Lisbon unfolds as a city of captivating contrasts, where ancient history gracefully intertwines with a modern, vibrant pulse. Perched across seven hills, it presents visitors with an abundance of architectural beauty, the soulful sounds of Fado, and breathtaking panoramic vistas over the Tagus River. The city is a treasure trove of local culture and enticing cuisine, inviting all who visit to embrace its relaxed way of life and explore its charming, centuries-old districts.
For those seeking connections and lively evenings, Lisbon offers distinct areas to socialise. The narrow, atmospheric streets of Bairro Alto become the city's vibrant heart after dark, bustling with bars and clubs where locals and travellers mingle until dawn. Just a short distance away, Cais do Sodré, particularly known for its iconic Pink Street, provides trendy venues for late-night entertainment. During the day, places like the Time Out Market offer a communal dining experience, perfect for sampling diverse Portuguese flavours alongside other visitors. Many modern hostels also foster a social environment, with organised activities that facilitate meeting new people.
Top 7 Things to do in Lisbon
Lisbon offers a rich array of experiences, from navigating historic tram lines and exploring ancient districts to enjoying traditional music and vibrant food markets.
1. Ride the Historic Tram 28
Embark on a journey through Lisbon's most picturesque neighborhoods aboard the iconic Tram 28. This vintage tram rattles through narrow, winding streets, offering a unique perspective of areas like Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, and Graça. It is an excellent way to see many of the city's highlights and truly feel the pulse of old Lisbon. For the best experience, try to ride early in the morning to avoid crowds, and consider sitting on the right side for optimal views, especially in Alfama.
Cost: A single ticket purchased on board costs €3.10-€3.20. A more economical option is to purchase a 24-hour unlimited public transport ticket for €7.00, available at metro stations, which covers all trams, buses, and the metro. Alternatively, a 'Zapping' ticket loaded onto a Navegante card (card itself costs €0.50) reduces the cost per ride to €1.66-€1.85.
Transport: Tram 28 departs from Martim Moniz and passes through various central districts, making it accessible from many parts of the city. As it is a tram, it is a form of public transport itself.
2. Explore the Alfama District
Wander through Alfama, Lisbon's oldest and most atmospheric district. This labyrinthine neighborhood is a charming maze of narrow cobblestone streets, hidden squares, and traditional houses adorned with colorful tiles. Discover small local shops, enjoy views from various 'miradouros' (viewpoints), and soak in the authentic spirit of Lisbon. It is best explored on foot, allowing for spontaneous discoveries.
Cost: Exploring Alfama is largely free. Entrance to specific attractions like the Fado Museum or São Jorge Castle would incur separate fees.
Transport: Alfama is centrally located and can be reached on foot from downtown Lisbon. Tram 28 also traverses the district. Taxis or ride-hailing services will drop you at the edge of the district due to its narrow streets; a taxi from central Lisbon might cost around €5-€10 depending on your exact starting point and traffic.
3. Visit the Belém District: Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower (Exterior)
Journey to the historic Belém district, a testament to Portugal's Age of Discoveries. Here, marvel at the Jerónimos Monastery, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Manueline architecture and intricate cloister, where explorer Vasco da Gama is interred. While the interior of the nearby Belém Tower is currently closed for restoration until spring 2026, its striking exterior, a former fortress and lighthouse, remains an iconic sight along the Tagus River. The area also offers the chance to try the famous 'Pastéis de Nata' from its original bakery.
Cost: Jerónimos Monastery: Entrance to the cloister is €18 for adults (ages 25-64), €9 for youth (13-24) and seniors (65+). Children under 13 and Lisboa Card holders enter for free. Entrance to the church is free. Belém Tower: Viewing the exterior is free. An interior visit, when available, is typically around €15.00.
Transport: Belém is approximately 6km west of central Lisbon. The E15 tram is a popular option, with a single ticket costing €3.10 from the driver or €1.66 using a pre-loaded Navegante card. The train from Cais do Sodré station to Belém takes about 7 minutes and costs €1.35 with a Navegante card. A taxi or ride-hailing service (Uber/Bolt) from central Lisbon typically costs €6-€15.
4. Experience a Fado Show
Immerse yourself in Fado, Portugal's soulful musical tradition recognized by UNESCO. Attending a live Fado show offers a profound insight into the country's cultural heritage, with melancholic songs often expressing 'saudade' (a deep sense of longing). Many venues, particularly in the Alfama and Bairro Alto districts, offer dinner with a show, providing a full sensory experience. Smaller, more intimate settings often provide a more authentic and moving performance.
Cost: Fado shows vary widely in price. A Fado show with dinner can range from €58.50 to €118 per person, lasting 3-5 hours. A show without dinner, typically 50 minutes long, can cost around €21-€25.
Transport: Fado venues are primarily located in central Lisbon districts like Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Chiado, often within walking distance or a short taxi/public transport ride from most accommodations. A taxi within central Lisbon costs around €5-€10 depending on distance.
5. Savor the Flavors at Time Out Market
Indulge in a vibrant culinary adventure at Time Out Market, Lisbon's renowned food hall located in the Mercado da Ribeira. This bustling market brings together a curated selection of Lisbon's best restaurants, chefs, and traditional food stalls under one roof. It is a fantastic place to sample a wide variety of Portuguese and international dishes, from fresh seafood to gourmet pastries, in a lively and social atmosphere. Finding a seat can be challenging during peak hours, so visiting outside of typical lunch and dinner times is advisable.
Cost: Most dishes are priced between €16 and €20 per person for a main meal, with some refined dishes by renowned chefs costing around €16-€18. Snacks and casual options are less expensive. Drinks are also available at reasonable prices.
Transport: Located on Avenida 24 de Julho in the Cais do Sodré district. It's easily accessible by foot from Chiado or Baixa. The Cais do Sodré train and metro station is directly opposite the market. A single metro ticket costs €1.50.
6. Ascend the Santa Justa Lift
Ride the historic Santa Justa Lift, an impressive wrought-iron elevator that connects the lower Baixa district with the higher Largo do Carmo. Designed by an apprentice of Gustave Eiffel, this ornate structure offers panoramic views of Lisbon's rooftops, the Tagus River, and São Jorge Castle from its observation deck. While it is a popular attraction with potential queues, it provides a unique way to appreciate the city's hilly landscape and offers stunning photo opportunities. You can also reach the viewpoint from Largo do Carmo without taking the lift by walking to bypass the crowds.
Cost: A return ticket for the lift is around €6.10. Access to the observation deck alone costs €1.50. The lift ride is included in the 24-hour public transport ticket (€7.00) or the Lisboa Card, but the observation deck might not be.
Transport: The Santa Justa Lift is located in central Baixa, near Rua Santa Justa. The nearest metro stations are Baixa-Chiado or Rossio. It is generally within walking distance from most central areas.
7. Day Trip to Sintra
Embark on a captivating day trip to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its romantic 19th-century architecture and lush landscapes. Explore the vibrant Pena Palace, a fairytale castle perched atop a hill, and wander through the mystical gardens of Quinta da Regaleira with its intriguing initiation wells and grottoes. The town also boasts the ancient Moorish Castle and the National Palace of Sintra. A full day is recommended to properly explore a few of these sites.
Cost: Train from Lisbon (Rossio Station) to Sintra costs €5.10 for a round trip. Once in Sintra, the 434 tourist bus connects the train station to Pena Palace and other main attractions, with a single ticket around €3.90 or a hop-on-hop-off daily ticket for €6.90-€13.50. Taxi/Uber from Sintra town to Pena Palace can be €10-€12. Entrance fees for palaces vary; for example, Pena Palace tickets should be purchased online in advance. Combo tickets for multiple sites are available and can save money.
Transport: Trains to Sintra depart regularly from Lisbon's Rossio Station (every 30 minutes), taking approximately 40 minutes. A train ticket costs €2.30 one-way and is covered by the Lisboa Card. Driving to Sintra is not recommended due to limited parking and traffic. Organised tours are also an option for convenience.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
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