Lisbon travel guide

Tiled hills, viewpoints and old trams in Lisbon.

Quick answer

Lisbon is Portugal's hilly coastal capital of tiled streets, viewpoints and old trams. Travelers on TravBuddy plan around the Praça do Comércio, the Alfama miradouros of Santa Luzia and Senhora do Monte, and the Carmo Archaeological Museum, with pastéis and fado in the evenings.

This Lisbon guide ranks the spots travelers include most in real trips, so you can shape a walkable day-by-day plan.

Best time
May–September
Rated places
33
in our trip data

Top things to do in Lisbon

Ranked by how often travelers include them in TravBuddy itineraries and 3,87,282+ traveler ratings.

  1. 1.Praça do Comércio

    4.7
    Landmark1,29,504 reviews~20012:00 PM

    Wander through the grand Praça do Comércio, a majestic square opening onto the Tagus River. Marvel at the triumphal arch and the equestrian statue of King José I, showcasing impressive historical artistry.

    Tip: Walk under the Arco da Rua Augusta for splendid views of the Baixa district.

  2. 2.Miradouro de Santa Luzia

    4.7
    Viewpoint41,325 reviews~20010:30 AM

    Visit this charming viewpoint offering iconic views over the Alfama district and the Tagus River. Admire the beautiful azulejo panels and relax in the tranquil garden.

    Tip: Visit in the morning for the best light for photography and to avoid larger crowds.

  3. 3.Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

    4.8
    Viewpoint28,214 reviews~20011:30 AM

    Visit one of Lisbon's highest and most scenic viewpoints, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city, São Jorge Castle, and the Tagus River.

    Tip: This viewpoint is especially beautiful in the morning light; arrive early to avoid crowds.

  4. 4.Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries)

    4.6
    Landmark63,864 reviews~1503:00 PM

    Stand before the Monument to the Discoveries, an impressive tribute to the Portuguese explorers who spearheaded the Age of Discovery. Admire the intricately carved figures of historical personalities.

    Tip: The monument offers an excellent photo opportunity with the river and the 25 de Abril Bridge in the background.

  5. 5.Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)

    4.4
    Church34,156 reviews~1004:30 PM

    Visit Lisbon's oldest church, the imposing Lisbon Cathedral. Its Romanesque architecture and fortress-like appearance reflect its long history, surviving earthquakes and housing countless religious artifacts.

    Tip: Pay a small fee to explore the cloisters and treasury for a deeper historical insight.

  6. 6.National Azulejo Museum

    4.6
    Museum17,214 reviews~1010:30 AM

    Immerse yourselves in the art of Portuguese tiles at the National Azulejo Museum, housed in the former Convento da Madre de Deus. Witness centuries of intricate ceramic artistry.

    Tip: Look out for the panoramic tile panel of Lisbon before the 1755 earthquake, a unique historical depiction.

  7. 7.Fado Museum (Museu do Fado)

    4.4
    Museum5,859 reviews~502:30 PM

    Delve into the soul of Portugal at the Fado Museum. Learn about the history and cultural significance of this unique musical art form, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

    Tip: Consider attending a live Fado show in the evening to truly experience this art form.

  8. 8.Feira da Ladra (Flea Market)

    4.3
    Market2,063 reviews~1,00002:30 PM

    If your visit falls on a Tuesday or Saturday, explore the historic Feira da Ladra, Lisbon's oldest flea market. Hunt for unique antiques, crafts, and vintage treasures.

    Tip: Haggle respectfully for the best prices and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.

  9. 9.Elevador de Santa Justa

    4.1
    Landmark57,614 reviews~601:00 PM

    Take a ride on the iconic Elevador de Santa Justa, a wrought-iron elevator connecting the lower Baixa district with the higher Largo do Carmo. Enjoy panoramic views of the city.

    Tip: Consider using your Viva Viagem public transport card for a cheaper fare, or simply walk up to the viewpoint from Largo do Carmo to avoid queues.

  10. 10.Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga (National Museum of Ancient Art)

    4.6
    Museum7,469 reviews~2001:00 PM

    Immerse yourself in centuries of Portuguese and European art at the National Museum of Ancient Art. Its extensive collection includes paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

    Tip: Don't miss Hieronymus Bosch's 'Temptation of St. Anthony' if you appreciate classical masterpieces.

See all 18 things to do in Lisbon

Where to eat in Lisbon

Food spots that keep showing up in real trip plans.

  1. 1.Augusto Lisboa

    4.8
    Cafe3,394 reviews~6012:30 PM

    Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Augusto Lisboa, known for its excellent coffee and delicious breakfast options. It's the perfect spot to fuel up for a day of exploration.

    Tip: Try their traditional Portuguese pastries for a sweet treat.

  2. 2.A Nossa Casa

    4.8
    Cafe2,348 reviews~7012:30 PM

    Savor authentic Portuguese cuisine at A Nossa Casa, a highly-rated restaurant known for its traditional dishes and welcoming ambiance. A true taste of local culinary art.

    Tip: Try their Bacalhau à Brás, a classic codfish dish.

  3. 3.Breakfast Lovers Alfama

    4.9
    Cafe5,822 reviews~3511:30 AM

    Start your day with a delicious breakfast in the historic Alfama district at Breakfast Lovers Alfama. Enjoy a cozy atmosphere and tasty treats to kickstart your day.

    Tip: Try their fresh juices and pastries for an authentic experience.

  4. 4.Time Out Market Lisboa (ai_suggested)

    4.4
    Food Hall72,898 reviews~6001:00 PM

    Head to Time Out Market Lisboa for lunch, a vibrant food hall offering a vast array of culinary options from top chefs and restaurateurs. It's a great place to sample different Portuguese dishes.

    Tip: Try a variety of dishes from different vendors to get a full taste of the market's offerings.

  5. 5.Tasca do Chico (Bairro Alto)

    4.0
    Restaurant3,708 reviews~5501:00 PM

    Experience a traditional Portuguese lunch at Tasca do Chico in the historic Bairro Alto district, famous for its authentic atmosphere and petiscos (Portuguese tapas).

    Tip: This place is famous for Fado shows in the evening, but makes a great lunch spot too. Try a variety of small plates.

  6. 6.The Folks Sé

    4.8
    Restaurant2,708 reviews~5002:00 PM

    Enjoy a delightful lunch at The Folks Sé, a charming eatery known for its excellent service and traditional Portuguese dishes with a modern twist. Located conveniently near the historic center.

    Tip: Try their 'petiscos' (small plates) to sample a variety of local flavors.

Hidden gems in Lisbon

Highly rated, but not on every tourist checklist yet.

  1. 1.Carmo Archaeological Museum

    4.5
    Museum20,560 reviews~1012:00 PM

    Visit the atmospheric Carmo Archaeological Museum, housed within the roofless ruins of the Carmo Convent. It offers a unique and haunting glimpse into Lisbon's past.

    Tip: The museum offers a poignant insight into Lisbon's devastating 1755 earthquake.

Lisbon nightlife

  1. 1.The Lisbon Pub Crawl- Discover Lisbon

    4.5
    Bar545 reviews~5009:00 PM

    Join The Lisbon Pub Crawl to experience the legendary nightlife of Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré. It's a great way to meet people and discover the best bars.

    Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking between venues.

  2. 2.CINCO lounge

    4.7
    Bar1,287 reviews~5011:00 PM

    Unwind with expertly crafted cocktails at CINCO lounge. This cozy spot offers a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for a relaxed evening drink.

    Tip: Try their signature cocktails; the bartenders are known for their creativity.

  3. 3.Lust in Rio

    3.7
    Bar3,788 reviews~4011:00 PM

    Head to Lust in Rio, one of Lisbon's popular riverside clubs. Dance the night away to various music genres in a vibrant setting, often with outdoor areas.

    Tip: Dress code is smart casual. Check their schedule for themed nights or special events.

  4. 4.Dock's Club

    3.9
    Club1,341 reviews~3012:00 AM

    If you're still up for it, continue your night at Dock's Club, a larger venue with multiple rooms and a diverse crowd. A great place to experience the full energy of Lisbon's club scene.

    Tip: This club can get very busy, so consider arriving a bit earlier.

Where to stay in Lisbon

Stays travelers actually picked in their TravBuddy plans.

Compare all 31 Lisbon hotels — by price, rating & area →

Lisbon: quick questions

What are the top things to do in Lisbon?+

Top experiences in Lisbon include Praça do Comércio, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries).

What are some offbeat places to visit in Lisbon?+

Beyond the usual spots, travellers in Lisbon also visit Carmo Archaeological Museum.

Where should you eat in Lisbon?+

Popular places to eat in Lisbon include Time Out Market Lisboa, Breakfast Lovers Alfama.

Destinations near Lisbon

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Facts on this page are computed from 9 trips planned on TravBuddy and traveler ratings refreshed on 8 September 2026.