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Things to Do in Lisbon, City of Seven Hills

Local tram in Lisbon the capital of Portugal
The Local tram in Lisbon the capital of Portugal

From epic hillside views to haunting Fado music and impossibly pretty streetscapes, Lisbon, the city of hills, was born to knock your socks off with charm. UNESCO World Heritage Sites sit alongside rowdy bars and cobbled laneways that tempt you to lose your way, over and over again.

Exploring Lisbon means delving into cool neighborhoods and finding views that seem ever more incredible than the last.

It’s hard to put the camera down, with a gasp-worthy shot around every corner.

However, when you do, you’ll sink into an atmosphere that’s entirely unique to the ‘City of Seven Hills’.

Lisbon has a lot to offer, something for everyone, here are 15 offbeat things to do in the Portuguese capital.

Portugal has more to offer than just Lisbon, click here for 20 of the most beautiful places to visit in Portugal.

Looking for road trips around Portugal or Europe? This can be one of the most beautiful ways to experience a country.

Top things to do in Lisbon, Portugal

As one of the oldest cities in western Europe, Lisbon is a feast of historic wonders.

On this story-filled backdrop, however, there’s always the undertone of trendy clubs, quirky shops, and gourmet bites that speak of the city’s modern, creative flare.

Get set for endless surprises in between mouthfuls of bacalhau – Portugal’s prized salted codfish – when you visit Lisbon.food to try in Lisbon

Jump on the tram

Not only do they get you around with ease, but Lisbon’s historic trams let you experience a transportation system that’s been going strong since the 19th century.

Rattling their way around town, you’ll come to love the sound of the vintage yellow carriages, called Remodelado, and the convenience of the modern Articulado.

The number 28 tram is the most popular for visitors, connecting Martim Moniz with Campo Ourique while crossing the districts you’ll want to check out.

Not quite so romantic is the modern number 15, but it’s a great way to get from the city center to Belém, with scenic river views along the way.

If you instead decide to walk around Lisbon, good shoes essential. Not sure which shoes you should wear? Here´s a guide for the 10 best shoes for walking in Europe.

Take your time exploring Alfama

If you dream of exploring a maze of cobbled streets filled with ancient houses and secrets of the past, Alfama will be among your top reasons to visit Lisbon.

The atmospheric streets wind up and downhills. While this might provide a bit of a workout, you won’t even notice among the rich heritage and artisan vibe of the city’s oldest neighborhood.

backstreet in Lisbon
Backstreet of Lisbon

Historically known for the poverty, grit, and grime of sailors and dock workers, Alfama is now almost too cool for school under the gaze of its colorful and ancient buildings. 

Climb up to Sao Jorge castle for 360-degree views, admire the majestic Lisbon Cathedral and head to a hole-in-the-wall bar to hear Fado music.

Most of all, though, it’s an absolute must to just let yourself get lost here in lanes filled with street art, cafes, and a buzzing social vibe.

If you want to buy something unique, shop at the famous Feira da Ladra, commonly known as the ‘thieves’ market’.

Lisbon overview
Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen is probably the best viewpoint in Lisbon.
Lisbon graffiti
Some of the graffiti that’s located all around Lisbon
Graffiti Lisbon art
Some graffiti on the walls around the hip areas of Lisbon

Bask in the magnificence of Baixa

One of the world’s biggest ever recorded earthquakes, along with a tsunami, destroyed the Baixa district in 1755.

Rebuilt in the neoclassical style, it’s now the city’s main tourist district, complete with grand architecture, lively plazas, and high-end shopping opportunities.

There’s more to it than meets the tourist-weary eye though, beyond the impressive Commerce Square.

Downtown Lisbon is the home of the world’s oldest operating bookstore, Livraria Bertrand Chiado. Pop into the Museum of Design and Fashion, ride the Elevador de Santa Justa from the low town to the high town, and fill up on cured meat, cheese, and sangria at the Mercado da Baixa food court.

Live it up in Bairro Alto and Chiado

Within easy walking distance of the Baixa district and each other, Chiado and Bairro Alto are the neighborhoods to visit for artsy cafes, theatres, and nightlife with a bohemian vibe.

Chiado’s claim to bohemian fame is the cafe A Brasileira, a past haunt of a poet, Fernando Pessoa, and a long line of romantic intellectuals and creatives.

This is an ideal neighborhood for simply strolling, shopping, and sipping coffee on sunny outdoor terraces, before heading to the theatre by night.

On the other hand, Bairro Alto’s quiet, picturesque streets come alive after sunset, with rooftop terraces for cocktails, Fado shows, indie bars, and plenty of festive action happening out on the streets of the City of Seven Hills.

The best approach is to bar-hop through the cobbled lanes and find the vibe that suits you, as there’s something fun for everyone.

Chill out in Belém

Belém Tower is a easy visit from Lisbon Portugal
Belém Tower is an easy visit from Lisbon

There’s plenty to see in Belém, with its leafy green spaces, river views, peaceful pathways, and succulent seafood restaurants. This is the spot to chill out and relax after traipsing up and down the hills of Lisbon.

You’ll see the iconic landmark of Belém Tower, with its rhinoceros gargoyle and Arabic watchtowers. For an even better view, take a boat trip on the Tagus River.

Jeronimos Monastery is another sight to behold, a World Heritage monument built on the site where Vasco Da Gama spent his last night before leaving for India.

Then, there’s Belém Palace, resting elegantly upon a hill with its pink-tinged exterior offsetting gorgeous landscaped gardens.

No visit to Belém is complete without a taste of cinnamon-topped egg custard tarts from Pastéis de Belém.

View-hop around town

Sunset over Lisbon from Alfama in Portugal
Sunset over Lisbon from Alfama
Lisbon sunset

Obviously, this city of seven hills has a whole lot of views to discover. Spread across the city, terraces – known as Miradouros – offer cafes and panoramas you’ll never get sick of admiring while sipping sangria.

You’ve definitely seen the Insta-worthy views of Lisbon’s orange rooftops and pastel buildings from Miradouro Da Portas Do Sol.Lisbon view

A garden setting accompanies the endless horizons at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. Have a snack at the cafe at Miradouro da Graça, especially at sunset.

The highest viewpoint is Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. With the castle sitting on the opposite hill, it’s also one of the most romantic spots in the city. You’ll have a particularly wonderful view of Lisbon’s seven hills.

Take a day trip to Sintra

If you’re visiting Sintra for a day, you’ll find yourself truly spoiled for choice when it comes to site-seeing. The historic town is located just a short hop from Lisbon and is dotted with landmarks and tourist sites.

The striking Palácio da Pena, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, could easily fit the bill as yet another Disney palace. But plan wisely, Sintra is often completely covered in mist, making it actually difficult to see the amazing sites.

Palácio da Pena in the mist in Sintra, Greater Lisbon region of Portugal
Palácio da Pena in the mist, one of the highlights in Sintra

When to visit Lisbon Hills

It’s always a good time to visit Lisbon, with loads of sunshine for much of the year.

However, if you’re looking to save some money or avoid the prime tourist rush of summer, go between March and May or September and October.

You’ll find temperatures that are perfect for exploration as well as cheaper rates for most things.

How to get to Lisbon

There are direct flights from across major cities in Europe to Lisbon, along with easy connecting flights from major global cities.

The Aeroporto de Portela is the biggest airport in Portugal, and you can take the Metro, buses, or taxis to reach the city in about 30 minutes. If you’re traveling from Spain, there’s an overnight train from Madrid too.

A popular destination to visit after Lisbon is the island of Maderia, which is less than 2 hours flight away.

How to get around Lisbon

Lisbon is a walker’s paradise, and this is the best way to run into unusual sights and surprises off the tourist track. Getting around Lisbon is simple, with great lanes to walk along, as well as the world-famous trams.

Other than the tram system, you can hop on the Metro or buses for short trips. For day trips, catch the train to Sintra or Cascais, or further afield in Portugal. 

Taking the Tram is best way to get around Lisbon Portugal
Taking the Tram is the best way to get around Lisbon.

Best places to stay in Lisbon

First of all, choose the district that suits you best, whether that’s to be near the nightlight in Barrio Alto or Cais do Sodre, the colorful character of Alfama or a less touristy area, like Graca.

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to hostels and budget-friendly hotels.

Check out Selina Secret Garden with a rooftop deck and pool, relaxed Lisbon Calling in a historic building, and the trendy HUB Lisbon Patio Hostel.

Money and costs

As far as European capital cities go, Lisbon is one of the least expensive and offers great value for money.

On a budget, €50 a day will certainly get you by for a hostel room, food and a bit left over for fun. It’s best to get a Lisboa card for frequent rides on buses, trams, and the metro, which is €6.40 for an unlimited, 24-hour pass.

In terms of food, expect to pay about €6 for a meal in a central cafe or food court and €1.50 for a beer in a local venue. Avoid tourist restaurants, and you’ll eat like a king on a budget.

Lisbon travel tips

Lisbon is a safe, welcoming city that’s both swarming with tourists and full of local pockets of authenticity. Because of the ‘tourist’ side of things, of course, there are pickpockets and scams around that are easy to avoid when you remain aware.

You can also expect cheeky, but harmless drug dealers selling what they’ve got in some areas, sometimes after they’ve tried to sell you sunglasses.

Endlessly quirky, always fascinating, and breathtakingly picturesque, be very prepared to have those socks knocked off by Lisbon’s spellbinding allure.

Final thoughts on Portugal’s capital city

This wonderful city is truly one of a kind. If you’re looking for culture, art, food, and just a great vibe, there is no better city to head to. You needn’t even sign yourself up for a thousand tours and activities, because just strolling through the lanes is entertainment enough.

The seven hills of Lisbon are a large part of why this spot is so popular with Portuguese locals and tourists alike. The view gained from the top of any of the hills is breathtaking, with the red brick roofs against the blue sky and the Atlantic ocean in the distance.

What more do you need to know? Portugal is a clear winner when it comes to a fantastic vacation destination. So pack your bags, remember the sunscreen, and get ready to set off on a grand adventure!

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Travel guide to Lisbon the capital of Portugal.
Roam around epic hillside views to haunting Fado music and impossibly pretty streetscapes, Lisbon was born to knock your socks off with charm. UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the capital of Portugal.
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11 Reasons to Fall in Love with Lisbon, Portugal | Drifter Planet

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[…] the sun shines 290 days a year”, which was an important factor for me to enjoy its beauty. Yes, Lisbon is the Sunshine capital of Europe. After traveling around for a few months in Europe, I finally got a chance to comfortably wear […]

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Bessa

Thursday 30th of June 2016

Belém is part of Lisbon, it is not another town as you suggested, in fact the Presidential Palace is located in Belém, just behind "Museu dos Coches".

RashmiChalukya

Thursday 7th of April 2016

We have been to Lisbon and we just loved it, especially the old district. We could also take out a day for a day trip to Sintra which is a wonderful place too. We believe Lisbon has many hidden gems and a must visit destination. Thanks Christian for such an inspiring post. Hope this would encourage many to take this awesome place on their bucketlist.

Dana Dumitru

Thursday 17th of March 2016

Lisbon is very nice, but I loved Sintra, especially the castle "Quinta da Regaleira", an absolutely must see. I have never seen anything alike, not to mention that there weren't many tourists there (I went in December 2015). For the prices I cannot agree, I paid around 15 euros for a meal and I wasn't eating in fancy restaurants. I found the entrance tickets to the main attractions fairly expensive (10-12 eur). Curiously enough the ticket for Quinta da Regaleira was only 6 euros and it was amazing, totally worth it. Spain and Italy have lower entrance rates. Porto is magical, it looks like an untouched 19th century city. If you ignore the subway you can actually feel as if you are living in the past.

Christian L.

Saturday 19th of March 2016

I really enjoyed Sintra to, but the wheater was unfortunately very bad there during my stay there (September 2015). I was working on a post about Sintra but I'm not happy with my photos from there:/ Im planning to visit Portugal again soon and Porto and the north is where I will spend most time.