Sunny and laid-back, Lisbon is a vibrant city where you’ll never be bored. Every corner feels like it was made for a photo, and I was amazed by its simplicity and unexpected beauty.

Lisbon is the perfect mix of history, art, fun, and great food. It has it all. To help you make the most of your time in Lisbon, here’s a list of things I recommend you see in the city to truly immerse yourself in Portuguese culture and visit its most beautiful spots.

Lisbon is built on 7 hills, so it’s all uphill or downhill. Don’t let that get you down! Wear comfortable shoes and take advantage of the many panoramic viewpoints the city has to offer.

To fully enjoy all the tourist attractions, consider buying the Lisboa Card for 24, 36, or 72 hours starting from €20. The card gives you free access to 23 museums, unlimited public transport rides, and great discounts at many attractions. Click here to buy.

Remember to exchange your Lisboa Card voucher at the airport (Tourist Information Office at the Arrivals area), open from 07:00 to 23:30; or at the Lisboa Welcome Centre, Praça do Comércio, open from 09:00 to 20:00.

Once you arrive at the airport, take the metro and drop your bags at the hotel. There are so many things to do and see in the city center.

The most traditional neighborhoods are Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto, Alfama, and Belém. Each of these districts has its own unique vitality and essence.

Baixa District in Lisbon

Baixa is the most central and famous neighborhood in Lisbon, where you’ll find most of the shops and recreational activities. It’s full of stores and restaurants and is always busy during the day.

This area is home to some of the most iconic squares and streets of the city. Baixa begins at Praça dos Restauradores, continues along Avenida da Liberdade, passes through Praça Marquês de Pombal, and from that point on, it is considered the “modern” Lisbon.

What to see in Baixa

Avenida da Liberdade is a beautiful and grand avenue, just over one kilometer long. It’s lined with historic buildings and sidewalks decorated with black-and-white mosaics that form pleasant patterns. The avenue is full of cafes, monuments, and gardens.

Praça Rossio (Rossio Square) is the liveliest square in Lisbon, where locals and visitors meet. Near the square is Rossio Station, a major transportation hub with a stunning entrance.

Praça do Comércio is an impressive square, which was once the central point for goods from Portuguese colonies and also housed the Royal Palace, which was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. In my opinion, it’s the most dazzling square in the city, with its southern side facing the Tagus River.

Santa Justa Elevator: an interesting tourist attraction that also serves as a practical means of transport.

Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara: a square and panoramic viewpoint overlooking the city, filled with small bars.

Bairro Alto and Chiado in Lisbon

Chiado and Bairro Alto are where you’ll find Lisbon’s most bohemian and alternative vibe.

Chiado is an elegant and artsy neighborhood, located between Bairro Alto and Baixa. It’s often compared to Paris’ Montmartre, as it was rebuilt after a fire in 1998.

What to see in Bairro Alto and Chiado:

Convento do Carmo: The ruins of a beautiful gothic church with no roof, destroyed in the 1755 earthquake.

Santa Justa Lift: This historic elevator takes you to a lovely viewpoint in a lively square with stalls, street food, and Fado music. The ride is short and costs €3.80 for a round trip.

Fernando Pessoa Statue: A famous café in Chiado, A Brasileira, was once frequented by the poet Fernando Pessoa. Right outside, there’s a bronze statue of him sitting at a table. This café is a popular spot for tourists to snap a photo sitting with the poet.

Coffee and Pastéis de Nata

The line could be very long due to its fame, but don’t let that discourage you! They are very efficient at serving everyone in the shortest time possible. Maximum waiting time: 10 minutes! Moreover, inside the pastry shop, the décor and the scent of custard will make you feel immersed in the true Portuguese atmosphere.

Alcântara (LX Factory)

Technically, Alcântara is a parish in the Lisbon district, but locals consider it part of the city. Located between the city center and Belém, it is a riverside neighborhood where visitors will find Docas de Santo Amaro, a dock full of bars and restaurants, and the LX Factory (a renovated industrial complex now transformed into shops, offices, restaurants, and more).

LX Factory, once an old factory, is now an entertainment and shopping hub that preserves its historical charm while bringing together the community in Lisbon.

Try the famous Bacalhau while listening to Fado

Lisbon has earned a reputation as a foodie’s paradise, with amazing restaurants to suit all tastes and diets.

My suggestion? Try one of the 300 Portuguese bacalhau recipes at a restaurant with Fado, so you can enjoy the beautiful, melancholic Portuguese music while you eat. As you stroll through Alfama, you’ll definitely come across restaurants with tempting menus and signs that say “FADO HOJE” (“Fado today”).

Cais do Sodré and the nightlife

Head to Cais do Sodré, specifically to Pink Street, which comes alive at night and becomes the city’s entertainment hub. This area has the highest concentration of clubs and nightclubs in Lisbon. You’ll find exclusive rooftop bars and the biggest nightclubs with a view over the Tagus River.

Lisbon Oceanarium

The world’s largest and most spectacular aquarium. It’s located on a structure right above the river on an artificial island.

The entire Oceanarium is centered around a large central tank, a massive tank filled with sharks, tuna, and sunfish. Surrounding this giant aquarium, various ecosystems have been recreated to host other marine creatures, such as penguins, tropical fish, jellyfish… The entrance fee is 19 euros.

Buy your skip-the-line entrance ticket on Get Your Guide

Palacio Marqueses de Fronteira

Largo São Domingos de Benfica 01, 1500-554 Lisboa.
Storica residenza del 1640 dei Marchesi di Frontiera. Interni lussuosi e giardini cosiddetti all’italiana, davvero magnifici. E’ stupendo passeggiare tra le sue stanze e ammirare gli azulejos dei giardini che raffigurano scene di epiche battaglie.

Lisbon is a city that surprised me with its beauty and there would still be many places to describe, however I hope you found this post useful!

If you have any questions or have a favorite place in Lisbon that is not on my list, leave me a comment below.

Go on traveling!

Lety goes on

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