Updated September 19, 2023

When I think of an idyllic magical place in Europe with a great skyline, my mind immediately shifts to Portugal. Home to over 500,000 inhabitants, the capital, Lisbon (known locally as Lisboa), is full of art, culture, and great food.

We put together this list to help you discover the hidden gems and charms of Lisboa. 

Best Places to Visit in Lisbon

Climb the Belém Tower

You can’t go to Lisbon without visiting the many landmarks that the original Portuguese explorers used to explore the world. The Belém Tower (known locally as Torre de Belém) is one of these main attractions that was built to protect Lisbon and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Locals recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid an influx of tourists and to avoid lines to get into the tower. It costs under 10 dollars to access the tower and get unbeatable views of the surrounding Tagus River. 

Local Tip: Book your tickets online in advance so you don’t have to wait in long lines. The area around the tower is also great to walk around and pick up some ice cream and other snacks and treats.

Travel Like the Locals on Tram 28

Lisbon is an extremely walkable city so make sure you pack your most comfortable pair of sneakers or sandals to explore with. If walking is not your thing, especially because the city is really hilly and can be tough on the knees, consider taking another mode of transportation. Tram 28 (the yellow-based tram you’ve likely seen in photos) is Lisbon’s most popular tram because of all the landmarks and sites you will see along the way. It connects users through old neighborhoods such as Graça, Alfama, and Baixa, while passing many historical highlights like the cathedral and the castle.

Local Tip: The tram is 2.90 euros (less than $4) one way, but be sure to look up the tram schedule as the hours it operates depends on the route, day of the week, and time of the year.

Indulge in a Pastel de Nata

Locals rave about pastel de nata, or egg custard, as one of the most famous Portuguese desserts. It is a pastry made with egg yolks, sugar, and cream or milk, and you can also add other seasonings such as cinnamon, vanilla, or icing on top.

There are so many bakeries that will serve these delicacies, but locals recommend going to Pastéis de Belém Lisboa, the first bakery established in 1837 that bakes these treats. 

Local tip: Because of how popular Pastéis de Belém Lisboa is, there are always long lines to sit in the cafe. Order a few egg custards in the takeaway line, along with a coffee, and sit on a nearby bench or by the waterfront to enjoy your dessert with a view.

Wander the Cobbled Streets of Bairro Alto

If you are traveling with a group of friends and are up for some music and dancing, locals say you have to check out the neighborhood of Bairro Alto, also known as Lisbon's party district. This area is lined with over 200 bars and restaurants. Locals say since most of the bars are tiny and can’t accommodate many people, people congregate on the streets with their drinks or food in hand. It is a very safe area to walk around in even late at night. If nightlife is not your scene, this neighborhood is great to walk around during the day to explore the art and vibrancy of the city. There are also kiosks and souvenir shops along the way if you want to bring a special memento back home.

Local Tip: Locals say that many of the eateries and bars get very busy, so it’s better to carry cash instead of using credit cards. Also, locals recommend listening to authentic Portuguese music called fado at some of these bars and restaurants; there are even live artists sometimes performing.

Eat Like a Local

Lisbon is home to an eclectic variety of food inspired by many flavors. Portuguese food tends to be seafood-heavy and locals say that sardines are a must-try. There’s great food everywhere, ranging from small hole-in-the-wall spots to fancier restaurants. Locals say that a great area to get food is downtown Lisbon near Rossio Square. For Portuguese-inspired foods, check out Infame connected to the historical and charming 1908 hotel, which features innovative foods with a Portuguese flair.

Locals recommend grabbing a drink (pro tip: espresso martini is the way to go) across the street at Palma before having dinner at Infame. Other great places to eat are in the nearby historic Alfama neighborhood, which also has a great observation deck known as Miradouro de Santa Luzia for breathtaking views.

Truth is, any part of Lisbon you find yourself in will be a great opportunity to immerse yourself in local art, history, and culture. Just like any big city, such as London, Paris, and New York, get lost in the local way of living and explore with an open mind.