The first time I visited Portugal’s hilly capital city was during a 10-month backpacking trip around the world, and it’s one of the only cities on my itinerary that I’ve returned to since then. Lisbon is understandably one of the most visited destinations in Europe. That’s probably because booking a trip to Europe comes with a few expectations, namely good food, historical sites and unique European architecture—and any Lisbon itinerary will generously deliver on all three fronts.
Sitting on the western coast of Portugal, Lisbon marries the laidback qualities of a seaside city with the historic charm of a European capital. Nicknamed “the city of seven hills,” Lisbon is known for its hilly landscape and the colorful trams that whisk people between them. The hills give way to plenty of incredible viewpoints throughout the city, or “miradouros”, as they’re called in the Portuguese-speaking city.
Lisbon is also known for its fantastic seafood cuisine—which has become my favorite aspect of visiting. It’s one of the only cities in the world in which I often reminisce about the meals I’ve had. From the seafood stews to an array of cod fish dishes, this Lisbon itinerary is certainly a delight for seafood lovers.
Overall, it’s a universally popular destination, ideal for every type of traveler including honeymooners, families, backpackers or groups of friends. Plus, there’s really no bad time to visit. Because of its extreme popularity, the shoulder months between March and May are ideal for visitors who don’t enjoy crowds. It’s Mediterranean climate means it never gets too cold, with mild, rainy winters and warm, sunny summers.
Wandering the city by foot is the best way to get to experience its old European charm. While your Lisbon itinerary could include an entire week exploring Portugal’s capital and nearby cities and beaches, there’s a lot you can accomplish in a couple of days.
In a Hurry? Book Lisbon's Most Popular Tours and Attractions Now:
Some links may be affiliate links. This means we may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking certain links at no extra cost to you.
5 Things to do in Lisbon
1. Find As Many "Miradouros" As You Can
Lisbon’s miradouros, as the many designated viewpoints are called, offer spectacular views over the city and the Tagus River. There’s a number of them thrown about the city you can add to your Lisbon itinerary. There will often be signs signaling “miradouro this way,” with an arrow pointing up. My advice: Follow those signs. A few of the best views can be found at Miradouro das Portas do Sol, Miradouro da Graça and Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.
2. Ride the Tram
3. Visit Torre de Belém
The historic Torre de Belém might be Lisbon’s most recognizable landmark and is a must-do on your Lisbon itinerary. The ornate fort sits on the Tagus River about 20 minutes from the center of Lisbon. Visitors can get there via public transportation, taxi or car. Though you can enter the fort for a small fee, the real beauty lies outside of it. Aside from the beauty of the fort itself, there’s also a nice view of the Golden Gate-like 25th of April Bridge here. When you’re done, head over to the famed Pastéis de Belém restaurant for an authentic Portugese egg tart nearby.
4. Visit St. George's Castle and Explore the Surrounding Neighborhood
5. Take a Day Trip to Sintra
Located in a mountainous region outside the city, Sintra is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. If time allows, a day trip to Sintra is the perfect addition to your Lisbon itinerary. The region is home to a number of famous forts and castles, including the crazy colorful Palácio da Pena. I suggest arriving early, as the palace gets extremely crowded. I also recommend taking public transportation from Lisbon, or if you’re driving a rental, leave it in a parking lot in Sintra proper and take a cab up to the castle, as there’s little to no parking up on the mountain.
4 Places to Eat in Lisbon
1. Pastéis de Belém
You cannot leave Lisbon without trying the quintessential Portugese egg tarts known as pastéis de nata. For the best ones in the city, you should head to the restaurant where the tarts were originally created, Pastéis de Belém. The restaurant reportedly makes the tarts according to an original top secret recipe.
2. Time Out Market
3. Merendinha do Arco Bandeira
4. Local Tascas
Local restaurants in Lisbon are known as tascas—and the best ones are found in neighborhoods away from most tourist attractions. Tascas serve large heaps of home-style Portugese cooking for low prices, and they’re a great place to mingle with locals. There are numerous tascas around the city, and you can’t go wrong strolling into one for lunch to add some authenticity to your Lisbon itinerary.
3 Instagram Spots in Lisbon
1. Torre de Belém
The Torre de Belém is one of the most iconic Instagram spots in Lisbon. The tower itself is picture-perfect, and the surrounding river setting makes the scene that much more dramatic. To get a photo with no one in it, make sure to arrive around sunset, after the entrance to the tower has been closed to the public. At this time there will be no one on the wooden pathway leading up to the tower.
2. Yellow Funicular
3. Palácio da Pena
A day trip to Sintra means adding one of the most Instagrammable palaces in the world to your Lisbon itinerary. The photo opportunities are endless at Pena Palace. Walk the castle’s walls to find the red tower that overlooks Sintra valley for one of the dreamies Instagram shots in all of Portugal.
2 Places to Stay in Lisbon
1. Close to Attractions in Central Lisbon
First-time visitors who want to be located near Lisbon’s main tourist attractions should opt for hotels or Airbnb apartments in Baixa district, the Chiado district or near the Avenida da Liberdade. These neighborhoods home to plenty of bars, restaurants and shops, and can simplify your Lisbon itinerary.
2. Live Like a Local in the Alfama District
For a stay with a bit more character, head over to my favorite neighborhood, the Alfama district. As one of Lisbon’s oldest, the neighborhood is made up of winding alleyways and buildings dressed in Portuguese tiles known as azulejos. Why not opt for an adorable Airbnb apartment to create a local’s Lisbon itinerary.
1 Insider Tip for Lisbon
Author's Bio
Carla Vianna is a travel writer and content creator who landed in NYC after a yearlong trip around the world. Her site Travel by Carla Vianna will inspire you to take your next trip—whether that be an adventure-filled weekend getaway or a monthslong stint in Southeast Asia (or anywhere, really).
I loved Lisbon!! Would you believe that I never got to ride a tram while there? Next time, though! I wasn’t a fan of Time Out Market at all – I’d rather hit up a tiny, local place, although Time Out is convenient. I love Lisbon and can’t wait to head back!
This was like revisiting Lisbon which we had visited two years back. We had stayed in Alfama District purely for the reason of getting a local feel. Although we were there for 3 days, we seemed to have covered almost all that you have mentioned including Sintra. Except some of the places to eat that you have featured.
I just read a post about Goa and its heritage links to Portugal, and now that I see you colorful images of Lisbon, the affinity between the two is clear. I haven’t been to Portugal, but we’ve been talking about it for years, ever since I went to Sao Paulo I’ve been intrigued about spending an extended trip here … Thanks for the tip about the hidden help to get us up the hills.
Thanks for taking me back to Lisbon. We liked it so much we went back 3 times in the same year! But even with 3 trips we missed a visit to Sintra. That will go to the top of the list for next time. A cab up from the train station is a great idea to persevere my energy! We tried custard tarts all over Portugal. And we think the best were still at Pasteis de Belem. Worth a visit on every trip to Lisbon.
What a great tip about the elevators! It was such a hike to walk around the different neighborhoods, that we often found ourselves taking breaks and drinking lots of coffee haha. Lisbon is such a beautiful and diverse place! Thank you for the great post.
I’ve always wanted to visit Portugal and especially its beautiful capital, Lisbon, so I’m glad you posted some information about places to stay. The Torre de Belém and the yellow funicular look very instagramable, indeed. I didn’t realize that Sintra is so close that you can actually visit it on a day trip.
I have only been to Lisbon once and unfortunately didn’t have time to go to Pasteis de Belem. I have heard great things about their pastries and would definitely want to try that when I visit again! Also, your photo at Palacio de Pena looks sensational!!
Perfect Lisbon Itinerary. I find Lisbon the most beautiful city. The colors and the architectures are simply breathtaking. You have provided great details of the places to visit and places to eat. I would love to spend a few days in Sintra for sure. I find day trip can’t justify my hunger to explore a place. I hope you know what I mean. Thank you for the fantastic itinerary .
I am quite curious to know more about Torre de Belém and the Castle. I think that would occupy a lot of my itinerary. The colors and architecture are so similar to what they have left behind in Goa that I want to see them for myself and compare them. Am all game for the day trip too.