Lisbon has become a popular destination for many travelers, especially solo-travelers and that is because it has a unique blend of old-world charm (historic trams, narrowed cobble streets) and a lively, modern vibe: river views, colorful buildings on hills, and great food.
It’s a very walkable city (though hilly) and it has many lookout points (called Miradouro) to view different parts of the city. Lisbon has a rich heritage in architecture, maritime history and lots of neighborhoods with character. Read on to find out more about this beautiful city.
Basic Information
National Currency: Euro (€)
Time Zone: Western European Time (WET)
Language: Portuguese
Driving: Right-hand side
Transportation
Walking: Many parts of Lisbon are best enjoyed on foot (especially the historical neighborhoods), but note the hills.
Taxis / ride-shares (the most popular is Bolt) are also available.
Google Maps is a good app to use to figure out your way around the city. This app also works for public transportation like trains, metro, ferry, etc.
You can buy daily, weekly or monthly tickets for transport at several metro stations around the city. When I visited, I bought the Lisboa card which comes with up to 50 free attractions, free travel on public transport and other discounts. They have the option for 24, 48 and 72 hours so you can decide which works best for you. All you have to do is purchase the card online at Lisboa Card and pick it up at the airport or other locations found on their website.
Best Time to Visit
April – June and September are great times to visit as the weather is good and there are fewer crowds than peak summer months.
Summer gets very warm and busy; winter is milder here than most northern European countries. You can consider visiting in winter months if you don’t mind the cold.
Top Neighborhoods:
- Baixa & Chiado – Historic heart:
- Full of grand squares, straight boulevards, and is very central.
- A vibrant combination of history and contemporary city life: stylish shops, cafés, theatres, bookshops in Chiado; and in Baixa major thoroughfares, brand stores, cafés and the commercial hub of downtown.
- Great location for first-timers.
- Key places: Praça do Comércio (large riverside square) is iconic.
- While central and busy, Baixa/Chiado is reported as reasonably safe for tourists.
- Alfama & the Moorish Old Town:
- Alfama is the oldest district in Lisbon. It has winding alleys, historic charm, and great viewpoints.
- Because of the steep slopes and narrow streets, Alfama is great for walking but if you have mobility issues or heavy luggage it can be challenging.
- Visit Castelo de São Jorge for great views of the city and river.
- In the evening you’ll often find fado music (traditional Portuguese song) here.
- Explore away from the main tourist path: some of the lesser alleys have charming cafés, local shops, and fewer crowds.
- Belém & riverside monuments:
- The district of Belém has some of Lisbon’s most important monuments: the Jerónimos Monastery (UNESCO) and Belém Tower.
- Also, it’s where you’ll find the famous pastéis de nata shop Pastéis de Belém.
- Modern Lisbon & riverfront:
- The area of Parque das Nações is modern, with the impressive Oceanário de Lisboa (aquarium); great if you’ve got kids or want something more contemporary.
- The trendy artsy district LX Factory (former industrial area turned creative hub) is worth a side-trip for cafés, design shops, and street art.
Where to Stay
Budget ($):
- Hotel Gat Rossio: A very central location in the Baixa district, near metro and major sightseeing. Recommended if you’ll spend most of your time out exploring and want a central, clean base. See official website to book Hotel Gat Rossio.
- HF Fenix Garden: Clean and affordable rooms. Very good transport links, near major avenues and parks. Visit the official website HF Fenix Garden for more information.
- Pensão Praça da Figueira: Located just steps away from major squares, public transport, shops and restaurants. Good value for your money. See Pensão Praça da Figueira for more information.
Mid-range($$):
- HF Fenix Music: The hotel celebrates music throughout, with rooms equipped with Bluetooth speakers, dynamic lighting systems, and tech-friendly features. I stayed here on my trip and one thing I enjoyed is the outdoor rooftop pool with panoramic city views (looking out toward Parque Eduardo VII, the Tagus River and the castle of São Jorge). See HF Fenix Music to book.
- Brown’s Avenue Hotel: Stylish boutique hotel right off the upscale Avenida da Liberdade in central Lisbon. Good for travelers wanting more comfort and style without going full luxury. See Brown’s Avenue Hotel for more information.
- Hotel da Baixa: Located in the pedestrian core of Baixa, the property offers immediate access to restaurants, boutiques, and tram routes. It is also renowned for attentive service and detail-oriented hospitality. See Hotel da Baixa to book.
Luxury($$$):
- Corinthia Lisbon: A 5-star hotel offering full facilities: spa, indoor pool, upscale restaurants. Located slightly away from the busiest tourist streets; a bit quieter, more resort-style. See Corinthia Hotel for more information.
- Avenida Palace: Extremely central and convenient for exploring Lisbon’s historic core. If you enjoy hotels with heritage charm combined with modern comforts, this hotel delivers well. See Avenida Palace for more information.
- Olissippo Lapa Palace: A high-end luxury palace-style hotel located in Lisbon’s Lapa district. Price-tag is significant, but provides an exceptional experience for special occasions. See Olissippo Lapa Palace to book.
Food, Drink & Local Culture
- Try the famous pastel de nata (Portuguese egg-custard tart) – Manteigaria makes them really well.
- Traditional Portuguese dishes: fresh seafood, cod (bacalhau), grilled sardines, etc.
- Francesinha (sandwich featuring layers of meats, topped with melted cheese and a hot, thick tomato and beer sauce) – checkout Taberna Londrina for the best ones.
- For drinks: try the local cherry liqueur “ginjinha” (or ginja) if you’re curious.
- Cafés and casual dining: Lisbon has lots of charming cafés; take time for coffee and pastry.
- Nightlife: Bairro Alto is known for bars and late-night fun.
Things to Know
- Weather & packing: Even in summer, evenings can be cooler near the river; pack a light jacket.
- Culture & manners: Be respectful of local customs; Portuguese are welcoming.
- Shoes: Because of the hills and cobblestones, comfortable walking shoes are a must.
- Tourist density: Some attractions get busy. If there’s a “must-see,” try to go early or book ahead.
- Day-trips: If you have the time, leave one day for something outside the city (Sintra, Cascais, beach) to broaden your experience.
Things to Do
Lisbon is a very beautiful city with lots of things to do. From museums, viewpoints, and gardens, to galleries, and so much more.
There are so many places to explore so we have created an itinerary to help you explore Lisbon and make the most of your time.
Finally
If you like food & wine, research Portuguese wine regions (you could pair Lisbon with nearby wine tours).
If you love history & architecture, spend extra time in Alfama, Belém and any medieval/Maritime-era sites.
Whether you come for the history, the food, or the rhythm of life, Lisbon leaves a lasting impression that lingers long after you leave. It’s a city to wander, taste, and feel; a place where the past and present meet beneath the Atlantic sun.
Leave a Reply