Lisbon Travel Guide: A City of Hills, History, and Endless Views - Mercedes at Alfama Overlook

Lisbon Travel Guide: A City of Hills, History, and Endless Views

ByMercedes Diane Griffin Forbes

The first thing I always remember about Lisbon is the hills. This city refuses to be flat. Every neighborhood seems to climb a little higher, every staircase leads to another viewpoint, and every winding street feels like it has been holding stories for centuries.

Lisbon made me work for its beauty, but that is part of the charm. Between the yellow trams, tiled buildings, warm pastries, river views, and music drifting through old streets, Portugal’s capital has a way of pulling you in slowly.

If you’re planning your visit, I recommend browsing Lisbon tours and experiences on GetYourGuide. It is one of my favorite ways to compare walking tours, river cruises, food experiences, and day trips before arriving.

Lisbon Is Not a City to Rush

Lisbon blends old and new in a way that feels effortless. Historic trams rattle through narrow streets while modern cafés serve specialty coffee around the corner from centuries-old churches. One moment you are walking past laundry hanging from balconies. The next, you are standing at a scenic overlook watching the city glow above the Tagus River.

Although Lisbon is Portugal’s largest city, each neighborhood has its own personality. Alfama feels old and soulful. Chiado feels elegant and lively. Belém feels grand and historic. Together, they create a city that rewards travelers who slow down long enough to notice the details.

If you are also heading north, don’t miss my Porto Travel Guide, where I share why Porto keeps calling me back.

Get Lost in Alfama

Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood and one of the places where the city feels most alive. Narrow lanes twist between colorful homes, tiny cafés, tucked-away courtyards, and viewpoints that appear when you least expect them.

This is not the neighborhood where I would follow a strict map. Alfama is best experienced by wandering. Let yourself follow the sound of music, the smell of something cooking, or the turn in the street that simply looks interesting.

Ride Tram 28 Anyway

Yes, Tram 28 is touristy. Ride it anyway.

Few experiences introduce you to Lisbon’s hills, curves, and historic neighborhoods quite like this little yellow tram. Go early if you can, because the crowds build quickly. Even with the popularity, it still offers one of the most charming ways to see the city.

Original Pastéis de Belém bakery in Lisbon, Portugal, serving the famous Portuguese custard tarts first created in Belém.
A visit to Lisbon isn’t complete without stopping at the Original Pastéis de Belém, where Portugal’s iconic custard tarts have been baked using a closely guarded recipe since 1837.

Spend Time in Belém

No Lisbon travel guide feels complete without Belém. This waterfront district holds some of Portugal’s most important landmarks, including Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and the Monument to the Discoveries.

Belém deserves more than a quick photo stop. I loved the mix of history, river views, museums, and food. I will be writing a deeper guide soon at Visiting Belém in Lisbon.

You can reserve your admission ahead of time with this Belém Tower entry ticket.

Eat the Pastéis de Nata

Lisbon is the kind of city where a pastry can become a memory. A warm pastel de nata with coffee is one of the simplest pleasures in Portugal, and honestly, I never get tired of it.

Whether you try the famous pastries in Belém or stop somewhere smaller in the city center, make time for this little custard tart. I will be sharing my favorite spots soon in Best Pastéis de Nata in Lisbon.

Mercedes Diane Griffin Forbes enjoying a traditional glass of ginjinha, Lisbon’s famous sour cherry liqueur.
Sometimes the best way to experience a city is one small glass at a time. Cheers to Lisbon’s beloved cherry liqueur.

Try Ginjinha

Another Lisbon experience I think everyone should try at least once is ginjinha. This sweet cherry liqueur is usually served in a small cup, often from tiny bars where locals and visitors gather outside for a quick sip and conversation.

It is simple, fun, and deeply connected to Lisbon’s everyday culture. I will be writing more about that experience in Trying Ginjinha in Lisbon.

Don’t Miss Lisbon’s Food Scene

Portuguese cuisine deserves far more attention than it often receives. Fresh seafood, grilled meats, petiscos, local cheeses, wine, pastries, and strong coffee all play a role in Lisbon’s food culture.

As someone who believes food is one of the fastest ways to understand a culture, Lisbon gave me plenty to appreciate. Meals here do not need to be complicated to be memorable.

Take a Day Trip to Sintra

If you only have time for one excursion outside Lisbon, make it Sintra. Colorful palaces, lush forests, dramatic viewpoints, and centuries of royal history make it one of Portugal’s most unforgettable destinations.

One easy option is this Sintra half-day tour with Pena Palace tickets, which includes transportation and entry.

Mercedes Diane Griffin Forbes at Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal, overlooking the colorful terraces and surrounding hills.
A Magical Day Exploring Sintra and Beyond

Explore Beyond Lisbon

If your schedule allows, consider exploring beyond the city. Portugal’s southern coastline offers cliffs, beaches, caves, and some of the country’s most dramatic scenery.

This Algarve and Benagil Cave adventure from Lisbon is a great option if you want a full-day coastal experience.

Lisbon for Film, Culture, and Big Ideas

Lisbon is not only beautiful. It is also becoming one of Europe’s most interesting cultural and creative cities. I experienced that firsthand through IndieLisboa, a film festival that reminded me how powerful independent cinema can be when rooted in place, voice, and perspective.

Lisbon is also home to Web Summit, one of the world’s major technology and innovation gatherings. I will be writing more about that soon in my Web Summit Lisbon Guide, especially because it connects so naturally with my interests in media, entrepreneurship, inclusive growth, and the future of work.

Where I Stayed in Lisbon

Where you stay can shape your entire Lisbon experience. Because I often travel solo, I look for places that feel comfortable, central, and easy for meeting other travelers.

During one of my Lisbon visits, I stayed at Central House Lisbon, and it became one of my favorite hostels in Portugal. It felt modern, welcoming, and well located for exploring the city.

Another excellent option is Goodnight Lisbon Hostel, especially if you want a social, centrally located stay. You can also compare more Lisbon stays through Hostelworld.

Mercedes’s Lisbon Travel Tips

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes because Lisbon’s hills are serious.
  • Ride Tram 28 early in the morning if possible.
  • Leave time to wander without a destination.
  • Spend more time in Belém than you think you need.
  • Try pastéis de nata from more than one bakery.
  • Stop for ginjinha at least once.
  • Watch sunset from one of Lisbon’s miradouros.

Travel Resources for Lisbon

Continue Exploring Portugal with DG Speaks

Every time I think about Lisbon, I remember the hills, the yellow trams, the river light, and the feeling of discovering another view after one more climb. Lisbon is not a city to rush through. It is a place to savor one neighborhood, one pastry, one conversation, and one incredible viewpoint at a time.

RELATED POSTS