Ultimate Guide to Lisbon: How to Plan Your Visit
(Guide to Lisbon – Top Things to Do, Where to Stay, What to Eat, Best Time to Visit & Transport Tips)
Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, is a city of stunning viewpoints, historic trams, and delicious pastéis de nata. From the majestic Belém Tower to the lively streets of Alfama, Lisbon offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and modern charm.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to Lisbon!
Recommended tickets and tours
- 🎫 Lisbon Card – Unlimited public transport + attraction discounts.
Top Things to See & Do in Lisbon 🏰
No visit to Lisbon is complete without exploring its iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Here are the top attractions and experiences:
1. Explore Belém: Tower & Monastery 🏰
📌 Belém Tower – A UNESCO-listed fortress that once protected Lisbon’s harbour.
📌 Jerónimos Monastery – A masterpiece of Manueline architecture and the resting place of Vasco da Gama.
📌 Try the original Pastel de Nata from Pastéis de Belém!
2. Wander Through the Alfama District 🏙️
📌 The oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon, filled with narrow alleys, tiled facades, and Fado music echoing from traditional taverns.
📌 Visit Miradouro de Santa Luzia for breathtaking views over the Tagus River.
📌 Ride the historic Tram 28, a scenic way to explore Alfama.
3. Visit São Jorge Castle 🏰
📌 A medieval fortress offering stunning views of the city from its hilltop perch.
📌 Wander through its ancient ramparts and gardens, home to peacocks!
💶 €15 each (adult price – March 2025)
4. Experience the Lively Bairro Alto & Chiado 🎉
📌 By day, explore Chiado’s cafes, bookstores, and historic landmarks.
📌 By night, Bairro Alto comes alive with tapas bars, live music, and Fado performances.
5. Marvel at the Elevador de Santa Justa
📌 An iron elevator with a stunning viewpoint over downtown Lisbon.
📌 Originally designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel, its structure is a work of art.
📌 Cost in March 2025 – €6.10
6. Visit the LX Factory 🎨
📌 A trendy hub of cafes, street art, boutique shops, and rooftop bars.
📌 A great place to experience Lisbon’s creative side!
7. Take a Day Trip to Sintra + Pena Palace
📌 Just 40 minutes from Lisbon, Sintra is a fairy-tale town filled with colourful palaces, lush gardens, and mystical forests.
📌 Must-sees: Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira & Moorish Castle.
⭐️ We booked a small group day tour, which included Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais and had an amazing time. We highly recommend this tour as we got to see a lot in one day, were not rushed and had the most wonderful and enthusiastic tour guide.
Where to Stay in Lisbon 🏨
Lisbon has various accommodation options, from luxury hotels to boutique stays.
Guide to Lisbon’s Best Areas to Stay
📌 Baixa & Chiado – Central location, ideal for first-time visitors.
📌 Alfama – Perfect for history lovers and a traditional atmosphere.
📌 Bairro Alto – Lively nightlife and fantastic restaurants.
📌 Avenida da Liberdade – Great for luxury stays and high-end shopping.
Recommended Hotels & Apartments
🏨 Luxury: The Lumiares Hotel & Spa – A stylish boutique hotel in Chiado.
🏨 Mid-Range: My Story Hotel Rossio – A great central location.
🏨 Budget: Home Lisbon Hostel – One of the best-rated hostels in Lisbon!
Where we stayed:
🏨 The Editory Riverside Hotel – located at Lisbon’s Santa Apolonia station in the Alfama District- ticked all the boxes for us.
What to Eat in Lisbon 🍽
Lisbon is a food lover’s paradise! Here are some must-try dishes:
🍽 Bacalhau à Brás – Shredded salted cod with onions, potatoes, and eggs.
🐟 Sardinhas Assadas – Grilled sardines, a Lisbon classic!
🥪 Bifana – A delicious pork sandwich, best with mustard and a cold beer.
🍽 Pastel de Nata – Iconic Portuguese custard tart.
🍒 Ginjinha – A cherry liqueur often served in a chocolate cup.
Best Places to Eat & Drink
👨🏻🍳Time Out Market – A must-visit for foodies featuring Lisbon’s top chefs
🐙 Ramiro – The best place for seafood lovers!
🍒 A Ginjinha – The original spot to try Lisbon’s famous cherry liqueur.
🍮 Mateigaria– For that iconic Portuguese custard tart
Best Time to Visit Lisbon ☀️
📅 Spring (March-May) & Autumn (Sept-Nov) – Perfect weather and fewer crowds.
📅 Summer (June-August) – Hot and lively, but expect Lisbon to be very crowded.
📅 Winter (Dec-Feb) – Mild temperatures, great for sightseeing.
Our experience March 2025 – We found the daytime temperatures were generally between 15/18 degrees with a mixture of sunshine and showers. Bring a raincoat if you come in March, that’s our advice!
How to Get Around Lisbon 🚍🛴
🚍 Trams & Metro – Efficient and affordable.
🚕 Uber – We found Uber to be reliable and cheap in Lisbon. We used Uber a number of times to get around the city.
🎫 Lisbon Card – Unlimited public transport + attraction discounts.
🛺 Tuk-tuks – Great for exploring hilly streets! There are a number of tuk tuk tours available to explore the city.
Guide to Lisbon & more
Lisbon will steal your heart, whether you’re wandering through its historic streets, enjoying the vibrant nightlife, or indulging in delicious Portuguese food. Its rich history, lively culture, and incredible views make it a must-visit in Portugal.
Portugal Travel Cheatsheet
