Lisbon

Lisbon city guide: the essentials

This Lisbon city guide keeps the practical side short, so you can save your energy for the hills.

How many days you need

This Lisbon city guide assumes a first visit. Three days cover Alfama and the castle, Baixa and Chiado, Belém with its tower and monastery, and a sunset at a miradouro. Add a fourth day for Sintra, and a fifth for Cascais or the Arrábida coast.

Getting around

Everything in this Lisbon city guide is reachable on foot or by public transport. Much of Lisbon is best explored on foot, but the hills are steep and the stone pavements get slippery, so wear shoes with grip. The metro covers the centre, and the historic trams and funiculars save your legs on the climbs. A rechargeable card from any metro station works on the metro, trams, buses and river ferries.

Where to stay

Baixa and Chiado are central, flat by Lisbon standards and close to everything. Alfama is atmospheric and quiet at night once the day visitors leave. Bairro Alto is fun but noisy until late, while Príncipe Real is calmer and a little more upmarket.

When to go

Spring and autumn bring warm days and fewer crowds. Summer is sunny and busy, and in June the city celebrates its popular saints with street parties and grilled sardines. Winter is mild but wetter. See our when to visit Lisbon page for more.

Before you go

For Sintra, take the train from Rossio station, about 40 minutes, and arrive early, before the tour buses; the palaces use timed tickets in busy months. Tram 28 fills up fast, so ride it early in the morning or walk its route instead. For events and opening times, the official Visit Lisboa site is a reliable source. When you’re ready to go beyond this Lisbon city guide, our hidden gems and best tours are waiting.