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What to expect

Welcome to Lisbon, the Portuguese capital that’s had a boom in popularity in recent years.

But with centuries of beauty to explore, Lisbon’s allure is nothing new. In fact, it’s one of the oldest cities in Europe (four centuries older than Rome), and records suggest that only Athens is older.

The city is built on a series of seven hills, offering views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River. And the real magic in Lisbon comes from simply wandering the narrow, cobbled streets and soaking up the history and beauty.

Throw in great weather (the sun shines 290 days a year), incredible architecture, fantastic food, plus a reputation for affordability, and you get one of Europe’s most exciting destinations. Book now and get ready to explore this spectacular city.

Exploring Lisbon

You can take in Lisbon's postcard-perfect panorama of cobbled alleyways, ancient ruins, and white-domed cathedrals from one of the city’s highest points by visiting one of the many miradouros (or viewpoints). Some miradouros even boast cafes so you can enjoy a drink or snack while you take in the fantastic views of the city.

You won’t want to miss the Torre de Belém, or Belem Tower, built in 1515 to defend the city against possible attack, or the Monument of Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos), just a short walk away. Both serve today as a reminder of the country’s maritime age of discoveries of 'new worlds'.

Lisbon has plenty to see and do, and you’ll want to make the most of your time there. Read on to find out about the best things to see and do in Lisbon, as well as must-try local eats and tips on getting around.

Lisbon’s top attractions

The Mouraria and Alfama neighborhoods are the oldest in Lisbon and are in the heart of the city. They’re full of historic landmarks that are high on travel hit lists, including the cathedral known as Sé de Lisboa, which dates from around 1150.

The hilltop Castle of São Jorge (Castelo de São Jorge) and the white-domed Church of Santa Engrácia (also known as the National Pantheon or Panteão Nacional) are also worth a visit.

The Jerónimos Monastery, with a Manueline architecture style, began construction in 1501 and is today Portugal's most visited heritage site and the burial place of the explorer Vasco da Gama.

Other highlights include the vast public squares of Praça do Comércio and Praça do Rossio (also known as Praça Dom Pedro IV, King Pedro IV), the vibrant Cais do Sodré neighborhood, and the strikingly modern Parque das Nações district.

More things to see and do in Lisbon

The city’s museums are certainly worth a visit. The Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology (MAAT) is a real culture hub, housed in a striking building by the river Tagus.

You’ll find tribute to the traditional Portuguese tilework technique called azulejo in the National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo). Meanwhile, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum hosts a private collection of over 6000 pieces of art spanning from Ancient Egypt to the early 20th century.

The city also has a rich festival culture, with an annual Book Fair in June, a documentary film festival called Doclisboa in October, and numerous music festivals (including Kalorama, Rock in Rio, and NOS Alive).

End your day with an evening out in the popular Bairro Alto area, full of bars and restaurants, or head to the Alfama district and find a fado house (casa de fado) where you can experience the beautiful, melancholy style of local music known as fado.

The best local food in Lisbon

Lisbon has a deserved reputation for fantastic dining. On a traditional menu, look for sopa de caldo verde, a light, creamy soup made with shredded kale and sausage.

Bacalhau, or salted cod, has been a staple of Portuguese cuisine since the Vikings arrived with it to trade. There are countless ways to prepare bacalhau, from croquette to casserole. More beloved fishy flavors are found in sardinhas (sardine) form.

Arroz de marisco (seafood rice) is Portugal’s answer to paella, and seafood lovers should add traditional polvo à lagareiro (baked octopus and potatoes) to their must-try list.

The bifana (a bread roll stuffed with slices of pork and mustard) is a perfect street food.

Be sure to try the celebrated local pastéis de belém, a custard-filled delight made famous by the renowned Pastéis de Belém bakery.

Shopping in Lisbon

From flea markets to fashion hotspots, shopping in Lisbon covers all bases.

The city’s most exclusive shopping strip is Avenida da Liberdade, a beautiful avenue modeled on Paris’ Champs-Élysées.

LxFactory is a former industrial area transformed into a hip creative space with plenty of unique artisan treats. The Feira da Ladra (a twice-weekly flea and antique market in the Alfama district) is perfect for browsing everything from clothing to bric-a-brac.

The Mercado de Ribeira combines a traditional food market with a modern food hall. And bibliophiles shouldn’t miss Livraria Bertrand, one of the oldest bookshops in the world, founded in 1732.

Shopping for ceramics and azulejo tiles is a highlight for many travelers. And you might consider making a souvenir of one of Lisbon's fabulous local wines, ports, or ginjinha sour-cherry liqueurs.

Traveling in central Lisbon

Lisbon is easy to navigate, and you can travel on foot or by bus, metro, or suburban train.

Lisbon’s metro network offers a quick and inexpensive way to get around. There are four lines (conveniently colored blue, red, yellow, and green), and the stations have become renowned for the impressive art that adorns them.

If you plan to use the bus or metro systems in Lisbon, we recommend buying an electronic travel card, which saves on the ticket price compared to purchasing single tickets.

Travel beyond Lisbon

Lisbon is a fantastic base for exploring Portugal, and a wide range of destinations are within two hours' reach.

Sintra, in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains, is a perfect day trip from the capital, just 30km (18 miles) away. The highlights here are the pastel-colored villas and whimsically designed palaces, including the National Palace of Pena.

South of Sintra, Cascais is a popular resort town with grand villas and sandy beaches.

Northwest of Lisbon, Peniche draws surfers keen to test its waves. Its rugged shore is a great summer beach destination and a year-round surfing hotspot.

Near Peniche, the medieval walled town of Obidos is a UNESCO City of Literature (like Reykjavík!) and enchants visitors with its cobbled streets and whitewashed houses.