded, Belém was gradually absorbed and became a district of broader Lisbon. Despite becoming a part of the capital city, the neighborhood has still retained its own unique historical charm (much of central Lisbon is fairly modern, having been rebuilt following the 1755 earthquake).

Now, the entire area of Belém is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We recommend focusing your time here on four key attractions that are easily walked between. Starting at the furthest point with the Tower of Belém, work your way back towards Lisbon.

Torre de Belém 

Torre de Belém, formally the Tower of Saint Vincent, is a medieval fortification located on a small island just off the northern bank of the Tagus River in Belém. It is one of the most iconic monuments not only in Belém but throughout all of Lisbon.

The tower was constructed in the 16th century to serve two primary purposes; as an entry and exit point for Portuguese explorers arriving and departing Lisbon by watercraft, and to function as a coastal defense for the capital city. Currently, the tower attracts visitors and is one of Lisbon`s most popular sights to behold.

The impressive tower is one of the best examples of Manueline architecture (Portuguese Late Gothic) in the city, with many intricate carvings adorning the structure’s exterior. Don`t miss the unusual animal sculpture, which was the first depiction of its kind in Europe.

Should you Go Inside the Tower?

We would say not to spend time going inside the Torre de Belém. While the entry ticket is €6, the lines can be extremely lengthy. The perspectives from the apex are not truly worthwhile given the cost or duration it will take to arrive there. You can see everything that is needed from outside.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument of the Discoveries)

Also situated along the waterfront is the likewise impressive but somewhat more contemporary Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a monument commemorating Portugal’s Age of Discoveries.

The monument was built during the mid-twentieth century under Portuguese dictator António de Oliveira Salazar, who was known for romanticizing Portuguese colonial history.

The one hundred seventy-one foot tall monument depicts numerous historically crucial Portuguese personalities from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. These sculptures incorporate explorer Vasco da Gama, the first European to attain India by sea, and Pedro Álvares Cabral, who ‘uncovered’ Brazil.

You can also go inside Padrão dos Descobrimentos for views from above. But we don`t think it`s worth it. The monument is best taken in from outside.

The open area in front of the monument is also beautiful, with art crafted from limestone tiles donated by South Africa.

Jerónimos Monastery 

The Jerónimos Monastery was constructed over 100 years for the Order of Saint Jerome using wealth from the new spice trade. It remains one of Belém`s most impressive architectural feats.

Much like the Torre de Belém, the monastery displays a great example of Lisbon’s characteristic Manueline architecture. The grand facade incorporates many nautical symbols, such as ships, shells, and seas into the Late Gothic style.

Niagara Falls is one of the most spectacular locations in the nation, so considering taking a Niagara Falls tour from NYC could be worthwhile if visiting the Big Apple

Pasteis de Belem

Not far from the monastery, you’ll find another of the major attractions in Belém – the birthplace of the traditional Portuguese egg custard tart.

Legend has it that monks from Jerónimos Monastery invented the pastel de nata in the mid-1800s. Egg whites were used in the monastery for stiffening nuns’ robes, which meant there was a large amount of leftover egg yolks.

The monks began utilizing these egg yolks to prepare tasty custard tarts which they’ll sell to their neighbors to earn some extra money.

For quite some time afterwards, the monks sold their famous nata recipe to a nearby bakery – currently named Pastéis de Belém. And this exact recipe is still used there today.

The shop takes its brand very seriously, allowing only pastéis de nata produced in their kitchen to legally be called “Pastéis de Belém” – the original version of this pastry. .

The pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém are claimed by many to be the best in the country. We personally thought the ones at Manteigaria were superior, but these came in a close second and are still worth trying when in Lisbon.

How to Get to Belem

The easiest way to get from Lisbon city center to Belém is to take Tram 15E from Praça do Comércio, which is basically a straight shot and takes around 20-30 minutes.

Alight at Largo Da Princesa, begin with the Torre, and work your way back towards the core.

Hop back on the 15E when you’re done!

Hang Out at LX Factory

LX Factory is a cool place to go in Lisbon’s trendy neighborhood of Alcântara.

What was once an important industrial complex is now a large outdoor courtyard filled with an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, shops, and offices. The creative hub brings together many local artists, independent artisans, and small businesses, making it a great place to obtain some unique souvenirs and gifts.

Two of our favorite spots at LX Factory are Ler Devagar, a cool bookstore situated in a former printing plant (the printing machines remain on the top floor), and More Than Wine for excellent wine and gifts.

LX Factory is open throughout the day and evening hours. The time during the day is much quieter for some uninterrupted retail therapy. However, the evening is when the complex truly comes alive with the buzz of Lisbon’s young, trendsetting crowd filling the ultra-stylish restaurants and bars. There’s also a flea market held at LX each Sunday.

Alcântara is situated to the west of the city close to Belem, so you can easily combine these two stops into one day`s itinerary.

Experience the Best View in the City at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

Lisbon boasts so many spectacular vantage points that choosing which to experience can be tricky.

In our view, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is the one observatory place that really must not be missed.

Situated in a churchyard, the viewpoint is located on the peak hill in Lisbon (were you aware Lisbon has seven hills similar to Rome?).

While it requires a significant climb uphill from the Alfama district, reaching the top offers spectacular views of the city and river below, making the journey worthwhile.

Dive Into Lisbon’s Food Culture on a Food Tour

Lisbon`s culinary culture has many special aspects worth learning about through a few hours spent with a local guide. Food tours provide an excellent introduction.

Devour Some Canned Fish at Miss Can

If you enjoy sampling cuisine in Lisbon, we would highly suggest exploring Miss Can in the historic Alfama district.

Miss Can is a family-owned business that has produced delicious homemade canned fish using wild-caught fresh fish and seafood from Portugal’s seas since 1911.

At the cozy little petiscaria in Alfama, you can sample their canned fish alongside crunchy bread and a nice list of regional wines. And if you like it, you can pick up a few cans to bring home with you from the on-site shop.

We truly enjoyed this establishment and shared some of the fish we purchased there with friends and family. They also really appreciated it, with some even choosing to order from there directly.

Dive Deep into Portuguese Wine

We absolutely enjoyed Portuguese wine. Not solely because it is affordable, but also because it possesses an amazing taste!

Whenever we travel to lesser-known wine-producing nations (Hungary is another good example), we’re constantly amazed by just how good the wine is. We’re also surprised at how little we hear about it at home in the United States, compared to the bigger producers like France and Italy.

Try some Local Craft Beer at Oitava Colina (8a Colina)

If wine isn`t to your liking, you may be pleased to learn that Lisbon also produces some superb local craft beers too.

There were two main types of beers commonly found everywhere in Portugal; Sagres and Super Bock, which were both light-bodied pale beers. The restricted variety of beers in Portugal could partly be attributed to the heavily regulated market during Salazar’s leadership.

If you’re interested in taking a deeper look at Portuguese beer, this provides great insight.

• 5 uniquely-designed rooms in a lovely 1920s Art Deco building. All have soundproofing, hardwood floors, high ceilings, and large windows.

Today, you’ll find a wider selection of domestic and international craft beers showcased in craft brewpubs and bars, especially in Lisbon and Porto.

eighth Hill (aka 8th Hill) is one of the premier environments in Lisbon to sample domestic beer. The modern brewpub has an outstanding selection of craft beers, together with porters, stouts, IPA, pilsners, lagers, and extra, all brewed proper at their on-web site brewery.

We happened upon this place on a walk up the hill to one of Lisbon’s many amazing viewpoints, and though I cannot drink beer (I have Celiac Disease and gluten causes my intestines pain), my little brother enjoyed sampling a few of their beers as we sat on the patio with a nice view.

The developing brewery company now manages two locations inside the city; their original taproom 8a Graça, which sits at the peak of the slope in Graça overlooking the city, and the newer 8a Fábrica in Cabo Ruivo, near the river in northeast Lisbon.

Explore Alfama, the Oldest Part of the City

Positioned uphill from the city center, Alfama is one of Lisbon’s oldest and most charming districts.

The neighborhood is filled with narrow cobblestone paths and amazing views over the city. It is also home to several of Lisbon’s most important historical sites, such as the cathedral and castle.

Taking a leisurely stroll through enchanting Alfama and discovering the area’s many historic landmarks and spectacular perspectives is essential in Lisbon. Below is a rough route for exploring the best of Alfama.

Note: The route below essentially replicates the course taken by Tram 28 – the one popular with sightseers – on foot. Walking is preferred over the tram (if possible). Tram 28 serves as legitimate public transportation for locals but has recently been appropriated by visitors for scenic purposes.

You should be aware that, while the distance between each destination above is not particularly long, it is a steep uphill walk through Alfama to reach the castle. Therefore ensure to take your time, wear sensible walking shoes suitable for hiking, and carry some water along.

Take the Elevador Da Glória up to Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

Another fantastic viewpoint in Lisbon can be found at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. The landscaped terrace has a sizable fountain and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

And the terrific news is that you won’t need to climb yet another steep incline to reach this viewpoint. Rather, you can ride the colorful Elevator Da Glória.

Elevador Da Glória essentially functions as a short cable car running up and down the hill between Baixia and hilltop viewpoint Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.

Experiencing a ride on the unusual ‘elevator’ is one of the most novel activities in Lisbon, allowing convenient and enjoyable navigation around the city.

It’s one of Lisbon’s three lifts, which you can read more details here.

What is the process for using the elevator in Lisbon?To travel on Lisbon’s elevators, a Viva Viagem Travel Card must be purchased, which can be bought at all Metro stations. More details are provided in the “Getting Around” section below.

Get Caffeinated: Dive into Lisbon’s Thriving Specialty Coffee Scene

Lisbon is a surprisingly great city for coffee. We weren’t sure what to expect, but the thriving specialty coffee scene there really impressed us.

It was also great to have an endless supply of caffeine to help fuel us while tackling Lisbon’s many hills.

If you enjoy coffee, be sure to check out some excellent locations in Lisbon. You can also review our complete guide to the premium coffee in Lisbon here.

• Bloom Coffee Room (currently operating out of the Folks). A specialty coffee expert with an extensive selection of coffees from European roasters all meticulously prepared. This place stood out as one of our absolute favorite spots for coffee in Lisbon.

• Fábrica Coffee Producers. A fantastic option for consistently great coffee, with numerous locations all through the city. Get the AeroPress, which is brewed using the recipe winning the AeroPress World Championships.

This coffee shop not only serves an EXCELLENT brew, but it`s also considered the top pick in Vancouver according to reviews. As other have affirmed. It`s a rustic, wood-paneled cafe located in Gastown that`s perpetually packed with patrons. Whatever style of java you prefer – they`ve got it covered.

Experience an Evening of Fado

For a truly authentic Lisbon experience, spend an evening savoring Portuguese wine and listening to the melodic tunes of local Fado music.

Fado is a musical style that originated in Lisbon in the early 1800s. The unique genre features melancholy singing and traditional string instruments. It is characterized by its soulful tunes and sad lyrics.

There are numerous locations in Lisbon where one can listen to live Fado music, ranging from traditional Fado houses such as Mesa de Frades and Casa de Fados, to modern bars and restaurants offering Fado performances each evening.

You can also attend a Fado performance, but we think appreciating the relaxing music over dinner and drinks is the best (and most authentic) way to experience it.

At some of the more busy Fado houses and restaurants offering meals, you`ll need to make dining reservations in advance. Or you can simply wander throughout the streets of Alfama or Bairro Alto during the early evening hours. You`re sure to accidentally come across a place actively featuring a real-time Fado musical performance that night.

Walk the Walls at the Castelo de São Jorge

Situated atop a hill in the Alfama district, the imposing 11th century Moorish castle of Castelo de São Jorge overlooks Lisbon.

Initially a defensive fortress protecting the city, the castle has also served as a royal residence, military barracks, hospital, and jail through the decades. In the 20th century, extensive renovations restored it to its former glory.

While there`s little to observe inside the fortress these days, the defensive walls boast magnificent panoramic views over the entire city, which are more than worth the €10 entrance fee alone.

You can also tour the camera obscura and explore the many hidden pathways winding through the castle grounds.

Take a Day Trip to Sintra

Sintra ranks as one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon and a mandatory visit if you have additional time at your disposal.

Situated around 30 km northeast of Lisbon, Sintra is a picturesque hilltop town that formerly served as the preferred summer destination of Portuguese royalty. The town is home to numerous extraordinary historic sites built in unique architectural styles that you won’t find elsewhere in Portugal.

There are such a large number of fantastic attractions in Sintra that you won’t be able to include them all into a single day.

For those visiting Sintra on a day trip from Lisbon, we suggest seeing Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle. Time can also be spent exploring the town of Sintra itself.

Pena Palace

Palacio Nacional da Pena (Pena Palace) is among one of the most recognizable landmarks in Sintra, if not the whole of Portugal.

The unusual, vibrantly colored palace was constructed as the summer house of King Ferdinand II during the 19th century. It’s one of the nation’s greatest examples of Romanticism, fusing Moorish and Manueline architectural styles.

The hotel is situated just outside of the limited traffic zone and has its own parking garage so is perfect if you’re arriving in Florence by car.

There are two sections of the Pena Palace complex to explore; the gardens and palace interior, both requiring different tickets. We`d advise just purchasing entry to the grounds and admiring the palace from outside. There`s plenty to investigate in the spacious gardens alone.

Castelo dos Mouros

Sintra’s rugged hilltop fortress was built in the 8th and 9th centuries by the Muslims (individuals that occupied the Iberian Peninsula at the time, though we probably shouldn’t use the word “Muslims” anymore). It was then restored by King Ferdinand in the 19th century.

The main draw of visiting the historic fortress is the amazing views you’ll get over the surrounding region. You can take a long stroll along the reconstructed defensive walls and see out as far as the Atlantic coastline. Don’t forget your camera for this day trip.

How to Get to Sintra

Sintra is easy to reach from central Lisbon by taking a 40 minute train ride from Rossio Station in Baixa.

Be sure to disembark at the station called “Sintra” – NOT “Portela de Sintra” – to arrive near all the main attractions.

Once in Sintra, you’ll want to obtain a taxi, shuttle bus, or tuk-tuk to reach the top of the hill and start your day at Pena Palace.

Take the Ferry Over to Cacilhas 

Situated across the River Tagus from Lisbon, Cacilhas is a charming small town renowned for its fresh fish. It`s a wonderful place to escape the busy city center for a relaxing waterfront stroll and a delicious seafood lunch.

Below are some of the top things to do in Cacilhas:

Cacilhas Waterfront

Taking a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Cacilhas waterfront is one of the best things to do in the district. From the riverside pathway, you’ll have amazing views back over Lisbon`s skyline and the iconic 25th of April Bridge.

Many of the structures along the shoreline are untenanted and decrepit, so we wouldn’t advise getting too near or trying to enter them. However, the colorful artwork covering the facades is rather cool to check out.

Fresh Fish Lunch at Ponto Final

At the end of the riverside promenade, you’ll find a selection of cafes and restaurants. One of the most notable of these is Ponto Final, where we’d advocate stopping for a waterside lunch.

We found out about Ponto Final from watching an episode of Somebody Feed Phil – our favorite culinary show – and had wanted to go ever since (although we only learned about it after our time in Lisbon had passed, unfortunately).

The rustic eatery features a large outdoor area overlooking the waters renowned for delicious local seafood dishes. Advance reservations are advisable to avoid possible disappointment given its popularity.

Prices at Ponto Final are also a little costlier than elsewhere in the district. For a more affordable place to sample Cacilhas’s famous fresh seafood, head to one of the restaurants or local pubs on Rua Cândido dos Reis close to the ferry dock.

Santuário de Cristo Rei

Santuário de Cristo Rei – or Place of Worship to Christ the King – is a substantial Catholic monument in Cacilhas, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ. Its design may seem familiar since it drew inspiration from Rio`s renowned Christ the Redeemer.

The statue serves not only as a place of worship and popular pilgrimage site, but also offers a viewing platform at the top for sightseers, with spectacular views over Lisbon.

You’ll need to pay €6 to enter, but there is a lift that will take you almost to the top. The statue is around a 45 minute walk from the ferry terminal.

How to Get to Cacilhas

Cacilhas is situated in the city of Almada, just across the river from Lisbon.

It can be accessed from Lisbon by taking direct transportation via ferry which departs at standard intervals from Cais do Sodré and costs a mere €1.30 per trip. The Viva Viagem Card must be utilized to travel via watercraft.

Hit the Beach in Cascais

Situated around 30 km west of the capital, Cascais is a lovely coastal town with multiple attractive beaches, a marina, a small harbor, and several scenic walking routes. It makes the perfect day trip from Lisbon on a hot summer day.

There are plenty of beautiful beaches in Cascais to opt from:

• Praia da Conceição & Praia da Duquesa. The two expansive connecting shorelines create the longest stretch of sandy coastline in Cascais. The scenic beaches provide numerous amenities including rental of beach chairs and sun umbrellas, bars and eateries near the shore, and multiple water activities. The calm waters prove ideal for children. Conceição also stands as the closest beach to Cascais train station, making it a good choice for a day trip from Lisbon.

• Praia da Ribeira & Praia da Rainha. Situated in Cascais town center, these two compact, picturesque beaches are tucked underneath rocky outcroppings and overlook the historic angling harbor. While convenient for combining with a visit to the town itself, the beaches are overlooked by the beachfront promenade, so don’t expect much privacy.

How to Get to Cascais

Travelers can take a direct train from Lisbon`s Cais do Sodré Station to Cascais along a line called `Linha de Cascais`. The 40 minute journey costs around €2.25 using a Viva Viagem Travel Card.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

As with most cities, the preferred place to stay in Lisbon depends on your individual preferences, your budget, and what you’re looking to get from your trip.

We have an entire guide to selecting where to stay in Lisbon. For more details, head over there and read that, which has an in-depth guide to each neighborhood with pros and cons, neighborhood highlights, and more.

But if you’re short on time, below are the highlights.

• Baixa or Chiado is considered one of the most popular and centrally-located neighborhoods in Lisbon for initial visitors. With convenient access to many top attractions, this area served as an excellent base for exploring the city during our first trip there. We stayed at Porto do Mar Apartments in Baixa, which is recommended. Or for a cheaper alternative, check out Lost Lisbon’s Chiado House.

Whether you’re staying at a location that provides all daily needs or a low-cost temporary accommodation, odds are, if you venture to the coastline, you`ll require swimwear. Carry two or three to guarantee having a dry one available.These men’s shorts and this women’s outfit have been tested and approved.

• Bairro Alto for nightlife. To experience the peak of entertainment after dark, reside in Bairro Alto, which is adjacent to Chiado at the highest point of the hill. The locale offers everything from classy wine bistros and fascinating hidden spots to busy dance clubs open until early hours. It also accommodates all budgets very well, from stylish inns like Casa das Janelas com Vista to boutique hostels like Independente Hostel and Suites.

Getting to Lisbon

As Portugal’s capital and largest city, Lisbon is easily accessible from much of Europe, and there are plenty of relatively direct connections from North America. Flying is your best option for reaching Lisbon from most major centers, while the train is likely a better choice if you’re traveling within Portugal.

Arriving in Lisbon By Plane

Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) serves as the city’s primary international hub and largest airport in Portugal. The majority of European carriers provide service here.

There are direct flights to Lisbon from most major European cities as well as a handful of locations in the US and Canada. From other destinations, you may need to connect in another city initially.

Getting from Lisbon Airport to the City Center

The airport is situated just 7 km north of central Lisbon, so reaching the city center is exceptionally speedy and simple.

The subway is the most affordable method for traveling between the airport and downtown. But the connections aren’t great if you’re not staying in the central neighborhood of Baixa. The Aerobus is less regular yet may actually be a better option for some, with more ample stops in other parts of the city.

Below is some additional information on the four primary means of traveling between the airport and city center:

• By metro – Lisbon’s underground transit network directly connects the airport with downtown in around 20 minutes. But one may need to switch lines to reach a final spot. A single trip costs €1.45, providing an affordable method. Riders also must purchase a reusable €0.50 Viva Viagem card to use the subway.

• By bus – The Aerobus is a transportation service dedicated to airport transportation that runs along two routes connecting the airport and central Lisbon, stopping at various stops across the city. The bus departs from the airport every 20 minutes and the journey can take anywhere from 35-45 minutes depending on your final destination and traffic flow. A one-way ticket costs 4€ per person.

• By taxi – One could hire a taxi upon exiting the airport terminal to travel from the airport, which would be quite convenient when transporting a lot of luggage or staying in the hillside Alfama district. The journey typically takes about 20 minutes based on traffic flow, and the fare should only be approximately €15-20 (confirm that the meter is used). Taxi vehicles waiting curbside directly outside the terminal can easily be caught.

• By Uber – Uber is also available in Lisbon and tends to be somewhat cheaper than regular taxis, costing between €10-15 from the airport to the city center. However, the drawback is that rideshare vehicles cannot access the terminal directly, so travelers will need to walk a small distance to meet their driver.

Arriving By Train

Train travel is another simple way to commute between Lisbon and numerous other cities in Portugal, such as Porto to the north and the lovely Algarve in the south. However, you shouldn’t rely on trains for international travel, as routes are extremely limited.

Lisbon has several major train stations serving different areas of the city. Santa Apolónia is the station you’ll want to target if you’re staying centrally in Baixa, Chiado, or Alfama.

If your train arrives at Lisboa Oriente Station in the northeast of the city instead, you can jump on a quick connection to reach Santa Apolónia in just seven minutes.

A couple common rail routes to Lisbon include:

• Traveling between Porto and Lisbon via rail. Taking the Alfa Pendular (AP) express train is the fastest way to travel between Porto and Lisbon, requiring about two hours and forty-five minutes. However, since it is the swiftest and more luxurious choice, tickets can be rather expensive. A more affordable option is the Intercity trains called Intercidades (IC), which take around three hours and thirty minutes. For what it`s worth, we took multiple IC trains during our trip and found it to be quite comfortable and very reasonably priced, especially when purchasing tickets in advance.

• From the Algarve Region to Lisbon by Train. When traveling to Lisbon from the southern coast of Portugal`s Algarve Region, you`ll need to catch the train from one of the larger cities like Lagos or Faro. You can take a direct train from Faro to Lisbon taking around three hours. From Lagos, you`ll need to ride a regional train to Tunes then transfer to a direct train for Lisbon. The total journey takes about three and a half hours.

Getting Around Lisbon

Despite its various elevations, Lisbon is a great city to traverse on foot. Most of the popular neighborhoods and iconic sites are within walking proximity of each other. The city also has a comprehensive public transportation network that can take you anywhere needs be.

Walk!

As with numerous other European cities, exploring Lisbon on foot is considered the ideal method. By navigating the city without a vehicle, you`ll have chances to view more locations and incidentally find new places along your route.

One major downside to walking in Lisbon is the numerous hills located outside of the downtown Baixa area. Lisbon is notoriously hilly beyond its central district.

To reach many of the best neighborhoods and attractions, you’ll inevitably need to walk up and down the hills at some point during your visit. So make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and carry a water bottle during warmer months.

If hills present a challenge, you can also use public transportation to reach the top of the hills then take a leisurely stroll back down.

Use Public Transportation 

Lisbon also offers reliable public transportation for when walking uphill becomes tiring.

There is a clean and efficient metro system, nearly 100 public bus routes, charming wooden trams, and a modern streetcar. Plus, there are a handful of unusual elevators (funiculars) and outdoor lifts that make climbing the hills easy.

We’d recommend skipping the Santa Justa Lift, which has basically become a tourist attraction in recent years. You can walk through the mall or up the hill from Baixa without paying €5 or waiting in a long line. It is worth the walk to reach the top of the lift though for the view over Lisbon towards the Castelo.

Some public transportation routes that may be helpful to know about are:

• Tram 28 from Baixa to Alfama. This vintage tramway is not only practical for traveling uphill from Baixa through Alfama, but it’s also one of the most scenic tram routes.
• Tram 15E from Baixa to Belem. The modern Tram 15 is the quickest way to travel from the city center to Belem, an outer neighborhood of Lisbon and a popular tourist destination.

How to Use Public Transport in Lisbon

To use public transportation in Lisbon you`ll need a Viva Viagem card purchased at a metro station for €0.50 which can be reloaded as needed. The Viva Viagem Card works for the metro buses trams and elevators.

Alternatively, you can obtain an unlimited 24-hour travel pass. This might be a good option on the day you head out to Belem, depending on how much you’ll be utilizing public transit that day.

These are the current fare rates as of 2022 (check up-to-date prices here):

• Single fare: €1.50 Euros (€1.35 if using a Viva Card).
• Day Pass: €6.45 Euros.

Taxis and Rideshares 

Both taxis and ridesharing services are also readily available in Lisbon.

Public taxis are usually black and green and fares are fairly affordable compared to other European cities. Just be sure the taxi uses a meter and isn`t a flat rate – trust us, we got scammed this way when we first arrived in Lisbon!

We also had successful experiences using both Uber and Free Now, which is the taxi application we`ve utilized most frequently across Europe. Bolt is another popular selection, though we haven`t used that service personally.

However, getting a taxi in some parts of the city (like Alfama) with its narrow alleyways and one-way systems can be difficult. Plus, there`s a chance you`ll end up stuck in slow-moving traffic around the city center. Public transportation is often cheaper and faster than taxis when moving around central Lisbon.

When to Visit Lisbon

Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, Lisbon serves as an ideal destination year-round. The city holds the distinction of being one of Europe`s warmest capitals, with extremely hot summers and comfortable, mild winters.

Our preferred time to visit Lisbon is during the early autumn. At this time of year, the weather remains warm and sunny, but there is less sweltering heat and smaller groups than during the peak summer months.

We also recently went to Lisbon in December, and even though temperatures were lower, the environment remained pleasantly accommodating for exploring the locale.

Below is a more comprehensive review of the benefits and drawbacks of each season in Lisbon.

• Summer – The warmest months in Lisbon are typically humid with average daily high temperatures around 84°F (29°C). It’s not rare for readings to range from 85-100°F (30-38°C) on some afternoons. July and August are considered peak season for tourists in Lisbon, so you can expect crowds and waits at popular landmarks.

• Autumn – This is our favorite period to visit Lisbon. During the fall, the climate remains warm and bright (bordering on hot), and crowds are around, but nowhere near what you’d see at the peak of summer.

• Winter – Winters in Lisbon are extremely mild, with average daytime temperatures hovering around 60°F (16°C) and evenings dropping to 45-50°F (8-10°C). We visited Lisbon just before Christmas for a few days, and the weather was generally pleasant. Conditions are more than suitable for exploring the city, making it a great destination to escape much colder parts of Europe during this time. Some rain and strong winds can occur, so packing a few layers and raincoat is wise.

• Spring – The transitional season of spring presents another excellent timeframe to explore Lisbon. When spring arrives, pleasant weather starts to develop but the substantial crowds typical of summer have not fully materialized within the city yet. The midpoint of June offers an entertaining (if bustling) option for visiting as that aligns with Lisbon`s annual Santo Antonio Festival, bringing vibrant parades and spirited celebrations to the streets over numerous days.

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