Lisbon is one of those cities that feels effortlessly cool. Think pastel-colored streets, iconic trams, viewpoints on every corner, and that relaxed Southern European vibe that makes you slow down instantly. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer city trip, Lisbon has the perfect mix of culture, food, and atmosphere. In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in Lisbon: including must-see highlights and a few experiences you shouldn’t skip.

Ride (or Spot) the Iconic Yellow Tram

One of the first things you’ll notice in Lisbon is the iconic yellow tram slowly making its way through the narrow streets. The famous Tram 28 is known as the most scenic route in the city, passing through neighborhoods like Graça, Alfama, and Bairro Alto. It’s a unique way to see Lisbon, especially if it’s your first time visiting. That said, it’s no secret anymore. Lines can get long and the trams are often packed.

My tip: instead of forcing the experience, embrace it differently. Walk through Alfama and you’ll see the tram passing by naturally, which honestly feels more authentic. Sit down at a small café, order a coffee, and enjoy the moment. That’s Lisbon at its best.

Take a Day Trip to Sintra

No trip to Lisbon is complete without a visit to Sintra, the fairytale town just 40 minutes away. We took an Uber, which was surprisingly affordable and much more comfortable than the train, but you can also take the train from Rossio station. Tickets are simple to buy at the station and loaded onto a reusable transport card. Once you arrive, make sure to plan your palace visits in advance, because both Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira use timed entry tickets that can sell out, especially in peak season.

At Pena Palace, you can choose tickets that include both the palace interior and the surrounding park. You must pick a specific time slot for the palace interior, this lets you skip long queues and ensures you get in at the time you planned. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time online or on the day at ticket machines, but booking in advance is highly recommended if you want a good time slot.

At Quinta da Regaleira, tickets also require you to choose a time slot, and it’s best to book ahead online because slots can fill up quickly during busy months. A pre‑booked ticket gives you a specific window to enter the estate’s gardens and palace, which helps avoid long waits at the gate.

Start your day with a morning ticket at Pena Palace, this helps beat the crowds, then head down through Sintra’s historic center for lunch before exploring Quinta da Regaleira in the afternoon. Finish your day wandering through the town or enjoying a local pastel de nata before heading back to Lisbon.

Eat at Time Out Market Lisbon

Lisbon is a paradise for food lovers, and Time Out Market is the perfect place to start. This indoor food hall brings together some of the city’s best chefs and restaurants, offering everything from traditional Portuguese dishes to more modern, international flavors. It’s ideal if you’re traveling with others or simply want to try a bit of everything without committing to one restaurant.

Go for lunch or early dinner, find a spot at the long communal tables, and just enjoy the energy of the place. It’s busy, a bit chaotic, but in a good way: exactly what you want from a food market in a city like Lisbon.

Explore the Belém District

Belém feels slightly different from the rest of Lisbon: more open, more spacious, and deeply connected to Portugal’s history. One of the highlights here is walking around the impressive Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos). The architecture is incredibly detailed, and even just strolling around the outside already gives you a sense of its scale and beauty. You can also visit it from the inside if you want to.

From there, continue towards the river where you’ll find the iconic Belém Tower. It’s one of the most photographed landmarks in Lisbon, and for good reason.

Before leaving the area, make sure to stop at Pastéis de Belém to try the original pastel de nata. Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside.

Tip: rent a bike or take an e-scooter along the waterfront. It’s one of the nicest ways to explore this part of the city.

Visit Pink Street Lisbon

Pink Street is one of those places you’ve probably already seen online: and yes, it looks exactly like that in real life. During the day, it’s a quick but fun stop. The bright pink pavement, hanging decorations, and colorful buildings make it a perfect photo spot.

But the real energy comes at night. This area turns into one of Lisbon’s liveliest nightlife spots, filled with bars, music, and people spilling out into the street. It’s a great place to experience a different side of the city.

Find the Best Views (Miradouros)

Lisbon is built on seven hills, which means viewpoints, or miradouros, are everywhere. And honestly, this is one of the best things to do in Lisbon: simply stop, sit down, and take in the view.

• Miradouro da Senhora do Monte – one of the highest viewpoints, offering a panoramic view over the city
• Miradouro de Santa Catarina – a more laid-back spot, popular with locals

Bring a drink, go around sunset, and don’t rush. These are the moments you’ll remember most.

Experience a Fado Night

If you want to connect with the culture of Lisbon, experiencing Fado is a must. Fado is traditional Portuguese music, known for its emotional and melancholic tone. It tells stories of longing, love, and everyday life. The best place to experience it is in Alfama, where small, intimate restaurants host live performances. The setting is simple, often candlelit, and the atmosphere feels very real , not staged.

Get Lost in Alfama

Alfama is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, and without a doubt one of the most beautiful. This is where you want to slow down and wander without a plan. Narrow streets, steep staircases, colorful houses, and laundry hanging from balconies: it feels like stepping into a different time. You’ll find small cafés, local restaurants, and hidden viewpoints around almost every corner.

Visit Praça do Comércio

One of the most iconic spots in Lisbon is Praça do Comércio: the large square right by the river. It’s often one of the first places you’ll see when exploring the city center, and it immediately gives you that “I’m in Lisbon” feeling. The open space, the yellow buildings, and the view over the water make it a perfect place to slow down for a moment. Walk through the impressive arch (Arco da Rua Augusta), wander around the square, or simply sit on the steps by the river and take it all in. It’s not a place where you’ll spend hours, but it’s definitely somewhere you’ll pass by, and want to stop.

Try Sekai Sushi Bar

While Lisbon is known for its traditional cuisine, it’s also a great city for more modern dining spots. Sekai Sushi Bar is a perfect example. If you’re in the mood for something different after days of Portuguese food, this is a great place to switch things up. The atmosphere is stylish but relaxed, making it ideal for a casual dinner during your city trip. End your evening with cocktails at S Cocktail just across the street of Sekai Sushi Bar: a stylish spot with special drinks, perfect before heading out further into the night.

Take a Day Trip to Cascais

One of the best things about Lisbon is how close it is to the ocean, and Cascais is the perfect escape if you want a more relaxed day. This charming coastal town has a completely different atmosphere compared to Lisbon. Think beaches, sea views, and a slower pace that makes it ideal for a break from the city.

Getting to Cascais is very simple. The train from Lisbon takes you there in about 40 minutes and follows the coastline, which makes the journey part of the experience. The train leaves from Cais do Sodré and is one of the easiest day trips from Lisbon. You can buy your ticket at the station and use the same public transport card as in the city. If you prefer something easier or more flexible, taking an Uber is also a good option. Once you arrive, everything is within walking distance, so you can just wander around, explore the beaches, and enjoy a long lunch by the sea.

Final Thoughts on Lisbon

Lisbon isn’t a city you rush through. It’s a place where you take your time, walk without a plan, stop for coffee, and watch the world go by. The mix of culture, food, views, and atmosphere makes it one of the best city trip destinations in Europe. And once you’ve been, chances are you’ll want to come back.