Lisbon
Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, sits gracefully along the country’s western coast, where the Tagus River meets the Atlantic Ocean. As Portugal’s largest city and one of Europe’s oldest capitals, Lisbon boasts a history that stretches back over two millennia. Originally founded as Olissipo, a strategic Roman outpost, the city later came under Visigothic and Moorish rule before becoming a flourishing center during the Portuguese Age of Exploration, when it served as the launch point for many of history’s great sea voyages. Lisbon’s distinctive character is reflected in its architectural mix of Gothic, Manueline, Moorish, and Baroque styles, as well as in its richly layered cultural heritage. Though much of the city was devastated by the catastrophic 1755 earthquake, it was rebuilt with resilience and vision. Today, Lisbon is a charismatic and dynamic metropolis, known for its steep, cobbled streets, azulejo-covered buildings, lively fado music, and a thriving culinary and creative scene that continues to capture the spirit of Portugal’s storied past and modern resurgence.
💡Lisbon: Good to Know
🛂 Visa: Portugal is in the Schengen Zone. US, UK, Canadian, Australian, Japanese, and South Korean citizens can stay visa-free for up to 90 days.
✈️ Closest Airport: Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)
💬 Language: Portuguese. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
🏷️ Price Level: Moderate — Lisbon is cheaper than most major Western European capitals
🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69 / Portugal: US$5.02
💰 Currency: Euro (€) | 1 USD ≈ 0.92 EUR
☀️ Best Times to Visit: March–June and September–October — warm weather and fewer crowds. July–August is hot and busy.
🚘 Transportation: Metro, trams, buses, funiculars, ferries, and taxis
🔌 Adapter: Portugal uses Type C and F plugs (230V). US/UK visitors need an adapter.
🛜 WiFi: Fast and widely available in hotels, restaurants, and public spaces
🏧💰 ATM and “Cash or Card”: Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but some small vendors or markets prefer cash
💸 Tipping: Tipping in Portugal is not mandatory, but a small tip of 5-10% for good service is always appreciated, often in cash, with locals sometimes just rounding up the bill.
🚢 Cruise Terminal Address: Doca Jardim do Tabaco Terminal de Cruzeiros de Lisboa, Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 1100-651 Lisboa, Portugal (docked)
✈️ 🚇 🚕 Getting There and Around
🎟️ In Lisbon, getting around is convenient and affordable. The city offers an extensive public transport network, including buses, trams, and the metro operated by Carris and Metropolitano de Lisboa. Much of the historic center is easily walkable, but trams and buses provide great options for exploring further afield. Taxis and rideshare apps like Uber and Bolt are widely available, though traffic can get busy during peak hours. Tickets for public transport can be purchased at metro stations, kiosks, and via mobile apps like Viva Viagem. Don’t forget to validate your ticket when boarding buses and trams.
✈️ Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is about 7 km (4.3 miles) from the city center, with several convenient options to get downtown: the Aerobus shuttle runs every 20 minutes and takes 30–40 minutes to key stops like Rossio and Cais do Sodré for around 4 EUR; the metro offers a direct connection to central stations like Baixa-Chiado in about 25 minutes for roughly 1.50 EUR plus a small card fee; and taxis or rideshares provide a faster, 15–20 minute ride costing approximately 15–20 EU depending on traffic.
🚇 Lisbon’s cruise terminal, located at Santa Apolónia or Alcântara, is within easy reach of the city center. From the terminal, many sights like the Alfama district, Praça do Comércio, and the Baixa neighborhood are accessible by a short taxi ride, tram, or a 20-30 minute walk. The Santa Apolónia train station nearby connects you to regional and national rail services.
🚌 The Hop-on Hop-off buses from City Sightseeing Lisbon offer three routes that connect the main sights; more info can be found here.
⭐️ Top Sights in Lisbon
"Lisbon had to be rebuilt after an earthquake in 1755."
📸 Belém Tower (Torre de Belém): This iconic fortress, perched on the banks of the Tagus River, dates back to the early 16th century and served as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon as well as a defensive stronghold during the Age of Discoveries. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its intricate Manueline architecture features ornate maritime motifs like ropes and armillary spheres, symbolizing Portugal’s seafaring glory. It’s one of Lisbon’s most photographed landmarks and offers stunning river views.
📸 Jerónimos Monastery: A masterpiece of Manueline Gothic architecture, this grand monastery was built to honor Vasco da Gama’s historic voyage to India. It houses his ornate tomb and those of other notable Portuguese figures. The monastery’s cloisters are especially breathtaking, with delicate stone carvings of nautical themes, mythical creatures, and botanical designs. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands as a symbol of Portugal’s golden age.
📸 Alfama District: The oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, Alfama is a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets that have retained their medieval charm. Here, you’ll find authentic fado houses where haunting Portuguese music fills the air, vibrant street life, and countless viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the river and city rooftops. The area’s unique blend of Moorish and Portuguese culture invites slow exploration on foot.
📸 Castelo de São Jorge: Sitting atop one of Lisbon’s highest hills, this Moorish castle dates back to the 11th century and offers both a historical journey and spectacular views over the city. Explore the well-preserved ruins, battlements, and towers while imagining the castle’s strategic importance through centuries of conquest. It’s also a favorite spot for photographers and sunset watchers.
📸 Praça do Comércio: Known as Terreiro do Paço, this grand riverside square is the heart of Lisbon’s historic waterfront. Surrounded by elegant yellow 18th-century arcades and monumental buildings, the square was rebuilt after the devastating 1755 earthquake. It’s a lively spot for events, cafes, and strolling along the Tagus River promenade, where you can admire the iconic Rua Augusta Arch.
📸 Tram 28: The vintage yellow tram is one of Lisbon’s most beloved symbols. This scenic route winds through the city’s most historic districts — Alfama, Baixa, Graça, and Estrela — climbing steep hills and passing by famous landmarks. Though often crowded with tourists, riding Tram 28 offers a charming and nostalgic way to see Lisbon’s diverse neighborhoods and architecture.
📸 LX Factory: Once an industrial complex, LX Factory has been transformed into a vibrant creative hub packed with trendy cafes, art galleries, independent boutiques, design shops, and some of Lisbon’s coolest bars and restaurants. It’s a fantastic place to experience Lisbon’s modern urban culture, with regular markets, exhibitions, and live music events.
📸 Time Out Market: This sprawling indoor food hall brings together some of Lisbon’s best chefs and food vendors under one roof. From traditional Portuguese dishes like bacalhau and pastel de nata to international flavors and craft cocktails, the market buzzes with energy and offers a fantastic sampling of Lisbon’s culinary scene in a lively, social atmosphere.
📸 Santa Justa Lift: An engineering marvel from the late 19th century, this wrought-iron elevator connects Lisbon’s lower streets in Baixa with the higher Largo do Carmo. Besides offering a convenient shortcut, the lift provides panoramic views over downtown Lisbon, including Rossio Square and the Tagus River. Tickets are affordable and often included with the metro pass.
📸 Miradouros (Viewpoints): Lisbon’s hilly terrain means spectacular viewpoints are around every corner. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is one of the highest and offers sweeping views over Alfama and the castle, perfect for watching the sunset. Miradouro de Santa Catarina is a popular spot to relax with locals, enjoy street musicians, and gaze across the river to the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge.
📸 Sintra (45 min by train): Just a short train ride from Lisbon, Sintra is a magical town known for its fairy-tale palaces, lush gardens, and mystical forests. Highlights include the colorful Palácio da Pena with its eclectic architecture, the enigmatic Quinta da Regaleira with its secret tunnels and gardens, and the Moorish Castle ruins perched on the hills. Sintra’s charm and beauty make it an essential excursion.
🍽️😋 Regional Specialties
Lisbon is a true paradise for seafood enthusiasts and pastry lovers alike. The city’s cuisine highlights bold, vibrant flavors with hearty portions and relies on fresh, locally sourced ingredients that showcase Portugal’s rich maritime heritage and Mediterranean influences. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy meal in a traditional tasca or sampling street food, expect simplicity elevated by quality and tradition.
🍽️ Bacalhau à Brás: This beloved Portuguese comfort dish features shredded salted cod mixed with scrambled eggs, thinly cut fried potatoes, and onions, all brought together with fresh parsley and black olives. Bacalhau (salt cod) is a Portuguese staple, and this version is creamy and savory, perfect for those wanting a taste of authentic home-style cooking.
🍽️ Grilled Sardines (Sardinhas Assadas): A summertime favorite, especially during Lisbon’s lively street festivals like the Feast of St. Anthony, grilled sardines are simply seasoned and cooked over open flames until the skin crisps and the flesh stays tender and juicy. Served with rustic bread and a drizzle of olive oil, they embody the city’s relaxed coastal spirit.
🍽️ Polvo à Lagareiro: This traditional dish features tender octopus roasted or grilled and then drizzled with plenty of high-quality olive oil, garlic, and sometimes herbs. It’s typically accompanied by crispy roasted potatoes that soak up the rich flavors, making it a favorite for seafood lovers seeking a hearty and satisfying meal.
🍽️ Caldo Verde: Often enjoyed as a starter or light meal, caldo verde is a comforting Portuguese soup made from thinly sliced kale (or collard greens), potatoes, and chorizo sausage. Its creamy texture and smoky, spicy notes make it a staple in Lisbon’s culinary repertoire, often paired with slices of warm cornbread.
🍽️ Francesinha: Though originally from Porto, this indulgent sandwich is commonly found in Lisbon too. It’s a towering creation loaded with various meats like ham, steak, and sausage, then smothered in melted cheese and drenched in a rich, spicy beer-based sauce. It’s a decadent treat for meat lovers craving something filling and flavorful.
🍽️ Pastéis de Nata: Lisbon’s most iconic pastry, these flaky, golden custard tarts are best enjoyed warm, with a dusting of cinnamon and powdered sugar. The original and most famous version can be found at Pastéis de Belém in the Belém district, where the recipe is a closely guarded secret. Every bite offers a perfect balance of creamy sweetness and crisp pastry.
🍽️ Bifana: A popular street food and casual snack, the bifana is a simple but delicious pork sandwich. Thin slices of marinated pork are seasoned with garlic, spices, and sometimes white wine, then served in a soft roll. It’s a perfect grab-and-go meal or pub snack, packed with bold savory flavors.
🥤 Vinho Verde: Originating from northern Portugal, this young and slightly sparkling wine is crisp, light, and refreshing, making it ideal for Lisbon’s warm climate and seafood dishes. Vinho Verde is often enjoyed chilled and is a great way to accompany lighter meals or relax on a sunny terrace.
🥤 Ginja (Ginjinha): This traditional sour cherry liqueur is a local favorite, often served in small chocolate cups that add a sweet contrast to the tartness of the drink. A must-try spot to enjoy Ginja is A Ginjinha, a tiny bar near Rossio Square that has been serving this beloved shot for over a century.
🥤 Port Wine: While more closely associated with Porto, Port wine is widely enjoyed in Lisbon as well. Try a glass of tawny or ruby port after dinner for a rich, sweet finish to your meal. The fortified wine’s deep flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and caramel make it a luxurious way to end an evening.
📍🗺️ Maps, Apps & Links
🌐 Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour
🚕 Uber
🚕 Bolt