Portugal’s capital has everything in store for a perfect city break: a charming historic center, diverse neighborhoods with unique vibes, an impressive amount of rooftop bars and great food. On top of that, the beach is just a day trip away. Discover the best things to in and around Lisbon with this list of our 15 favorites.
1. Walk the elegant streets and squares of Baixa
Baixa is the lower part of Lisbon that borders the river Tagus. It is home to wide streets in a grid pattern with stately squares, born from the rumble of the 1755 earthquake. Start on the riverside at the imposing Praça do Commercio, surrounded by (slightly overpriced) restaurants. The elegant streets of Baixa will lead you to Praça Dom Pedro IV (Rossio) and Praça da Figueira in the heart of Lisbon.
2. Try bifana and ginjinha for a local lunch
One of Portugal’s favorite quick bites is the bifana, a sandwich of marinated pork steak. You can find them all over the city, often from take-away windows like the one at Bifanas da Tia Alice. Complete the local lunch combo with a sour cherry liquor or ginjinha. Tiny open-fronted bars serve shots with or without the cherry. A Ginjinha right behind Rossio Square in Baixa is one of Lisbon’s emblematic ginjinha bars.
3. Follow Avenida da Liberdade to Parque Eduardo VII
Avenida da Liberdade leads from Rossio Square in Baixa to Parque Eduardo VII. The avenue is flanked by luxury boutiques, perfect for window-shopping and catching a breath from the steady uphill walk. You’ll be rewarded with expansive views of Lisbon and the Tagus when reaching Parque Eduardo VII. There is often a fair or market going on, like the large book fair in spring or Christmas market in winter. Cool off with a drink at laid-back café Linha d’Água, tucked away in a top corner of the park.
4. Take the Santa Justa Lift to Chiado
The Santa Justa Lift connects Baixa with the elevated Chiado district. The lift is a work of art in wrought iron, that has been in operation for over a 100 years. From the observation deck at the top, you get great views of Rossio Square and Baixa below. Another historic means of transportation between Baixa and Chiado is the Glória Funicular, but the cable car has been closed since the tragic accident in 2025.
5. Climb to a miradouro for the best city views
As the City of Seven Hills, there is no shortage of viewpoints or miradouros in Lisbon. Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara connects an iconic viewing platform to a beautiful garden one level below. It is located in Chiado, steps away from the Santa Justa Lift and Glória Funicular. Right behind the viewpoint starts the Rua Dom Pedro V, a street lined with boutiques, bars and restaurants. A Ceviceria is a must try for seafood lovers.
6. Try traditional dishes at a tasca
Tascas are family-run restaurants that serve traditional Portuguese cuisine in generous portions, at very affordable prices. Most authentic tascas only open on weekdays. Look for handwritten menus, paper tablecloths and a mouthwatering dessert cabinet. Two great tascas in the center of Lisbon are A Merendinha do Arco Bandeira and Antigo Restaurante 1º de Maio.
7. Ride tram 28 to Graça
The iconic tram 28 cruises through Lisbon’s steep and narrow streets, passing scenic viewpoints and sights along the way. The tramline is used frequently by both residents and tourists, resulting in long lines at stops throughout the city. Ride the tram from west to east to beat some of the crowds and save yourself a walk uphill. Stop Graça is the highest point on the route, steps away from the impressive Miradouro da Graça and panoramic garden Jardim da Cerca da Graça.
8. Sip with sunset views on a rooftop bar
In addition to many scenic miradouros, Lisbon houses an impressive collection of rooftop bars that leverage the city’s position across seven hills. Each neighborhood offers different vantage points, with the river Tagus and Castelo Sao Jorge always on the horizon. Two of my favorite bars to watch golden hour are the Rooftop Bar at Hotel Mundial in Baixa and Entretanto Rooftop Bar in Chiado.
9. Admire Alfama from above
Alfama is the oldest and most emblematic neighborhood in Lisbon, packed with tradition and charm. The streets lined with cute shops and restaurants lead to one scenic viewpoint after the other. Miradouro do Portas do Sol houses an inviting café, while Miradouro de Santa Luzia is made up of azulejos and covered in flowers. Stop by Memmo Alfama Rooftop Terrace for (sunset) drinks with stunning views of Alfama’s red roofs.
10. Walk the walls of Castelo de Sao Jorge
Castelo de Sao Jorge is visible from every viewpoint and rooftop in Lisbon. The castle was built during the Moorish occupation, but the highest hill in Lisbon was being used as an outpost for centuries before that. It is a short climb from Alfama’s central Largo Portas do Sol square to reach the castle entrance. You can walk along the fortress’ walls to eleven towers and get expansive views of the city.
11. Revisit the Age of Discovery along the Tagus
The neighborhood of Belém recalls the Age of Discovery, a time where Portugal and Spain led the first big maritime explorations. The Monument to the Discoveries was built in the shape of a caravel sailing ship to commemorate this golden era for Portugal. The Belém Tower formed part of the coastal defense system, while the lavish Jerónimo’s Monastery was built with the proceeds of these profitable expeditions.
12. Try the original Pastéis de Belém
Pastel de nata is Portugal’s most popular pastry, found throughout the country and by now even the world. Only the pastéis de nata made at the original Belém bakery – more like a factory nowadays – receive the name pastéis de Belém. The recipe of this custard tart was created by monks at Jeronimos Monastery next door in the 19th century. You can brave the long line for a seat, or order them to go with views of the Tagus.
Day Trips from Lisbon
13. Catch a train to Cascais
The charming coastal town of Cascais is just a 40-minute train ride away from Cais do Sodré Station in Lisbon. Cascais became a summer retreat for the monarchy and elite in the 19th century. It still maintains this atmosphere today, with many villas found in and around town. A pleasant coastal road leads from the historic center to Boca do Inferno, where the Atlantic Ocean clashes into the rocky coastline.
14. Visit the palaces and coast of Sintra
The Sintra mountains house a fairytale land, scattered with royal palaces, castles and romantic estates. They tower out above Sintra’s picturesque historic town center. There are many palaces to pick from, but the most emblematic ones for a first visit include Pena Palace, the National Palace of Sintra and Quinta da Regaleira. Continue for 30 minutes through the Sintra mountains to reach Azenhas do Mar, a beautiful coastal village.
15. Explore Obidos and the waves of Nazaré
Obidos and Nazaré are located two hours from the capital, making up a great day trip for repeat visitors to Lisbon. Obidos is one of Portugal’s best preserved medieval towns. You can circle the town completely by walking on the former defense walls. Try local speciality ginjinha served in chocolate cups on the cobblestoned streets. Continuing towards the coast, you’ll reach the surf mecca of Portugal. Red Bull’s big wave challenge is held every winter in Nazaré, where you can see surfers practice any day with big swells.
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