Things to do in Lisbon: top sights, districts and practical tips

More Lisbon guides

• Lisbon in one dayA one-day route through Lisbon: Belém, Baixa, Alfama, São Jorge Castle and viewpoints, with times, tram 28, lunch spots and tips for tackling the hills.
• Lisbon in 2 daysA 2-day Lisbon itinerary: day 1 Belém and the Baixa, day 2 Alfama, the castle and viewpoints, with times, tram 28, tickets and tips to save money.

Lisbon's must-sees

Lisbon sits on seven hills and is best explored by district. Pick from these and leave time for the viewpoints and for sitting down with a coffee.

1. 1

   Belém district

   Belém: Jerónimos and the Tower

   The Manueline Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower are UNESCO sites. Try the pastéis de nata at the historic bakery nearby. Check the official site for the tower's status, as it has had conservation works.

2. 2

   Eastern hill

   Alfama and São Jorge Castle

   The oldest district, with alleys, fado and washing lines. The castle offers the best views over the Tagus and the Baixa. Go early or at sunset.

3. 3

   Alfama

   Lisbon Cathedral (Sé)

   A 12th-century Romanesque church that survived the 1755 earthquake. Entry to the nave is free.

4. 4

   Centre

   Baixa and Praça do Comércio

   The grid-plan city rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, with the Rua Augusta Arch and the great square open to the river.

5. 5

   Western hill

   Chiado and Bairro Alto

   Historic bookshops and cafés and, at night, bars and fado. Take the Santa Justa lift or the Bica funicular if you'd rather not climb.

6. 6

   Several districts

   Viewpoints

   Santa Luzia, Senhora do Monte, Graça and São Pedro de Alcântara offer free views. Go at sunset.

7. 7

   East of the city

   Parque das Nações and the Oceanarium

   A modern area on the Tagus with one of Europe's largest aquariums; a good choice with kids.

Neighbourhoods to explore

• Alfama: the medieval quarter, with steep streets, fado houses and small restaurants.
• Baixa: the flat, commercial centre, ideal for getting your bearings.
• Chiado and Bairro Alto: bookshops, cafés and nightlife.
• Belém: monuments, museums and gardens by the river, 20 minutes from the centre.
• LX Factory and Alcântara: a former industrial area turned into a hub of shops and restaurants.

Museums and art

The Gulbenkian Museum gathers European and Eastern art in a modern building surrounded by gardens; the National Tile Museum explains the azulejo tradition, and the National Museum of Ancient Art holds Portuguese art. Many façades, churches and tiles have no label: point the AnyArt camera at them and listen to their story like a pocket audio guide.

Tickets, transport and when to go

• The Jerónimos Monastery is closed on Mondays; buy tickets on the official site to skip the line.
• Before heading to Belém Tower, check it is open and the price on museusemonumentos.pt.
• For tram 28, board at the ends of the line (Martim Moniz or Campo Ourique) or go early; it is very popular with tourists.
• The centre has many hills; the metro, lifts and funiculars help.
• If you plan several monuments and lots of transport, compare with the Lisboa Card.
• Reach viewpoints early in summer and bring water and a hat.