Lisbon, Portugal Guide For First Timers

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Visiting Lisbon for the first time and not sure where to start? Look no further.

As far as European cities go, Lisbon has quickly shot to one of the top spots on my list of favorites. I’ve visited twice now and I know it’s one I’ll continue to revisit over the years.

On my first visit, I was able to stay for two full weeks, renting an apartment in the Alcântara neighborhood and easing my way into the Portuguese way of life while doing my best to live like a local. But even if you have a few days in Lisbon, I know you’ll fall in love.

Lisbon has no shortage of European charm, from its lovely waterfront and historical tiled buildings to its (semi dangerous in a feels-like-you’re-ice-skating-on-stone kind of way) sloping and winding cobblestone streets. I kid, I kid.

But if it’s your first time visiting Lisbon, Portugal, I’m here to guide you through your initial foray into this stunning destination filled with quirky funiculars, stunning architectural sites, and the most delicious pastéis de nata.

Keep reading for the best things to do, places to eat and important travel tips for visiting Lisbon, Portugal for the first time.

Lisbon, Portugal Travel Guide for First Timers

Quick Tips Before Your Trip to Lisbon

• Visas and Entry Regulations: US citizens do not need a visa for any stays under 90 days. If you are traveling from another country, make sure to check your nationality’s entry requirements before you visit. Also note that Portugal is part of the Schengen region, so if you are not a citizen of the EU and have already been traveling in Europe prior to your visit in Portugal, you’ll need to make sure your overall stay in Europe will not be exceeding 90 days within a 6 month period.
• Language and Communication: The most widely spoken language in Lisbon is Portuguese but English is very common. I never felt like there was much of a language barrier during my stay.
• Currency: Portugal is part of the EU, so they use the Euro for all transactions. Cash is sometimes needed at shops and restaurants, but you won’t have a problem finding ATMs around town—they’re plentiful.
• Safety in Lisbon: Lisbon is super safe but pick pocketing is quite common on public transportation, especially the famous cable cars. If you do decide to do a tram tour (Tram 28 is the best one to take), be very careful to pay attention to your belongings.
• Pack Good Walking Shoes: Bring good walking shoes with some grip as Lisbon is a very hilly city and the cobblestone on slopes can be especially slippery.

When to Visit Lisbon

The best time to visit Lisbon is between March and May or September and October during shoulder season. During these times of year, you’ll find that hotel rates are cheaper and the streets are less crowded.

Still in the high season of August when I visited, I didn’t get a feeling of over-crowdedness at all as I mentioned above, and some days I even wondered where all the tourists were! However, it does get very hot in the middle of summer.

Lisbon is definitely not too packed compared to other cities in Europe (yet!), so as long as you’re comfortable with the temperature and prices you find during your scheduled visit, then you should still have a great time no matter when you go.

How to Get to Lisbon, Portugal

To get to Lisbon, you’ll fly into Lisbon International Airport (LIS) and catch an Uber to your accommodation (mine cost about 11 Euro for a 20 minute ride). Unfortunately Lisbon isn’t a major hub for many major airlines, so prices can be a bit higher going here depending on where you’re departing from.

You may want to get creative while searching for flights and try to book to a major European airport like Frankfurt, Amsterdam or London and then look for budget airline flights (like RyanAir) to Lisbon from there.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

On my first trip to Lisbon, my friend and I rented an apartment in the Alcântara neighborhood as we had a mutual friend renting out his place. I loved this area because it was a bit quieter and felt like more of a local vibe, but we did always have to catch Ubers into the center of town.

On my second trip, my husband and I stayed at Hotel Vincci Liberdade in the Avenida de Libertedade neighborhood, and we really loved it for its affordability and relatively convenient location in the heart of Lisbon.

If you’re just visiting Lisbon for a few days and want to be in striking distance to most of the top spots and more in the main hub, definitely look into staying in Alfama (the most charming neighborhood in my opinion), Cais do Sodre, Chiado or Bairro Alto.

Here’s a short list of the best places to stay in Lisbon:

• The Lisboans Apartments
• Chiado Arty Flats
• Flora Chiado Apartments
• Al Maria Ex Libris Apartments
• Verride Palacio Santa Catarina
• Casa Balthazar
• Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel
• Hotel da Baixa
• Raw Culture Arts & Lofts Bairro Alto
• Dear Lisbon – Gallery House
• Lumiares Hotel & Spa
• Hotel Vincci Liberdade

Getting Around Lisbon

During your first visit to Lisbon, you’ll find it super easy to whip around the city, whether you’re taking public transport or rideshares. There’s no need to rent a car here unless you plan on doing multiple day trips outside of the city.

Here are some of the various ways to get around Lisbon:

• Ride Shares: Uber is the easiest way to get around town and is very inexpensive. They typically arrive really fast as well. Even if you want to get across the city, you can typically expect to pay under 10 Euros per ride.
• Public Transport: If you’d rather take public transport, buy a VivaViagem card which is reusable (and offers discounted fares as well as single fare tickets). It is eligible for use on trains, buses, trams and the metro.
• Tuk Tuks: You might be surprised to see tuk-tuks bopping around town as well—and they all have a sense of artistic flair about them, as they’re typically decorated in colorful patterns and designs. These are better suited for groups that can fill an entire tuk-tuk car and want a tour of the city as they can be a bit more expensive.
• Tram Cars: For a fun tour on one of Lisbon’s famous tram cars, Tram #28 is the place to be as it travels near some of the city’s major sites. Just don’t be surprised if wait times to get onboard are long and you get squished in like sardines though!

Best Things to Do in Lisbon, Portugal

1. Spend a Day in Belem

This is where top Lisbon sites like the MAAT Museum, Belem Tower and Jerónimos Monastery are all located. This can be quite a busy tourist area, and the monastery and tower attract big lines of visitors.

If either of those sites are on your list, visit them first and early in the morning (ie. 30 minutes to an hour before opening time to be first in line) otherwise you could be standing in line for hours.

While you’re in the area, don’t miss Pastéis de Belém for a sweet treat of pastel de nata (the best place in town for them in my opinion).

2. Stroll Through the Alfama Neighborhood

Alfama is the oldest district in the city and it’s widely known as the most charming, with winding cobblestone streets and various staircases that allow you to follow your curiosity. Here you’ll find traditional houses, quaint restaurants with patio seating, and hidden gems with ocean views.

Some of the must-visit spots in the area are: Castelo de São Jorge, Igreja de Santo António, and Tram 28. On my most recent trip I also loved grabbing a drink with ocean views at Sol Restaurante & Jardim and catching sunset from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia.

To save your legs a bit, start at Miradouro da Graça, one of the higher lookout points in the city and make your way downhill from there through the quaint streets of Alfama.

3. Shop at LX Factory

A few years back on my first trip to Lisbon, I visited LXFactory and loved the cool local vibe there. On my second trip back to the city, I was a little disappointed in how it has evolved into an outdoor shopping area that seems a bit more catered to tourists.

Still, if shopping is on the top of your Lisbon list, you can find some quirky art boutiques, coffee shops and outdoor eateries here. I’d recommend going on a Sunday when they close off the main street and have an outdoor market in addition to all of the cute stores that already line the area.

4. Find the Best City Views

Being a hilly city, Lisbon is filled with beautiful skyline views, but my two favorites were found at Miradouro da Graça and from the lookout points at São Jorge Castle. Still hungry for more?

Here are the best viewpoints to check out in Lisbon:

• Miradouro de Graça
• Viewpoint at São Jorge Castle
• Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
• Miradouro de Santa Luzia
• Miradouro das Portas do Sol
• Miradouro do Parque Eduardo VII
• Miradouro do Torel

5. Explore the Museu Nacional do Azulejo

Lisbon has a love affair with tiles and Museo Nacional do Azulejo (or the National Tile Museum) is the best place to learn about their history. While tiles may not seem like the most interesting of topics, they’re an important piece of Portugal’s story and they are truly stunning.

Plus, it’s one of the only museums in the world dedicated to this unique architectural craft, and it will absolutely inspire anyone with a love of art, design and photography.

Don’t miss the gorgeous cafe and outdoor patio on your way out!

6. Take a Day Trip Outside the City

There are tons of amazing places to visit within a quick drive from Lisbon (see below for the full list). Make sure to rent a car or book a day tour to one of these destinations to get a little taste of life outside of Lisboa.

Here are the Best Day Trips to Take from Lisbon:

• Sintra: Known for its stunning castles and access to Cabo da Roca, which is the most western point on the European mainland and offers stunning coastal views. A day trip to Sintra is a must for any Lisbon adventure.
• Cascais: A quaint and colorful little beach town that is perfect for a day of soaking up the Portuguese sun.
• Ericeira: A must-visit for surf lovers as this town is the place to be for anyone looking to catch a good wave.
• Setúbal: About 45 minutes away from Lisbon, Setúbal is known for its delicious seafood and proximity to the beautiful protected area of Parque Natural da Arrabida (don’t miss a drive through here—it’s breathtaking)!
• Douro Valley Wine Region: If you have enough time to do an overnight stay or a couple days outside of Lisbon and you’re in the mood for some wine tasting, then head out to the world famous Douro Valley. The region is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the oldest wine regions in the world, famous for its port wines.
• Azenhas do Mar: This is a very small village with not a ton to do, but the coastal portion features a stunning overlook high above the beach and hilltop homes and has a picturesque ocean pool where you can relax for the day, grab a drink at the beachfront bar and chill out.
• Algarve Region: No trip to Portugal is complete without a trip to the Algarve, which has some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see. Check out my guide to the best beaches in the Western Algarve or explore the southern coast for quintessential European vibes.

7. Take an Iconic Lisbon Tram Ride

Take a tram ride or check out one of the three tram elevators (or funiculars) in the city, which help visitors avoid walking up/down some of the area’s major hills. More importantly, they are super great for photos!

Check out Ascensor do Lavra, Ascensor da Gloria and Ascensor da Bica (my favorite of the three).

Where to Eat in Lisbon

There are literally such an endless array of tasty restaurants of all kinds in Lisbon, that it would be impossible to try them all, but here are a few of my absolute favorites that can’t be missed if it’s your first visit.

For all dining experiences you have in Portugal, just note that any food placed on your table before you order (ie. olives, cheese, bread basket) isn’t free! You will be charged, and if it’s a nice place it could add up to a lot, so save your calories for the main meal.

Mini Bar Theater by José Avillez 

Go big and order the $50 surprise tasting menu—you won’t regret it.
R. António Maria Cardoso 58, 1200-026 Lisboa, Portugal

A Cevicheria

A delicious Portuguese take on Peruvian tapas with lines out the door.
R. Dom Pedro V 129, 1250-096 Lisboa, Portugal

Time Out Market

An upscale cafeteria style eatery for nights when you and your travel buddy can’t agree on one cuisine.
Av. 24 de Julho 49, 1200-479 Lisboa, Portugal

Tapisco

Modern Portuguese in a cozy, vibrant setting. Ask for a seat at the bar.
R. Dom Pedro V 80, 1250-096 Lisboa, Portugal

Pastéis de Belém

The best place in town to try Portugal’s famous baked treat, pastel de nata.
R. de Belém 84-92, 1300-085 Lisboa, Portugal

Landeau Chocolate

The most famous and mouth-watering chocolate cake in Lisbon.
R. Rodrigues de Faria 103, 1300-501 Lisboa, Portugal

Gelataria Nannarella 

An Italian ice cream shop serving creative flavors like white wine and basil.
Rua Nova da Piedade nº 64, Lisbon, Portugal 1200-299

Sol Restaurante e Jardim

Less for the food and more for the vibes, this outdoor patio in Alfama has a stunning perched location overlooking water.

Largo das Portas do Sol, Beco de Santa Helena, 1100-411 Lisboa, Portugal

Java

A great bustling rooftop bar with skyline views and fun cocktails.

Praça Dom Luís I 30, 1200-152 Lisboa, Portugal

Palácio dos Duques de Lafões ou do Grilo

For a completely one-of-a-kind performance art dinner concept, take a cab a little outside of the city center to this sprawling palace that will definitely leave you with lasting memories.

Calçada do Duque de Lafões 1, 1950-207 Lisboa, Portugal

The Best Cafes in Lisbon

The Mill

Healthy breakfast dishes in a cozy setting.
R. do Poço dos Negros 1, 1200-335 Lisboa, Portugal

Hello, Kristof

A hipster cafe dedicated to the love of coffee and magazines.
R. do Poço dos Negros 103, 1200-076 Lisboa, Portugal

Copenhagen Coffee Lab

The perfect place to plug in and get work done while you get your daily dose of caffeine (multiple locations around the city).

Heim Cafe

A sweet corner cafe perfect for weekend brunch.
Rua Santos-O-Velho, 2 e 4, 1200-109 Lisboa, Portugal

Read More: Check out my full guide to the coolest cafes in Lisbon 

Where to Shop in Lisbon

LX Factory

Outdoor shopping area full of fun shops, restaurants, bookstores and more. As I mentioned earlier in the post, I think this area has gotten less local over the years, but it’s still a fun place to pop over to on Sundays when a bunch of outdoor vendors come and line the street.

Loja das Conservas 

You’ll notice around Lisbon there are tons of shops selling canned sardines. This one is housed in a creative, gallery-like setting and is a must just to stop in.

Embaixada

A concept store surrounding a communal courtyard housed inside the iconic Ribeiro da Cunha Palace.

Chiado Neighborhood 

For more mass brand shopping at decent prices (think Pull & Bear, Muji, etc), visit the Chiado neighborhood. Navigate to the Santa Justa Lift and from there you’ll be in the thick of it.

Under the Cover

A unique bookstore concept that offers a plethora of international magazines and other paper goods.

Feira da Ladra Flea Market

Flea market held every Tuesday and Saturday for one-of-a-kind finds to bring back home.

Are you visiting Lisbon, Portugal for the first time? Let me know in the comments what you’re most excited to do during your stay!

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