Lisbon Travelers Recommend

For a unique way to experience the Portuguese capital, hop aboard a vintage streetcar and ride up and down the city's hills. With nostalgic trams and scenic routes, the Lisbon Tramway is more than just public transit. See below for your options.

Highlights

• Ride through Lisbon's picturesque hilltop neighborhoods aboard a vintage wooden tramcar, the city’s most of Lisbon on its most iconic form of transportation.

• Choose from five tram routes, including the famous Tram No. 28, which runs between Castelo de São Jorge, Bairro Alto, and Graça.

• Maximize your time in the city with a hop-on hop-off Lisbon tram tour.

Guided Tram Tours

See the city and tackle its notorious hills without breaking a sweat on a tram tour and benefit from the inside knowledge of a local tour guide. For the best value, combine the ride with a walking tour of the city, stopping at sights such as Praça da Figueira, Martim Moniz, Jardim da Estrela, Sé Cathedral, and Sao Bento.

Hop-on Hop-off Tours

Hop-on hop-off tours offer the flexibility to customize your itinerary to suit your preferences. Opt for a 24-, 48-, or 72-hour ticket and enjoy multiple bus and tram lines, exploring Lisbon neighborhoods such as Baixa, Alfama, Chiado & Bairro Alto, Belém, and Estrela. For the best value, choose a combo tour that includes other Lisbon activities such as a cruise along the Tagus River.

Private Tours

For a personal touch, choose a private tour. These options ensure the undivided attention of a guide and an itinerary tailormade for your interests, whether you want to get to know the city better or keep the kids entertained.

Mix cultural diversity and a laid-back atmosphere with tree-lined avenues graced by Art Nouveau buildings, mosaic pavements, and street cafes, and you have Lisbon. To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the sights that make this city so charming, see below for our list of must-do activities in Lisbon.

With three days in Lisbon, you’ll have the chance to really get a feel for local culture and history, with plenty of time to explore the city’s art museums, experience its UNESCO-listed monuments, and listen to fado music. Plus you can journey into the beautiful Portuguese countryside. Here’s how to maximize three days in and around Lisbon.

Day 1: Getting to Know Lisbon

Spend today familiarizing yourself with the city and its major sights. A popular way to get your bearings is by riding Tram 28, Lisbon’s iconic yellow tram that weaves through many picturesque old neighborhoods. Note that lines to board can be long, especially during summer, so you might opt for a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour or guided walking tour instead. Don’t-miss attractions include Belem Tower (Torre de Belém) and Jeronimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos), UNESCO World Heritage Sites and fine examples of Manueline architecture. Other top sights include Sao Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge), a Moorish castle with gorgeous city views, and Carmo Convent, a ruined church housing an archaeology museum. However, for many visitors, the real charm of Lisbon is found wandering its cobblestoned streets, particularly in the Alfama and Barrio Alto neighborhoods, both known for charming architecture and enchanting fado music performances.

Day 2: Day Trip to Sintra and Cascais

For good reason, there are loads of private and small-group day tours from Lisbon to Sintra, a city full of old gardens and villas that have collectively earned UNESCO World Heritage status. Attractions include beautiful Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena), a yellow-hued structure that mixes myriad architectural elements, from Egyptian to Gothic; the Monserrate Palace (Palacio de Monserrate); and the Gothic estate of Quinta da Regaleira. There’s enough here to easily warrant a full day, with plenty lunch and shopping spots, though many travelers who want to make the most of their time in the region choose tours that also visit Cascais. Like Sintra, this old fishing town is full of lovely (but not nearly as ornate) architecture and charming little streets, not to mention a sandy beach. It’s a popular weekend getaway for Lisboans and a great place to relax, wander, or sample fresh seafood.  

Day 3: City Museums or Countryside Excursions

How you spend your final day depends largely on your interests. Art and history lovers may want to stick to Lisbon, checking out some of its noteworthy museums. Popular choices include the National Museum of Ancient Art (Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga), full of centuries of Asian and European art, and the Berardo Museum (Museu Coleção Berardo), known for its contemporary and modern art and installations. Those who are eager to get out of the city, however, should opt for a trip to Fátima, home to one of the world’s most important Virgin Mary shrines—it marks the spot where Mother Mary allegedly appeared to three local children. Many travelers choose to hit up both attractions in a single day, and tours to the area often stop at other important religious sites en route way, including the Cistercian Monastery of Alcobaça (Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça) and the Batalha Monastery (Mosteiro da Batalha).

With its mournful melodies and intricate guitar, Fado is one of Portugal's most enduring traditions, dating back to the 1820s. Attending a Fado show in Lisbon is the best way to experience the soulful folk music for yourself—here are our top picks.

Highlights

• Listen to authentic Fado music at one of Lisbon’s live music venues.

• Combine an evening Fado show with a sunset walking tour of Lisbon or a panoramic night tour of the city.

• Tuck into a delicious three-course meal during a Fado dinner show.

• A number of seating options are available.

• Most tours include hotel pickup and drop-off.

Fado Shows with Dinner

Make the most of your evening by combining a moving Fado performance with a delicious dinner. Most dinner shows include a three-course meal of classic Portuguese cuisine and wine, as well as pickup and return transfers to your hotel, so you can concentrate on enjoying the evening.

Fado Shows with Walking Tours

Discover Lisbon's history and heritage by combining a walking tour of the city with an unforgettable Fado performance. See the capital at its most atmospheric on a sunset walking tour, admire the illuminated landmarks on a panoramic night tour, or discover the birthplace of Fado in Lisbon's Alfama district before finishing the night off with a Fado dinner show. 

Although Lisbon is most famous for its ornate architecture and fado music, the cosmopolitan capital of Portugal offers families a diverse program of attractions and activities. Here are some of the best ways to keep kids entertained in Lisbon.

Highlights

• Spend the day at Parque das Nações, home to the futuristic Lisbon Oceanarium (Oceanário de Lisboa) and a cable car that offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Segway tours provide a fun way to travel from the park to attractions.
• Travel back in time with a Virtual Reality experience, which uses cutting-edge technology to transport you to bygone eras and injects immersive fun into traditional sightseeing tours.
• Explore on a hop-on hop-off bus, which allows you to create your own family-friendly itinerary rather than following a set schedule.
• Sample Portuguese treats at Time Out Market Lisbon, where diverse street food stalls are sure to appeal to even the pickiest of eaters.
• See the fairy-tale palaces of Sintra on a private day trip, which can be personalized to appeal to younger travelers. Sintra’s brightly colored castles and mysterious grottoes are sure to intrigue kids.
• Take an electric bike tour and ascend to the summits of Lisbon’s seven hills without breaking a sweat.
• Escape to the beach in Cascais, where you can swim in the Atlantic Ocean, go paddleboarding, and enjoy an ice cream on the sand.

Much like the rest of Mediterranean Europe, spring in Lisbon sees temperatures begin to climb and flowers bloom, making it the ideal time for outdoor exploration. The months of March and April also mean far fewer crowds than the summer season, so you can spend less time waiting in line and more time enjoying the sights. Here are some of our top picks for springtime activities in the Portuguese capital.

• Take advantage of sunny skies during a sightseeing cruise on the River Tagus.
• Soak up the sunshine from the upper deck of a hop-on hop-off bus on a tour that allows you to create your own itinerary.
• Explore Pena National Palace and the fairy-tale castles of Sintra during a tour of the town’s historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Take a Lisbon walking tour that reveals the culture and history of Portugal’s capital.
• Beat the heat in a naturally cool underground wine cellar on a wine-tasting tour.
• Feel the breeze as you explore the city during a tuk-tuk tour, ideal for couples.
• Spend the day at sea on a kayaking excursion, exploring secluded caves, beaches, and bays.
• Lounge on the golden sands of the beach of Cascais, where you can also enjoy water sports.

Two days in Lisbon give you enough time to explore the city’s famed cobblestone streets and have some of its top experiences, from Jeronimos Monastery to a live fado performance. Plus you can take a day trip out to the beautiful towns of Sintra and Cascais. Here’s how to maximize 48 hours in and around the Portuguese capital.

Day 1: Highlights of Lisbon

Morning: Get the lay of the Lisbon land on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour or guided walking tour. Alternatively, board the yellow-hued Tram 28, a route that’s become emblematic of the city; you’re best off going round-trip from Martim Moniz. Afterward, head to one of the charming cafés at Rossio Square for lunch.

Afternoon: Devote hours to two of Lisbon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and most beautiful examples of Manueline architecture: Belem Tower (Torre de Belém) and Jeronimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos), about a 15-minute walk apart. The monastery houses Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama’s tomb.

Night: Spend your evening soaking up local culture at a traditional tavern in the Bairro Alto or Alfama neighborhood. Both have a host of pubs where fado, a traditional form of music characterized by melancholic storytelling, is performed, often while petiscos (Portuguese tapas) is served.

Day 2: Day Trip to Sintra and Cascais

Morning: Spend your second day touring two of the most interesting day trip destinations from Lisbon: Sintra and Cascais. Start with Sintra, known for its gorgeous architecture, including 19th-century National Palace of Pena (Palácio da Pena), an extravagant castle that looks like it was plucked from a fairy tale.

Afternoon: While you could easily spend a whole day in Sintra, it’s worth heading out to Cascais, an old fishing town that’s popular with weekending Lisboans in summer. Though not as grandiose as what’s found in Sintra, the architecture here is still pretty lavish, with lots of lovely old structures throughout the picturesque town.

Night: If you’re into seafood, it may be worth sticking around Cascais for dinner; the town is full of charming seafood restaurants. Alternatively, head back to Lisbon, making sure to pair your evening meal with some local wine, port, or delicious ginjinha, a Portuguese cherry liqueur that’s often served in chocolate cups.

Fall in Lisbon sees the scorching temperatures of summer begin to drop, making it the ideal season for outdoor activities. Though fall comes with fewer crowds, evening time is chilly, so be sure to dress for the weather. Here are a few of the best ways to enjoy Lisbon in autumn.

• Take a day trip to explore Sintra’s fairy-tale castles, including Pena National Palace, on a tour of the town’s historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Sample world-renowned pasteis de natas (custard tarts) at the source in Belém, which is also home to several historical attractions.
• Opt for a hands-on cultural experience during a glassblowing or tile-making workshop.
• Soar over Lisbon and its coastline during a hot-air-balloon ride —the ultimate romantic experience for couples.
• Relish cooler fall temperatures as you learn about the culture and history of Portugal’s capital on a walking tour.
• Take advantage of golden autumn light during a photography tour of historic districts such as Alfama and Baixa.
• Admire Lisbon from the water during a sunset dinner cruise on the Tagus River.

Due to its proximity to the Atlantic, it’s not always warm winds and sunny skies in Lisbon. When rain clouds burst, you’re likely to experience some consistent showers, so it’s best to plan a day of indoor activities. Here are a few of our top picks for a rainy day in the Portuguese capital.

• Spend a few hours at the Lisbon Oceanarium (Oceanário de Lisboa), viewing hundreds of marine species from around the world.
• Ride Lisbon’s historic tramways during a hop-on-hop-off-tram tour that covers districts such as Alfama, Chiado, and Bairro Alto.
• Catch a fado performance in a cozy, candle-lit venue that was made for rainy days.
• Head indoors to sample some of Lisbon’s best culinary offerings during a food tour or a visit to the Time Out Market.
• Tick off some of Lisbon’s museums, which include the National Tile Museum, Design and Fashion Museum (MUDE), and the National Museum of Ancient Art.
• Take in the sights and stay dry on a themed or hop-on-hop-off bus or boat tour.

Winter in Lisbon means cool but not cold temperatures and mostly dry days, plus the benefit of far fewer crowds and a scattering of festive events. Longer nights and earlier sunsets also make winter the perfect season to explore Lisbon by night. Here’s how best to enjoy the cooler months in Portugal’s capital.

• Take advantage of longer nights on an evening walking tour to learn about the city’s history and enjoy its landmarks illuminated by night.
• Spend the day exploring the medieval town of Obidos, which hosts Christmas markets during the holiday season.
• Conquer Lisbon’s seven hills without breaking a sweat on an electric-bike tour that takes you to the city’s best vantage points.
• Eat your fill of Portuguese cuisine on a food tour that focuses on local markets, cheese, and charcuterie.
• Soar over Lisbon’s Atlantic coastline and take in Cabo da Roca, Europe’s westernmost point, during a scenic helicopter flight.
• Enjoy the year’s best waves while still keeping warm in a wetsuit during a surfing lesson.
• Explore the best of Portuguese culture with a fado show and wine-tasting tour of Lisbon’s cozy, century-old cellars.
• Delve deeper into the religious history of Portugal on an excursion to the pilgrimage site of Fátima, combined with relaxation at the nearby seaside resort of Nazaré.

While summers in Lisbon can be hot, persistent breezes and a lack of rainfall keep things pleasant; just make sure to book ahead, as this is the high season in the city. Here are our tips for the best ways to spend your long summer days in the Portuguese capital.

• Get a great view of Lisbon’s cityscape from aboard a hop-on hop-off tour bus.
• Watch the sunset over the Tagus River aboard an intimate river cruise.
• Zip from bakery to ice-cream shop with a Segway food tour.
• Visit the enchanting town of Sintra, celebrated for its whimsical architecture.
• Hear Portugal’s plaintive national music and dine on local cuisine at a Fado dinner show.
• Sign up for a pastry-making workshop and learn how to whip up your own Portuguese desserts.
• Learn about Portuguese wine with a wine-tasting tour.
• Try your hand at Portuguse cooking with a culinary class in the home of a local.
• Take a trip out to Fátima, Portugal's most important Marian site.
• Check out the fantastic collection of contemporary art on display at the Museu Coleção Berardo.

The port city of Lisbon has long enthralled visitors with its charming streets, stunning architecture, beautiful hilltop views, and abundance of culinary and cultural experiences on offer. Here's how to make the most of one day in the Portuguese capital.

Morning: Manueline Marvels

Whether with a guided walking tour or solo, start today at Belem Tower (Torre de Belém), a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating to the 16th century and one of the city’s most iconic structures. Continue to the nearby Jeronimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos), which, like Belém, is an excellent example of Manueline (Portuguese late Gothic) architecture, and a fascinating place full of impressive art; it also contains Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama’s tomb. Next, journey to the charming Bairro Alto neighborhood, known for its beautiful cobblestone streets. Take a ride up the Bica Funicular (Elevador da Bica) to St. Roch Church (Igreja de São Roque) before lunch.

Afternoon: Sightseeing on Tram 28

Hop aboard Tram 28, Lisbon’s most famous tram line with a route that provides great insight into the city. Many travelers use it as a sightseeing tour, grabbing window seats and taking photos along the way, though you can also get off and on again along the route. Seats fill up quickly, so it may be best to board at Martim Moniz and stay on the whole time. Once you’ve made a complete circuit, spend a little time exploring Rossio Square, with its towering Column of Pedro IV. Alternatively, Lisbon’s hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour is similarly customizable and convenient.

Night: Fado in Alfama

Come evening, travel over to Alfama, the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon. Start by going up to Sao Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge) for great city views; if you arrive after 6pm you’ll have to experience it from the outside. Then head into the neighborhoods below, wandering the hilly streets. Once you’ve worked up an appetite for dinner, stop in one of the area’s many taverns to grab a meal while experiencing a live performance of fado, a Portuguese musical tradition characterized by melancholic lyrical storytelling. Alternatively, enjoy dusk on the water aboard a sunset sailing tour on the Tagus River.

Portugal has been producing wine since the time of the Roman Empire and today produces some of the world’s most celebrated types, most notably fortified ports and Vinho Verde. Here are some must-try wine varietals and tasting experiences in Lisbon.

Must-Try Varietals

Some of Portugal’s most distinctive wines come from a region known as Vinho Verde. These low-alcohol wines, mostly white and made from Alvarinho, Loureiro, and Trajadura grapes, are young and vibrant, often with a little spritz, making them a refreshing option for a summer afternoon or accompanied by Lisbon’s succulent seafood. Aside from this, the terraced vineyards along the Douro River famously produce port, Portugal’s iconic fortified dessert wine. Several wine regions in the Lisbon area produce notable wines with Ramisco grapes, while the wineries of the Setubal Peninsula specialize in Castelão grapes, the most planted red grape in Portugal.

Must-Do Experiences

• Sip on port and nibble on cheese and pastries during a Lisbon food and wine tour.

• Hone your palate during an hour-long guided port tasting in the Belem district.

• Wine and dine in one of Portugal's many notable wine regions, such as Setubal, Alentejo, Azeitao, or Ribatejo, on a day trip from Lisbon.

• Combine a visit to Arrabida Natural Park with a tasting in an authentic Portuguese winery.

Lisbon is renowned for its hot culinary scene featuring casual cafes, Spanish-style tapas bars, and fine-dining establishments highlighting the creations of Portugal's top chefs. Here are some favorite dishes and food tours you won't want to miss.

Must-Try Dishes

The seafood in Lisbon is world-famous, and diners will find bacalhau (salted cod) on nearly every menu in the city—grilled, fried, au gratin, or scrambled with rice and eggs.Carne de porco Alentejana, Lisbon's take on surf and turf, is made by simmering pork and clams in their juices and serving them up on a bed of roasted potatoes. On a chilly afternoon, nothing beats a warm bowl of caldo verde, a rich broth seasoned with onions, potatoes, cabbage, and Portuguese chorizo, but no matter what you're eating, wash it down with a glass of Portugal's famous port. For dessert, save room for a pastel de nata, a warm, creamy egg custard tart sometimes dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

Must-Do Experiences

• Take a day or night food and wine tour to sample the best bites from Lisbon's traditional eateries.

• Hop on a Segway for a sightseeing tour and food tasting.

• Brush up on your cooking skills by preparing a three-course meal under the direction of an expert chef.

• Treat your tastebuds and your ears during a live Fado performance with dinner.

Many of Lisbon's streets and historic neighborhoods teem with colorful works of urban art addressing themes of Portuguese history, pop culture, fado music, political tension, and the fantastical. Here are the best places to find Lisbon street art.

Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto ranks among Lisbon's most colorful neighborhoods, where street art adorns the walls of just about everything, from bars and restaurants to tascas and tattoo parlors. Some of the most striking murals in this bohemian neighborhood are along Rua da Vinha, Rua de São Boaventura, and Travessa dos Fiéis de Deus.

Marques de Pombal

This roundabout in the heart of Lisbon is where the city's main avenues meet. It's also the location of several large pieces of artwork painted across three buildings along Avenida Fontes Pereira de Melo.

Graça and Mouraria

Visitors to Castle of São Jorge can walk up Rua da Madalena and the Escahinhas de São Cristovão to see a series of murals celebrating the music style known as fado. Also in the neighborhood is the Graça Literary Walk, where a local art collective has painted murals of Portuguese writers who once lived in the neighborhood. Not far from the castle, the walls of the medieval alleyways of Mouraria double as a colorful canvas for local street artists to showcase their work.

Alfama

Just below the hill of Alfama sits one of the trendiest waterfront developments in the city, the Tobacco Garden (Jardim do Tobaco). Here, visitors are treated to a collaborative work of art by two of Portugal's top urban artists, Vhils and Pixel Pancho.

Alcantara

This neighborhood between downtown and Belém is home to several notable works of street art, mostly on and around the LxFactory industrial complex.

Sprawling across southern Portugal from the Spanish border to the Atlantic coast, the Alentejo wine region is famous for its smooth reds, which are sipped all over Lisbon. Here's how to visit this wine destination on a day trip from the capital.

Highlights

• Sample some of Portugal's most celebrated reds and table wines.

• Explore the architecture and Roman ruins of Évora, the capital of Alentejo.

• Taste local olive oil and learn how cork is produced.

• Tour the countryside on horseback along the Lucefecit River.

• Day trips from Lisbon last upwards of eight hours for a full-day experience.

Small-Group Tours

Often limited to fewer than 10 people, small-group tours offer a budget-friendly way to explore this renowned wine region while still enjoying an intimate experience. With your guide, venture east from Lisbon for a day of sightseeing and wine sampling—depending on the tour you choose, you might taste some Portuguese olive oil, feast on a two-course lunch, or visit the Cathedral of Évora, Almendres Cromlech, or the Chapel of Bones.

Private Tours

Perfect for families or friend groups, private tours include personal attention from your guide while visiting the monuments of Évora, sipping on Alentejo wines and olive oils, and touring Portugal's oldest pottery factory. Ask as many questions as you want, and enjoy a flexible itinerary.

With its majestic sunsets and secluded lookout points, Lisbon is an ideal destination choice for couples. From sunset cruises to fado serenades, here are a few ways to get romantic in Portugal’s charming capital.

Feel the Emotion of a Fado Performance

Once you experience the magic of fado, you'll understand why the performing art is deemed an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Fado performances, which typically combine an operatic-style singing voice and acoustic guitar, are normally held in cozy, candle-lit taverns off the cobbled streets of Chiado.

Take a Sunset Cruise on the River Tagus

Sailing on the River Tagus at sunset is the ultimate recipe for romance. Cruise options are plentiful. Celebrate something special with your own private yacht or sip sparkling wine and enjoy traditional Portuguese fare on a dinner cruise.

Enjoy Port Wine and Tapas for Two

As the name suggests, Portugal is renowned for its port wine, which is fermented in subterranean cellars throughout the country. Enjoy distinctive varieties of port wine; sample local delicacies such as spicy sausage and custard tarts; or have dinner with a view at a romantic rooftop restaurant overlooking the city.

Discover the Colorful Castles of Sintra

There are few places more romantic than Sintra, where a colorful confection of palaces, castles, and grottoes are scattered amid mist-shrouded mountains. To feel like you’ve got the place to yourself, opt for a private tour that also saves you the awkwardness of having to ask strangers to snap photos of you.