The Full Beauty of Lisbon
Thinking of jetting off to Portugal’s vibrant capital, Lisbon? Wondering if it’s really worth the hype or if there’s much to see beyond the usual tourist spots? The answer is a big yes! Lisbon deserves a prime spot on your travel bucket list!
I’ll admit, I was a little sceptical at first. After exploring Faro, Albufeira, and Portimao, I wasn’t sure Lisbon could offer anything different. But wow…it absolutely did! The city swept me off my feet with its charm, energy, and multiple cool attractions. It’s now one of my favourite places in Portugal, and it might just become one of yours too.
I spent five days exploring Lisbon solo and two days with friends, and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole trip. Each day brought something new, and I found myself falling in love with every corner of the city. In this fun Lisbon guide, I’ll walk you through all you need to know, the hottest attractions, the best activities, incredible hotels and hostels, plus the cafes where you can try the famous Pastel de Nata (you won’t want to miss) and delicious food spots.
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All You Need To Know
Language: Portuguese is the official language in Portugal, but don’t worry, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, restaurants, and hotels. Locals are friendly and appreciate it when you try a ‘bom dia’ (good morning) or ‘obrigado/a’ (thank you).
Currency: Lisbon uses the Euro (€). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it’s always handy to carry a little cash for smaller cafes, markets, or tram rides.
Transport: Lisbon’s public transport is super convenient, the metro, iconic yellow trams, tuk-tuks and Uber make getting around easy. That said, Lisbon is best explored on foot. The streets are hilly and full of charm, so pack comfy shoes and get ready to climb a few cobblestoned hills for those epic views. The Lisboa City Card is a great unlimited public transport card with great discounts on attractions too.
Best Time To Visit: The best months are April to June or September to October, when the weather is warm, the sunsets are golden, and the crowds are thinner. Summer (July–August) can get hot and busy, while winter brings a quieter, more local vibe if you prefer a slower pace.
Smiles all around for this awesome destination!
Best Areas & Places To Stay
Chiado/Baixa: Stay in the Chiado/Baixa area if you want to be super central to everything and in the heart of the action. Many of Lisbon’s top sights, shops, cafes, and restaurants are within walking distance. It’s perfect for first-time visitors, people-watching, pastel de nata stops, and soaking in the city’s pulse.
🩵 Recommend: For a budget-friendly stay, I highly recommend the YES Lisbon Hostel! It’s super clean and the staff are fantastic. For an upscale stay, check out Hotel Moon & Sun, a stunning 4-star stay in the heart of Baixa!
Loved the vibe of the communal area in the Yes Lisbon Hostel
Alfama: The city’s oldest district, Alfama, is a maze of narrow lanes, colourful facades, and soulful Fado music drifting from tiny taverns. It’s a great place to stay for those who enjoy stunning views, such as from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.
🩵 Recommend: The Editory Riverside Hotel offers a gorgeous 4-star stay in its historic building, with stunning boujee amenities.
Misericordia: Trendy, artsy, and full of energy, Misericordia is where old Lisbon meets its modern, creative side. Home to the famous Pink Street, the stunning Carmo Convent, and plenty of lively bars and rooftop spots, Misericordia is perfect for a day of exploring and a night of fun.
🩵 Recommend: These gorgeous, Stunning Apartments in Misericordia offer a deluxe stay with clean, spacious rooms and are a perfect alternative to a hotel.
Estrela & Ajuda: For a calmer, more local side of Lisbon, stay in Estrela or Ajuda. You can visit the elegant Estrela Basilica and wander towards the Ajuda Palace for beautiful architecture and peaceful views. It’s ideal if you want to slow down and experience Lisbon away from the crowds.
🩵 Recommend: Art-Deco Belem 15 Airbnb is a gorgeous stay in Ajuda, and offers excellent rates and enough rooms for seven guests. My friends and I absolutely LOVED this stay.
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Must-See Landmarks & Sights
Lisbon is overflowing with stunning architecture and cultural gems. You’ll see landmarks and sights in every corner of Portugal’s capital. Here are the ones you’ll be silly to miss!
Church of Santa Engracia (National Pantheon)
The Church of Santa Engracia is a stunning white-domed landmark that houses the tombs of Portugal’s most iconic figures, including explorers, presidents, and artists. Inside, you’ll find beautiful marble floors, intricate architecture, and panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Entry costs €4.
Monastery of Sao Vicente de Fora
Inside the Monastery of Sao Vicente de Fora, you’ll find beautiful cloisters, intricate blue-and-white tile panels (azulejos) depicting historical scenes, royal tombs from the Braganza dynasty, and a rooftop with one of Lisbon’s best panoramic views. It’s peaceful, detailed, and full of hidden history that’s often overlooked. The church is free, but the monastery costs €8.
Church of Santa Engracia (National Pantheon) and Monastery of Sao Vicente de Fora
Jeronimos Monastery
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Belem, the Jeronimos Monastery is home to stunning Manueline architecture, beautiful stone carvings, and peaceful cloisters that feel almost otherworldly. It also houses the tombs of Vasco da Gama and poet Luis de Camoes, making it a beautiful blend of art, history, and Portuguese pride.
Entry to the church is free, but to access the inside costs €18. I recommend adding the Jeronimos Monastery Audio Guide so you understand what you’re looking at inside. If you don’t plan on going inside, seeing just the exterior is still worth the visit.
This is only a fraction of what the building offers. Highly recommend seeing it!
Padrao dos Descobrimentos
The striking riverside monument, Padrao dos Descobrimentos, celebrates Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Inside, you’ll find exhibits on famous explorers, a small museum, and an elevator leading to a rooftop viewpoint with panoramic views over Belem and the Tagus River. Entry inside costs €10, but the monument itself, without entering, is picture-worthy and super fascinating.
The stunning Padrao dos Descobrimentos (recommend visiting in the evening as it’s less crowded)
Carmo Convent
Once one of Lisbon’s grandest churches, the Carmo Convent now stands roofless after the 1755 earthquake, and that’s what makes it so unique! You can wander through its gothic arches, see ancient tombs, and pop into the small museum inside for artefacts and relics from Portugal’s past. I really enjoyed this visit. Entry costs €7.
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Rua Augusta Arch
One of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks, this grand stone arch sits at the end of the city’s main shopping street and opens onto the stunning Praca do Comercio square. Climb to the top for panoramic views of downtown Lisbon, the river, and the famous red rooftops; it’s totally worth the few euros (€4.50) and the steps!
The most iconic landmark in Lisbon, the Rua Augusta Arch
Best Views & Lookout Spots
Lisbon is known for its breathtaking viewpoints across the city. With plenty of cool spots to look out from, here are some of the best.
Miradouro Das Portas Do Sol
Miradouro das Portas do Sol is one of Lisbon’s most iconic viewpoints, and for good reason. From here, you get that postcard-perfect view of Alfama’s pastel houses tumbling toward the river, with church spires and red rooftops glowing in the sun. It’s lively yet relaxed, often with local musicians adding a soundtrack to the scenery. Grab a coffee, take a seat, and just let the Lisbon magic sink in.
Views from Portugal’s iconic spot – Miradouro das Portas do Sol
Rossio Square – Busto de Afonso de Albuquerque
Rossio Square (Busto de Afonso de Albuquerque) is one of Lisbon’s liveliest squares, surrounded by cafes, shops, and beautiful wave-patterned tiles. The statue of Afonso de Albuquerque, a famous Portuguese explorer, stands proudly in the centre, a little reminder of Portugal’s seafaring past. It’s the perfect spot to people-watch, grab a coffee, or just soak up Lisbon’s everyday buzz.
Rossio Square is the landmark you want to chill at for people watching
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
The Miradouro de Senhora do Monte is one of Lisbon’s highest viewpoints, offering 360° panoramic views of the city, the river, and Sao Jorge Castle. It’s a favourite for sunsets, photos, and spotting the city’s colourful rooftops and a must-visit for first-timers and locals alike. It’s a postcard, Instaworthy views!
Gorgeous views and vibes at The Miradouro de Senhora do Monte viewpoint
Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alacantara
Set high above the city in the Bairro Alto district, Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alacantara offers sweeping views of downtown and the castle across the river. By day, it’s perfect for snapping photos of Lisbon’s tiled rooftops; by night, it transforms into a laid-back hangout with street performers and a vibrant atmosphere. Bring a drink, find a bench, and watch the city sparkle below. My friends and I loved this spot!
Viewpoint at Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara
Day Trips & Tours From Lisbon
I really enjoyed the day trips and tours from Lisbon; it’s one of the best ways to explore. I did four main tours: the Sintra, Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleria, and Cascais Guided Tour; the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour; a Tuk Tuk Tour sponsored by Get Your Guide, which was fabulous; and a Boat Tour.
Sintra, Pena Palace, Quinta Da Regaleira & Caiscais Guided Tour
Operated by Cool Tours, I did the Sintra, Pena Palace, Quinta Da Regaleira, and Cascais Full Day Tour, and it did not disappoint (except that it was raining in the morning, so the Pena Palace views were not the best).
Sintra
The first stop on the tour was at the fairytale Sinta. If you plan not to go on a tour, Sintra is just a short train ride from Lisbon. It’s home to the colourful Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and the Moorish Castle. You can find restaurants, cafes and shops around these popular attractions. Be sure to check out Fabrica Nata, a delicious Pastel de Nata spot and one of my favourites.
Sintra and behind the clouds, Moorish Castle. Plus Fabrica Nata, a delicious pastry shop.
Pena Palace
Sitting high above Sintra, this dreamy palace is a burst of colour and creativity. With its mix of reds, yellows, and blues, it’s a little different from the images you see online—it needs a paintover. Nonetheless, the Pena Palace is class! Inside, you’ll find ornate rooms, royal charm, and those signature Portuguese tiles I can never get enough of. The best part? The views…when it’s not raining or foggy (which I got a glimpse of right before I left), rolling hills, and the misty forest.
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Quinta Da Regaleira
This was actually one of my favourite stops of the tour. The Quinta da Regaleira is a stunning estate in Sintra, filled with hidden tunnels, winding gardens, and the famous Initiation Well, which spirals deep into the ground. The palace and grounds are packed with detail and symbolism, mixing Gothic architecture with a touch of mystery. It’s one of those places you’ll want to capture every corner with your camera; it’s really stunning.
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Caiscais
The charming seaside town of Cascais is just 40 minutes from Lisbon. It’s known for its golden beaches, pretty marina, and laid-back coastal vibe. Once a royal retreat, it’s now a mix of surf culture, boutique shops, and waterfront cafes. It’s just a short train ride from Lisbon if you plan to make a day of it. I enjoyed the seaside views and vibes, and it’s the complete opposite of Lisbon.
Cascais is just 40 minutes from Lisbon and is worth the day trip
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
My favourite tour in any country or city is the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, also known as the HOHO Bus. It’s a brilliant way to explore any destination with convenience and great rates. It’s made for tourists, stopping at many key spots for you to hop off and hop back on when you like. On board are headphones with multiple language options that explain places as you ride by. I did the 48-hour HOHO Lisbon Tour for £33.
The HOHO Bus passes by some fabulous landmarks and stops at many others.
Tuk Tuk Tour
I was fortunate to have this Tuk Tuk Tour sponsored by Get Your Guide; otherwise, I probably wouldn’t have done it myself while out there. However, I’m happy I got an opportunity to do it, as it turned out to be one of my highlights! I did this on the first day of arriving in Lisbon, and yes, it was epic.
My fabulous tour guide, Diego, showed me all the key sights in Lisbon. He even took me to the OG Pastel de Nata shop, the LX Factory for some delicious food, showed me his neighbourhood, where I tried the famous alcohol shot Ginjinha, and it was just a wicked introduction to Lisbon. I can’t recommend him enough! If you want to book directly, you can find him on Instagram @Eliricatour or on his website Eliricatour.com for better deals.
Diego showed me so many incredible places in Portugal
Boat Tours
I absolutely loved the boat tours from Doca da Marinha. When my friends arrived on the weekend, we booked to do the Dolphin Watching Tour. However, there we saw no dolphins; nonetheless, with plenty of sunshine and an open bar, we had an absolute blast!
We were then convinced to go to the Boat Party straight after, which was also so epic, and I’m so glad we said YES because we had a blast! With a beautiful sunset and fantastic music, this definitely was one of my favourite evenings in Portugal.
Enjoying the boat tours in Portugal—huge highlights of my trip!
Best Excursions!
– Lisbon
Cultural, History, Music & Museums In Lisbon
Lisbon is super creative and a fascinating place to explore; you’ll never be short of things to do. Here are some top things to do in Lisbon.
Museu do Fado
The Museu do Fado is a lively museum dedicated to Portugal’s most soulful music, Fado. You’ll learn about its origins in Lisbon’s old neighbourhoods, see vintage guitars and costumes, and hear recordings from iconic singers. It’s interactive, cultural, and the perfect way to feel the heart of Lisbon through its music. Tickets are €5.
LX Factory
The LX Factory is another key spot in Lisbon. It’s a creative hub built inside an old industrial complex, now packed with trendy cafes, street art, quirky boutiques, and rooftop bars. It’s one of Lisbon’s coolest hangout spots, perfect for indie shopping, food, or snapping colourful photos among the amazing murals. My favourite parts were the art and the library, which was a cool flex.
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MAAT Museum
The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology is one of Lisbon’s most eye-catching modern landmarks. Set right on the Tagus riverfront in Belem, its sleek, wave-like design is just as impressive as what’s inside. You’ll find interactive exhibitions, bold contemporary art, and plenty of incredible photo opportunities. Tickets cost £13 on Get Your Guide.
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Azulejos (Portuguese Tiles) & Tile Museum
Lisbon’s famous blue-and-white tiles are everywhere, decorating buildings, walls, and even train stations. They tell stories from Portugal’s past, blending art and history most beautifully. For a deeper look, visit the National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo) for just €10. You’ll see centuries of tile designs, from classic patterns to full-wall murals.
Pink Street
Officially Rua Nova do Carvalho, this vibrant street in Lisbon is famous for its bright pink pavement and lively nightlife. By day, it’s perfect for photos and cafes; by night, it’s packed with bars, music, and a buzzing party atmosphere.
The famous Pink Street with colourful umbrellas
Foodie Favourites – What To Eat & Where
I don’t know about you, but I’m a HUGE foodie! I was super excited to try the famous pastel de nata—were they really that good? Now confirming: the hype is real…the queues for these delicious snacks were long at times. I am completely obsessed and could live on these treats forever if I had to.
For Pastel de Nata Lovers
Pasteis de Belem – This is the birthplace of Portugal’s most famous custard tart! This legendary bakery has been serving its secret-recipe pastel de nata pastries since 1837, and the line out front is totally worth it. Warm, flaky, and perfectly creamy inside, it’s the OG pastel de nata experience you can’t leave Lisbon without trying. If you’re lucky, you might get access to the bakery to see the thousands of pastel de nata’s getting made.
Nat’elier – Love this spot. It’s a modern bakery serving up creative takes on the classic pastel de nata. I loved the brulee pastel de nata, which was so tasty. I also love the cafe’s vibes, with a cute upstairs dining area. If you want to skip the queues at the OG pastel de nata shop, this is a great alternative.
Fabrica da Nata – One of Lisbon’s best alternative spots for the classic pastel de nata. Crispy, golden pastry with a creamy custard centre, baked fresh daily. Cosy, casual, and perfect for a quick, sweet treat while exploring the city.
The obsession with the pastel de nata is real! DELICIOUS.
Local Dishes & Dining Spots
Bacalhau at Menina Sadinhas – Menina Sadinhas is the perfect spot to try Bacalhau, Portugal’s famous salted cod dish. Served in traditional recipes or with a modern twist, it’s a must-try for anyone wanting an authentic taste of Portuguese cuisine. It’s hearty, flavourful, and totally iconic, though be careful with the bones —I had quite a few. The pizza is also so delicious there!
Frankie Hot Dogs – For a casual, quirky spot in Lisbon, I recommend the Frankie Hot Dogs, famous for creative hot dogs loaded with delicious toppings. It’s perfect for a quick, satisfying bite while exploring the city, and fun enough to make it an Instagram stop too. I had the Jamaican Hot Dog, which was top-tier, along with Pizza-Topped-Loaded Fries, which were 10/10.
Lisbon Kebab Station – If you’re looking for cheap, cheerful, and delicious, the Lisbon Kebab Station pulls through. You can have a meal for around 10 euros and be super satisfied! The owner is friendly, the decor is cool, and it’s a real vibe. Apparently, it turns into a club after hours on the weekend, too!
Alma do Vinho Festival – If you’re visiting during the local Alma do Vinho Festival, you’re in for a treat. You can expect live music, food stalls, and endless Portuguese wines to sample, including ‘green wine’. You can also get involved in grape stomping, an iconic experience you don’t want to miss. Dates may differ year to year, but this year (2025), it fell on the weekend of 12th September.
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That’s A Wrap!
Lisbon completely stole my heart. The solo trip, the part with my friends, from start to finish, left quite an impression. From colourful streets and iconic viewpoints to delicious pastel de nata, food, and vibrant nightlife, every corner has something to fall in love with.
Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, Lisbon promises unforgettable attractions, and I guarantee you’ll leave already planning your next adventure back. So what are you waiting for? Lisbon is LIT, go explore it!
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